Real Wedding Advice: Tips for Budgeting, Planning, and Enjoying Your Big Day | Winter 2022 | Page 81

Real Weddings: Excellent Advice from Our Newlyweds

Excellent Wedding Advice from Our Couples

From budgeting tips to must-have moments, our newlyweds are ready to share their experiences and advice for making your special day memorable.

You Do You (Georgina)

Your wedding day should be unapologetically you, filled with the people and things that make you feel wonderful. Don’t feel pressured to do everything you see on social media—make choices that reflect your style. As much as family and friends will offer well-meaning advice, remember that the day is yours. If you’re having a great time, your guests will too.
See Georgina & Jackson’s champagne-fuelled Brisbane celebration on page 65.

Take a Moment, Make a Moment (Christina)

The day goes by so fast, so make sure to steal a moment with your partner. We took a moment during dinner to look around and soak in the love of our friends and family. Oh, and take a quick selfie!
See Christina & Gerard’s charming country wedding on page 49.

Don't Skimp on Good Food (Ash)

You can always add more to the bar tab if it runs out, but you can’t order more food! We served canapés, a two-course dinner, cake, cannolis, and cookies. A videographer was also a non-negotiable for us—seeing your wedding day unfold in motion is something you’ll always cherish.
See Ash & Michael’s joyful country celebration on page 57.

Have a Plan—and a Planner (Romy)

Having a wedding planner makes a big difference. It’s also helpful to make a list of everything you need to do and tick it off as you go.
See Romy & Troy’s glorious Tallebudgera wedding on page 69.

Enjoy the Ride (Sam)

Planning can be stressful, but it’s also a lot of fun. Don’t make it overwhelming—let it flow and enjoy every part of the process. Everything will work out just as it’s meant to in the end.
See Sam & Jye’s Mediterranean-inspired North Queensland nuptials on page 61.

Maintain Eye Contact (Samantha)

Stop, breathe, and take in the moment when you lock eyes before walking down the aisle. It’s the best feeling in the world. Remember, it’s about the marriage, not the wedding, and enjoy every moment despite any challenges.
See Sammi & Darren’s rollercoaster ride to “I do” on page 77.

5 Pearls of Wisdom from Ashlee

  1. Video Guestbook: We set up an iPad for guests to leave messages, advice, or a song—it was so much fun to watch afterward.
  2. Spend on What Matters: Invest in what’s most important to you. For us, it was the band, photographer, videographer, and wow-factor moments. We borrowed the bow ties and veil from friends, focusing our budget on things we cared about most.
  3. Communication: We used Say I Do for invites and guest updates, sending regular emails leading up to the wedding.
  4. After-Party Destination: Most weddings end around 11 PM, so plan an after-party for those who want to keep celebrating.
  5. Take the Week Off: Take the week before the wedding off to prepare, attend appointments, and manage any last-minute details.
    See Ash & Trav’s big-fun Brisbane wedding on page 53.