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  1.  
    • UKBride Editor
      CommentAuthorUKBride Editor
      Is poweruserBadgeBadge
     
    Hi everyone,

    Planning your wedding is a fantastic experience, and asking friends or family for advice is a great source. Other brides are a great start too!

    I would like to know what top tips you have to help other brides-to-be who are planning their big day. I am going to include your tips in the next Bride and Groom magazine.

    Any help is appreciated ladies (and gents) xx

    Members signature icon
    Rob Davis
    UKbride Editor

  2.  
    • AmyH608
      CommentAuthorAmyH608
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    My tip would be to enjoy every moment of the planning, try not to let things stress you out and have whatever makes you happy on the day, you only get married once (hopefully)! xx
  3.  
    • lala "mod" bunni
      CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    My tip .... nothing is worth stressing over, so what if you dont have the same amount of petals on each table

  4.  
    • Whovianbride
      CommentAuthorWhovianbride
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    My tip would be to not get any design of dress in your head (as they look very different on, go into your first couple dress shops with a open mind and try on anything even if its to completely rule it out, it may surprise you.

    Members signature icon
    Met June 2009 on my Birthday,Met again July 2009 and got
    together, May 2010 Moved in,Jan 2011 got pregnant,
    August 2011 Got our own place, 2011 Had our Baby Girl,
    Dec 2011 Got engaged, July 2015 Getting married! Yay!
  5.  
    • *KelBel*
      CommentAuthor*KelBel*
      Is poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadge
     
    Be organised with a budget right from the beginning and try to stick with it, working out how much is needed to save each month x

    Members signature icon
    Velcro...my wedding day twinny! The Two Kel's!
    Got engaged 14/10/12 in Central Park NYC!
    Became Mrs Macdonald 13th September 2014
    Mummy to 4 girlies and baby blue boy Due 10/05/2016
  6.  
    • AlexN29
      CommentAuthorAlexN29
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    My tip, don't order a dress in a size smaller then you are if you plan to lose weight. I've seen loads of brides not lose the weight they were hoping and can't fit into their dresses. Order it in your size and it can be taken in if you lose weight.
  7.  
    • ElizabethF49
      CommentAuthorElizabethF49
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    My tip is don't let anyone tell you what you should/shouldn't have for your day, Its your day the Bride and Groom should do it the way they want not be told how it should be by others

    Members signature icon
    After 7 years and 11 months he proposed to me 18.10.13
    Our son is 5 years old and our world
    Getting married 15.08.15.
    Life hasnt been easy but we have each other :)
  8.  
    • UKBride Editor
      CommentAuthorUKBride Editor
      Is poweruserBadgeBadge
     
    Thanks for your tips so far! They are fantastic..

    Keep them coming

    Members signature icon
    Rob Davis
    UKbride Editor

  9.  
    • CatherineR
      CommentAuthorCatherineR
      Is poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadge
     
    Be organised, have a budget to stick to, have a to-do list and most of all, remember that you can't please everyone so try and make sure you have the wedding you want not the world and its wife!!

    Members signature icon
    Married my wife on 15.08.15
    Honeymooned on the Isles of Scilly :)

  10.  
    • InDreamland
      CommentAuthorInDreamland
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    Remember what it's all about, you marrying the love of your life. Remind yourself of this every time you find yourself getting stressed then ask yourself in the grand scheme of things and life how important something "stressful and irritating" actually is.

    Members signature icon
    Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
    Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!

  11.  
    • ChristinaB38
      CommentAuthorChristinaB38
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    before stressing about menu choices just remember you can't please everyone, choose what you and your hubby 2 be like (and remember when you invite people round for dinner you don't give them a menu beforehand to choose from!)




  12.  
    • Elinor Claire
      CommentAuthorElinor Claire
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    Delegate to family and friends, don't try to do everything yourself. They will be more than happy to help.

    Members signature icon
    30th August 2014 was the best birthday ever.
    It was the day that I became Mrs. Dixon.

  13.  
    • LauraJo87
      CommentAuthorLauraJo87
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    Look after your guests - standing around in high heels for three hours with no food and very expensive or limited drinks whilst you have photos taken does not make for a celebratory atmosphere.

    My Beating Heart Belongs To You
    30 August 2013

    The First Day Of My Happily Ever After
  14.  
    • Mel D
      CommentAuthorMel D
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    Don't stress over the little things like the decoration etc no-one but you will notice. Also, if you're having canapes make sure to tell the venue & photographer that you are going to have a few of them first before the photos as afterwards they'll be all gone and you won't get to have any - but will be starving hungry!

