WE ASKED REAL BRAZOS VALLEY BRIDES FOR THEIR WORDS OF WISDOM, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE TO PASS ON TO BRIDES-TO-BE! CHECK OUT THESE REAL PEARLS OF WISDOM AND TIPS FROM BRIDES JUST LIKE YOU.
Maricella Raiford – Wedding Date: March 3, 2016
During the wedding planning process, someone told me, “Remember, your main goal is to get married.” I didn’t realize it then, but it was probably one of the best pieces of advice to hold on to. I found myself coming back to that when plans had to change, or when I would get overwhelmed with details, or when I would have to deal with unexpected issues. In the end, your main purpose is to get married and if you do that, you have been successful in accomplishing your goal. Everything else is just an added bonus.
Danielle Ehlert – Wedding Date: June 2, 2012
My one piece of advice would be to always have a back-up plan. My husband and I planned to walk out of our wedding ceremony to the Aggie War Hymn, but when the time came, there was no music and we awkwardly waited in silence for 45 very long seconds. Apparently the guy in the booth was having technical difficulties and couldn’t play the cd! Fortunately, our string trio thought on their feet and played the traditional recessional so we didn’t have to walk out in silence. Although it was disappointing at that moment, we quickly brushed it off and enjoyed the rest of our day. If something does go wrong, don’t stress. We had a few other little snags with pushy guests and vendors here and there, but at the end of the day all you really remember is your beautiful wedding, not the few things that go wrong.
Markesha Lamar – Wedding Date: June 11, 2016
- One regret for my wedding day, I did not get enough pictures alone with my husband! I was so caught up in taking pictures with guests, and my husband was dancing, we didn’t get a chance to sneak away for a mini couples shoot.
- I STRESSED over making sure there was going to be enough food, to the point that we were going to order more food from the caterer at the last minute. Thank God we didn’t, because there was so much food leftover after the wedding. Make sure your vendors eat as well! If you have an overabundance that you can’t/don’t want to take home, have someone announce that people can go back for a second serving (if allowed at your venue).
- RSVP’S were such a big deal for me. We planned for 350 guests, and a little over 350 RSVP’d. The night before and the day of, people cancelled. We also had guests who did RSVP that only attended the ceremony and not the reception. Just remember, no matter how hard you plan to accommodate your guests, something will change at the last minute – don’t stress!
- Be sure to invest in a great photographer and videographer!! These are the only things that will help you relive your special day!
- Put someone in charge on the little things for the ceremony. I forgot the ring bearer pillow! I stressed out about it, but I was told my guests didn’t notice.
- My fingers were very swollen the day of my wedding, so it took my husband forever to get my ring and bands on my finger. Ladies, not sure if there is something to help prevent that, but it is just a thought.
- One memorable moment, was that majority of my guests wore white, as we requested, to match our All White Wedding Theme.
- As the doors of the church opened, I heard all of my guests gasp and say – ‘Wow, she’s so pretty!’. That is a moment I will never forget!
- When I arrived at the altar and the look on my husband’s face when he saw me….and when he took my arm and told me how beautiful I looked, I was finally able to relax. At that point, nothing else mattered.
- As the bride, I knew what things went wrong. When guests tell me months later how beautiful our wedding was and that they didn’t notice the ‘small things’ is confirmation to me that I stressed over that I really couldn’t control. Brides to be, don’t be like me!
- After all is said and done, it is YOUR special day. Do not let anyone make you do something you don’t want to. Pick the dress you want, the shoes, the veil, the songs, the bridesmaid’s dresses, the food, the desserts, the venue etc. Your family and friends will offer their suggestions (good or bad), and it is okay to take some things into consideration, but the end result is up to you and your fiancé. A bride should never look back and have any major regrets! Enjoy your planning, and try your best to enjoy your wedding day!
