We’re definitely not new to the wedding industry. One can say, we’ve been around the block a few times. We planned and coordinated a wide array of weddings and have learned a variety of tools throughout the years. We’ve also learned that there are just some things that you should know in advance, so you’re not down the road thinking “man – why didn’t anyone tell me that?” or “I wish I knew about…”. Sometimes, you’re not sure if you’ve planned all of the details, or if you’ve missed something in your timeline. So, let us help you grab the reins and gain some control. These are some of our best and all-time favorite tips and tricks that will help your planning and wedding day go smoothly.
Budget and Credit Check
Set that budget and stick to it. Decide who is going to be paying for the wedding, will support come from your families or are you and your partner going to be paying for the wedding solo. After the budget is agreed upon and created, if you’re planning on using credit cards to help foot the bill, check your credit score and your limits. You don’t want to create a financial diaster during the process of wedding planning and you definitely don’t want to ruin your credit score. So, think smart, and check your scores before swiping your credit card with an “I do.”
Think Before You Set
Before you choose your wedding date, you will want to think about anything that may happen around that time. If you have a day selected, check your calendar, your fiance’s calendar, and talk to your family. If you have a lot of family members that have graduations around your potential wedding date, you may not want to choose that particular date. Yes, we think that you should plan the date with your best interest in mind, but keep in mind that you also want your family and friends to show up for your wedding. Check for black out dates and talk with those who are most important to you. Be sure everyone is on the same page and timeframe before saying yes to the date.
To be Trendy, or Not?
We love ourselves a good trend. But, they are also trends for a reason. Before you fill your pinterest boards up with the newest and hottest, think about what your future self would say. As you plan and choose trendy items, ask yourself if these will be ideas that you’d appreciate down the road. The biggest question to ask yourself is will this be timeless or classic? Create a healthy balance of what’s trendy, classic, and stay true to you. Don’t feel the need to keep up with your friends or what’s new and hot. Think timeless when you’re picking and choosing what trends to follow. You definitely don’t want to regret anything in the future, or when you’re 88.
Think of Your Guests
The purpose of a wedding is for two things: 1.) to hold a ceremony where you and your partner will tie the knot and sign your marriage license 2.) to celebrate with loved ones. Yes, all of the planning is about you and your future spouse, but you are also planning with your guests in mind. At the end of the day, your guests will be the largest population at your wedding, travel to your event, and will celebrate with you. As you go through your planning steps, including choosing the venue, caterers, location etc., think about your loved ones who will be celebrating with you. Ensure there’s accommodations if needed, and ample time and space for your guest. Throughout your planning, keep your guests in mind.
Check the Weather
We cannot stress this enough. We don’t care what the 10-day forecast says, or if the last two summers have been blistering hot. Weather is real and weather can change. Plan for the weather, including temperatures that are too hot and temps that are freezing cold. You want to ensure that not only you will be comfortable on the day of, but your guests will be as well. No one wants to be dripping sweat during a three-hour affair or freezing their behinds off. Plan around the weather and be diligent about checking the weather. Incorporate the weather when it comes to choosing your wedding date and location.
Feed Your People
This one is often forgotten with the hype and chaos as the wedding prep begins. There are two groups you need to feed on your wedding day, your guests and your vendors. Yes, include your vendors in your catering numbers and meal plans. Sometimes, caterers will have the option to provide vendor meals. Whatever you decide, feed your vendors. Vendors are working your event sometimes for 12 hours. Fed vendors are happy vendors and they deserve to be fed, too. Also, feed your wedding party prior to the wedding ceremony! Sometimes, brides or grooms may request their wedding party to arrive at the crack of dawn. Whether you serve a hearty breakfast or lunch, provide a meal for your wedding party. You don’t want anyone to get hangry or have low blood sugar. And, biggest rule of thumb, if you’ll be enjoying some adult beverages, such as a mimosa or two, ensure that everyone is eating. You don’t want any mishaps walking down the aisle.
Those were just some of our no fail, “man I wish someone told me earlier” tips and tricks. Always remember to think of your guests when planning and include any accommodations that they may need, check and plan for the wedding, create a budget and if you plan on using credit cards – check your score, it’s okay to be trendy, but be timeless too, and remember to feed your people! And if you think you’re still forgetting something, check with a loved one or your planner. Sometimes, having an outside perspective will help you logically think about what is missing.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.