For the couples planning their wedding, here is some “Real Talk” from those who have walked down the aisle. Enjoy the 35+ pieces of advice from people who have leaned things the hard way!

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The little expenses add up quickly! Join a bride sell and swap group.  Someone else has had a similar theme and lots of decor to get rid of. –Mandy

Pay off your venue before your big day (we did installments each month), that way it’s one less person to pay on the day. -Rachel

I stressed out a lot about my jewellery.  Looking back, no one even noticed! –Nadine

Don’t wait for others to be ready to help with things. If you have a specific date to get things done, you can do it yourself, or ask family members to help. Your bridal party isn’t always available. -Michelle

You can’t rely on good weather, so have a plan B, just in case.  It’s worth the money to have peace of mind, instead of stressing about weather.  -Nicole

You don’t have as much time as you think you do!  That relates to every single thing.  Everything takes longer than you would imagine.  Dress alternations, Hair, getting dressed, picture time, etc.  –Crystal

Force yourself to make time (soon) after the wedding to do thank you cards.  Otherwise you’ll never get around to it.  -Leslie

Don’t discount having the groom involved, I actually wanted to be included in the planning.  -Mike

As the bride, try on dresses early so you have time to decide on the style and design! –Rachel

The most helpful gift for wedding party is literally covering costs like makeup or hair, even though it is easy to be tempted with cool personalized glasses or robes! -Mandy

Offer or suggest activities between the wedding and reception.  No one likes that strange limbo time in between, keep it to a minimum. -Melissa

Keep an organized binder for everything. –Stephanie

The day goes by really quickly and you’ll forget most of it. -Eric

Look for “Opportunity Bridal” – it’s the travelling wedding gown company who comes to many cities in the area once or twice a year.  It’s amazing trying on all the different styles of dresses without the pressure of a sales person. Plus you might even find your dream dress for 90% off!! –Mandy

When choosing a wedding party, give them time to think about their answer. Share your expectations with them, because everyone’s expectations of how they see your wedding are different. -Michelle

Plan ahead for everything, to give yourself enough time and avoid any undue stress on yourself. -Stephanie

Have fun, because it’s just one day.  –Joanne

Stay organized and get things done as soon as they can.  The week leading up to the wedding is always super busy.  -Emily

Hire a day of coordinator.  They’ll ensure your day goes perfectly with zero stress on you or your loved ones – worth every penny.  -Mandy

Fresh flowers for a boutonniere are a bad idea.  They get squished when you hug everyone and then fall apart.  –Mike

On the day, try not to sweat the small things and enjoy every moment. -Rachel

Let other people do things on your wedding day.  You don’t have to help, you can hire someone for that.  It will just distract you from your day.  -Eric

I made a point of speaking to everyone who attended our wedding.  In hindsight i wish i had just enjoyed the day more: danced and ate and let those who really wanted to talk come to me! I missed out on a lot of fun times with the wedding party. –Mandy

When dress shopping, make sure you love it. When you have it on, you’ll know it’s “The One”. -Michelle

I was worried that not using a limo would be weird, but it was totally fine.  -Heather

Enjoy every bit of your day, don’t sweat the small things. –Sarah

Try to take the time to visit your friends and family throughout the day.  Between meals worked out great for us so you can visit a large group of people at one time. -Rachel

Pay for an excellent videographer. The first will and the later will ensure you always remember your day.  Pictures are not the same as video don’t cheap out and cut this!! –Mandy

You can’t make everyone happy. You will “step on some toes”.  -Dawn

Spend the money on a good photographer!!!  Those are your memories…don’t cheap out on that!  -Stephanie

If people are going to judge your wedding, they can skip out on the day and won’t be missed a bit! -Mandy

Your photographer matters. –Joanne

As a non-crafty person I’d suggest finding a venue that does it all! It was a life saver for me.  -Heather

A lot of the time I spent on decor really wouldn’t have mattered in hind sight. I spent probably half my time on that. –Emily

You will hurt someone’s feelings.  It is crappy, but they aren’t the ones paying the bill, are they?  -Melissa

For me, i worked so hard on the back drop when i really should have just used the beautiful space we were married in and added small accents.  It was a huge pain that was never really needed. -Mandy

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the bridal world but try and step outside and think of all the extras. Will really make you happy and make your day more enjoyable? Sometimes it was yes and sometimes it was no! It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and lose sight of budget and what’s important.  –Sarah

If you are crafty and can figure out how to use a cricut craft cutter machine.. buy one and you will save hundreds!!  -Mandy

Don’t worry about inviting ALL of your family.  Wouldn’t you rather have your friends there with you than a stinky Uncle who you rarely see?  Invite people who are actually involved in your lives.  –Melissa

Bring an umbrella.  –Mike

Make your wedding whatever you want and don’t feel like you need to follow the “rules”. They are stupid and no one will shame you for doing what you want – make it your own!  -Mandy