NBR/GTKY Weddings

cowscrub · December 2013

My fiancé and I have been engaged for 2 yrs and finally found a venue for the ceremony and reception that we both love. So I thought I'd ask you ladies for a few questions about your own weddings, as I have NO clue where to begin and am not the slightest bit creative.

1. What do you consider a wedding must?
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day?
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day?
4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it.

I signed up on TK as well. Just thought I'd throw it out here as well and see if you ladies have advice. Thank you!

cpm1223 · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Having good food. 2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? Walking down the aisle with my dad and H and my first married kiss! 3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? Nothing 4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Hire a videographer. there were so many little things that happened that day that I wouldn't have remembered if it wasn't for the video. Also don't stress about the tiny details. If something doesn't go 100% as planned on your wedding day, just try to roll with it. Don't forget to EAT!!

ScarlettDahlia · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? good food, open bar, and a good DJ
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? walking down the aisle, saying our vows and having our grandmothers take part in the ceremony, our first dance
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? A different dress. And I would have hired a different photographer. There are maybe 5 pictures of our wedding that I actually like
4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Don't freak out about anything that doesn't go according to plan. For the cake, have it served to your guests and not wrapped up for them to take home ... make sure to eat some of it too! I loved our cake.

Unknown · December 2013

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jaclynwas17 · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? An open bar. I understand that there may be budget limitations, but if you're asking a group of people to buy you a gift, travel, and possibly pay for a hotel room, they should get free drinks. This is probably an UO but I think it's rude to have a cash bar. 2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? The entire day goes by so quickly, every piece has special importance. Think about who is close to you and what kinds of pictures you want before the day of. 3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? My DH parents have been divorced basically since he was born, but I never told the photographer. We don't have a single picture of us with just his mom. 4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Take whatever help people offer. Don't be a bridezilla. It's ridiculous.

ashleywiz · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Whatever is most important to you- for us it wasn't the food (though many if not most if you're going traditional route will really emphasize food and drinks). For us- it was all about making sure he and I had fun and no stress.

2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? The saying "I do" part

and then much later once everyone but a small group of fam and friends sitting around the fire just having a great time.

3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? If my best friend could have been there- since we went pretty spontaneous the ones not local couldn't be there. Otherwise, our elopement/ weeks notice wedding was exactly what we imagined our day to be.

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it.--- My wedding was a week after my best friend's and hers was huge, expensive and stressful. They tried to save money and instead of cutting the guest list they tried to make us all the coordinators instead of having one. I felt so bad she was stressing on her day about the timeline etc -- sooo that being said, make sure you do things for your wedding that keep it about the two of you- and your enjoyment of the day. That is the bottom line. If a small change to the menu will open up the budget to make it happier for you-- do it! Remember it's about you and your hubs to be- the people who deserve to be there shouldn't and won't have anything negative to say as long as they see you're loving the day.

Ninjafarmerswife · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? I totally agree with the good food, also hire a photographer that you like even if they are a little more expensive. I loved ours but have friends who didn't like their pictures and you can't redo them so they are stuck with subpar results.
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? I have several: I stopped at the end of the aisle before starting to walk and just took it all in (also did this right before we entered the reception) it was fun to see everyone there so happy for us! I loved our cake and still dream about it almost 4 years later (maybe I can get the lady to make me a congratulations you had a baby cake ). I also loved that our wedding suited us and had fun homemade details and wasn't cookie cutter or over the top and we stayed under budget.
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? I'd have DH's cousin as a bridesmaid because she is one of my best friends but I was worried about the numbers being even and DH only had 4 guys he wanted to ask.
4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Like I said above spend money on the photographer and anything else that is important to you, don't feel pressured to include something just because a wedding is "supposed to include it", take time to enjoy the day and take it all in, be the first to dish up so that you can go mingle with guests after you eat while they are all still sitting, and above all have fun!

ashleywiz · December 2013

Totally forgot about the photog thing! I ditto that over the food!

it's worth the $$!

megngregk · December 2013

DH and I were both previously married (I had a big, traditional wedding. He had a secret wedding basically for military benefits only -- she cheated on him as soon as she got home), so when we got married I just wanted something simple and private. My answers are probably different than most.

1. What do you consider a wedding must?

You, your FI, and vows that are meaningful to the both of you.

2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day?

That it was just us, casual, and romantic. No stress, no fuss. Simple dress (see siggy) and a laid back day afterwards spent with just me and my new husband.

3. What, if anything, would you change about your day?

Looking back, it would have been nice to at least have parents, siblings (mine - DH is an only child) and our BFF's in attendance.

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it.

