Happily Ever Crafter: planning

Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

{Wedding Wednesday} How to Survive the Holidays as a Bride-to-Be (Guest post)

I'm lucky enough today to welcome back Ali from PunkWife.com to Wedding Wednesday! She's always so full of wonderful bridal tips! Click HERE for her previous Wedding Wednesday post! Ali is the author of The Bitch's Bridal Bible, a fabulous, no nonsense guide to being a bride!

How to Survive the Holidays as a Bride-to-Be

Heading into the holidays as a bride-to-be is exciting! But let’s be realistic: you’re probably also worried about protecting your budget, avoiding a muffin top, and escaping other stressors (family drama or running around like a crazy person, anyone?) But with some planning ahead, and a little care-taking, you can still indulge this season and keep the stress levels down! Consider the following suggestions on how to survive the holidays as a bride-to-be:

1. Gifts. Consider letting family know ahead of time that you will be a little more resourceful this year with gift giving, and that you may even DIY your gifts. Just be sure to stay within you limits of crafts-pertise to avoid any stress. (“They are my special Christmas socks I knitted for you little Mary! You just have to hold them up as you walk for them to work. Merry Christmas!”)

2. Being cornered. Oh, Aunt Bertha, with your Merlot breath and endless questioning. Want to know why I’m having such a long engagement? Because DO YOU WANT TO PAY FOR MY WEDDING? I understand that the price per head in your day was $8.25, but you should really move that decimal point one spot to the right and then add $100. Now give me some of that wine because hearing myself say it out loud like that made me thirsty. (You’re in close corners with family you see maybe twice a year, so there’s not much you can do to escape this other than pull the string on your Chardonnay chute and deal.)

3. Food. Consider “pre-gaming” before you attend your holiday party – but put down the eggnog you silly bride, you. The phrase takes on a whole new meaning this year. I’m referring to snacking at home first before heading out the door. Going to a holiday party hungry is the equivalent of going grocery shopping hungry. Everything looks amazing, and you are likely to devour it all. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. However, if you are a conscious bride and think you may beat yourself up later on for splurging, think ahead.

My grandma always says that when you have two parties to attend in one day, consider which one always has the best desserts and go there last. If you have multiple stops to make, this is the one year you probably want to play the reverse card and avoid any temptation. You can make up for it next year.

4. Skin, hair, nails. Depending on where you live, the holidays can also bring about a wrecking ball of dryness and brittleness to your skin, hair, and nails – coincidentally, all of the things you wish to look beautiful in time for your wedding. There’s no magic product or quick fix for this; the most effective formula here is the following: Moisturize. Get sleep. Be nice to yourself. And avoid stress as much as possible. Which brings me to #5…

5. Stress. The last thing you need during wedding season is added stress. Numbers 1-4 contribute to the stress issue, and it can be hard to unwind or maintain your inner Zen amongst all the crazy. It may be finances on your mind, work deadlines, or family drama (times two this year, since you are now a part of your husband’s family, as well.) Carve out some time to decompress and relax yourself as you know how, whether it be practicing yoga, pounding the treadmill, or zoning out on the couch catching up with your DVR. And have fun wherever possible, because isn’t that what this time of year is supposed to be about?

Lastly, as you enjoy all the festivities, remember to make some time to enjoy the holidays with your future hubby. Depending how long your engagement is, it may be the only holiday you get to be a glowing bride-to-be. Make memories. Make traditions. But whatever you do, don’t make yourself crazy.

Author Bio: Alessandra Macaluso is author of "The Bitch's Bridal Bible: The Must-Have, Real- Deal Guide for Brides," available on Amazon and Kindle. A creator at heart, she is an avid writer of screenplays, articles, and business/product reviews. She has contributed to Uptown Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and Yelp.com, among other publications, and was featured in the New York Times “Life and Style” section for her review of Ulta Beauty. Her original screenplay, “Polar Suburbia”, placed as a semi-finalist in the 2009 Moondance Film Festival. To learn more about Alessandra you can visit her blog at www.punkwife.com or visit her Google Author Profile.

That last line is on the money! Don't make yourself crazy! Thank you Ali for another wonderful post!! You're welcome back ANY time! :)

How is being a bride stressing you out more than normal during this holiday season?

Till next time,

Catherine

If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!

