eugenie's wedding advice

eugenie's wedding advice

In October of 2020, Heron Paperie founder and fifth-generation New Orleanian Eugenie Babington married her husband Seph at the Elms Mansion on New Orleans’ iconic St. Charles Avenue. Given that hers was a pandemic-era wedding, many things about the day—and its preparation—were unusual. But Eugenie and Seph still found ways to incorporate in their wedding day a whole host of traditions, the history and roots of their families, joy, beauty, and, of course, love.

As a seasoned wedding invitation designer who planned her own wedding during Covid, what advice does Eugenie have for brides-to-be, as they plan the wedding of their dreams?

Spend Time on What Matters to You (without Guilt!)

One lesson Eugenie learned? “If something is important to you, spend the time on it. I found myself feeling guilty and shallow for obsessing over what shoes I was going to wear, wondering if it was really that important. I ordered multiple pairs, and felt ridiculous. Finally, a therapist said, if it's important to you, spend the time on it. And today, years later, I still love those shoes. I had a bit too much fun running around the French Quarter in them after my bridesmaid luncheon at Brennan’s the weekend before my wedding. They have a special place in my closet where I see them every day—unlike my dress.”  

Start Early on the Hard Parts

For Eugenie, the guest list was the hardest part, especially given that her wedding was during Covid. She suggests that newly engaged couples start having this conversation early. Use a spreadsheet to stay organized. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

No one wants to be a bridezilla, but it's okay to ask for something to be different, within reason, if it's not sitting right with you—especially on the day of your wedding. Eugenie says, “When my wedding hair was first finished, it looked like a helmet! Although it was difficult, I asked for my hair to be re-done. They had made a really pretty updo on one of my bridesmaids, so I asked for that style instead. The beautician definitely gave my hair a good yank, but it was worth it.” 

A moment when Eugenie didn’t speak up? “I thought there were going to be a couple lanterns around the gazebo where we were married, but I swear there were 50. I knew I didn't like them but told myself not to be a bridezilla. They were gold, gaudy, and still bug me. I wish I'd spoken up!”

Remember to Pause 

At least once during the day, be sure to pause, look around, and take in all the people who showed up for you, to celebrate your love and commitment alongside you and your partner. 

The Good Moments are What Stay

“The good things stick with you,” Eugenie reflects. “My grandmothers got into a cat fight over a purse during our reception. Some of our siblings were doing the Covid wedding scramble and it caused a lot of unfortunate tension in the days prior. My dad called me an ingrate (he eventually took it back). Yet those things aren't what I think about. I think about dancing in our second line down the sidewalk, which was all we were allowed to do at that time. I think about how absolutely thrilled everyone was just to be together at a party, in any form. I think about the excitement of our band, who hadn't played a gig in months, and how sincerely Seph said his vows.”

If you’d like to discuss with Eugenie your own dream wedding day—and invitation suite to match—please reach out to us at Heron Paperie. As a designer-founded brand with a small team, Heron Paperie is entrusted by our customers to create elegant custom wedding invitations rooted in Gulf Coast wonder with European flair, using Old World processes and traditions in a modern context. 

We look forward to getting to know you and guiding you toward your ideal wedding invitations and celebration.

 

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