5️⃣ INTERESTING THINGS I’VE LEARNED SO FAR WEDDING PLANNING (From a June 2023 bride) 1️⃣ PEOPLE WILL SURPRISE YOU. (& it’s good and bad). I was told by a few other brides after getting engaged that I should expect the unexpected. That I might get weird behaviors, unexpected reactions from loved ones, etc. I didn’t get it until it happened to me. To be honest, some of it has been really disappointing. But the flip side is, there’s been others that have really stepped up and made us feel really loved and appreciated. So just keep that in mind - don’t have any “expectations” and remember that it’s not personal (they’re just not thinking about you LOL). 2️⃣ DISCUSS BEFORE DIVING INTO PLANNING & BOOKING. We were in a unique position (we got engaged and 3 days later I left for Italy and had to immediately dive into planning). But if you’re not in the situation, make sure you sit down with your fiancé(e) & respective families to determine the guest list, budget, thoughts, requirements, etc. Everyone will feel included and it’ll reduce miscommunications. 3️⃣ IF YOU’RE THE PLANNING TYPE, OUTSOURCE!! I’m the Type A type of my relationship and of our families. I realized early on that for my sake & sanity, I needed to budget for outsourcing. Whether it’s hiring a wedding planner, or a virtual assistant (for running the rest of your life) you might get burnt out in 5 min otherwise. 4️⃣ ORDER A FEW BOOKS: these were recommended along the way and I can’t say enough good things. But seriously, make time to tend to your relationship during the chaos! The books: “Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette” , “101 Questions to Ask Before you Get Engaged” & “The 5 Love Languages” 5️⃣ USE NOTION.SO FOR PLANNING: we started with a Google sheets which very quickly got chaotic. I then learned from a few fellow brides about this cool tool which I’m not OBSESSED with!! It’s also great for planning trips, tracking budgets etc. 📸 @paulinaperrucciphoto #bridetobe2023 #engaged2022 #sandiegoweddingphotographer #weddingplanningtips #sandiegoblogger #californiablogger #engagementphotoshoot #wedding2023