If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

{Wedding Wednesday} The Top 10 Crazy Characters You'll Face During Wedding Planning (and How to Deal With Them)

Today I have another fabulous guest blogger! I'm so excited to have Alessandra from PunkWife.com here giving us some awesome wedding advice! If you didn't know, she even wrote a book recently called The Bitch's Bridal Bible: The Must-Have, Real Deal for Brides. I'm going to be reviewing it shortly so stay tuned for that! Or just go order it for yourself...it's bound to be awesome! And now I turn it over to Alessandra.

Brides, we’ve seen it happen time and time again when it comes to wedding planning: the friend who is upset she’s not a bridesmaid, the mother-in-law who tries to control every detail, the third cousin twice removed who’s pissed he’s seated all the way in the nosebleeds (what’s his name again, anyway?). Weddings are beautiful and wonderful – the most exciting time of your life. But let’s be serious: they also tend to conjure up the crazy in many people. Even those around you who you would never imagine acting out suddenly chug the kool-aid, take a running start, and swan-dive off into the deep end. And, while it is your day, you may inevitably wind up dealing with the drama of others, or worse – fighting with your hubby-to-be over it.

But you can prevent this from happening! In order to prepare yourself, here is my list of the 10 crazy wedding guests you may encounter, and tips on how to help these characters find (or help you put them in) their place on your big day.

The Top 10 Crazy Characters You’ll Face During Wedding Planning (and How to Deal With Them.)

1. The Control Freak. Everyone has one. You know, the one that just needs to be a part of something in order to “help-out” (read: completely take over a detail of your wedding.) Instead of getting heated or wasting energy fending her off, lean into the crazy and keep her busy instead. This will get her off your back for a bit. Give her a job to do, such as helping with your favors. She can be in charge of separating the silver m&m’s from the white ones. For all two hundred goody bags. Moohoohaha.

2. The Drunk. Another common character that will pop up during your wedding: the drunken scene-maker. Do yourself a favor and take precaution. You know there is someone in your social circle who knows just how to wrangle this beast. Put them on watch so they can take action (read: stuff them in the coatroom) quickly, before a scene breaks out.

3. Creepy Uncle Eddie. Your future hubby’s pervy uncle seems to be on a mission to make every family gathering uncomfortable with his smoldering stares from across the table and suggestive comments. But luckily, as the bride, you can sidestep this guy tonight since you are the one in the white gown. As for the bridesmaids, sorry ladies – you’re on your own with this one. Every (wo)man for herself!

4. The Overbearing Mother-in-Law. Dun Dun Dunnnnnn… Why does it seem like this lady knows just how to chap your ass? Similar to the control freak, deal with her by buttering her up a bit and giving her something to feel special about, even if you have to grit your teeth while doing so. Allow her to choose the centerpieces, help with the menu…just SOMETHING she can be proud of. She’ll be less likely to act out on the day you steal her son from her, you wretched being, you.

My good friend Mary Beth and her bridesmaids in her beautiful (and sassy) October 2013 wedding!

5. The Hot Mess Bridesmaid. Remember how funny it was in college that night when she got wasted and left her shoes at the frat house, making her late for graduation the next day? Know what’s not funny? When she does it the day of your wedding. Just remember: she’s your bestie, you love her, and your stress levels are running high right now. Take a deep breath. Give her an additional reminder beforehand to prevent any mishaps (and keep her away from the groomsmen at the rehearsal dinner.)

6. The Idea-Stealer. You found the best deejay in town! You excitedly gush to your friend, who is also engaged, about how you plan to meet with him Thursday night. But when you call him, he’s all booked up – because he’s suddenly meeting with her. You innocently mention you are having a bouquet full of Charlie Brown orchids, and whaddya know? Now she is too. Do yourself a favor: don’t share anything with her. Unless it’s the top-secret information about how you are wearing a lime green wedding gown and dancing into your reception room with your spouse to the Macarena, because that has, like, totally come back in style!

7. The Unsolicited Advice Giver. You know the one. She’ll ask how your planning is going and, before you can get a word out, she’s firing out advice for you on everything from entrée options to Kama Sutra positions for your wedding night. To exit the conversation, show her to her table. In the coatroom. Then shut the door, and back away.

