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I'd Do/Redo
Submit Your AdviceFrom the Community Category
Newlyweds and other wedding veterans share advice about how they'd plan their weddings if they knew then what they know now. Is there something you'd do/redo? Submit your own advice.
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I'd RedoI would have arranged a better transition immediately after my ceremony. We had both ceremony and reception in the same room in a restaurant. We didn't have any recessional after the brief ceremony - we basically stayed in place, figuring guests would come to us for a receiving line, as Champagne was passed out for the first toast. But we didn't make that clear enough to the guests so it was kind of awkward - everyone sort of stood around while the Champagne was passed out. I guess the real message is that if you're skipping any tradition elements like the recessional, make sure you clearly plan an alternative so you don't get that kind of down moment or confusion.
Posted By: Trixie, married November 22, 1997
2001-03-19 8:19 AM
I'd Do
I just attended a wedding where during the ceremony the bride's sister-in-law read a very sweet, funny poem the bride had written about how she and the groom met. It gave the ceremony a really personal touch, and it was a big surprise to everyone because no one knew the bride could write poetry like that. I think what made it work so well is that it wasn't sappy or sentimental (which can be painful to listen to if it's not really well done), but happy and affectionate.
Posted By: Stephanie
2001-03-15 7:48 AM
I'd Do
I planned a 6 P.M. ceremony followed immediately by a 7 P.M. reception. Two things were great about the timing: I had all day to relax, I slept in until 9 A.M., had a nice breakfast, showered and dressed, got my hair done, had lunch, etc ... By the time 6 P.M. rolled around, I was totally calm and very much "in the moment." The second thing: I liked not having "down time" between ceremony and reception. My guests and I walked from the chapel to the ceremony site, which were right nearby.
Posted By: Nisie, married November 4, 2000
2001-03-14 12:04 PM
I'd Redo
I haven't even had my wedding yet but I already know I made a big mistake by letting myself be convinced to buy a dress that was much frillier than what I wanted. My mother loved it so much that she convinced me to buy it, and now I hate it but can't afford to get another. So my advice is to make sure you choose what YOU want, not what someone else wants for you.
Posted By: Kym, married May 12, 2001
2001-03-13 3:01 PM
I'd Do
Having my wedding close to Christmas saved us a lot of money on flowers and decorations, because the hotel dining room where we had the reception was fully decorated with trees, pointsettias and lights.
I'd Redo
The downside to having my wedding close to Christmas is that it made it more difficult and expensive for our guests who had to travel.
Posted By: Eleanor, married December 16, 2000
2001-03-13 2:57 PM
I'd Redo
I would NOT have attempted to release real butterflies at the end of the ceremony. Half of them were dead - it was really disgusting. Stick to birdseed or flower petals!
Posted By: Toby, married September 9, 1999
2001-03-13 2:53 PM
I'd Do
We had our parents all stand up with us rather than having bridesmaids and groomsmen. I thought it was only fitting to have them be so actively involved in the ceremony - and it saved a LOT of headaches we'd have had trying to choose and coordinate our friends.
I'd Redo
I would have spent more time with my husband during the reception! It seemed like we were often apart, greeting different guests, and I wish we'd taken more time to really enjoy the experience together.
Posted By: Charlotte, married March 10, 2001
2001-03-13 2:28 PM
