1. DO take your time in finding the perfect bridal gown. Try on as many dresses as you need to until you find THE ONE that takes your breath away. Call on trusted family and friends for an honest opinion of what flatters you best.
2. DON’T be overly concerned with fashion trends. A style that flatters one body will not necessarily do the same for another. Even though a large Cinderella-style gown evokes a fairy-tale image, it is not the right style for every bride. If, for example, you’re 5′1 with a petite frame, a slim-fitting gown will elongate your body and make you appear taller. Don’t involve your whole network of family and friends in the search for the gown; otherwise, choosing a dress will become very difficult.
3. DO meet with the hairdresser and make-up artist in advance to decide on the style you would like for the wedding. Be open to the suggestions of the experts, but agree only to what feels right to you. It is, after all, your day, and you should be completely happy with your overall look. Once you decide on the hairstyle and make-up, have someone take a photograph of you to make sure that you get the same results on the wedding day.
4. DON’T change your look completely. Ideally, you should be the best version of “YOU” and not of somebody else. If you have a conservative style, and you’re used to applying light make-up, it’s not advisable for you to go for a major transformation with dark smoky eyes and thick false eyelashes. Opt for natural shades that enhance your features and give you a glow.
5. DO select a unified color theme for the bridesmaids’ dresses while allowing each bridesmaid a say in the style and shape of her dress.
6. DON’T dress all the bridesmaids in the same style. Some styles suit certain bodies more than others which means choosing the same one for different bodies is going to make your bridesmaids uncomfortable and unhappy. Another good reason to avoid the same style for all is that it’s no longer fashionable to do so.
7. DO sit down together and discuss a reasonable budget that will not put strain on a new marriage. Groom, this is your chance to be the doting Prince Charming who makes his princess’s dream come true. Most women start dreaming about their wedding day at an early age, so this is a significant event in your lady’s life. Instead of taking it away from her, share it with her. Create your fairy tale together. Financial flexibility may be in order. Bride, choose the details that will make your wedding beautiful for you and your groom without putting undue financial strain on your relationship. Comparing your day to that of others will serve no purpose except to stress you both out.
8. DON’T put all your savings into the wedding day. It is one day out of the rest of your life. Keep in mind that housing, cars, children, and education among other things will also require a financial investment. If you plan wisely, you can have a wedding AND a financially stable future.
9. DO remain calm. Trust that everything will come together as planned. Just have fun in creating a day that will reflect your individuality and uniqueness as a couple.
10. DON’T be inflexible. Make your wedding planning a joyful experience for yourselves, your families, and your friends. Perfection is not always possible, nor is it necessary. A wedding is a celebration of the start of a new relationship. This is what’s most important. Remember to thank your friends and family for their help and support.
11. DO fill the days before the wedding with exciting events for family, friends, and guests. Such events will bring you closer to the people who matter to you, and they will give you the opportunity to extend the celebration of this momentous time in your life.
12. DON’T have a late-night party the night before the wedding. This is what bachelor and bachelorette parties are for. If you do have a party the night before, avoid consuming too much alcohol. On the day of the wedding you should wake up feeling rested. Having a clear mind and relaxed body will go a long way to ensuring that you enjoy your day to the fullest.
13. DO make use of the expertise of a wedding planner or of family and friends. Share your ideas with whomever you’re consulting with, but be open to feedback about what works well and what doesn’t.
14. DON’T copy someone else’s wedding. Let your wedding be an expression of “YOU.” This can be achieved through the wedding theme, the wedding favors, and/or the wedding song.
15. DO invite people who care about you and wish to celebrate this wonderful day with you. Even though you may not want a large wedding, remember to make exceptions such as inviting your boss or your parents’ old-time friends. Since you spend a considerable amount of time at work, extending an invitation to your boss may be a good idea. You should also take into account that your parents are very happy for you and want to share this day with some of their closest friends.
16. DON’T overcrowd your wedding with people who don’t share a close connection with you. This is one of several areas of the planning process which can stretch your budget. Inviting acquaintances is an unnecessary financial investment. Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, and as such, should be shared with people who truly value spending this day with you.
17. DO set the sequence of events such as the speeches, the dinner, and the cutting of the cake, yet allow the rest of the evening to unfold naturally.
18. DON’T schedule the events on the wedding day very closely to each other. If you do, the wedding will feel rigid and unnatural. Leave room for some spontaneity.
19. DO dance, laugh, and be carefree during the wedding. You’ve worked hard to plan this day, and now it is time for you to get the most out of this special occasion.
20. DON’T overindulge in alcohol on your wedding day. There may be humor in a tipsy bride and groom; however, this is probably not the way most brides and grooms want to be remembered. You want everyone to recall a magnificently beautiful, elegant bride, and her dashing groom. An added bonus of drinking with moderation is the increased likelihood of you being able to remember every detail of your special day.