8. The Wet Blanket. You know her. The one who complains the dress is too tight, the food is too cold, and the band is too loud. Take her for a walk and stuff her in the coatroom with #2 and #7. Those three will keep each other busy the whole night, don’t you worry.

9. The “Forever Frat Boy.” He’ll get up there in front of your relatives, friends, co-workers, and total strangers and lovingly share how they met you on “tequila one-two-three night” after you danced on the bar and licked a body shot off of him, believe it or not, which led you to your hubby (isn’t fate awesome?). You’ll stand there in shock as you watch your wedding gown change from white to black, right before your eyes. Prevention plan: have your hubbs talk with him beforehand to remind him that your wedding is a family event, and to be sure there are no discrepancies in his speech.

10. The Villainous Vendor. Your vendors are all smiles when you write them checks and sign the contracts, but the reality is that sometimes they flake out on the day of your wedding and venture off course from what you agreed upon. Prevent any mishaps by researching vendors thoroughly before booking, working off of trusted recommendations, and reading all contracts before signing. If something is very important to you – for instance, an emphasis on candid photos, or specific songs you want on the playlist – make this clear to the vendor ahead of time. And don’t be afraid to follow-up, even if you feel like it may be annoying. Remember: you are paying them.

Lastly, always remember that this is the most exciting time of your life, and you will (hopefully) never have the chance to do it again, so instead of putting pressure on yourself or dealing with unnecessary drama, relax and enjoy every bit of it! Because it is going to be absolutely amazing, I promise.

What kind of people are you worried about crashing your wedding? What kind of people DID crash your wedding?

Till next time,
Catherine

If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!

If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

{Wedding Wednesday} How to Survive a Wedding Expo

Welcome to another Wedding Wednesday! It's quickly become my favorite day of the week! I absolutely LOVE going back through my wedding planning materials and reliving it all!

Today I want to go over my advice for surviving a wedding expo. Bridal show, wedding showcase, bridal expo, wedding expo, whatever it's called, it can be extremely overwhelming. Depending on the size of the show, you could be faced with anywhere from 20 to 200 vendors! And all of them want your business.

So without further ado, here's my advice for how to make the most of your bridal show experience!

Go to several and go early!

I went to 3 different bridal shows way before my wedding date. You want to go pretty much as early as you can. Even if you're on the verge of engaged and there's a show coming up, go to it! I went to the 2nd Forever Yours Dream Wedding Showcase on February 21, 2010, the Richmond Bridal Showcase on January 9, 2011 and the Richmond Wedding Expo on June 26, 2011. We didn't get married until March 24, 2012! Each time it was just my mom and I that went. Bringing more than 1-2 other people can just get crazy. Bringing your fiance is not required and he will probably thank you for not dragging him along. If he wants to be involved, by all means, he can come! But honestly, it's more of a bride/girl thing and chances are he won't have much fun.

Also, "go early" means to get to the show early. If it's on from 12pn-4pm, don't wait until 2pm! You want to get there early so you have enough time to go through the booths at least once, preferably twice. It's a lot to take in, a lot to see, do and there are tons of vendors to talk to. Plus, many expos will have exhibitions going on throughout the day. It could be a runway show of bridal party attire, wedding dresses, photographer slideshows or even a DJ or band performing. Check the schedule on the expo's website ahead of time to get an idea of who and what you want to be sure to see!

If you like a vendor then take their info!

Don't assume you'll remember the company name or website. Even if they're out of business cards, write. it. down. Even if it's a service you're not sure you'll use (like a limo company or a wedding planner), err on the side of caution and take the info. Later on you can filter through and decide what you'll need and what you won't.

Take your time

Like I said before, give yourself plenty of time to visit every booth. You don't want to miss anything. Go early and plan to stay for a few hours. It can be exhausting but you want to be thorough. Plus, if the door prizes are must-be-present-to-win, you don't want to miss out!

Be prepared

Bring your planner, a pen or pencil, a tote bag and a water bottle. Sometimes vendors or the show will have these things for attendants but don't count on it. Be ready to write your name, fiance's name, phone number and e-mail address about a hundred times. Oh and don't eat a big meal before going, but do eat something. Very often, caterers and bakers will have samples available to try so you don't want to be too full to try them! And don't stress about your "wedding diet," just eat the tiny square of cake and be happy.

