What would you have done differently?

Thank you for this! I was just having second thoughts about my invitations, but they're cute and they were super cheap so I think I'll just go with it.

I would love to hear more advice!

I can already say, I wish I had not done save the dates.

I would have had a longer reception... it went by SO FAST. I probably would have added just a half hour longer to our reception time.

I regret being so spend early on. first things i bought were bridesmaids robes. $350 later.. I could have gotten them gift cards to their favorite stores or something more sentimental or cheap so i could shave more money to spend on rentals, food, alcohol, etc

I would have slowed down and enjoyed it more. Spent more time forcing DH and I to write good vows together. Relaxed - A LOT.

Oh no Pezzy I didn't realize you didn't get your pictures back. That's awful.

I agree with whoever said Id make my reception longer. By the time dinner was over there just wasn't enough time.

- I would have researched florists a little more carefully.

That's the only thing. DH and I kept our wedding simple and had only the traditions that mattered and reflected us. That made a huge difference in the wedding. It's about two people becoming one, not about the biggest, best, and most expensive (or elaborate) wedding.

I would have stuck to the budget. I also would not have stressed out so much over things like the hotel block that I didn't even end up doing. And other random things that I don't even remember now, but I know I super stressed at first about them.

I invested so much time and money in small details, like cake cutter, that ended up not being used. The DJ is a great investment don't be afraid to invest in a good one! It definitely went by fast make sure you have time to party.

They say hindsight is 20-20 because it is. This thread should be a sticky. Slow down, ladies and gents. Good food, good drink, good entertainment, and my most recently added requirement -- climate control -- will guarantee you a fantastic event.

And here I am, stressing about invitations. Thanks for the tips, ladies!

I had been a little worried that our cocktail hour (and a half) and reception were 6 hours total but if ladies are wishing they had more time, then I feel a little better!

Not stressed so much the night before/morning of.

Found some time (where from who knows!) to do a photo list for the photographer.

A few more for me

-Put the registry information in the invitation packet. I know this is technically a no-no, but omitting it only confused my guests. I got more "Where are you registered? It's not in the invitation!" calls and texts than I did actual response cards.

-Gave more structure for my bridesmaids. I thought having a hands off approach would be easier, but it really just created a lot of rushing towards the end, because everyone waited until the last minute to pick out accessories/shoes...and they still ended up double-checking with me before purchasing anything. I should have just picked everything out to begin with and called it a day.

-Gotten to the reception earlier. Everything felt so rushed. I barely danced (even though I hurt my knee earlier. Story for another post)

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Love this post! Would love to hear more.

I definitely, definitely needed to find a better way to stay calm. I was far far far too jittery the day of.

I would not have spent as much on the stationery as I did (even though it was beautiful).

Hmmm.......I honestly can't think of anything else. I just wish I had been more "relaxed" the day of...that's pretty much it.

I would have given my photographer more direction. I haven't gotten my pictures back yet, but thinking back to the day I know there are some pictures that didn't get taken that I wanted... one of just me and the RB, one of me and each BM (she only took group shots of the three of us), one of just me on the grand staircase with my train floofed out.

My reception seemed kind of blah, but I can't put my finger on why yet.

Spent the extra $150 to have our photographer for an hour earlier. Other than that, nothing I made every purchase with "will I use this after?" in mind. One of the best things, for me, about a December wedding was that the few extras I bought will be used as holiday decorations for years. Also, for me, a mostly inclusive venue was the way to go!

Eloped.

Eloped. No joke.