Venue- www.westmountcc.com

Photographer- www.jefflauphoto.com

Videographer- www.filmjones.com

Florist- www.pedestalsflorist.com

Dance Lessons- www.nyweddingdance.com

Photo Booth- www.partybooths.com

ADVICE

1) Hired a DOC! 

Back story- I didn’t hire a DOC for many reasons.  One, my venue had their own coordinator and honestly, he was the absolute best.  He attended to me at all times, ensured I ate, coordinated with the photographer, videographer, dj, photo booth attendant, florists, everyone!  I barely worried about the major venue details thanks to them.  Second, I have a very big and supportive family.  When I handed out timelines and task lists to my aunties and cousins and friends they were actually supportive, flattered even to be part of the wedding even if it meant only pinning corsages or collecting centerpieces.  I know others think guests should be guests but my family wanted to be part of the production of this grand show, that is our wedding.  So I saved myself a few hundred bucks and organized the wedding on my own (with help, of course). 

However, looking back, I wish I hired a DOC, my biggest regret.  Someone to pull me aside and tell me to fix my hair or make up because again, I was so caught up meeting and greeting my guests, and my BMs too busy enjoying themselves, that I didn’t realize my hair curls fell.  (And it still breaks my heart because I paid so much for hair, photography and video and all I can see is that damn loose curl!)  Someone to tell me to wear deodorant (because I didn’t and I usually do, honestly!) and because again my BMs were also too busy taking care of themselves, their families and my other assigned tasks.  Someone to check and double check that the DJ had all of our songs ready at hand because unfortunately, the DJ didn’t.  Just someone to really look at all the smaller details on the day of because I just really wanted to enjoy myself with my husband, family and friends.  If I can do it over again, the only thing I would change is have a DOC at hand. 

2) Hire a videographer!  It doesn’t have to be expensive, maybe a friend with an awesome camcorder, just ANYONE!  You will miss a lot of moments since for some parts, you will be behind closed doors (before walking down the aisle, before the venue entrance).  I didn’t get to see my ring bearer “raise the roof” or my flower girl running after her mother.  And I do not have an amazing memory to remember my dad’s speech word for word which EVERYONE complimented on!  And I wanted to see me and DH do the dance that we had been practicing for 4 months.  Yes, photography is important but can’t capture those moments when you “just had to be there.”

3) Eat!  It is so true when they say you aren’t as hungry because of all the mixed emotions stirring within you.  The excitement, stress, joy, etc.  But you need the energy and you paid for the food.   Take advantage of that and eat well.  My attendants forced me to sit down during the cocktail hour and eat and I am so grateful that they did.

4) Overall, TAKE IT ALL!  Enjoy the moment of walking down the aisle and seeing the man you love.  Definitely give yourself alone and private time with each of your parents because it is their day too.  Realize that everyone present is there for you and your DH.   The day does really go by so fast so be in the moment of all it.  Which leads me to my next advice, LET IT GO!  I was on such a high from the wedding, I loved every minute of it.  I wanted to and tried to relive each moment.  When non pro pics started rolling in and I saw that damn loose curl, I actually cried because I thought I would look sloppy in the pics and video.  But I realized that it was all so trivial, the loose curl, the wrong Beatles song, the traffic on Route 3.  Just be grateful you have the man you love, the supportive family by your side and the friends to celebrate with.  

TIPS

1)       Have cash or a checkbook at hand.  We forgot to include third photographer’s assistant in the tips so we had to handle that straight away.

2)       Have paper copy of your timeline, order of processional, order of portraits, list of important numbers, list of important MUSIC, and a CD COPY of all important music.

3)       Get plenty of sleep the night before.

Hello Ladies!  It's been a long while since I've been back on this wonderful PW community but since the wedding day, I've been enjoying marriage bliss with my husband.  Now we are ready to make a few changes to our home and one of the first things on my list is to share my wedding items with PW brides.  Unfortunately, to keep delivery time short and costs low, these items are only available to metro NY and NJ brides (However, if you really really really want an item let me know.)

Love you ladies!

Jean (the dork)

B.P. Enlightenment Shoes in Satin Green Size 6.5M $40 (never worn)

(MizBiz wore the same style for her wedding.)

JCREW Flower Flip flops in Ivory $4 (never worn)

Champagne colored double faced ribbon sash from Your Dream Dress $30 (never worn)

11 Paper Presentation Pocketfold Invitation Style B5 (5 1/4 x 7 1/4) in Tropical Green $10

45 Paper Presentation Matte Paper sheets 32lb, 8.5x11 in Coco $4

9 Paper Presenatation Matte Card Stock 5 1/4 x 7 1/4 in Coco $2

13 Paper Presenatation Matte Card Stock 5 1/4 x 7 1/4 in Tropical Green $3

9 Paper Presentation Seal & Lock 2x2 tags in Quartz $1

9 Paper Presentation Seal & Lock 2x2 tags in Olive $1

23 Paper Presentation 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 Outer Envelopes in Crest Natural White $4

23 Paper Presentation 6x6 Square Envelopes in Matt Textured Bianco $5

16 Clear Laser Label sheets, 30 labels per sheet, $8

8 28-cent Postcard stamps, face value

I know it shows 9 but I actually had to use one for someone else's wedding RSVP. For shame!

40 9x6x6 White Gable Boxes $7/10 boxes

Brown and Green Ribbon, all yours for $5

Kissing Couple Cake Topper $20

(WMForever has the same one.)

15 Glass Bowls 4" in diameter $20

Used during cocktail hour, holding water with a floating rose bud.

Miller Rogaska Crystal 7" Heart Shaped Bowl $15

FREE 6 2"x3" white frames

FREE Blue Garter with white lace