My 8.17.19 Wedding with Bridal Advice Long!!

I’m one week into married life and it’s total bliss.
As I mentioned in a previous post the ceremony was AMAZING and the reception was EPIC! BUT there were TONS of mishaps. Starting from the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner.

We had to rehearse twice because the ceremony musician and pastor weren’t able to come to venue to rehearse. Which made dinner run late so we checked into the hotel late. They gave away our connecting rooms for the bridal party so we were spread out all over the place. 🙄 It took us 45 minutes to check in which by that time was 1:00am in the morning.

I was up wedding planning until 330am. It was crazy. We still can’t find the personalized hanger I paid $45. Smh. My hairstylist didn’t get to the hotel until 1pm. Based on my day of timeline I was suppose to be starting make up at that time. Last minute I had to change my hairstyle due to time. At this time I was spiraling, I had to go to the bathroom and slow the day down.

So my timeline was off by an hour. The photographer came I was still getting my makeup done, 2 bridesmaids weren’t done with their make up. Photographer was super annoyed. My maids of honors smoothed things out to the best of their ability without me knowing but the photos getting ready and getting dressed were soooo rushed. I’m sure he missed a lot of shots. Still I smiled.

The bridesmaids arrived at the venue too late to start family and bridal party shots. 🤦🏾‍♀️ Now they all had to be done after the ceremony.

The ceremony ran 30 minutes late!!! While waiting in the limo I realized I didn’t eat all day! My stomach started singing 🤦🏾‍♀️The musician couldn’t find the processional music on his phone. We were in the hills so service sucked.

Cocktail hour was cut in half due to ceremony running so late. We got minimal family portraits after the ceremony because we were so pressed for time.

Reception. The let love glow sign and table weren’t visible. So the glow sticks weren’t used. The captured the moment with the wedding hashtag wasn’t put out. For whatever reason dinner was delayed. The DJ was sooooooo good. The guest didn’t even realize because everyone was on the dance floor after 1st course. Some guest even forgot to dinner. (These things I didn’t realize until the next day)

My guest couldn’t careless about the unplugged ceremony sign and announcement . EVERYBODY had phones & tablets. Like my aunt said she doesn’t know why would think family would follow that. BUT they got some amazing shots!

All those hiccups but the day was PERFECT. I share the story to let all the brides to be know. It will be OK. All those small details we worry about the guest won’t notice and if you’re in the moment you won’t either. As long as your cocktail hour and entertainment is on point that’s all the REALLY matters.

Word of advice:

Research wedding cost in your area.

Set a realistic budget. Give yourself like $500-$1000 wiggly room.

Dont jump the gun asking people to be a part of your wedding party. The more bridesmaids the more money you spend and personalities to deal
with.

Find out what’s important to the top 2 things you’re willing to splurge on. Then go from there.

If your planning in a short time like myself (less than a year) find a venue that will do as much as possible or with good references to take off some of the planning stress from you.

Wedding planner and day of coordinator is highly recommended for large weddings. My best friend stepped up and acted as a last minute planner and an additional DOC which is why I was able to
miss some of things that were going wrong.

Wedding day. Make a promise to yourself not to let ANYTHING ruin your day. That you worked so hard to put together. Things will happen but that’s life. Just think of your husband/wife looking all handsome/beautiful just for you! Remember it’s not the wedding that’s most important it’s the marriage to your life partner. Make sure you’re ceremony is really unique to you and your partner.

Happy planning and good luck to you all 🥰