My clients often feel isolated as they plan their weddings. They can’t talk about the hard parts because people think they’re complaining, ungrateful, or second-guessing their choice to get married. But I know something my clients don’t: They’re not alone. Hear it from people who’ve been there.
Elisa M.
Married March 22, 2008
When it comes to your wedding, what was your...
Worst surprise?
I think we really had no idea about how much work it was to plan a wedding. For months, it really did seem to take two to three hours a day (after the regular workday was done). We did try to do everything on a fairly slim budget — and DIY’ed many things — so that was part of the reason.
Biggest regret?
No real regrets, but the biggest challenge was that our MC came down with the flu and could not attend so we had to ask someone last minute. In retrospect, it might have been good to plan to have a backup, or have two people take over that job.
Best advice?
A few things:
Splurge to get your hair done on the day of the wedding at a professional salon and make sure to bring a friend with you who will bring in champagne, etc. A friend suggested this and it was a great decision.
Let everything go and stop worrying. At that point, the day takes care of itself (with help, of course) and it will be what it will be. Enjoy all these people who have come to celebrate you and have a blast. (Don’t forget to eat.)
Music matters! We luckily happened on a fantastic local band that really made our wedding reception.
Figure out what you want to splurge on. For us it was music and the venue. Then, find affordable alternatives for other items: We got our wedding flowers at Safeway and asked a few friends to arrange them, my uncle took the photos, etc.