1. A wedding is a day; a marriage is a lifetime. Think accordingly.

Regardless of what may come your way during the wedding planning process, know that its ONE day. Marriage is ten times better than the best tasting cake, the most beautiful centerpiece, or the most exciting DJ. 

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2. Decide your budget, color palette, and guest number first. 

Many elements of your wedding day tend to depend on these three crucial details. 

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3. Leave 10% of your budget for last minute responsibilities. 

 Unexpected costs will arise. Make sure you are prepared for last minute monetary responsibilities. Rain tents, alterations, tips for vendors, an Uber ride for a broken down guest an hour away (Honey, it happened!)...set yourself up for budget success!

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4. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Sounds cliche, but it's true. Are people really going to be leaving your wedding thinking "Oh, the accent flowers in the vases on her beverage table were DIVINE!"? No. No, they're not. Small details and unique touches are fun, but if it is causing unnecessary stress, leave it be!

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5. Be upfront with your wedding party. 

Being a member of a wedding party these days is a lot of responsibility. Let your tribe know what is expected of them, both with their time and their money.

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6. Don't be afraid to spend money on a photographer/videographer. 

Pictures and videos are some of the only tangible memories you will have from your day. Don't be afraid to devote a good part of your budget for an experienced photographer with great references and an even better eye. 

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7. Its not all about "the 'gram"...

The average cost of a wedding has TRIPLED from the 1990's to the 2000's. I don't blame the economy- I blame social media!

I've said it more than once; people are spending money on unnecessary details just for the sake of making sure it makes it to someone's Instastory. If its causing your stress and maxing your budget, just don't. Spend your money on things to treat yourself and your in-person guests. At the end of the day, you owe those social media friends nothing. 

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8. Make sure you eat, breathe, and look around. 

Your wedding day is a BLUR. Make sure you take time to eat, take a deep breath, and look around at all the people surrounding you. Its more than likely the only time all these people will be in the same room again; take it all in!

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9. A small budget does not mean sacrifice. 

Setting aside a small amount of money for a wedding doesn't necessarily mean you have to sacrifice your wishes. Get creative, find people that know people, and make it work!

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10. Hire. A. Coordinator. 

Whether it be just for day-of coordination, make sure you set money in your budget aside for an experienced coordinator that can be a point of communication for all involved in your day, and that can take care of any issues that may arise. You just worry about enjoying your day; let someone else stress about all the rest!

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