Wedding Tip Wednesday

     I was recently speaking to a friend of mine who is getting married in June.  A sense of frustration oozed from her as our conversation grew longer.  It turned into a full fledged vent session.  So with my friend in mind during this wedding whirlwind of a season.  I offer her this advice as well as all you other brides out there. All of this advice comes from working with Brides just like you at Noah's for 3 1/2 years.  Not everyone is the same but most of you all have these similarities.  Five things that I think will make a difference in how happy you are during this experience.

1.  Keep the input circle small

Never ask too many people for their input.   When you tell your family and friends that you are engaged everyone will have an opinion on just about everything from what your dress should look like, what colors your flowers should be, and what you should serve at the reception or dinner.  So, pick one or two people that you value their opinions.  Don't' be afraid to be blunt with the people you love.  It's your special day!  If you don't have someone in your life who is helpful...I would suggest hiring an wedding planner.

2.  Pick a palette and go with it

   Most brides have been planning their weddings since elementary school.  You know what you want your wedding to look like..white, pink, coral...you know.  You can drive yourself crazy with all the choices & combinations.  If the decision has already been made then don't try to talk yourself into something else or let anyone else talk you out of it either.

3.  Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

   All to often everyone involved loses focus on the big picture...The Marriage!  The reception or party is in competition with the great event that took place earlier where you and your best friend were married.  Focus on what matters and just let the rest go.  It's not the end of the world if you don't find the perfect pair of shoes, or if you can't find the perfect linens, or Aunt Phyllis doesn't like that you are serving beef instead of chicken.  Just let it go...all that matters at the end of your wedding day is that you are married to the perfect person and your best friend.

4.  Keep it Simple

   You don't have to try and incorporate every idea from every website or pinterest board that you have ever seen.   Sometimes simple is best.  I'd rather see a bride invest her money in things that get the most bang for their buck.  Linens, flowers, photographers!   Always pick a few beautiful , breathtaking (and most likely expensive) things over lots of inexpensive and less than lovely items.

5.  Make Decisions

   The most frustrated brides that I see are the ones that make lists upon lists & can never really decide what they want. They get mad at everyone else for their own inability to make a decision.  Remember...It will be perfect however it turns out, you can't do everything, you can't please everyone & it's not the end of the world if everything does't come together just right.
   I hope that these little tips will help you in your wedding planning.  If I could offer one more piece of advice...please don't be the bridezilla or momzilla.  No one is out to ruin your special day & let's be honest some of the people you work with will only know the wedding planning you.  So put on a smile and put your best foot forward & enjoy the process.