    Members signature icon
    Got married Sat 28/05/2011
    Renewing vows Sat 29/05/2021
    We're planning WELL in advance!!
  15.  
    • Teresa
      CommentAuthorTeresa
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    My top tip is to set yourself your budget and as your saving get an empty pot, say like a coffee jar or something similar, write your amount on it, say chair covers and the estimate/actual cost depending on what you have, and anytime you have a bit of change or a certain denomination say a £1 coin pop them in the jar, you will be surprised at how much you actually save and it feels great to tick that bit of the budget off :) happy planning xxx
  16.  
    • *The NewMrsMalin*
      CommentAuthor*The NewMrsMalin*
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    Try not to take to heart what people think or say; it's your day! Not theirs.

    Get the size of dress that you are; if you lose weight then you can get alterations to make the dress smaller; it's a lot easier and less expensive to make a dress smaller then bigger if you don't lose what you wanted.

    But mainly have budget in mind and stick to it as much as possible; try not to go over too much.

    Oh and never get anything you can't realistic buy; don't take out a loan as starting marriage life in debt is not good.

    Members signature icon
    Met in 2009
    Got together on12th May 2011, proposed on the 12th May 2013
    When you get knocked down; smile and pick yourself up again!
    Fight for what you believe in!
  17.  
    • AprilS61
      CommentAuthorAprilS61
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    Try to involve your OH as much as you can and make joint decisions as its a day for you both. Be proud of what you've both achieved together.

    Members signature icon
    Mr & Mrs Swan 04/04/15


  18.  
    • KayL41
      CommentAuthorKayL41
     
    Hey does any one have any tips for a bride to be that doesn't get on with the best man?
  19.  
    • *The NewMrsMalin*
      CommentAuthor*The NewMrsMalin*
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    Grin and bear it Kay; as it is obviously your h2b's choice but maybe talk to him about it.

    Members signature icon
    Met in 2009
    Got together on12th May 2011, proposed on the 12th May 2013
    When you get knocked down; smile and pick yourself up again!
    Fight for what you believe in!
  20.  
    • Mrs W..2B..X
      CommentAuthorMrs W..2B..X
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    Brilliant Tips Thanks to you's I have made a budget i no how much i need to save a month and i am really enjoying the planning.
  21.  
    • SJJ
      CommentAuthorSJJ
     
    The are fantastic and I agree with all of them!! My tip would be to not choose the bridal party until the date is set and you have started planning - not 2 years before the big day! Unfortunately friendships do change and I have seen so many people on here ditching bridesmaids and we had to sack the best man! Only asked him a year before. Xx
  22.  
    • AH86
      CommentAuthorAH86
      Ticker backgroundTicker foreground
     
    Learn to put your foot down and stick to your guns.

    We all got told when taking exams that our first answer was probably the right one, the same goes for me when wedding planning, trust my own gut feeling.

    Everyone has differing opinions, whether it be mums, in-laws, bridesmaids, siblings or friends, as long as you and your OH are happy, that's all that matters.

    Members signature icon
    Friday 10th April 2015
    Marrying my best friend
    Not long now :D
  23.  
    • AlanaMcC
      CommentAuthorAlanaMcC
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    Great tips thanks!! :)
  24.  
    • BridadmallC
      CommentAuthorBridadmallC
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    All Brides Desire To Look Lovely And Unique On Their Wedding Day.
  25.  
    • CommentAuthorMrsManiatt
      BadgeBadge
     
    Decide on your budget an then keep a chart or spreadsheet for everything you spend! Makes you think 'do we actually want/need this?' before buying, and helps you know what you have left :) with it we've stayed 50% under budget and have everything we want! :D
  26.  
    • MelG3
      CommentAuthorMelG3
     
    Invest time in finding the best venue, dress, photographer, videographer, etc. by utilizing online and offline sources and yo'll definitely have your dream wedding at low budget.
  27.  
    • CharlotteE98
      CommentAuthorCharlotteE98
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    A very good piece of advice I had from a friend recently, after I had a small meltdown about lack of support etc.:

    The reality is that to others it is an important event, but to you it is THE important event. The choices must be yours, music, dress, venue, all of it!