Just like when you're pregnant, everybody will have their idea of what your wedding should be like. At the end of the day, the day is about YOU and your FI. Don't let others bully you into a wedding you don't want. If your mother hates your dress, so what. MIL thinks your flowers are ugly, so what. Make the day about you and your FI, and make it a day that you will both cherish and remember. I was pushed around with my first wedding a lot (mostly by MIL), and looking back on the day made me more bitter than anything. That's not how you want to feel about your wedding day, trust me.

goldenB · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? good food, DJ, open bar

2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? I surprised H with an acoustic rendition of snow patrol's 'chasing cars' that his close friend sang for us. It was a very special moment. Also the wedding night :x we had waited for 3.5 (long) years and it was perfect way to end the day.

3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? I would have styled my hair differently but followed my mom's advice and had an up-do instead. I have long hair, and I always wear it down so even though an up-do is classic, I regret not having my hair down because it suits me more.
Also, don't buy designer shoes. I spent a lot of money on Jimmy Choo shoes that I only wore to the church portion of the day because I was too worried about ruining them.

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it.

1 - Get a wedding coordinator! (we were on a budget, and had a student who was going into event planning run the reception portion of the day and she did an amazing job). I was so glad that my bridesmaids could enjoy the festivities and have fun with us.

2 - pay extra to have a professional make up artist do your make up for the day / same goes for hair.

3- a good photographer is super important (pay the 3000-5000$ or whatever it is because it is so worth it at the end).

4. - don't spend too much on a designer dress. Buy something that fits you well and is not a super heavy fabric.

5.- don't get a cake that has the fondant icing (its expensive, looks nice in pictures, but tastes awful and too sugary).

GL

nolagal79 · December 2013

Our wedding was a little different. Ever since I was a little girl I always dreamed about getting married on the beach. We picked St. John and Hawksnest beach. For us it was absolutely perfect. We had our parents and my sister and her partner there. We got married at 9am and had the entire beach to ourselves with perfect weather. After taking pictures on the beach and then back at the resort we went back to our room to change and celebrate the day then all met back up at the bar/grill at the resort where we had a late lunch and drinks and the cake. We then spent the rest of the day snorkeling with sea turtles and sting rays right off of one of the beaches then sat and watched the sunset. My husband and I went to town for dinner then back to the resort to lay on the beach and watch the shooting stars. I couldn't dream up a better day for us!

1. Wedding must - great location, loved ones in attendance

2. Favorite thing/part/moment - how peaceful it was. Very relaxed, plain, simple.

3. Change anything? Absolutely not

4. Advice/recommendations - it's your day - make the decisions you want, not what others want you to. If you're on the fence about spending extra money on a photographer, etc, absolutely go for it!!

PreDempsey · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? A good photographer.

2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? Seeing MH for the first time that day when I walked down the aisle.

3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? I would have slept in a bit longer. It was honestly exhausting and I didn't have crazy hair or makeup appointments to contend with. We were in Las Vegas and in bed before midnight

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Don't lose sight of what the day is REALLY about: you and your future husband.

jgraham80 · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Good food/music
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? Just being there with everyone I love.
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? I would've been thinner

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Remember to smile when you're up there! I was so nervous that I look completely unenthusiastic during the ceremony!

sugarland726 · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Good food and music that isn't too loud or obnoxious. You want people to still be able to talk to each other
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? Well mine was the lap dance I received by my H's fraternity brothers.
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? That it could have lasted longer? I was having such a good time. We were the last to leave.
4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Make it your wedding, one that suits you and your fiance's personalities. Don't cave to what others expect you to have if you truly don't. Also, don't skimp on photography. Your pictures are the only thing that will last forever besides your memories. Find a good photographer even if you have to change or eliminate other things.

iwalktheline · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Good food... And an open bar

2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day?
Seeing DH as I came down the aisle.

3. What, if anything, would you change about your day?
Not a thing. I loved our wedding day. Even if not everything happened perfectly, it's the day I married my best friend and all of our friends and family were there to celebrate with us.

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it.
Keep things simple and try not to stress. It should be about you two getting married and celebrating with the important people in your lives.

suupercute · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Good food and emcee/DJ

2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? When we were saying our vows, I thought I was going to cry but hubby squeezed my hands and somehow that helped me not burst into tears. Also, we wrote cards for each other to open on our wedding day which is something I will cherish forever.

3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? We had an awesome wedding. But I would have definitely made it smaller. FIL/MIL wanted to invite a bunch of their work friends who I've never met before. I would have made it half the size if I could do it again. Also, I would have choose a different maid of honor. As she was the only person in my wedding party (I did not have any bridesmaid) I counted on her for help but she didn't come through with anything. Also, it felt like she was there more for herself than for me.

