Well, here it is. Our first Bride on the Brink. As you know, we are featuring real brides who have about 30 days until the BIG DAY. Hopefully, sharing their wedding planning insight, pitfalls and learning experiences will help other brides as they plan their weddings.
BRIDE: Brooke Johnson (Buford, GA)
LOCATION: Waters Mill, a charming farm in Dahlonega, GA located about 50 miles north of Atlanta
WEDDING DATE: June 6
COLORS: Pink and Green with a splash of Orange
THEME: Outdoorsy and fun
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 100
Q: How long ago did you begin planning for your wedding?
A: About 5-6 months ago, in December.
Q: What is the most important thing on your mind right now?
A: Getting the flowers nailed down. They ended up being more costly than I had thought. So, now we’re exploring other options.
Q: What has been the most difficult or stressful part of preparing for your wedding?
A: Money. In order to save for the wedding, we had to change some of our habits (like not eating out as much, etc.) to help set some money aside. Changing the way we did things was a challenge. I would say the next hardest part was working within our budget.
Q: What would you do differently if you had the opportunity?
A: Elope! I know this is probably going to be the biggest day of my life, but I really think it is a huge waste of money and time. The most important thing is for us to be together for the rest of our lives, not just one day.
Q: Did you use a wedding planner or go it alone?
A: We used a wedding planner, primarily because her services were included in the package from the venue. Given the option, I would have planned it all myself.
Q: At this point, what last minute details are left?
A: Finalizing the wedding centerpieces, meeting with the DJ in May, ordering the cake and making dress alterations. We also have one last planning session with the coordinator.
Q: Did you choose to forego anything in your wedding plans because of the economy?
A: We changed and reduced the number of flowers from what we had originally planned.
Q: What has surprised you the most?
A: My fiance Trent has been VERY involved in the planning process—more than I expected he would be. Right now, he’s stressing over whether to have a two or three-piece band at the wedding. I also thought it was great that we pretty much agreed on everything.
Q: Advice for other brides?
A: Have fun with the planning, and don’t stress about every little detail. It’s only one day. And remember, you can find what you want within your budget if you look hard enough or be a little creative.
Stay tuned for the next issue of Brides On The Brink…30 Days And Counting! It’s for brides, it’s about brides and, most importantly, it’s by Brides On the Brink who are a month away from walking down the aisle!?
Become One of Our Brides on the Brink!
If you’re about one, two or three months from tying the knot and would like to be a featured bride, please click here to e-mail your contact information and wedding date. I’ll send you the questionnaire to fill out and return. For passing on your wedding wisdom, featured brides will receive a $25 gift certificate for MyWeddingFavors.com, where you’ll find fabulous wedding favors, wedding accessories, bridesmaids’ gifts and so much more!