I worked in the bridal industry for years. And while I loved being up close and personal with the most incredible garments, I always wished brides could feel less stressed about the wedding planning process. So today, I’d like to take some weight off your shoulders by sharing three of my top tips!
Too often, I hear from newlyweds that they’re disappointed in the day they created after catering to everyone else’s needs and wishes over their own. Sure, it’s still beautiful, but it doesn’t feel quite...right.
Personally, I loved having an intimate wedding day with only 35 of our closest family and friends, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel the pressure to invite everyone I had ever known since birth. But, I’m glad we stood our ground. My husband and I still talk about our day even after years of marriage. We look back on it fondly because it was a true reflection of us as a couple and still is to this day.
Maybe you’re dreaming of this yourself. Or maybe you have a different vision. No matter what you hope your day looks like, follow your heart. It’s worth those awkward conversations with well-meaning loved ones.
Now, the question is, how will you remember your big day?
While I love a dramatic veil shot or an emotional first look picture, spending the money on a great wedding videographer is the way to go.
Yes, photos capture those special moments, but a video transports you back to the feeling of the moment. My wedding video brings me right back to our day every single time I watch it. I, for one, believe that being able to rewatch the raw moments is so much better than flipping through any photo album.
...I wish I knew that while wedding planning because we could have saved a lot of money!
Sure, it’s wonderful to display your best wedding photos in the first few years of marriage, but as soon as your family grows, those photos are easily replaced. They certainly were in our home! (Not that I’m complaining.) In the end, our few favorite wedding photos are just gathering dusk in some box in our basement.
But our wedding video, on the other hand, is a part of our family life to this day. We love watching it as a family — especially our kids. They love to hear my grandparents’ voices, who they never got to meet, and see the younger versions of their mom and dad celebrating their love. It’s truly a priceless gift.
But, speaking of price…
Weddings are expensive. There’s no denying it. It seems like new must-have products are launched every day. Don’t get me wrong, I love fancy decorations and specialty dishes. (I’m guilty of perusing weddingPinterestboards just for fun!) But, this is where you need to decide what is most important to you as a couple or risk spending your entire life savings...and then some.
Cut where you can so you can spend where you want. Trust me, your money will be much better spent on your life together, rather than the day that started it all.