Help, I've never been to a wedding!!

I am snagging something FH's friend had at his wedding. The table number is written on the envelope of a blank inside card with card in envelope. People write a note in the card at their table that you read on the table numbers anniversary. So table 2 you read on the second anniversary and table 7 you read on the 7th.

I would strongly advise you to get a planning book/binder, or read through every article on WW or TheKnot. They are so incredibly helpful and informative. If the book or site has a checklist, try to follow it as much as possible, it really helps to keep you on track . I also advise starting a Pinterest board, that is how I started to pick up on a lot of the 'trendy' things that are happening in weddings these days.

Have good food and booze, a good DJ, and people you know and care about at your wedding. Weddings in and of themselves are not unique. Treat your guests well and party.

You've got time. Lurk and look around the forums. I am amazed all the things I know now that I didn't when I started a year ago. I didn't know anything about honeyfunds, didn't realize how many horror stories arise with friendors. I didn't know the proper etiquette on tipping or anything about things like wedding insurance.

You'll learn a lot. More than you will on this one thread.

Good luck and congrats on your engagement.

Should have stated that I have a binder and checklists already. Definitely have a pinterest and I am always stalking these forums! Have some vendors booked and am keeping on track with everything so far. I have plenty of time!

I was just looking to see if anyone has ever been to a wedding where the couple did something so amazing or different that really made it fun.. or did something so different but it was terrible. I've never been to a wedding so I haven't had any of these first impressions or experiences.

The best weddings I have been to had two things: good food and an open bar. That's pretty much it! The vast majority of your guests will not remember anything from your wedding besides those things.

Here are some things that I saw from a wedding that was terrible:

-long gap in between ceremony and reception

-no meal at dinner time, just "appetizers" (which were just cheese, crackers, and some fruit)

-extremely long speeches

-no alcohol

-no seating chart (This one is SO important. Don't stress your guests out trying to find a table to sit at!)

If you can make room in your budget, hire a Day Of Coordinator. They will meet with you 2-4 times before the wedding and help you plan your day. Full planners help source vendors and are more hands-on but not everyone needs or can afford that. A Day of Coordinator is someone to whom you feel comfortable handing over the keys to your wedding and executing your plan.

On the day of my wedding, I don't want to worry about whether the flowers got moved or where the napkins are. Those behind the scenes things will be taken care of by my DOC.

Don't make your guests wait for food. If you know there's going to be time between your ceremony and the reception, provide snacks (people get cranky otherwise).

Cater to your audience. Our group of friends that'll be there is in their early 30s, but there are family members who will be there that are much older. The music will have some of the dance hits of today, but I'm also having my DJ play some older songs that everyone can appreciate (Frank Sinatra comes to mind).

I echo @hearts - No long speeches. Its great that you've got friends and family who care enough to write you a four page monologue, but your guests who don't know them don't care. They just want to have a good time.

Happy planning!