After quick trip to my home town to watch my wonderful Line Sister become a Mrs., I remembered that I forgot to share tips that I learned from my own nuptials.  At my first run at blogging I started Adventures in Weddingland: Sane in the Insanity to help me work through the uncertainties that I had with planning a large wedding in an economic recession.  After a year and ½ engagement, multiple theme changes and only one wedding date change I made it to my special day and I can honestly admit that it was one of the happiest days of my life. Sure the road was long and at times frustrating and stressful but it was all worth it. So for my WYFEs who are either preparing for their day, who have begun to step into the process or just those who want some insight on planning for such an event, I want to leave you with my top  5 MidWYFE Weddingland Tips.

Tip #5) Don’t shy away from the pros

If you have over 50 attendees hire a wedding coordinator; if you have over 100 attendees hire a planner; if you have 150 or more try a combination of the two. I hit almost 200 attendees and without the help of my coordinator, who focused on the details of the ceremony, and my reception planner, who worked with the various vendors for my reception, I would have not made it through both planning and the actual event. It may have been a little work to make sure both were on the same page at times, however, as the event got closer things went smoother.  I didn’t have to lift a finger, other than for the hubby to place that magical ring on, the day of the wedding.

Tip #4) Budget then over-budget

When you finalize your budget, go back and calculate 1/4 or even up to 1/2 of the budget and save that in additional to the original budget.  As you go through the process, things will come up including taxes, delivery fees, up front deposits, extra materials and the list goes on. The easiest way to stress yourself out is to not be prepared for the unknowns. You may not be able to take care of them all but at least you have a stash to help you through most.

Tip #3) Be meticulous not manipulating

Being hands on does not mean that you are a Bridezilla! The difference between a detailed bride and a Bridezilla is simple: It’s all in the delivery. Just like anything else in life, you get what you give. Be a bitch and you will be bitched slapped, whether literally or theoretically. No one wants to be around you, work with you or care about your needs if you choose to treat others like they are your slaves.  Be courteous and respectful. When you are nice to your wedding party, vendors and guests, you will get that back. This is an event made to be stressful, don’t cause stress on yourself by stressing other out. Everyone will feed off of you.

Tip #2) Choose wisely

Be choosy when it comes to your PIVs (Photographers, Invitations and Venues) – This is a moment that you want to seal in time and a great photographer will make that possible. Your invitations set the tone for your wedding; if you’re wanting a formal black-tie event you might want to stray away from bubble letters on a postcard. You venue(s) will be the last thing that your attendees remember so make sure it’s worth remembering. Sure you can bring in vendors to change the look; however, if you avoid bringing in additional vendors and just rely on your venue’s décor and amenities, you can keep costs low and communication tight.

And my number one Bride-to-be tip

Tip #1)  Enjoy your day.

Take a moment to just breathe in everything. Share that moment with your partner. It is truly the next page in your book so make sure you reflect on the before, live in the present and look towards the future.