ELOPE!!!
Just kidding
Since I just had my wedding, I thought that I would share some of what I learned with those of you who are engaged or one day will be.
1. Take everything you read in bridal magazines with a grain of salt or better yet - Throw them away!!!!
-Most of the stuff in there is unrealistic, expensive, and unnecessary. They are good for flower, dresses, and cake ideas, but the timelines are made for people who do not have a job and spend all of their time thinking about their wedding.
2. Do not stress out over stuff like table centerpieces, flowers for the church, or favors.
-Seriously, no one will remember this stuff. People do not pay attention to anything in the church or on the tables. They steal the centerpieces. And the favors are probably thrown in a junk drawer once they get home. Yes, a little sachet or CD sounds nice to give away, but do you really think that anyone looks at that and fondly remembers your wedding day? No. Get all of this stuff as cheaply as you can. Even better, find someone to it for you.
3. Let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses.
-Tell them what color you would like and whether you want long or short. But as for style, let them fight it out amongst themselves. I asked my bridesmaids to pick out something in a lilac or mint green and long. Also, I asked for silver strappy shoes bought wherever and to have their hair up. This way, if they do not like what is done, it isn't something you have to stress about. Also, they can better pick something more affordable and have a little more flexability.
4. EAT!!
-For the two weeks before your wedding, you will be stressed out and sick to your stomach. If you do not eat, you will get crazy. Trust me on this one.
5. Do not be afraid to hold the phone away from your ear when talking to your mom/his mom about the wedding.
-Everyone has an opinion and they will voice it. Loudly and repeatedly. Parents may be chipping in money, but it is YOUR wedding! Just say, "Uh huh" a lot and do what you want anyway.
6. Spend some quality time with your fiance where you do not talk about your wedding.
-Wedding planning will take over your life and dominate all of your conversations if you are not careful. That is very boring.
7. In the end.....it doesn't matter!!!!
-So things might not be perfect or the way you wanted it. WHO CARES! You are just as married as the person who had the fairy tale wedding. What is important is that you are surrounded by your family and friends and have said your vows to the man that you love. Have more fun at your wedding than anyone else. The day goes by so quickly, so you should enjoy every minute. Besides, if things go wrong, they will be an amusing story later.
(For the record, we didn't have enough tables when setting up the hall, it was extremely crowded during the reception, the priest accidentally gave one of my readers the wrong verse - instead of I Corinthians, it was the one about the wife being subserviant to her husband

, they gave my dad someone else's tux, my dress ended up being stained with lipstick, champagne, cabbage roll, and dirt by the end of the night, I lost my flowers, and everyone got really drunk at the reception. It was the best day of my life.)