I have been so blessed to work with some of the kindest and most incredible brides. They have the biggest hearts and want to help YOU, all you future brides who are in the midst of wedding planning and starting to feel overwhelmed or like you’re drowning. So, I invited one of my brides, Brittany to come on and guest write for me, I’m so excited for you all to gain some knowledge and hopefully be comforted by her sweet words!

“Like Celine said, I feel like I have learned SO MUCH, by going through the engagement process myself, and have been where you are, feeling so overwhelmed and I wanted to try and clear up any confusion or help out in any way I can. So I wrote a letter, to all the girls out there who are feeling like I did…

Congratulations! You are in love and about to marry the person who makes you whole. What an exciting time! Planning “the big day” can be overwhelming. Hosting your closest friends and family for one of the biggest celebrations of your life. There is so much thought that goes into practically every detail of a wedding. Details that include; venue, attire, meal options, color schemes, photographer/videographer, officiant, decorations, invitations, party favors, etc.

To help consolidate all the decisions and planning, I created lists of all the things that needed to be considered. I made a list of the things that needed to be purchased including vendors, along with price estimates, and who would be included in those purchases. It helped me organize all my overwhelming thoughts and created a checklist of what I planned to pack for. For instance, makeup and hair price estimates were sent to bridesmaids and flower girl to see if they would wanted to be included in those services.

I made an itinerary of the day and sent it to the officiant and the wedding photographer to have them approve the timelines. I had never been married before and even if I had, by no means am I an expert at planning a wedding, but I am pretty sure that it is not your wedding photographer or officiants first wedding. Use your resources. Ask them what they recommend.

Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to friends and family. It is “your day” and friends and family want to be a part of it, making it something special for you. Every detail of your wedding can fiscally add up. Make a list of the most important things to you. Hidden costs that I did not expect were tailoring my wedding dress actually cost as much as my wedding dress (for perspective was approximately $500 for hemming and a bustle). Flowers of course were another very large budget item.

For me, one of the most important things was finding the right photographer. Not because the only thing that mattered was having pictures, but because I wanted to be able to enjoy the day and have amazing photos. I did not want posing for photos to consume my day. One of the things that I recommend, is waking up the very next day and taking bridal session photos. This way he does not see you in your dress prior to the wedding. Also your guests will have your full attention on the day of the wedding and you still get those ultra intimate, romantic photos as sentiments for years to come.

But don’t let all of these details distract you from the fact that this day, your wedding day, is about you and your spouse celebrating the beginning of a lifetime of happiness. Deep breath! Every thing will come together. You have an absolute army (even if it’s a small army) of people who want nothing but the best for you. You are surrounded by people who love and adore you. It is about celebrating the love that you and your future spouse share together. Congratulations again. Your day is going to be the best day ever! “

xoxo,

Brittany