Enter any and all giveaways

Unless the prize is something you know you'd never use or couldn't give to a friend, enter them all! The show will most likely be hosting some giveaways/door prizes as well as many of the vendors. Vendors will also do their own giveaways. Some will have raffles, some will have spinner wheels and some will just be offering discounts for anyone who books with them at the show. Think carefully before signing up for those, though. You don't want to get stuck with a vendor you're not sure about.

Get Organized

When you get home from the show, kick back and take a breather. Then, get yourself organized. If you haven't already, get a 3 ring binder and sort all of your goodies. Creating a wedding organizer will be a whole separate post but it's something you should definitely do! Sort your brochures, pamphlets, business cards and price lists by category and make an initial "toss" pile. Again, there will probably be some info you take from vendors you really don't think you'll use so feel free to toss them. If there's a photographer you liked but is waaay out of your budget, toss it. There's no need to bum yourself out over something you can't have.

Budget it

If you've already established a wedding budget, factor in the bridal shows. It counts.

Enjoy it!

Last but not least, as always, enjoy it! Breathe, smile, eat, laugh. Meet other brides, meet vendors, don't stress.

And there you have it, my advice for making the most of wedding expos! If you are in the Virginia/D.C./Maryland area, then keep an eye out for expos all the time. Richmond and D.C. have multiple shows each year and they are top notch! To find wedding expos near you, simply Google it. Don't exclude nearby large cities, that's probably where most will be held.

Have you been to a wedding expo yet? If you have, what was your favorite part about it?

Till next time,

Catherine

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

{Wedding Wednesday} My Tips for Less Stressful Wedding Planning

First of all, today on 9/11 I want to pause for a moment for us all to think about that day, where we were, what it meant to our country and of all those beautiful lives lost. It was a tragic day that none of us will ever forget.

For the second edition of Wedding Wednesday, I want to run through my personal tips on wedding planning with less stress. It can get very overwhelming very quickly so from the get go I want you to remember these things! It doesn't have to be stressful! These are all tips that I *tried* to remember and stick with throughout planning my own wedding.

Breathe!

First you need to remember to breathe. Wedding planning CAN be stressful but it doesn't HAVE to be. When things get a little rocky, just remember to breathe and think logically about the situation.

Be Organized

Whether you are an organized person or not, you must be organized during wedding planning. If you're not it will stress you out and can even cost you money. Being organized will keep everything in the same place and you won't be stressing out looking for receipts, invoices, business cards and more. I used a 2" 3-ring binder with tab dividers. It was a lifesaver! Be sure to use Pinterest to your advantage as well but stay realistic. Don't pin everything you see. Pin with purpose!

Don't Procrastinate

Start planning pretty much right away. You don't want to take too much time then end up not getting your venue or photographer because they were already booked. Don't waste any time at all especially if you want your wedding on a Saturday in a peak month (May-September and near holidays) because companies will book FAST during those times.

It's One Day

I know you've probably heard this a hundred times but seriously, once it's all over it was just one day of your lives together. Granted it is one of the biggest days of your life but it is still one day. It's not worth fighting over or freaking out over. If you are married at the end of the day, that is truly what matters.

Determine a Budget and Stick With It!

This one is extremely important! Now if you are fortunate enough to have no budget, go ahead and skip this part. But for most of us, a budget is important. Talk with your fiance, your family and his family and decide who is willing/able to pay for what. I know money talk is no fun but it's best to hash it out in the beginning. You don't want to guess at these numbers later. Check out this website for a good list of who traditionally pays for what.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I've told this to so many of my friends during their wedding planning. If you can't find napkins that match the flowers then don't freak out! If they're not the same exact color, guess what...no one but you will notice. I can almost guarantee you that no one will notice. Or if at your wedding if something is there that shouldn't be or isn't that should be, no one's going to know but you.

See that beautiful centerpiece picture? That's from my wedding. After discussing it multiple times, my florist didn't get it right. The vases were supposed to be filled with water, the lilies being completely submerged and there should be a floating candle on top. But, you know what? It's not that big of a deal. Yes I was frustrated but I let it go because it was my wedding reception and it wasn't worth being upset over. I was finally married to the love of my life! Some water and candles was not going to get me down! My mom and I were the only ones who knew the centerpieces weren't right. My guests had nothing but lovely things to say about them! If something similar (or even worse) happens at your wedding, your guests won't even notice, they will only see how happy and beautiful you and your spouse are!

