Wedding planning is over! Unfortunately this means so is my wedding. I learned a lot during this whole entire two year process; a lot about myself, Chuck, and even more about our family and friends. However I think there are a few lessons that I learned that apply to more than just my experience.

1. You need a thick skin. Everyone has an opinion, and obviously theirs is the only one that matters, but remember you can’t please everyone. Sometimes it’s easier to just nod and smile and then later do your own thing. Weddings can really stress a family out, don’t let it become a catalyst for arguments.
2. Wedding magazines are a rip off. With the internet around there’s really no need to spend $10 or $15 on a publication that only features things most of us can’t afford.
3. Bridal showers are awkward. Remember when you were 8 and loved having a birthday party where you’re the center of attention? Yeah that feeling left with puberty, now being the center of attention is just plain weird.
4. Plans change – get over it. For me the big deal breaker was money, I had a lot of ideas that just couldn’t happen because I wasn’t ok with spending that kind of money.
5. Pinterest is both good and bad. While it has a ton of ideas, too many ideas is a thing and it can be overwhelming. I started out with gigantic wedding boards full of everything I liked and then I whittled them down to a few pins with just the stuff that I really liked and could afford.
6. Get him involved right away. I made the mistake of taking on everything myself and in the end I was grumpy and frustrated. Had I just asked for told him to help then it would have relieved a lot of stress on my part.
7. Everyone will want to change just one little thing. Your bridesmaids, your cousin, your mom, it doesn’t matter ….. don’t give in. It’s your day, and no matter how small a thing it is they all add up and next thing you know your wedding isn’t yours anymore.
8. Don’t DIY everything. The pro’s will do it better, and half the time the cost of craft supplies is more expensive than buying the sign outright. Besides no one else will notice the details as much as you. How many weddings have you been to where you remember every sign, and place card? ……Yeah that’s what I thought.
9. Stick to your budget. It’s really easy to just add this or that last minute, but it doesn’t take long for the budget to spiral out of control. Remember what you have to work with and stick to it.
10. You don’t have to do it just because it’s a tradition. We decided against a number of traditions because they didn’t suit us. Honestly I don’t think anyone noticed, and if they did they weren’t bothered enough to say anything so who cares?

The most important thing that I learned is to pay attention at my wedding. You don’t get to go back, you don’t get to do it over, and it only happens once. Remember the look on his face when he saw you, and the smile he gave you after the first kiss, savor dancing your butt of and remember what unlocking the door to the hotel room felt like. Those are the important things, the rest is just stuff.

Anyone else have any other tips for future brides?