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. I would have splurged more on photography. We hired an expensive photographer and tried to cut cost by having only a single shooter. Looking back, I would have definitely gotten at least 2 or 3 shooters and gone with a whole different photographer. I felt there were a lot of moments that were missed. For example, it is impossible for 1 person to shoot both my husband waiting at the end of the aisle and me as I walk down the aisle. Also the photographer never got a picture of just me and my mom together which I can never get back.

slmille4 · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Consider the timing of your wedding. Don't schedule ur wedding for 6 pm and then expect guests to wait until 8 to eat which will happen if u take pictures. Also designate make sure there is someone in ur bridal party who can run interception with annyoying or irritating family. My older sis on the day of my wedding got mad at me because I hadn't figured out how we were going to do something, I can't even remember what it was but my BFF got me out of there before I exploded
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day?
My mom told me that I would be so nervous but once I got up there and held my DH's hand everything was going to be ok. It was soooo true! And it just sticks with me.
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? Aisle runners are always asking for a problem. Also I think because we had a summer wedding and our venue had a ton of windows I may have done a later wedding and just a cocktail hour/apps. No one wanted to dance because it was so bright out still!
4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it.
Have a timeline! Even for when u are leaving. That way everyone is on the same page. For example. DH told me out ride would get there at 11 to take us to our hotel, what he didn't tell me was that if we were 15 minutes late for said ride we would be charged, because of this we rushed out and I didn't get to say goodbye to half of our guests.
Also stuff will go wrong, and be forgotten. But it won't matter. U will forget about it the next day. I forgot to have my dress busseled and my bridesmaids had to try and figure it out right before our dance. But as long as u r there and u got married what else matters?

Hkula · December 2013

1. Wedding must - great location, loved ones in attendance
Your loved ones and a good photographer! The night went by so fast I had to relive it through the pics

2. Favorite thing/part/moment
DH and I got to spend a few minutes alone together right after the ceremony and before the reception. It was so nice to just be in the moment with him without people all around. I also LOVED our first dance, I honestly had never felt so much joy in my life!

3. Change anything? I wouldn't have worried so much about the center pieces/ decorations. It made me pretty stressed out and I wish I would have relaxed and just enjoyed the weeks leading up to it.

4. Advice/recommendations
Make it how you and SO want it! Don't start taking other people into account, you'll never be able to make everyone else happy (this may sound a little bitchy, but it's true!). Just focus on what will make you two happy.

Dishylo · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must?
There are several but two big ones for me are the food and the music. Ideally you have a menu or buffet so that there is something for everybody. Then the music, if your DJ is rubbish, your guests might start to get bored and leave early. So make sure the music is good and always glowing!
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day?
So many....the day and getting ready was really important. Me and "my girls" getting manis and pedis, having nibbles, desserts, hair and makeup and champagne. It meant a lot and was a great send off. The ceremony itself was also amazing!!!
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day?
We got married a week after DH's Grans 100th birthday and because we were sort of "tied into" a date, we had to go with the times they had. Our ceremony started at 5pm on a Friday. I didn't mind that it was a Friday but I would have liked a longer day. We ended up going until 3am!!
4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it.
Everybody will say this but it is SOOO true...it goes by so fast so make sure you enjoy every minute of the day. Also, it's YOUR day so make sure all of the plans are for you and that you are happy with everything. Don't do something because somebody else wants you to if you're not into it. And - have a blast!!

shortstuff15 · December 2013

1) A wedding must - whatever works for you. If the most important thing is a budget, than work within it. If food is most important, than make sure you have the food you love. If an open bar is important, than have that. Wedding musts are different for everybody, so just work with what you think is most important.
2) Favorite thing - I honestly can't pick one, but I think my most favorite thing was that we had enough time between ceremony & reception to relax a bit. We stopped at Tim Hortons, had coffee and donuts, and showed up to the reception relaxed and ready to party.
3) Change anything - I wouldn't change anything really. I made it a point to not stress the small stuff and let everybody else take care of stuff on the day of. Best decision I made really!
4) Advice - Don't stress the small stuff. There will be things that don't go as planned. That's fine. It's most likely not going to ruin your day and so just don't worry about it. It's your day, make it what you want it to be.

Rebis58 · December 2013

cowscrub said:
My fiancé and I have been engaged for 2 yrs and finally found a venue for the ceremony and reception that we both love. So I thought I'd ask you ladies for a few questions about your own weddings, as I have NO clue where to begin and am not the slightest bit creative.

1. What do you consider a wedding must?
Good food and good music

2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day?
I'm gonna say two! Immediately after the ceremony we had a few minutes to ourselves before photos and it was so special. And my next favourite was when we were finally done all the scheduled things at the reception (dance, cake, etc) and could just enjoy each other, our guests and the party!