Don't Be a Bridezilla

This one should be pretty self explanatory. If you're questioning how to not be a bridezilla, reference the three points above titled "Breathe," "It's One Day," and "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff." Your wedding is an extremely important day in your life but don't let it turn you into someone you're not. It's not worth it!

Have Fun! Enjoy It!

And finally, remember to enjoy it! Wedding planning can also be so much fun. You'll get more congratulations and smiles than you know what to do with. You'll get lots of freebies and hugs, it's fantastic! Also keep in mind companies often charge more for anything labeled "wedding," but that's another topic entirely!

But enjoy this time! Savor your final moments as a bachelor/ette. Spend time with friends and family and enjoy yourself. Don't forget to go on a date night now and then with your honey and make it a point to not talk about wedding stuff.

Do you get stressed easily or are you cool as a cucumber? What was/is the most stressful part of wedding planning for you?

Till next time,
Catherine

If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!

If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

{Wedding Wednesday} Getting started on wedding planning

Hey everyone!

Welcome to my very first post on my very first series, Wedding Wednesdays!

Today I'm going to get the ball rolling by discussing my tips for beginning to plan your wedding.

(Photo credit goes to my lovely friend Nichole!)

So he finally did it...he got down on one knee and popped the question! You knew it was coming but nothing can stop those tears. You can't stop smiling or looking at that rock. You start to tell all of your family and friends and are greeted with squeals, congratulations, and then the questions begin...

"When's the big day?"

"Where will the wedding be?"

"Can I be one of your bridesmaids?"

"What will your colors be?"

"Ball gown or mermaid?"

"Are you going to have a band or a DJ?"

"Is Great Uncle Oscar going to officiate the wedding?"

Uh oh.

"Well, we haven't thought that far ahead yet. He literally just asked!"

But noo, that's not good enough for Aunt Sally! You'd better make a plan...and quick!

So, where do you begin???

Register with TheKnot.com

Seriously. Do it right now. Even if you're not engaged yet. TheKnot has a mind blowing number of resources, blogs, articles, tips, tricks, lists and so much more. And no they're not paying me to say this! They're just seriously so awesome for the newly engaged! And once you get married you can keep your account and move over to TheNest.com! By the way, I just signed in to my account and TheKnot is telling me that it is 526 days since my wedding! They're always there with more information than you can imagine! It's a fantastic resource. Use it!

Research

Do as much research as you can. Buy books and magazines, enlist the help of friends and family who've been there, and remember, Google is your friend. Personally I found a couple of great books that helped me SO much. They gave me a place to begin and a to-do list to focus on. Check bargain bins and Craigslist for used wedding books for cheap! That's how I got mine!

A few of my favorites were:

1001 Ways To Save Money . . . and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding - Perfect for anyone on a budget! There are so many great ideas to try throughout your wedding planning experience!

How to Plan an Elegant Wedding in 6 Months or Less: Achieving Your Dream Wedding When Time Is of the Essence - Don't let the title turn you away. Whether you've got 6 months or 2 years to plan, this book is great!

The Everything Green Wedding Book: Plan an elegant, affordable, earth-friendly wedding (Everything (Weddings)) - This one is fantastic for anyone who wants to be eco-friendly throughout their wedding. It's got tons of great tips for how to "green" your wedding from the dress to the favors!

Go Ahead...Pin Away

Use Pinterest to your advantage! Just don't pin 300 dresses all at once. Pick ones you'd actually like to try on and write what you like/don't like in the caption. Pinterest can be great but also overwhelming! I can't imagine what it would have been like if I had Pinterest when I started planning my wedding! Use it wisely, don't just pin till all your single friends unfollow you. Be realistic and pin things that show what you'd actually like your wedding to be like.

Be Excited and Spread the News!

This is some of the most exciting news you'll ever get to share! Announce it to family and friends first, social media LAST. I think it's so much better to hear the excitement and congratulations in person rather than through a bunch of "likes." Plus, it's just that much more personal. Your friends and especially your family will appreciate hearing it from you. An engagement party is a fun way to formally announce it too!

