What do most brides/couples struggle with?

Our first "struggle" was the guest list. I was completely surprised by the number of people my FH needed (he had to have everyone) to invite. I lost that battle and we invited 286 people (I was originally thinking it would be about 100). I'm pretty happy with how everything else has gone so far. I think that is due to my obsession with being organized and getting things done early. I would highly recommend going to a bridal show as that has helped me the most.

Seating charts. I hate em.

1. The invitations were the hardest thing for me to finalize.

2. I would not rent the trolley again. I would stick to the mini bus provided through the limo company

The guest list

idk yet...let you know in a few months lol

The first struggle for us was figuring out the budget. We had a good idea of how much money we could set aside each month, and luckily my mom also offered to pitch in almost half of the costs of our desired (at the time) venue package. If she hadn't offered, we would have had to do some scaling back on the potential guest list, find a cheaper venue, etc.

If I could change things, I definitely would have had a firm budget BEFORE venue/dress/catering/etc... shopping. That way, you don't get your hopes set on something that is potentially out of reach without having to go in debt or get parental help.

The first thing we searched for was our venue and the first thing we struggled with was budget. DH had a hard time accepting the reality of what it costs to put on a wedding with 2 large families. I think he thought I was being over-the-top and had too many extravagant expectations...until we started meeting with vendors and getting real pricing info...then he had to admit I was right Looking back now, I wish I would have held more firm on capping our guest list at 150. Although he did contribute some financially (though a relatively small % of the total), I gave into my dad too much and he went crazy with his part of the guest list. We ended up with about 230 invited and 195 attendees. I should have put my foot down.

- As a soon to be bride, what was the first thing you searched for or struggled with during wedding planning? Money and budget.

- If you had to do it all over again, what would you change? Save money by not doing individual programs, make sure someone made me stick to my photo shot list (missed a bunch I wanted), made sure someone remembered my 300 bags of flower petals for guest to toss after ceremony

1. The guest list. Luckily hasn't been too bad, but I initially wanted 50 people max, hopefully less. We're inviting 75. Also, I didn't want to invite anyone that we currently weren't close with. FH wanted to invite a few old family friends, as well as some cousins he never talks to.

Oh, the seating chart! I am dreading that. When I have to finalize it, there will be so much wine.

2. So far, I'm pretty happy with our decisions. But there's still four months and the actual wedding to go!

The first thing I searched for- budget and where that money was coming from and then Pinterest lol

What would I change- smaller bridal party and smaller guest list

Finding Vendors I already knew I would have a guest count of about 100-120. the next thing I am dreading is sending and receiving RSVP'S back on time I know my family is not going to do right so no need to get upset and just prepare to make the phone calls. Lastly the seating chart ughhhhh just why do I really have to do it I don't want to

Guest list definitely. We some how went from 80ish to closing in on 160.

Money.

If I could start over, I would go with my initial thought of just taking a small group out to dinner. I waffled back and forth between that and having a more "traditional wedding" wedding even though it's so not me. Don't buy into the WIC!

Things I'd do differently.

1. Order less programs

2. Put the favors by the exit

3. Triple check all invoices for correct details (we only got one of our two requested cake flavors)

4. Make sure there is a smooth plan of exit (your stuff included) if there is a transition from ceremony to reception

5. Given my videographer restrictions on how close to be to us at all times as well as proper attire instructions

Overall, we had a wonderful wedding and our guests kept talking about how FUN it was. Not everything went according to my meticulous planning but nothing was going to stop me from having the best day ever. Once you put in the work for (in my case) 9 months, you better enjoy every moment with a smile or a tear.

We're still struggling with the guest list. We started out at 80 and now we're up to 120 ( I'm starting to have a mini heart attack because we're 8 month out and FH just keeps inviting people like a mad man.

The guest list is our biggest struggle....I will let you know how it turns out. We ended up setting it to the side for awhile to get other things figured out.

Our biggest struggle, since its a partial DW was the date... I have a feeling, keeping it small, that the guest list is next up and will prob be the biggest struggle

The first thing for which I searched was a venue, because I needed a venue/date to do anything else.

As far as what I'd do differently, I might not have selected a band that requires a stage & lighting(apparently they don't all), and I might have tried for a four month engagement instead of six - but my specific site at my venue wasn't available till June anyway...

Narrowing vendors down to make a final choice was tough for me. Especially the DJ and photographer since those were the 2 most important to me.

I'm having two struggles- guest list/having family members back off when it comes to who THEY think should be invited.

I'm also having some financial issues. We jumped into planning a little too strong and haven't given ourselves enough time to save up money. I'm not worried about saving money by our wedding, that won't be a problem. It's the 25%-50% down payments that are a challenge. Serves us right for starting to plan literally a week after going on a vacation. So far I wouldn't change a thing though

Other people.

Guest lists are hard. People will try to invite themselves. People will be upset they're not IN the wedding. People will ask why you spent $ on a vendor. People will ask why you didn't spend $ hiring another vendor. People will feel welcome to make comments about your food/cake/dress.

The hardest thing is other people. Find a way to internalize good advice, and thank people for their opinions and suggestions and idiotic ideas without feeling stressed that you have please everyone. You don't. Just you, your FH, and whoever is paying for the wedding (and if that's you and FH then your life is easier).

If I had to do it all over again, I think I'd uninvite half the people. And we only invited 40. lol. So I guess my advice is to never get caught up in the glory of fantasy weddings because weddings can also be a logistical nightmare. Listen to your heart and what you really want. A big flashy event? A special moment with just the closest people?