In an effort to help our current and future brides we took to Facebook to poll a group of past brides about their wedding day. We asked them what were some of the things they did not do for their wedding day that they wish they had done. The result was the list below. TIPS FROM REAL BRIDES: Top 15 things you should do for your wedding. I hope this helps you when planning your special day. Maybe even print it out and put it in your wedding binder or accordion file or scrapbooking box… you know who you are. 🙂 We’ve been to a lot of weddings,  if you have any wedding planning questions or would like more detail on any of these items, we are also glad to share our personal advice.

1. Don’t drink they day before.
2. Hire a videographer.
3. Don’t hire the cheapest photographer.
4. Don’t worry about what everyone else thinks, do what you feel is right.
5. Get more photos with your guests.
6. Keep the guest list focused.
7. Hire a day-of coordinator.
8. Take more photos with just the bride and groom.
9. Take your time. Don’t look at the clock.
10. Hold hands during the ceremony.
11. Dance more with your husband.
12. Private last dance song.
13. Decorate the bathrooms.
14. A first look.
15. Go over music with the DJ.

Some of these items seem to be obvious, but you may not have thought of them before. I’ll elaborate on some of them. Video is great for your wedding. It is a nice complement to your photography and a fun thing to watch each anniversary. Don’t hire the cheapest photographer. Make sure to allow budget for photography. Common practice is 10-20 percent of your wedding day budget. Keep the guests list in check so you can stay in budget. The old tradition of a receiving line is not as popular as it once was, but can be a great way to see all of your guests on the wedding day. You can even incorporate this line with your photo booth or have a photographer there to capture a photo with each family, and that’s why getting an Oahu Wedding Photographer could be a great option for this. A professional day-of coordinator will leave you to enjoy your wedding day and not worry about the small details. One bride we asked recommended that the bathrooms be decorated. She suggested that you put some decor and some handy things for your guest, like a welcome kit at a hotel. What a special touch that your guests will remember. Have your photographer do a bride and groom portrait session. This can be after your first look. You can also take a break during the reception to do some sunset portraits with just the two of you. These images make great wall art for your home. You would’t think that the bride and groom could possible not hold hands during the ceremony. But I have seen that occur more than once. Quit often the pastor will ask you to face each other and hold hands. But if they forget this instruction, make sure to hand off the bouquet and hold hands with your groom. Deer Park flower shop offers custom designed bridal floral arrangements. The ceremony is full of steps and in an effort to do them all correctly sometimes the bride and groom will wait for the holding hands instruction and it never comes. So tell your groom to make sure to reach out and hold your hands before and after putting on the rings. I hope that this list– TIPS FROM REAL BRIDES: Top 15 things you should do for your wedding helps you in planning your special wedding day.

Atascocita Photography would love to photograph your special day! Visit our wedding photography page to learn more about our shooting process and photographic style. Then contact us to set up your consultation and book your wedding day.