I recently just got married to my best friend and I wanted to share important things I think you should know while you're planning your special day. Some of this info was shared with me by friends and family during the planning process, some I learned along the way, and some I realized afterward.

1. This is YOUR wedding.

The most important part of the wedding is the happiness of the two getting married. It's not about what others want or think. Be respectful, but stand your grounds.

2. Start the wedding dress search ASAP!

Even with rush shipping, certain bridal gowns can take over six months to arrive, plus alteration time. Start the search for your dress with plenty of time to spare for shipping and any needed alterations.

3. That dreaded guest list.

Back to number one, this is YOUR wedding! You can invite whomever you want, and you don't have to invite anyone you don't want, including children. People need to realize that weddings are EXPENSIVE and some people cannot afford to invite children, and quite frankly some people just want adults only at their wedding, and that's okay

4. RSVP.

People kind of suck at RSVPing sometimes, it is what it is, I've been guilty of it myself. Plan to be contacting several guests who have not RSVP'd by the due date. With that being said, set your due date with enough time to contact those who didn't respond.

5. Thank you cards.

I recently just went to my cousin's bridal shower, and at every table, there were pens and envelopes for each guest to write their name and address on. Doing this cut out so much time for her when writing out her thank you cards I wish I would have thought of that.

6. Planning on making babies right away?

If you're planning to get pregnant right after the wedding choose wisely on where you pick your honeymoon or wedding destination. The Zika virus is still roaring, especially in common honeymoon destinations, like Mexico. The CDC recommends waiting 6 months to have unprotected sex after returning from a Zika infested location. Check the CDC website for more information regarding Zika and pregnancy.

7. Planning a wedding is stressful.

I'll be honest, planning a wedding is time consuming, stressful, and sometimes it's just not fun. Anyone who tells you they had a fabulous time planning their wedding, is a liar. My husband worked full time and went to grad school full time. I worked full time, was in nursing school, and we still got our wedding planned. It was a beautiful, perfect, and memorable day. If we can do it, you can do it. Remember to not lose sight of the important things and just know that things will get done and it will all work out. P.S. Champagne and Chinese food help during the planning process.

8. Stick to the budget.

Weddings are expensive, and unplanned costs seem to always arise. Be resourceful! My mom found a local flower grower who we bought all of my peonies from for the centerpieces. I saved over $500 by doing this. I got all of my vases at the dollar store and we used the bridesmaids' bouquets for our head table decor and it was beautiful. Thanks, mom!

9. Comfortable shoes are everything.

Find a pair of shoes that you love but that also aren't going to kill your feet two hours into your special day. The last thing you want is to sit out when "Jump Around" comes on and everyone is getting down, while you're sitting it out because of blisters all over your feet. I bought a pair of ivory Kate Spade Keds, they were so adorable, so comfortable, and made for perfect photo ops.

10. Take it all in.

Everyone will tell you the day will go so fast, it's so true. You spend months and months planning every little detail and when it finally gets here, it's gone in the blink of an eye. My most important advice to you is to take a moment with your partner, look around at everything and everyone, soak in all the love, and remember this day was all for the two of you.