Advice (inspired by the DW board's new tradition)

What I'd do again:

• Do a Destination Wedding.  It was AWESOME to have our closest family and friends with us for not just the actual ceremony and reception but leading up the ceremony and afterward.  I truly feel so blessed to have been surrounded by our friends and family in paradise.  I HIGHLY recommend a Destination Wedding.

• Fly in my photographer- BEST decision we made regarding the wedding. 

• Spend some alone time the morning of the wedding to get things in perspective and remember what the whole day was truly about. ;

• Go for a run or walk in the morning with friends- I did a run that morning with one of my dear friends, and another dear friend's husbands.  Chances are,  you are in a gorgeous setting.  This will give you a chance to enjoy that setting and a chance to let go of any nervousness etc. and get some good endorphins going!
  

• Take the time to do the details- coordinating stationery, DIY menus, table numbers, etc.  All the effort into the details was totally worth it and I think the guests noticed.

• Similarly, take the time to make your guests feel very welcomed.  At the last minute I decided to do a "facebook" or Get to Know Our Guests with pictures and a blurb about everyone.  It was a huge hit and actually helped to start conversations.  I also recommend thoughtful gifts (I did embroidered handkerchiefs for all the moms) and big out-of-town bags (see my planning bio for the list and recommended vendors).  I think that my guests did feel very welcome and taken care of- they should! They spent a lot (time, effort, money) to join our celebration!

• Be very organized!  I had a total dorky Schedule that I carried with me literally every day.  It included the time of all events, necessary details, any preparations needed to be done, and those attending.  I gave the detailed reception version to our Reception event coordinator and the detailed ceremony version to our wedding coordinator.  I (or my "girls") checked off guests as we boarded the shuttle to the rehearsal dinner and to the celebratory brunch so no one was left behind.  I felt like a camp counselor but it was worth being prepared and not having to try to remember- who is going to this? What am I supposed to do next?  Make extra copies and hand them out to those who should be in the know.
  

 

What I wouldn't do:

•  I don't know that there is anything!  Maybe not wear Laura Mercier false eyelashes and stick with MAC.  But that's it!

What I wish I had done:

• Smiled more!  My photographer only has pics of me smiling, but several of our friends got pics of me NOT smiling.  I was just taking a break from smiling but I looked sad! Or Mad!
  

• Give all wedding guests a CD on which to save their pictures.  Some of our "older" guests had trouble uploading to Kodak Gallery (I think they just didn't read my step by step directions!)
  

Budgeting

Ceremony:

 

Decor/various items:

Reception: