Congratulations! You are getting married! This is certainly an exciting time for everyone, especially for you and your fiancé. I have some good news for you too, I have some blogs and articles that I will help you get ready for the big day and make sure you are having fun with all the planning. To start, here is Eight Wedding Ideas for the Realistic Bride!

1. Removable Skirt (AKA Detachable Bottom)

So you can start dancing right away after the ceremony. It also makes it much easier to go to the bathroom.

2. Flats Instead of Heels

Or bring a pair of flats in case you change your mind later.

3. Or better yet, Converse!

Although, wearing running shoes might make your fiancé a little nervous.

4. Keep vails short to prevent them from getting ripped.

Cathedral vails are gorgeous when walking down the aisle, but maybe switch to a smaller one for the wedding cake and party.

5. Go small with the jewelry.

Especially if you are a bride on a budget. The veil itself can easily cost $200 and I bet you have a couple nice pairs of earrings already. Don't forget, you can always borrow someone's jewelry... and it's okay because it's your 'something borrowed'.

6. Hire at least 2 photographers.

It is not unheard of for your photographer to show up extremely late... and it's possible that your photographer might not get the shots you are looking for. Some places come with an assistant photographer, but that's not what I mean. I'm saying actually hire two photographers. They don't have to be expensive, or maybe only one of them is expensive. However, I strongly recommend having two. One for posed shots and one for candid shots. You can even station one photographer at a photo booth. Guests love that!

7. Craft! Craft! Craft!

If you can make it yourself, start crafting! You can even save enough money to... well... pay for those hidden fees and unexpected guests.

Things you can craft are: decorations, photo backdrops, bridesmaid gifts, wedding favours and even your own bridal veil.

8. Ask and You Might Receive

Most vendors will throw in extra perks to secure the reservation. Don't try this too close to the big day though... you don't want to push your luck that much. Photographers might throw in a free engagement photo shoot, and bars might make you your own special drink.

9. Provide Accurate Driving Directions

Painfully accurate! Consider giving included hotel rooms for the wedding party, make up artist, and photographers. Include the postal codes! Make sure guests know where they're going by e-mailing the address, complete with directions.

10. Learn About Marriage Licenses

Surprise! There is a fee for getting a marriage license too. However, there are other things to look into as well. Usually, you can only get your license during business hours, and quite often only one person needs to be there to sign for both of you. So, check out your city's rules to help plan ahead. Maybe even give a copy of your marriage license to your maid of honour... just in case.

Have Fun With This

Getting married is a big milestone in life, you are showing your dedication and your love to someone. More excitingly, the both of you are about to enter honeymoon mode... literally. The wedding is a time for friends and family to come together, witness the union, celebrate, and then join together as one big family. The wedding itself can be a bit stressful, which is part of the reason why so many blogs exist. During all the panic and realization of high costs… it’s okay to relax and have some fun picking your dress and choosing the colours. I hope that some of my blogs help you get past the frustration and have some fun with this wedding planning process. Or at the very least, I hope these blogs give you a chuckle or two.

Hello. Nice to meet you! How are you? Hmm... this feels like a really one sided conversation... why don't you follow me on social media so I can get to know you too!