My (trial-and-error) Dos and Don’ts of Weddings.

DON’T:

• Wear white if you’re a white girl. White on white equals a LOT of white.
• Buy the first dress you think you’re in love with.
• Do something if it makes you uncomfortable.
• Invite more people than you want. If you want a small wedding, HAVE ONE. If you want a large wedding, HAVE ONE. On that note, only invite who the bride & groom want to attend. Don’t fall prey to the notion that you will offend people if they are not invited. Only family will get offended if they are not invited, and you should always, always invite all pertinent family.
• Have a huge bridal party.
  
• Try and do it in an area other than your hometown without a wedding planner.
• Choose expensive bridesmaid dresses.
• Leave your groom out. In my case, he is a bit TOO involved…shall we say. The boy wants to inspect any and all decor, flowers, dresses, favors, invites, etc.
• Hurry to set a date if you feel you’re not ready.
• Have two dresses (one wedding, one reception) unless they are equally fabulous and expensive. You only get to wear the dress once: you better get all the mileage out of it that you can.
  

DO:

• Keep in mind that wedding dresses run many sizes larger than normal dress sizes. Do not freak out about being “fat” or “chubby” when trying said dresses on.
• Choose a dress that compliments your body. I’m 5’11”: I’d look like a snow queen in a poofy, white gown. More chic, less White Witch.
  
• Prepare for vegetarian guests.
  
• Look for ideas online, instead of in wedding magazines.
• Choose classic colors. Remember your parent’s wedding album? Those were trendy colors at the time. Avoid trendy colors.
  
• Ask for advice from ONLY a few people. The more people you ask for advice, the less you’ll accomplish and the more frustrated you will be.
  
• Take two people when dress shopping. Even better, take one person. Best? Take yourself, choose the dresses you like and only take companions along on a return visit for final selections.
  
• Incorporate ideas into the wedding that you and the groom have always liked. I’ve always loved calla lilies: I think I’d regret if I didn’t use them somehow.