Tried and True Wedding Tips From Real People

Face each other at the altar...it will not only be more intimate for you and your groom, but will allow your photographer to get shots of your faces instead of your backs Heather

Do not buy a dress overseas, it may not be the one you want. Angela

Assume it's going to rain and plan for it. Buy a cute umbrella or fancy rain boots. Then if it rains you won't be bummed because you have all this cute stuff you get to use, and if it's sunny, well then all the better. Jess

Always have a snacks on the day of your big day. with all the stress, running around, etc you WILL forget to eat. this goes for both bride and groom. Kayla


There is always that one person who is always there for you ... they might not be in the wedding party but they still show up with a lint roller for pictures and they go to the reception site early to make sure the favors are placed just right ... make sure you hug this person ... tell them how special they are ... cause your day will be that much more perfect because of them! Kelly

You can get a less expensive dress and have it altered or re-designed, you don't NEED an expensive caterer, flowers from a friends house would look just as amazing, but...PAY FOR A ROCKIN' PHOTOGRAPHER!!! I don't think that going in debt for your wedding is a good idea but if your gonna go in debt for something it should be your photographer! Shannon

Have the Allebach's do your wedding... that way you have awesome pictures AND a photographer for life! Add a personal flare- whatever is YOU! Personal touches and silly embellishments can redesign any wedding into your wedding. (ie ...personal cake topper, signature charm on your flowers-or no flowers and balloons-just something you, like people will see and smile because they see you, as a couple in it). Michelle

Plan early. Don't wait, especially when it comes to churches and halls. Do your research. Angela
On a money tip: if the bouquet isn't a biggie to you go to the florist and pick a floral arrangement from the book. Ask them to wrap the arrangement into a bouquet. I paid $60 compared to the starting price of $300 they quoted. Nicole

I had a printed out timeline of what was supposed to happen and when. Also, on the side was people to be involved with each task, contact numbers of all the vendors and important people. That way if there was an issue the coordinator or other vendors had the information in case anything went wrong. I handed these timelines out to everyone! And nothing went wrong ... not one thing! Kayla

Give wedding dresses a chance. Yes I know you are uber original and may not love dresses. I felt the same way, and was open to everything. I fell in love with a dress that flattered both me and my tattooes. Nicole

Are you feeling overwhemed by your wedding planning? Check out this post for some encouragement!

Do you have a tip to share that would help other brides? Please leave a comment to share the wealth!

Real Wedding Advice from Real People

Are you engaged and feeling discouraged or overwhelmed with wedding planning? We have some encouraging words from past brides and friends who have been there. Read below and we hope your spirits are lifted so you can enjoy every moment of your wedding planning endeavors. If you are looking for some practical tried and true wedding tips, check out this post as well.
Share the wealth, leave us a comment and let us know your advice!

Be proud of your body art and don’t take any flack from other people. You love your art, it defines you. & obviously your spouse loves your art too =)... That’s all that matters is the 2 of you. Sarah

First, focus on your marriage- if you do, planning your wedding will be less stressful and more enjoyable. Grace

Relax..no matter what goes wrong (unless the bride/groom or officiate doesn't show)...you will be married when it's all over. Melissa

Remember that your wedding is about you and your spouse, not about what anyone else wants. Sheena

It's YOUR time to shine, and you both should shine however you please. Stephanie

Follow your heart. If following your heart means eloping, do it because it is your wedding day. And you shouldn't be in tears over the planning aspect. Shannon

Do what YOU want, and don't be a people pleaser! I spent the first half of planning worrying about everyone else. The stress of trying to make everyone content was unbearable. It's you and your soul mate’s day. Stephanie

Important is knowing what you want and standing towards it. NOT letting others tell you what YOU LIKE and what you need. Getting Ideas YES but getting TOLD what YOU HAVE to HAVE a big NO NO. Enjoy, have fun and do as you like it ..in ...Abraham

Sarah and Nicole: Rock a Reception with a House Party Vibe


"Sarah and Nicole wanted to create a total house party vibe -- a six hour dance set, no slow songs, no formalities! When people of grandmother age request "Move Bitch" by Ludacris, you know it's going to be a crazy night." -Tom from Hi-Society Productions


And so they met....
Nicole actually saw me before I saw her. I was face down on a table getting tattooed. Our paths did not cross again until years later, after several milestones occurred in our separate lives fate brought us back together through, of all things, someone she was dating who was a friend of mine. I had just moved back from a stint in San Diego and started hanging out with them. From there the juicy part was us falling in love whether we wanted to or not.

Countdown to the wedding day::

We were 'engaged' for 7 or so days. We decided to go for our civil union license here in NJ on a Friday-ish, applied for the license Monday and were in the courtroom Friday afternoon. Our reception was 6 months later.

Free advice!
CALM DOWN, its all going to work itself out. Our banquet manager changed mid planning and what seemed like the worst timing ever turned out to be no big deal. Lay back, relax and enjoy the time. It's such a wonderful time in life ... enjoy it.

The wedding day headliner~

The highlight of the actual day was signing our license. The highlight of the reception was looking around the dance floor, realizing we were surrounded by all those we love most in this life and seeing them smile along with us.

Represented
I think what most represented us as a couple was our choice of first dance. We started with "isn't she lovely" by Stevie Wonder because Nicole's father who has passed used to sing it to her when she was a little girl. But the music quickly switched to "Push it" Salt n Pepa, "Kiss" prince, "Poison" Bel Biv Devo. We are laid back, fun and awesome. We didn't want to waste any time getting to the dance floor so we set the bar high right away for our guests as we try to do with every endeavor in our lives.

Mishaps?

No mishaps besides 46 degree weather, other that it was wonderful and we would like to do it every 6 months.

Location: Latitudes on the River
Florist: Birch & Burlap
Music: Hi-Society Entertainment
Hair: Studio Salon
















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