- Attend
bridal shows and expos early on in your engagement.
It’s a great way to get inspired.
You can meet with vendors face to face and see their work or get information
and/or tips. Most shows have raffles or contests where you could win a
free honeymoon, gown or more!
Start planning pretty much right away. You don't want to take too much time
then end up not getting your venue or photographer because they were already
booked. Don't waste any time at all especially if you want your wedding on a
Saturday in a peak month (May-September and near holidays) because companies
will book FAST during those times.
- Pick your date then book your
ceremony and reception locations asap.
- Book
your Photographer, videographer and DJ/Band.
- Then
book the rest of your vendors.
Hire a professional wedding planner or
a day-of coordinator. They can help you stay on budget and tie up loose
ends that day.
Download a
planning checklist and recruit the
help of your mother and soon- to- be mother in-law and your bridesmaids. Give
each one a task for them to take care of. That will take some stuff off
your plate and it’s a great way for your mom to feel helpful.
- Don’t
take the Budget Lightly
Sticking to the budget is hard. Sometimes adding even a few more guests can
creep into your checkbook a big way. For example, adding even 10 more guests
means one more table at the venue, one more centerpiece and 10 more meals.
- But Leave Room for
Additional Costs
Always factor in gratuity and taxes on your budget. Get the full price cost
in writing from every vendor before you book them.
- Consider
choosing a singular location.
A venue that offers hotel accommodations, as well as ceremony and reception capabilities,
makes it easier on your guests and your budget.
- Make sure you have a
bad weather backup plan.
Ask to see how your ceremony and/or reception site will be set up in the
event of inclement weather. If you need to rent a tent in case of rain, make
sure it is reserved before hand and make the decision to use it with plenty of
time for set up. Your guest won’t mind a tent on a sunny day but will not
be happy with out one in the rain.
Checking their reviews and testimonials is just not enough. Meet with each
vendor and talk with them about your vision and see if they are on the same
page with you. Also it’s important to get along with your vendors and that they
get along with other vendors that you hired like your photographer,
videographer and DJ.
Make a emergency kit in case you need something. Some good things
for the kit to contain are stain removal (‘Tide To-Go’ pens are awesome),
tampons, small scissors, mini sewing kit, hairspray, safety pins, bobby pins,
energy bars, gum, q-tips, band aids, deodorant, makeup remover and Advil.
Appoint someone to carry the kit with them who is not in the bridal party, like
a close friend.
- Think
about the Small Things
Help your photographer out by trying your best to be mindful of the setting
of your photos. A good photographer can make any space look beautiful, but help
them out by removing as many obstacles as possible. Here are three really easy
ways to do that:
- When getting ready,
have your bridesmaids put all their stuff in a condensed corner of the
room in a big bag. This way there aren’t any bras and food wrappers in the
background of your beautiful photos.
- Bring a non-plastic hanger
for your dress shot. A new trend is having a wire hanger personalized with
your name or date bent in the wire. It makes the photo of your dress
look nice instead of an ugly plastic hanger taking all the
attention.
- When you and your bridesmaids
walk down the aisle, keep the bouquet around your belly button. I know it
can be nerve-wracking to have all eyes on you, but don’t block your pretty
faces with your bouquet.
- Don’t Ignore the
Needs of your Guests
Your wedding day is about you, but your guests have expectations too. Pamper
your guests through small gestures. Things like per-arranged transportation to
and from the reception, bathroom caddies and children’s fun kits at tables.
Also, make sure to spend a few minutes of quality time at each table.
- Ask
the officiant to request no guest photo-taking during the wedding.
No one wants a dozen bright screens of cell phones in their face or an iPad
or two leaning into the aisle to snap that personal photo for Instagram . These
screens will not only be an ugly distraction in the photo and will make the
photo look dated in the coming years, but most importantly, it takes away from
the special intimate moment. If you say that the couple or planner requested
this, no one will listen, but guests tend to adhere to rules better if someone
more official makes the request. That way the photographer
you hired can
get the shots you want.
- Give
the photographer your full attention during the formal portraits.
Tell everyone that the process will go a whole lot faster if they give the
photographer their full and undivided attention. Your time in between the
ceremony and reception is limited, and if people are all over the place, like
someone is missing because they walked off to get a drink, the less time you
have for the photos you want.
- Don’t
Forget To Eat And Drink.
When we’re stressed and/or busy, we forget to eat. Make sure you are
at least snacking and drinking water all day, or else it’ll catch up to
you. Especially if you are having your ceremony outside in the warm sun
on a hot day. You don't want to faint or be dizzy. If you’re worried about
missing out on special moments or not getting the chance to see everyone at
your reception, keep in mind, that you’ll be fed first, and that when you’re
done eating, the guests will still be sitting at their table and you and your
husband can visit each table and greet all of your guests. Don’t rush! Enjoy
your meal! You certainly paid enough for it.
- Feed
the Band & Photographer at the same time that guests are eating.
You don't want to kill the vibe by making your guests wait for them to
finish. Dinner time is a down time for everyone. It’s the best time for the
band to put on some recorded music so there is no awkward silence or very loud
music when people are trying to talk and eat. Also your photographer needs
to be ready to go when dinner is over for the dancing and other activates after
you eat. You don’t want him/or her to miss photographing the fun on the dance
floor.
- Let
The Pros Do Their Jobs
At the end of the day, you chose the vendors you did for a reason. They are
professionals – trust them. They know what’s in style and what will look good.
You may not be able to get that Pintrist thing exact, but they can make it all
yours and nobody will be the wiser. Who knows, maybe
you will start a
new trend on Pintrist!
- If
you're having a bus pickup at the end of the night, schedule it to come a
half-hour after the wedding is over.
This is enough time for guests to finish their drinks, say their
goodbyes, locate their jackets and other discarded items, and make their way
out. You don't want to have to pay overtime for the bus as it waits on guests.
