Tips

RG’s tips for new brides:

1. Don’t start your diet too soon. You’ll get sick of it real quick and give your tailor fits when she has to let out what she just took in.
2. Have it where you live. We give each other sour looks each time we cruise past beautiful churches and gardens in our neighborhood as we start the 5 hour drive down to our wedding site. Maybe I’ll change my mind on this after my selective memory erases those hours in the car.
3. This was from the woman who sold me my dress, so I can forgive her for fleecing me on the veil (3a. always check the price of the veil before you put it on/purchase). As I stared doe-eyed at my bridal self in the mirror, she said “You look beautiful. Now never look back.” I wish I’d listened to her advice re: reception centerpieces.
4. Take an Excel class. Learn to love the spreadsheet.
5. Delegate.
6. You will be tricked at least once by all the various media surrounding you about what you NEED for your wedding. Don’t feel too bad. It’s ok if you agree that favors are ridiculous but you still want that thing you saw in In Style. (It’s not OK if it’s a sterling silver engraved mini-serving platter that costs $200 apiece, unless you are a Trump). Your friends who made other choices won’t judge you, if you promise not to judge them.
7. Your intelligence will be insulted by myriad vendors and service-people who assume that because you are a bride you have lost all money sense. Haggle and compare. Think outside the box. You do NOT have to pay $10 a minute for a horse-drawn carriage (our price estimate). You CAN rent an awesome car to drive off in and have it for the whole weekend for the same price. **Also, if you can trick people by not mentioning that you are a bride while making an order, that helps.**  **Also if you really want the horse drawn carriage and want to indulge, just do it.  See #s 3 & 7.**
8. Don’t listen to people who give you tips. Especially stressed-out pre-wedding brides who haven’t reaped the rewards of their hard work yet.

I am getting ready to head on out to another wedding this weekend, and I can’t wait.  This bride has had a somewhat rocky road from engagement to nuptials (sometimes, people just SUCK), so I know she’ll breathe a sigh of relief when she awakens on the day in her family home, surrounded by love and ready to make THAT walk.  I’m glad I get to watch it.  Peace out.