What one piece of advice would you give about organising a wedding?

[RestlessTraveller]

Ok so I have made it to the grand old age of 40-something without getting married. So imagine my shock when this weekend I suddenly became engaged. Now I've not been to many weddings as I was living abroad when all my friends were getting married. So what would your one piece of wedding planning advice be?

Spot on bloomburger

Don't insist the guests have to dress for a theme, like only black or white.
A lot of women will want to wear something they have in their wardrobe already and not buy something new.

Talk to your DP and find out what's important to each of you. Eg DH cared very much about the menu and money behind the bar, not so much about invitation designs or cake stands

Plan the timings CAREFULLY so your guests are not hanging around BORED or hungry. A later wedding is much better.

God no money poem. We asked guests to give us a bottle of their favourite wine ONLY - ended up with a lovely cupboard full...!

Don't be remembered as 'that wedding where we were hungry '

either hand out food or ensure the venue sells nibbles. We drove for 3 hours to a recent wedding, straight into the service, on to the venue. For a 3 hour photo shoot. In the middle of nowhere. No food, nothing but booze on the bar, no nearby shops. Everyone was hangry then pissed. Didn't get fed till 7 pm. I hadn't eaten since 7 am. Judging by the moaningand whining neither had anyone else. Mention Jill and Bobs wedding ( names changed) no one says 'beautiful dress'or stunning venue. They all say 'fucking hell I was hungry.'

Just be aware that no-one else will particularly give a shit about your wedding.

Don't spend too much money. It's only a day

Similar to Liney, never fall into trap of thinking your wedding is as big a deal to anyone else as it is to you

It's your day, don't let your mother ruin run it. Please yourself and do what makes you and your DP happy.

Relationships with people are more important than random details about the day