3. What, if anything, would you change about your day?
It was so perfect. I can't think of anything! Maybe more down time? But our wedding was already so chill I don't know if that would've been possible!

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it.
Don't sweat the small things! (Or even the medium things) enjoy and savour every moment it goes by so fast!

I signed up on TK as well. Just thought I'd throw it out here as well and see if you ladies have advice. Thank you!

Rebis58 · December 2013

cpm1223 said:
1. What do you consider a wedding must? Having good food.
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? Walking down the aisle with my dad and H and my first married kiss!
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? Nothing
4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Hire a videographer. there were so many little things that happened that day that I wouldn't have remembered if it wasn't for the video. Also don't stress about the tiny details. If something doesn't go 100% as planned on your wedding day, just try to roll with it. Don't forget to EAT!!

I thought of a recommendation! If you decide not to hire a videographer (we didn't hire one) and have a friend/family member volunteer to do it, make sure they know how to use the camera. My god mother's husband had the buttons backwards (pressed record between important moments, stopped recording for important parts) and it was so disappointing! We had hours of footage of the ground and background conversations

thegosiers · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Good music/DJ/mc. They keep the flow going.

2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? Our vows.

3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? Not much -I loved it all. . We had indoor/outdoor areas and I didn't get to spend much time outdoors with those guests.

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. We went for "family style" dining, where big platters of food were brought to each table and guests served themselves and passed the platters. Every one of our guests RAVED about it. It encouraged conversation, allowed guests to try more types of food, and kept the reception fun, casual, and lively which was exactly what we wanted!

Rushley · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Good food, excellent music and open or toonie bar.
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? The ceremony, it was exactly what I wanted. (on the beach, no shoes, laid back, brass drum band and perfect weather) I couldn't stop smiling as soon as I seen my husband. I still remember the look on his face when he first seen me. It was an unforgettable moment.
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? We had our wedding Jamaica and a tent reception back home. I would've hired a photographer for our wedding in Jamaica.
4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Hash out your budget at the beginning of the planning process and always be honest with each other about what the actual spending vs.the budget.

I hope your wedding day is magical. Happy Planning!

JennaRaek · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must? Good food and music. A decent variety of alcohol is nice too!
2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day? We had an outdoor wedding and reception. Right at dark we had a few of our friends light of fireworks who do it professionally. It was amazing. No one expected it and I had so many people tell me they felt like they were in a movie! It was great to stand there in DH's arms and know it was all for us. Also, my maternal grandfather passed away when I was in 4th grade. To honor him my dad drove me up to the ceremony in his antique car that my grandpa adored. It was so special. A lot of people knew who's car it was and there wasn't a dry eye!
3. What, if anything, would you change about your day? I would change our photographer. That's one place where I wouldn't try to save money. We did and I'm still kind of upset about it.
4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it. Don't sweat the small stuff! There were so many little things I didn't have time to do and NO ONE noticed. It was perfect! And your day will be too. Go with the flow and suck it all in! It really does go by so fast! If you can, go on a honeymoon and enjoy it! Just relax and enjoy being married!! Congrats!

brideandbreve · December 2013

1. What do you consider a wedding must?
The photography. I wish I had spent more on our wedding photographer and less on our cake. Also, booze at the reception.

2. What was your favorite moment/thing/part of your special day?
The chapel where we were married. It's the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel in Triangle, VA, located right above the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The walls of the chapel are glass, engraved with virtues, and the glass over the altar is engraved with the image of a Marine in prayer. We almost didn't have a place to get married until I discovered this chapel was just opening, and we were one of the first 10 couples to be married there.

3. What, if anything, would you change about your day?
Better photographer. One less bridesmaid (because I hate her guts now, and I can't Photoshop her attention whoring face out of every picture). I also would have pushed for the Christmas wedding I wanted instead of settling for spring.

4. Any advice or recommendations I'm game to hear it.
Figure out what's important to you and then spend your budget accordingly. Cut corners where you can. Unless you've got parents willing to fork over the cash without question, you're not going to be able to have everything. I had to give up the fancy china settings and the live hydrangea and rose centerpieces on vintage lace linens, as well as the chiavari chairs, the Anne Barge dress (that was way out of my price range), and the venue that would have cost us more than half of our budget. In return, we had good photos, good booze, a great DJ, a gorgeous location for our ceremony, and none of us - me and DH, my mom, his parents - came out of it hurting financially. And our wedding was still a beautiful, classic, respectable time. Prioritize what's important now before you start finalizing contracts with vendors.

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