5 Things Past Brides Would Have Done Differently
You may have seen our Instagram poll last week, and a lot of our brides were interested to hear the results! Without further to do- here they are:
I wish I spent more on a great photographer”
This is the number one response we got, and it’s a big one! A great photographer will know all the ins and outs of lighting, have a shot list ready, and make sure everyone looks fabulous. One person mentioned “I think I have one picture of us with my grandparents, and looking back I wish I had more family photos than just bridal party photos”. So spend a little more change when it comes to those lifelong shots!
Photo by Seneca Ryan Co.
2. “I should have hired a videographer”
You answered, and we agree! This is another important thing I advise my couples to splurge a little extra on. Photos last a lifetime, and you’ll always replay your big day in your head, but it’s so nice to see the live emotions and play it for others afterwards.
3. “Be in the moment”
Hand your phone off to the MOH. Pause and let it all sink in. Have time with just you and your new beau. You might hear this quite a bit and that’s because it’s true. Try to remember all the little details will pass, but this journey and this day is the start of forever.
4. “Hire a wedding planner”
Okay, okay, we’re obviously partial to this tip. But take that advice!
“I think the first tip that always comes to mind when someone asks is: Hire a day of coordinator if you don’t have a wedding planner!!! Like many brides, I did a lot of DIY, but since we had an outdoor wedding that meant we couldn’t set anything up beforehand in case it rained the night before. So I was rushing around trying to get stuff set up the day of, and even though I got a little help, it was hard for me to let go and let people help because I had my own vision and hadn’t properly shared all those details beforehand. In the end, some things did not turn out like I’d wanted, which in hindsight is okay but at the time was disappointing, and could have been avoided. So in short, shell out a little money for a coordinator!”
Photo by Sprout Creative // Planning by Willow Planning
5. “Stick to a budget”
While there’s some things you should splurge a little on, those monogrammed cocktail napkins that look suuuper cute? Yeah they all get trashed at the end of the day and it’s just not worth it. One bride said “I wish we did more DIY decor. When we went to buy a car we couldn’t until paying off wedding expenses.” Pro Tip: a wedding planner can help with beautiful DIY decor, saving you money on the catering menu, and even finding you the best deals on hotel blocks.
When it comes down to it- we recommend having your wedding day be YOUR day. If someone else is paying for it, you definitely want to be respectful of that, but you also shouldn’t be pressured into inviting Auntie Carol’s bridge club. Do you! If you and the groom love to travel then by all means implement that into your day! Love quesadillas? Do a late night snack!
And my personal favorite tip? “EAT. ALL. THE. FOOD. Because at midnight that night you’ll find yourself ordering a pizza. Weddings are exhausting man!”.