I told you so. You're going to regret this.

Confession time.  I can't begin to tell you all the times I have wanted to say,

"I told you so"

"You are really going to regret this"

"Big mistake"
"Please tell me you're joking"

"Are you kidding me right now?"

But, I won't.  Except for in this blog post.  Why? Sometimes (rarely) its because its just an opinion, but more often its because it we don't want to push the subject or emotions are too high, or I just know its never going to happen.  Most of the time- it's because we told you once (maybe twice), and telling you again would be inappropriate.  So as professionals, we know when to keep our mouths shut.  Please know that as professionals however, we'd never allow things to just go badly.

So this last week I collected some of these often thought comments from wedding professionals on Twitter.  I have to admit, I laughed hysterically at a couple of them, all so true!

Using a vendor I specifically told you not to use due to past experiences with the vendor -Lauren Grove

Oh my gosh if I could tell you how many times I have wanted to say I told you so, you're going to regret this, and big mistake on this one.  Please trust your vendors...they've planned a few weddings.  This is especially true if you're hearing the same thing all over town.

Get more coverage during your getting ready time -Rob Epple

This is so true.  Perfect example in this directors cut.  Imagine this without the getting ready shots.

Doing a first glance -Ashley Brockinton

Every single couple I have ever had do this tells me that they are so glad that they did.  Two reasons, they actually get to react without an audience; its actually more intimate.  And secondly, the stress of the audience at the ceremony is gone, you can actually take it all in and enjoy it.

Inviting more than the number of guests the venue allows and then hoping people rsvp no -Jen Wooster-McBride

 Huge huge huge mistake.  Just don't do it.  Decide before you go anywhere what your guest list count has to be and don't even consider any venues that can't hold that capacity.

Don't pick that dress -Andria Lewis

Here's the thing.  We want whats best for you.  If your bridal salon consultant and seamstress are telling you that there isn't going to be any way to get that size 10 dress altered to a 6...don't force it.  I know its the last one in the entire country...but that dress was not meant to be.  If you're getting married in July on a beach, having a beachside reception, in Mexico- don't buy a dress with full length lace sleeves and 23 layers of tulle.  Just because its your wedding day does not mean that you get the day off from sweating.

Not having a rain back up plan -Alan Viau

Not only rain.  Have plans for cold, wind, heat, snow, and the results of all these things (mud, ice, dirty dust, etc.).  Sometimes the reason this gets avoided is because the back up can be costly.  Budget for it in the beginning, and then when you don't use it, go all out on your honeymoon.  The best thing you can do is determine how you can use things you've already planned & purchased in your back up plan.

Use chair covers -Julianne Cragg

This kills me.  You spend all this money on gorgeous flowers, linens, lighting, and paper details to make your reception space look amazing and then you leave in the venues banquet chairs that don't match at all.  It makes the biggest difference.  There's almost always something you can cut back on a little to make this upgrade.  Find it.

Here's my list:
Get video. Confirmed #1 regret. You cannot see yourself walk down the aisle and you can't hear your dad's toast ever again and you will never see the best man polka with your grandma and be loving it.
Do not include registry on invites. Bad etiquette, I don't care what anyone tells you.
Do a trial run with hair and makeup. It's worth your sanity.
Don't order bathroom flowers.  They're stupid.
Have pre wedding day time with your photographer. Your wedding day photography will will better for it. Make your photographer a friendly face and not a stranger.
It is not a media circus.  Your photographers and videographers are never in the same place at the same time.  Most clients ask me if the videographer ever came. No I am not joking.
Don't bring your dog.  They are cute but stress everyone out and add more work.
Eat your dinner.  You will be starving at the end of the night.
Don't make a minute by minute schedule.  Being early and bored is better than rushed and late. Pad your timeline.
Don't skip outdoor lighting. Events in the dark? Really?  No, a tiki torch will not light the place enough.
Don't give up fit for pretty. Under the dress- break out the Spanx leave Victoria in the hotel room for later.
Don't get drunk. A doorknob will find your eye somehow and you won't look as cute in your sparkler exit photo that you don't remember taking.  Even though you have the burns to prove it.