There’s a ton of advice out there when it comes to planning a wedding. Between books, blogs, magazines, social media and from friends/family but really there’s no one better to turn to for wedding planning advice then from couples who’ve already been there themselves… these married couples share their best tips and advice to help provide a little guidance with planning for your big day.

Accepting help from family & friends.

“We felt especially blessed by how much our families and friends wanted to help. We got the advice to let people help, because even though it may not be “picture perfect” what they do will be full of love, and that makes it perfect. We cannot agree more. If you let control go of things, the people who love you will take and run with it, and you will be so surprised with what they do! Break in those shoes! I wish that I had broken in my shoes like I was told! I had a different pair, but the glitter shoes called my name—two days before we got married! But in the grand scheme of things, we wish that we would have enjoyed our engagement more, instead of stressing about the wedding.”

—Ellie

“For my wedding, I really didn’t want to have to worry about any of the details because I wanted my husband and I to be able to focus on enjoying our day. Since I didn’t have a wedding planner, I asked our closest friends and family if they’d mind handling all the nitty-gritty day-of details (i.e., if something needed to be done the day of for the music, food, decor, seating, or whatever). The tasks were small, so they were happy to chip in. Then, I wrote up a detailed, minute-by-minute plan of what my husband and I wanted to happen and listed who was in charge if something went wrong. The stupid thing was like 10 pages! I made a bunch of copies and handed them out to our vendors, as well as the friends and family who kindly agreed to help. Then we partied! Things went really smoothly (or at least no one told us otherwise) and we were able to be present in the moment.”

—Colleen

Take in every moment!

“Everyone I know that has gotten married told me the day would fly by and I believed it. They told me to take in every moment and not to stress! I wish I had stopped more often on my wedding day to take it all in. I was so occupied with making sure everything was perfect that sometimes I forgot to breathe. It’s about the two of you … On your wedding day … kiss each other, hold each other, and say sweet things to each other. This day is all about the two of you and nobody else. Everyone else is there to enjoy and share in your happiness but at the end of the day it is all about you. Go on a honeymoon! No matter how expensive your wedding is, go on a honeymoon! Even if it is two towns over in a motel, make sure you get away! Our honeymoon was the best week ever and we had no worries about anything until we got back. It was the best!”

— Rochelly

Embrace what the day is really about

“Your wedding only happens once. So much happens – from the moment that you wake up in the morning with your best friends to going to sleep next to your new husband. It can be nearly impossible to see everything that happens. Make sure to be fully present in the day and stop to enjoy the most important moments.”

—Shelby

Consider Doing A First Look

“Do a first look!! It helps with photo timing and helps you not have guests waiting for a long time. It’s also nice to have some time together before (your ceremony)”

— Jessica

“Do a first look and get pictures done before the ceremony. It really helps the flow of the whole day and allows you to have more time at the reception with all your guests.”

— Sarah

Eat

“Ask your caterer to pack away food for you (the cocktail hour food, the main course, the cake… everything) because likely you’ll have absolutely no time to eat any of it. And trust me: You’ll be starving when you get back to the hotel at the end of the night.”

— Rebecca

“Too many brides skip eating and don’t get to enjoy the meal they selected for their guests (and themselves!) to enjoy on this special day. I made it a point to sit down, relax, and savor my meal with my new husband. I’m so glad I did—the food we picked was delicious!”

—Quiana

Appreciate your surrounding

“At some point in the evening while everyone is having dinner and talking amongst themselves, take a moment to look around at all the people who are there for the two of you, and take it all in.”

— Patrick

It goes by fast

“Take in every second of the wedding from beginning to end and not to let small things bother you i.e. the curling iron caught on fire … the limo didn’t start … my dress wasn’t clipped right inside … There were a few more things but they are things we can laugh at now! Never sweat the small stuff! Eat! I wish I had gotten to eat the good food and the cake! I was bummed I was not able to eat more. Enjoy each second, even if something goes wrong–it’s still the greatest day of your life. Take everything and live it. It only happens once!”

— Stephanie

Let go and have fun

“Don’t let any of the details or stresses get in the way of the excitement. Planning a wedding can mean long, drawn-out meetings about flatware and napkins. It can be time consuming and expensive, but the goal is to get to the finish line without getting frustrated with each other.” – Tim

“Don’t stress about the little things because in the end they don’t matter and people won’t notice” I was also told that I would be the only one looking at everything really closely. Do what’s right for you! Remember that it’s your day–stay true to what you and your fiancé want. Many people will give you advice on everything … listen and smile but in the end, do what’s right for you (but at the same time, be open to what others say, as you might actually like their ideas/perspective.)”

— Marta