ADVICE FROM REAL BRIDES

Denise

DO:

The best thing about our wedding was our transportation! We hired a limo coach (party bus) instead of limos. It held the entire wedding party (10 of us), had tinted windows, leather couches and a stocked bar! It came to the same price as two limos and we got to be with our wedding party from the church to the reception (an hours drive). It was the most relaxing and fun part of the day!

DON'T:

We went with my husband's former roommate, whom we knew would give us a good price and is a professional. Our proofs turned out wonderfully. But this photographer lives 300 miles away from us, and it has taken a long time (9 months) for him to give us our wedding photos. Also, he had arranged to come to my city for my before-wedding portrait, and he had to reschedule twice. I ended up having my portrait taken only two weeks before the wedding, when I would have liked it taken a few weeks sooner so I could relax.

 

Lora Lee

DO:

Have a children's table. We had about 20 kids (out of 114 guests) and has a "children's table" set up at the reception. On it was small bottles of bubbles, crayons and washable pens. I made black & white wedding themed coloring sheets (using clip art I found on the web!). That way, kids had a place to go do "kid things" and still be part of the party.

DON'T:

Don't try a new travel agent. We used a new one that we hadn't used before and are still fighting to get a refund for part of our trip.

 

Tina

DO: Our mothers' started the ceremony by lighting the candle tapers that we used to light the unity candle...what a great way to involve the mothers!

DON'T: Don't let others get you down. I would have ignored my mother-in-law's petty criticisms and not let her upset me as much.

 

Kelley

DO:

My husband John has a six-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. I really wanted to include her on our special day, so I gave our Pastor special vows for she and I to exchange. John then placed a gold heart pendant around her neck, and I said "With this heart, I promise to be a loving and caring step-mommy to you. I promise to always be there for you in times of need and I will love you with all my heart for all the days of my life". There wasn't a dry eye in the house, including mine and hers. Arianna is a wonderful addition to my life and I was glad I could show her how much she means to me.

 

DON'T:

I would not have done the Money Dance. I can't believe how awkward I felt. Originally, I said that I didn't want to do it, but all my friends kept telling me how great the extra money was on their Honeymoons. I could have done without the extra money and the embarrassment of the DJ asking people to come and dance with you. Oh yeah, and bring a $20 would ya? Yikes!!!