Things I Learned While Planning My Wedding

Most girls grow up dreaming of their dream wedding day. I know I sure did, although as I got older and truly got to know myself, my tastes changed. While the planning of a wedding can be a ton of fun, it can be equally stressful. Especially if you have outsider opinions coming at you from every direction.

There are way too many options, so try to go into your planning with an open mind, but a clear vision of what you want. If you want simplistic, go with that and do not feel pressured to add unnecessary décor or events or entertainment for the sake of others. If you want all the hoopla and bells and whistles, then don’t shy away, give it everything you’ve got! This is your big day to celebrate the love you have found.

Here are a few key things I learned and encourage others to bare in mind when planning one of the biggest days of your life.

Stay Positive

There will be challenges and individuals who will truly test you and your patience through the entire process. Excuse yourself to take a breather if you are feeling overwhelmed or take a day to think things over if you need to. Decisions can be hard to make, from colours and the different shades of colours to flowers and décor to what music to play and what not to play. Try your best to do whatever it takes to stay sane and positive through all of the planning. Some of it is way more fun than other parts, but at the end of the day, this whole experience is something you’ll want to look back on with a positive light and laugh at the moments of pure craziness.

Always have a backup plan for every major detail

I have to admit, I made this mistake with my wedding day. My husband and I selected our venue for many reasons, but a major one was the outdoor space for the ceremony to be held. This space was not covered in case of rain. We had never discussed a rainy day option. And when it was calling for rain on the day of our wedding, and we saw where things would be held if that occurred, I cried. In my defense, I was already under so much pressure because I insisted on doing so much myself, and with only 2 days to spare before the big day, I was at my breaking point. But with luck on our side, on the day of our wedding, while it did rain in the morning, it cleared up for our beautiful ceremony to happen as we had always envisioned it. So please, learn from me and know your backup plans for weather related issues. But they do say it is good luck to have rain on your wedding day! Just be ready for that option.

Treat yourself

I used to say to my husband “I’m only getting married once!” to excuse some purchases and pampering myself more than I normally would have. And you should too! Buy the bridal magazines for inspiration (they are shockingly pricier than I thought they’d be!). Get facials or massages, get your nails done. Heck, I even got a tanning treatment done for the big day! Whatever you think will make you feel like the most special and indulged lady ever, do it!

That being said, some cosmetic treatments should be tested well in advance if you choose. You never know how different something can make you look or how you may react to it. I have never done Botox or an equivalent (yet!), but this is something to take with caution if you’re choosing to add this to your list of pampering desires.

Guests are of your choosing, no one else’s.

Consider this a VIP event and only those you want to see and mingle with on your big day should invited. While it is never our intention to hurt anyone’s feelings, it is important to stay true to ourselves, our selections and our budget. If there will be any concern at all on certain individuals behaviors, intentions, or even having that uncomfortable feeling about having them there, simply do not invite them. A lot of venues have capacity restrictions, so use that to your advantage. It helps keep a budget in check and makes sure your day is filled with only love and support versus filling seats because of family or traditional pressures.

Life is unpredictable and not everything will go as planned. Enjoy the day of your wedding and soak in the memories being created. As chaotic and stressful as it can be with a million things happening at once, take a deep breathe and remember the purpose of this life changing moment. You are going to spend the rest of your life with this person of your choosing and you are making it official in such a beautiful way. Enjoy every moment and don’t get clouded by all the fluff around it.

Melanie xoxox