Advice from a self-proclaimed wedding aficionado

At this point in my life, I consider myself to be quite the wedding aficionado. Want credentials? By all means…in the past year and a half I planned my own wedding, attended 11 weddings, was a bridesmaid in 6 weddings and hubby was a groomsman in 2. Additionally, I planned/decorated/attended 12 bridal showers, 7 bachelorette parties, and 6 engagement parties. That’s 36 events in 30 months. And, I already have 3 on the calendar for 2008. I feel very confident in saying that I know a little something about putting together a memorable event. My top 6 (+ 1) things to consider…

Customize & Personalize. You’ve all heard the expression “the devil is in the details”…well so are the memories. This is YOUR wedding, infuse your you-ness into it; make it an event only you and your groom could have that tells your special story.

Our guest "Escort Cards": My favorite poetry collections and personalized bookmarks

Pamper your guests. This could be greeting boxes, special foods, large drink selections, dessert bars, and thoughtful gifts. It also means ensuring there is proper air/heat depending on the season and providing a variety of entertainment so all age groups enjoy.

Picture of the bubblicious from our nostaligic candy bar.

Modernize. Weddings aren’t quite so cookie cutter, quite so frilly, or even quite so white these days. There is not only room for the modern diva and non-conventional elements, such as a unique dress or color scheme, but guests love it and will always remember how special your wedding was.

My unique Osterich feather wedding dress, Miosa Couture

Utilize all 6 senses. People experience through sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. I’ll add one more—emotion; they remember how they feel. Stimulate all the senses—using color, texture, music, words, scents (candles, flowers, foods, even air fresheners), food & beverages, lighting, flowers, table decorations, your vows and speeches—to give you and your guests a night to remember.

Our reception decorations

Budget, budget, budget. Even if the sky is the limit, you should do your research and know the reasonable price for all services. That way you get the best bang for your buck and honest vendors…who are likely the most reliable too. No one wants a vendor nightmare on their wedding day, and ‘happily ever after’s’ really shouldn’t start in debt.

Know what you want out of your honeymoon. You are going to welcome the post-wedding planning down time. If you envision a romantic, relaxing honeymoon traveling through Europe may not be the best option. If you envision a fun party time with your new hubby, you may want to steer clear of remote islands.

Us at a local street fair on our pamper-filled honeymoon to Palm Springs

Bonus advice: Realize it’s your wedding, but people who love you have lives too. If your best friend can’t make it to your bachelorette because she’s swamped at work, don’t sweat it. She’s not secretly sabotaging your big day. She loves you, but may just really not be able to get the time off. If you sense tension with your bridesmaids, consider what you are asking of them. Is it maybe too expensive for some (I spent $5,000 on other people’s weddings in 30 months). Are you being too Bride-zilla or pushing off too much of the work on them? Just remember your closest friends and family are always excited for you and love you, no matter what. Trust me, having been both bride and bridesmaid I can sympathize with the needs and

emotions of both sides.

My beautiful, accomodating bridesmaids...and best friends ever.

**All my wedding Photographs are courtesy of The Memory Journalists.