Ok so with everything that has been going on…it feels a little bit like we are kind of starting over with the wedding planning.  Just a little.  Luckily, we were able to keep ALL of our vendors, which was incredible!  But, we have learned a few things through this process that I thought I would share…

1) Soak up the Initial Excitement & Celebration

Be present in the moments that will go flying by…the time goes by way faster than you can ever imagine.  I think it’s important to really soak up all of the love during this really special time.  Pop the champagne, kick off your heels and really delve into that issue of Martha Stewart Weddings that you have been eyeing for umm 6 months or so before you got engaged.

2) COMMUNICATE

The good, the bad, the ugly…share everything with your partner.  I’m not talking relationship communication…that goes without saying.  But, wedding communication is HUGE! The saying, two heads are better than one, is a saying because it’s true.  Trust! Keeping something from your soon to be spouse because you think you are protecting them is not advisable…even if it seems to be.  If you really want something to be part of your BIG day talk about it, even if it seems like it might not fit in with what your significant other may want or it may not seem to be in the budget.  If you talk it through you may come up with a great solution.  Instead of holding onto something and being disappointed or bitter without thinking it through.

3) Spreadsheets are your new way of life. 

Well that is if they weren’t before, like me.  They are SOOO many variables and they change constantly.  Excel will save some of your sanity.  Create one for your overall budget, your floral budget, your catering budget, your everything! It makes your life so much more simple.

4) Know your limitations.

While getting married and planning a wedding is incredible…you have found the love of your life, you want to declare your love to the world, and start a life together.  It doesn’t get much better than that!  It is also pretty stressful: emotionally, mentally, physically…. Know what you can and can’t do and don’t sign up for more than you can handle.  It makes things way harder or you and your partner when you do.  If you really just can’t handle that DIY project tonight, just share that with your partner…if you need a break from working out, take it.  Something’s gotta give sometimes.  Just make sure you share that in a supportive, loving way (see #2).

5) Be Proactive.

You never know what curve balls life might throw you.  Be as proactive as possible, which will help you bounce back from some hiccups.  When we were weighing our options about whether or not we would have to push back the wedding we called ALL of our vendors to see what would happen if we did postpose the wedding.  We asked about our deposits, their availability to rebook late in the year, etc.   Once we had all of the facts we made a decision together and got to work.  I was immediately researching ways to infuse a little more fall into our original spring wedding.  We have come up with a few ideas that we are both really excited about.