Pick a Date

But remember, things can (and will) change on you. So maybe pick a couple of alternate dates in case your dream venue is booked or your in-laws are going to be on a tropical vacation. Brian and I originally wanted a fall wedding (we wanted November 12, 2011 so it would be 11/12/11) but circumstances changed and we got married on March 24, 2012 instead. It got pushed back a few months but it was still an amazing day. I was resistant to change it at first because I had my heart set on November 12, 2011. If I had been more open to different dates it wouldn't have been such a hard thing to deal with.

If you start here you'll be set to go. There is so much involved in planning a wedding! I hope over the next few weeks/months I can help you get through it smoothly!

And hey...congratulations!

How did you begin planning your own wedding? Books, magazines, blogs, Pinterest?

Be sure to check back next Wednesday for another Wedding Wednesday!

Till next time,
Catherine

If you're a fellow blogger and are interested in guest posting for this series, shoot me an e-mail at CatherinePageWood@gmail.com! Or, even if you're not a blogger and would like to share your wedding story or advice, send me an e-mail! I would LOVE to share your stories!

If you liked this post, be sure to check out the other editions of Wedding Wednesday!

I've linked up to Blog Hop Blitz Week #4 with Gladiator In Heels, Easy Life Meal and Party Planning Services, and Losing my Gut While Gaining My Insanity!

Saturday, August 31, 2013

New Upcoming Blog Series - Wedding Wednesday!

Alright ladies and gents...get excited and get ready because starting in September, I will be doing my very first series that I'm calling Wedding Wednesday!!!

When I began planning my wedding almost 4 years ago (we had a long engagement!) I had no idea what I was getting into. I loved weddings but I didn't know anything about them other than a) the bride is beautiful and b) a happy couple was getting married!

But then every time I went through another aspect of wedding planning I kept thinking to myself, "I should really write all this down. I can't be the only one who wishes I knew x and y." I even thought about blogging about it but I didn't know the first thing about blogs. At that point in time I thought blogging was something that hipsters did to whine about things. Little did I know how far that was from the truth and that a few year later I'd be just about obsessed with blogging!

So, as I approach the year and a half mark (and 8 years of being together) of my incredible wedding, I am finally going to write about it! As usual, I'll give you the good, the bad, and the ugly. My wedding day was so wonderful but there were definitely some things I would have liked to have changed and things that I wish had gone more according to plan. But truly, at the end of the day, I was married to my best friend and that was what mattered. I want to share everything I learned throughout the course of planning my own wedding (BEFORE Pinterest!) in order to help other brides. Wedding planning should be so enjoyable! Not so stressful that even the most mild-mannered bride turns into bridezilla!

Be sure to join me every Wednesday from now until...? for wedding tips, tricks, lists and how-to's! I hope you're looking forward to this as much as I am!

What are some wedding topics YOU would like to read about?

And if you're a blogger, e-mail me if you're interested in doing a guest post with your best wedding advice/tips/stories/pictures! I'd love to have you!

Till next time,
Catherine

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Wedding Blog Posts-Yay or Nay?

When I went through the amazing journey of being engaged and planning a wedding, there were so many times where I would think, "Man, I should write this down!" I used a lot of great books and resources for planning our dream wedding but there were plenty of instances where I just wanted real advice that made sense. Now that I'm into blogging and loving it, I wish more and more that I had started this blog ages ago when the real wedding planning began! Not to sound cocky, but I feel like I had/have so much advice to pass on to future brides! And especially for brides in the Richmond/Hanover area of Virginia.

I absolutely LOVED planning our wedding. Yes, at times it was a little stressful (fortunately I don't stress out that bad) but the majority of it was so fun! I had a blast DIYing some things and hunting for the best value and the best vendors I could. Oh and the bridal shows were tons of fun! Even now I get super excited when friends ask me any sort of wedding planning advice. I'm more than happy to help them out as much as I can! And now that I've dove into the ocean that is Pinterest, my wedding ideas are endless! Yeah...I didn't have the luxury of planning a Pinterest wedding! I didn't know anything about it until maybe a month before I got married!

Now I wonder, should I go back through my wedding planning binder and try to recreate it all? What do you think? Would you read wedding planning advice or send it on to friends who are getting married? Let me know, please!

Till next time,
Catherine

Pages