If you could travel back in time, what would you do differently? What decisions would you change? This purely philosophical question has been asked countless times. While it isn’t possible to return to your earlier self, it could be helpful to think through what you would do differently so that you can pass along that wisdom to others. On this episode of the Bridechilla podcast, we are hopping into a proverbial wedding planning time machine to talk about what we would do differently. If you are in the early stages of planning your wedding, be sure to listen so that you can learn from those who’ve gone before you, avoiding mistakes and making great choices.
Listen to episode 384 of Bridechilla
One word of wedding planning advice
During this episode, Aleisha shares a lot of feedback that she received from the Bridechilla community when she asked “what advice would you give your newly engaged self knowing what you now know.” There were many responses both positive and negative. One popular response was summed up in just one word: elope. While you may not want to take such a drastic step, there are a lot of great destination and other eloping options that you might consider if you don’t want to plan a more traditional wedding. However, if you are still planning your wedding, then be sure to heed the advice on this show.
Decide why you are getting married and then decide how you want to celebrate those reasons
Sit back and enjoy the ride
Almost as soon as the engagement ring is slipped on the bride-to-be’s finger, everybody wants to know the wedding plans. What’s the date? Where’s the venue going to be? Will I be in the wedding? There are so many questions and so much pressure to answer them. One great piece of advice on this episode is to just slow down. You don’t have to know every single detail within the first month. Trying to do everything so fast just increases the stress and decreases the enjoyment. Instead, relax and just enjoy being engaged and take some time before you jump headlong into the craziness of wedding planning.
Photo by Alora Griffiths
It is important to get on the same page with money and also do a little presaving.
Wedding planning money tips
Weddings can cost a lot of money. How do you budget for the wedding you want? And then how do you save enough money to cover all of that expense? If marriage is in your future, or if you are in the midst of wedding planning now, setting aside money for the wedding is crucial. Several Bridechillas mentioned they wish they would’ve saved more. One even encouraged opening a special savings account just for the wedding. Don’t strap yourself with a load of debt fresh into your marriage. Save up the money you need for the wedding you want.
Photo by chuttersnap
Don’t let drama drag you down i.e. the one bridesmaid who complains about everything and doesn’t give in to people who pressure you for an invite and doesn’t feel bad that you can’t invite everyone.
How to have a regret-free wedding
Being engaged seems to empower those around you to have strong opinions about your wedding. While most are well-intended, it can get overwhelming trying to listen and be polite. Or worse, you could feel obligated to implement their ideas in your wedding. Listen to the voice of Bridechillas who have gone before you, warning you to avoid the trap of allowing others to delude your vision. You deserve the wedding you want, not the wedding others want for you. Have the courage to stand up for yourself so that you won’t have any regrets on your wedding day.
I think we have to release some of the burden that we feel when it comes to keeping parents happy and the obligation that’s attached.
Photo by Miguel Ángel Hernández
Show Highlights
[0:34] Aleisha introduces the podcast, which poses the question: “if you could go back in time, what advice would you give your newly engaged self knowing what you now know.” The wedding planning time machine.
[4:56] Some of the Bridechilla responses were only one word – “elope”.
[6:39] Bridechilla Kelsie suggests enjoying being engaged before you jump into the drama and stress of wedding planning.
[10:11] Decide why you are getting married and then decide how you want to celebrate that in the most meaningful way to you.
[11:03] How to choose your bridesmaids wisely without giving into the feeling of obligation
[12:46] Bridechilla Renee advises to save money before choosing and booking the wedding venue
[13:44] Should you open a separate account designated for saving for the wedding
[19:29] Rather than have a large event, have a small wedding and then a cookout or barbeque with friends
[20:21] Bridechilla Kathleen regrets not hiring a day-of wedding planner
[21:57] You don’t have to make the big decisions in the first month. Relax and take your time.
[23:08] Erika would have strongly considered elopement to avoid the conflict in planning with her parents.
[26:26] Bridechilla Ashley wants to just ignore others opinions and just be herself.
[27:08] Let people help you more when they offer and stay more firm on the ideas you want for you wedding.
[30:32] Spend money sooner so you don’t have to spend everything close to the day of the wedding.
[33:09] Slow down and just enjoy yourself
Listen to episode 384 of Bridechilla
With thanks to our Bridechilla Partners
Show image by Almos Bechtold