    We put together a spreadsheet of how much we thought our dream wedding would cost and worked our budget from there. I have lists of everything! I would also say it's never too early to do anything. Good photographers etc. get booked up really quickly (we booked ours June 2013 and we get married April 2015!). My OH would say it's important to enjoy the planning and lead up to the day as much as the day itself :o)
  28.  
    • DanielleMystic
      CommentAuthorDanielleMystic
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    such fantastic tips :) love reading them all x

    Members signature icon
    *What hasn't killed me has made me stronger!*
    *Saved by her knight this Queen won't let them win!*
    Am blessed to be loved by you and your father
  29.  
    • VickiD69
      CommentAuthorVickiD69
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    Don't get stressed out about anything, its not worth the fuss if you work yourself up about it, just let the chips fall where they may and give yourself plenty of time to correct anything if its not how you would like it :)
  30.  
    • CherylB856
      CommentAuthorCherylB856
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    Try to do as much as you can for the day, don't use too many contractors, as the more you do - the more personal it will be and the more you will appreciate it :)
  31.  
    • Cassspurr
      CommentAuthorCassspurr
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    Whilst planning I have found what I have in my head is generally not what I actually like. EG dresses wanted a colour corset and little bit of a puffy skirt.

    Actually got one completely opposite - after my ramble what im trying to say is be open to trying everything you might just be suprised
  32.  
    • RongZ
      CommentAuthorRongZ
     
    nice sharing
  33.  
    • CatherineM26
      CommentAuthorCatherineM26
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    hi all, im at the very beginning of arranging my marriage. no date set but trying to find out approx prices and ideas of what we both like so we can find a budget plan of how much to save each week. we do not want church or registry office, was thinking along lines of a nice hotel. we live in evesham but all our family and we originally are from gloucester. any body help with beautiful venues between the 2 areas please. i want as picturesque as possible, inside the hotel has to be as beautiful as any outside views too lol. really want it to be stunning as do all brides. money is no issue as we probs will not be actually having the big day for another 2 years, maybe 3. our main agreement is that we will have the fairytale wedding we want no matter how hard it is to save ... lol.
  34.  
    • Whovianbride
      CommentAuthorWhovianbride
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    you've posted this on the wrong kind of thread hun , but with bump the budget bride thread which gives an idea of the break down of costs (realistically)

    Members signature icon
    Met June 2009 on my Birthday,Met again July 2009 and got
    together, May 2010 Moved in,Jan 2011 got pregnant,
    August 2011 Got our own place, 2011 Had our Baby Girl,
    Dec 2011 Got engaged, July 2015 Getting married! Yay!
  35.  
    • Salyane72
      CommentAuthorSalyane72
      Is poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadge
     
    Top tip I've learnt from helping my sister ( she getting married in 19!! Days ) - don't let others interfere in the chooses you make! It's your day , it's your way!
    Also don't try keeping up with the jones - no way can H2b afford same style wedding as my sis but my h2b is more upset over it than me
  36.  
    • Velcro
      CommentAuthorVelcro
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    top tip i wish i could go back in time and tell myself is don't let people push you around and get their own ways!! tell anyone that is interfering to but the hell out!

    Members signature icon

    Wibbly wobbly, timey wimey
    *Kelbel* is my wedding twinny!
  37.  
    • Joey35
      CommentAuthorJoey35
      Ticker backgroundTicker foreground
      edited
     
    If you have any close relatives who can't bear to be in the same room as each other seriously consider eloping somewhere! The stress of family fallouts and people refusing to come if other people are invited has ruined my wedding and all the excitement I should be feeling. I wish I'd gone abroad but it's too late now.

    Also choose members of your wedding party close to the wedding. My OH asked his friend at the time to be best man 6 years ago when we got engaged and they haven't spoken for 4 years and he's now got another. The friend I asked to be my maid of honour has been as useless as a chocolate fireguard and has shown no interest in the wedding at all but It's too late to change things now.




  38.  
    • bride2b90
      CommentAuthorbride2b90
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    I think compromise?! Compromise is a massive thing not only does it help both sides have what they want on their big day but its about working together... My partner wants our table names to be named after football stadiums so I have opted for a horse and carriage for my transport :D xx

    Members signature icon
    I met my soul mate in school, after chasing him for 18months
    We got together 15th September 06,
    We celebrated our son Jacob 29th October 10,
    He proposed 15th June 14, We marry 09th July 16
  39.  
    • almost a year wife!!
      CommentAuthoralmost a year wife!!
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    #1 Don't go into debt! Be realistic with budgets and what you can and cannot afford... If it comes to it, postpone the day and do not ever use credit cards!
    I'm so glad we gave ourselves 2 years to prep...

    #2 Be organised, have a folder with all receipts and appointments in it

    #3 Make sure you really can rely on friends and family to help

    #4 Take 1/2 hour to yourselves because the day really does go like lightening

    #5 ENJOY YOUR DAY! your face will ache from all the smiling

    #6 Find a balance between dancing and mingling...

