When it comes to weddings, everyone has tonnes of advice but not all of it is helpful. So we've compiled a list of top tips and advice for you!
- It's YOUR day. As Bride & Groom you are the two most important people; so do what you want, the way you want, how you want and when you want. You can't please everyone, so please yourself.
- Take time out for yourself. Get a couples massage, or facials. Spend some time together getting pampered. You wont regret it when you are pampered and fresh for the big day.
- Pick a photographer you get along well with. They are an integral part of your day! They capture the moments you will treasure forever so before booking, make sure you get along with them well so you know you will enjoy their company and be natural in front of the camera.
- Your guest list doesn't have to be big. Don't feel bad for not inviting everyone! If you haven't seen or spoken to them in 12 months, do they really need to be there?
- The early bird gets the worm! Or in this case, the early bride gets the date! Book well in advance! Many people start booking venues & photographers a year or so in advance to ensure they get their first pick for the date they want.
- Don't sweat the small stuff! Your guests aren't worried about the table cloth being a shade or two darker than the bridesmaid dresses! Their eyes are on you!
- Remember it's only one day out of thousands more to come! It's not going to determine or set the tone of your married life. You will.
- You can have a beautiful day on a budget! Check out the tag 'DIY Weddings' on Pinterest, there's some amazing ideas.
- Don't buy 5 dresses that you like, buy 1 dress that you LOVE and don't second guess it.
- Your wedding day is only the beginning of the journey, not the destination. Keep perspective and don't mortgage your financial future for one day.
- Your day will pass in a flash. Take ten minutes between the ceremony and the reception for a moment or two with your new hubby. Just the two of you. To breathe, take it all in and savour the moment.
- Ask yourself what you want to remember in 5 years time. Work out what is important to you both and ensure that those things happen.
- Keep the day about you both as a couple. Don't spend your time worrying about everyone else and sorting rellies. Leave it to someone else.
- Don't be afraid to go out on a limb and do something daring!
- Set your own seating plan in stone. Don't be swayed by the fickle nature of others. You can't please everyone.
- You can choose to invite people to the reception and not the ceremony, however it's poor taste the other way around.
- Don't be afraid to delegate! People want to help, so if you need it, don't be afraid to dish out the duties!
- The weather doesn't matter! (As long as you have a back-up plan)
- ALWAYS have a back up option if your venue is outdoors!
- Choose your make-up artist and hairdresser carefully. If you're doling out for your photographer, you want to look your absolute best!
- Don't stress about the little blunders on the day. If you trip and fall, don't cry. Laugh, one day it will be funny memory of your big day.
- Get a well lined dress. Dresses light in layers can be see-through.
- Buying a dress online is great and saves money, but be aware it may not be what you want, it may not fit or it could just be completely wrong! Buying in-store means you can try before you buy.
- Have a back-up pair of shoes! Your heels may be sky-high and stunning but your feet wont thank you for it by the end of the night or the next day. A pair of glittery flats or low heels are perfect for the reception so you can dance the night away. Your feet will thank you for that.
- Don't feel you have to impress anyone. As long as it's what you want, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
- Plan your day carefully. Allow enough time to get ready, get to the venue, photos between the ceremony and reception and time for speeches between meals! Having a well laid-out plan will keep stress levels down on the day.
- Don't panic when something goes wrong. It's bound to happen so take it in stride and know that if something is changed last minute, no one but you will know.
- If you really want a particular flower in your bouquet, make sure that flower is in season at the time of your wedding.
- If you have children in the wedding party, prepare kiddie packs in advance. Snacks and drinks - but not too sugary, save that for later!
- If you're inviting children to the reception, have a 'kiddies' table with colouring pencils, paper to draw on, puzzles and the like to keep them quiet during speeches and the like.
- Make sure you snack and drink plenty of water throughout the day. It's easy to get carried away and forget to eat & drink.