What advice would you give to a couple planning their wedding now?

This is such a broad question, but I'd say to not get caught up in trends or other stuff that isn't necessary. For example, there is literally no need to do over the top wedding party proposals.

The only things that matter: food, booze, entertainment, comfort

Keep things in perspective!! At the end of the day it will not matter if your linens matched your decor, if the chairs were ugly, etc. You are marrying the person of your dreams with your VIPs in attendance. Have great food, alcohol and music to celebrate with those you love.

I would tell them to take all the time that they needed to plan and pay for their wedding. There is NO Rush. I would also tell them to ditch the bridal party, it's much more simpler when you keep it to the basics. I would also tell them to remember that this day is about them and to avoid as much debt as possible. Then wish them Good luck with their wedding planning process.

Decide your budget, Figure out how many guests you can afford to PROPERLY host (no self-catering or cash bar) Book your venue so you have a date, Send out invites ASAP (maybe call, too), figure out catering, hire all of your vendors ASAP.

Don't have a whole bridal party. Pick a MOH and best man and call it a day.

Keep your plans private! The more people that know, the more "well I would" you get. Once you make a decision stick with it. And no is a one word sentence. This will keep your sanity. And most importantly it isn't about the wedding, it's about the marriage.

"No" is perfectly acceptable to say as a full sentence in both wedding planning and everyday life.

I would say don't ever feel pressured to have a wedding that Pinterest and TLC like to show unless if that is truly your vision. There is nothing wrong with doing a wedding that doesn't meet the check marks of the popular norm. You do you!

ETA: Wanted to say, you do you but proper wedding etiquette is a must.

Prepare for rain!!!! half of your bridesmaids aren't your real "friends", so pick the ones that actually matter! stay off of etsy and splurge on your dress and your photographers/videographers!

Keep things in perspective. It is a few hours of one day of an entire lifetime. You are, essentially, planning a very large party. Remember that. If you have food, alcohol, a good DJ, and a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests, then you've taken care of the important stuff. Everything else is just details that most people wont care about, and that you yourself most likely will look back on and say "I can't believe I worried about x, y, & z."

1. Don't accept anyone's money. It's not worth having to cater to them or make the party about them.

2. Elope or keep it small. Remember that it's about your relationship and love. Don't let other people make it all about them.

Out of all things you feel you're supposed to do, the most important thing is to host your guests well. What does that mean? An appropriate, catered meal and provide at the very least a limited open bar (wine and beer). Your guest should not have to pull out their wallet at your wedding. Decor: do you. Entertainment: do you. Just host your people well. They'll thank you for it. Oh yeah and no friendors. Contracted, professional vendors only.

Let things go that don't matter. What your bridal party wears largely doesn't matter. What food your guests eat does.

Don't have a bridal party, have something small like in a restaurant with immediate fam.

1. Your ceremony is for you. Your reception is for your guests.

2. Keep your guest list small, and treat those people like royalty.

3. Have the wedding that you can afford (as an extension of above point)

4. Don't overspend on details like your dress, attire or decor. Do invest in a good photographer, DJ, food and alcohol.

5. Get a good officiant

6. If it's in your budget, get a videographer - even if it's just for your ceremony. So much of it will go over your head on the day.

7. Don't spend on unnecessary props like signs, getting-ready robes, etc. Don't spend on anything personalised. Don't have programs printed (unless you need them for religious / bilingual service)

8. Don't ask your wedding party too early. Don't ask your wedding party to help plan your wedding. Don't talk endlessly about your wedding to your wedding party. Don't treat your wedding party as free labour / props

9. No friendors or using family as labour. Get vendors.

10. Don't get caught up in your head about wedding planning (oh the sleepless nights I had worrying about who was going to make speeches). WW is a great way to get clarity on what's important and what is not.

That is all I can think of right now ... more might come to me. Good luck with your planning!

Stick to your guns. If there's anything you do or don't want, make sure it's know. If you don't, you'll be extra stressed out at 2 days before your wedding!

1. Set a budget and stick to it

2. Keep the wedding party small

3. Don't spend money on unnecessary things

4. It's only one day don't go into debt

5. Don't try to please everyone

6. Keep your guest list small ( you don't have to invite everyone)

7. Don't get caught up in social media planning your wedding.

I'm still far out but I keep getting "a wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime. Focus on building what's important" so that's what I've been trying to do

Decide on your wedding budget first then make your guest list accordingly. No bridal party, more stress and added expenses. It's ok to decline the suggestions of others (we have a lot of people who want to give their input as to how things should be done or decorated). Don't stress the small stuff, things will go wrong. Host your guests properly!

These are the things I am telling myself as I move through this process!

Do not let wedding planning consume you. Do not let your wedding trump everything else in your friends'/families' lives (e.g. "My sister's baby shower is a 3 hour drive away and it's two weeks before my wedding, should I go?" UM YEAH, YA SHOULD). Do not stress about every single little detail- all that matters is that you're getting married. Do not let wedding stress get to you so much that it ruins family relationships, friendships, etc.