    Members signature icon
    Ill marry my hero


  40.  
    • MelanieR15
      CommentAuthorMelanieR15
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    Let your friends organise your hen do - and trust them - dont worry about it! I just had mine this weekend and it was so awesome! My friends clearly know me too well it was such a 'Mel' weekend!

    Members signature icon
    Met 01.06.2010
    Started going out 01.10.2010
    Got engaged on 30.12.2012
    To be Mrs Duffy as of 10.08.14
  41.  
    • CommentAuthorJessica29792
      BadgeBadge
     
    Start as early as possible with the planning! We are get married April 2017 and we already have our venue booked, which is exclusive hire and do their own catering etc. We have our theme, colours, bridesmaids, best woman, and usher picked out. Our guest list is provisionally set up ready for when we send invites closer to the time, I have just arranged a provisional table plan, I am also in the middle of making our own decorations which should cut down on the costs (getting all family members to save up glass jars and bottles!), and I also know what kind of dress that I want! It means that closer to the time when we are stressing out about it all, we have less things to worry about.
  42.  
    • HannahB23
      CommentAuthorHannahB23
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    My tip would be try to save as much money as possible by having friends/family help you with all parts of the day. We are saving loads of money with friends doing us favors for our wedding gifts! All our wedding stationary is being designed and printed by our best man for free, the photography is free from my fiances friend, the cake and flowers we are getting for cost price and we are hoping some friends will do the music. Don't be afraid to ask people to help as often they are very excited by getting involved in the big day! XX
  43.  
    • Whovianbride
      CommentAuthorWhovianbride
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    Do not ask bms till a year before the date.

    Members signature icon
    Met June 2009 on my Birthday,Met again July 2009 and got
    together, May 2010 Moved in,Jan 2011 got pregnant,
    August 2011 Got our own place, 2011 Had our Baby Girl,
    Dec 2011 Got engaged, July 2015 Getting married! Yay!
  44.  
    • JennieT94
      CommentAuthorJennieT94
     
    Planning a wedding is a major undertaking for a bride or groom. For wedding the planning begins from months or even years. Get some wedding tips that will make your wedding memorable.
    First and foremost thing is that, discuss about your wedding location, and hire a good wedding planner, who take care of all your arrangements and make your wedding memorable for you.
  45.  
    • JennieT94
      CommentAuthorJennieT94
      edited
     
    Take care of your hairstyles and makeup that brings spark on bridal face on the wedding day.
    Search some of the best hair styles that suits your hair volume and length. One of the wedding site, I had recently visited is w3dd1ngp1n5 dot net. This site gives various hairstyles for your wedding purpose.
    Hair is the most important part that makes your beauty more valuable.
  46.  
    • JasminH9
      CommentAuthorJasminH9
     
    Great advice here. I have made loads of notes x
  47.  
    • Teresa
      CommentAuthorTeresa
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    i would also say, give yourself plenty of time to plan, ive been planning for a year already ad ive changed my mind on a couple of things already, im glad i gave myself time so it can be just right for me and my h2b :)
  48.  
    • Kellsbells89
      CommentAuthorKellsbells89
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    hi ladies.

    I am thinking of having my color theme for the wedding as a royal blue as I have seen a few bridesmaid dress in that color that I really like. Has any one else picked this color at all? is it a good one to go for? I have looked at yellow and green dresses also as they are mine and the h2b's fave colors.

    I have asked him his thoughts on color but he said it was up to me, to which I responded that it is his wedding too. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks
  49.  
    • SamanthaF17
      CommentAuthorSamanthaF17
      Just marriedBadgeBadge
     
    Hi
    I have been thinking of having blue for my Bridesmaids dress too, I think Blue is a really nice colour to go for, but at the end of the day it is up to the bride what colour she wants.
    I'm thinking of having blue as my colour scheme for two reasons, one it looks really nice and two I want to do a doctor who theme and I want to have a Tardis on my wedding cake.
    Hope this helps Kellsbells89 x
  50.  
    • Flossie
      CommentAuthorFlossie
      Ticker backgroundIs poweruserJust marriedBadgeBadgeTicker foreground
     
    I stumbled across a lovely picture over the weekend which said 'remember to be a guest at your own wedding'. You pay all this money and a lot of brides don't take the time out to enjoy it themselves i.e. not making time to have any food from the evening buffet etc. x

    Members signature icon
    Happily married
    18th June 2016
    xx
 

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