Brides USA

If you’re doing a destination wedding, fly out

several days early to prep. “I was amazed at

how many last-minute details needed finalizing.

I wish I’d arrived a full week ahead to get every-

thing ready.” —Emily Lof tiss, Ne wport Beach, Calif.

It’s okay to go off script. “I wish I’d walked

down the aisle to a more unique contemporary

song.” —Robin Immerman Gruen, Ne w York

Don’t forget to stop and admire your handi-

work. “I was so busy visiting with guests and

dancing that I didn’t get to really appreciate

the decor that made our reception so beautiful.”

—Page Harper, Nashville

Make sure to play music for everyone.

“Midway through our Beyoncé-fest, my father

said to me, ‘Your DJ really stiffed the old

people!’ ” —Victoria Phillips, Hermosa Beach, Calif.

You can over-register. “It’s very easy to go

crazy checking boxes, but if you end up return-

ing a lot of stuff, you’d better be cool with

store credit. Many won’t give you a refund.”

—Chloe Gallo, Paramus, N. J.

Well-made shoes will save your life. “A pricey

pair will be made from high-quality materials,

so they’re easier to dance in all night. And if

you spring for Choos, they’ll sometimes come

with free inserts to make them fit perfectly.”

—Berkley Rothmeier, Chicago

Your groomsmen will need micromanaging.

“Ours dutifully followed my directions to try

everything on when picking up their rentals.

But they forgot to get suits in the same color:

Half were gray, and half were black.”

—Lisa Strade, San Francisco

Sometimes not getting what you want is a

good thing. “I had my heart set on exchanging

vows in Manhattan, but it would’ve been

too much of a hassle for our guests. We chose

a venue closer to home, and it worked out

perfectly.” —Jenna Guarneri, Staten Island, N.Y.

Choosing seasonal flowers will save you

big money. “I initially wanted free rein when

it came to my arrangements, but my florist

suggested we use in-season blooms. I came

around once I realized I’d save more than

$800!” —Betsy Watson, Ashe ville, N.C.

YOU MAY NEED A SECOND BOUQUET! “I DIDN'T TAKE MY FLORIST’S

ADVICE TO SET ASIDE A SEPARATE ‘TOSS’ BOUQUET FOR THE RECEP-

TION. WHEN IT CAME TIME TO THROW MY FLOWERS, I ENDED UP

HAVING TO GRAB ONE OF MY BRIDESMAIDS’ BOUQUETS INSTEAD.”

—Kristien Olson Matelski, San Diego

Your photographer won’t necessarily recog-

nize your VIPs. “We had a huge wedding.

I wish I had asked my family to introduce them-

selves to the photographer so more of

their pictures had been taken.” —Betsy Jones,

Thomasville, Ga.

Hire a videographer. “When we were

putting together our budget, we decided a

videographer wasn’t important, but now

I’d do anything to experience the wedding

again.” —Lindse y LeRoy, Austin, Tex.

A travel agent is worth it. “My husband and I

planned our honeymoon on our own. After-

ward, we met another couple and learned that

their travel agent helped them save thousands

of dollars.” —Sara Gebhardt, San Mateo, Calif.

Beware the busy season. “I handed my gown

to the seamstress that the bridal salon recom-

mended without asking her what else she had

going on. She was swamped with prom dresses

and ended up being late in getting the altera-

tions finished.” —Bridget Cramer, River Falls, Wis.

Feed the bridal

party. “One of my

bridesmaids almost

passed out during

our ceremony

because she hadn’t

eaten since 7 a.m.”

—Stephanie Goldin

Dworken, Robbinsville, N.J.

Going with a

non–wedding pho-

tographer is risky.

“We hired someone

who wasn’t used to

shooting weddings.

He skipped some

shots I wanted, like

one of me and my

mom.“ —Ariel Laing,

Wilton, Conn.

Get everything in

writing! “We never

got a final contract

from our caterer,

and I was billed an

extra $300 for rented

tableware, a cost

they’d never men-

tioned.” —Michelle

Chernicof f, Oldsmar, Fla.

No dress will

ever be the One.

“There will always

be another lovely

choice. What

matters is that

you feel beautiful

in what you’re

wearing.” —Emma

Gif fen, Mesa, Ariz.

KNOW ALL YOUR VENUE’S RULES. “OUR LOCATION

FORBID GUESTS TO TAKE OFF THEIR SHOES, AND

A LOT OF THE LADIES WERE SUFFERING IN HIGH

KENNETH WILLARDT/TRUNK ARCHIVE HEELS ALL NIGHT.” —Kate Ottavio Kent, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

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