The Post Wedding To-Do List you Didn't Know you Needed

Congrats on the wedding, or should we say congrats on your soon to be nuptials! As wedding planners we enjoy working with you through the wedding planning process. And even couples that don’t hire professional wedding planners learn the process and by the end know all of the details it takes to create a successful wedding day event. But, once the wedding is over, your guests have left and you’ve arrived home from your honeymoon – you may wonder what is next. We’ve had many clients reach out to us over the years and ask where to begin and how to move forward into newlywed life. Well, we will still be there to give you some good old fashioned advice, or you can just bookmark this blog for later… But let’s talk about what to take care of after the big day. 

Thank You Notes
If you have read my previous blogs, there is one thing that you know I am a stickler for – get out your thank you cards! Thank you cards should be one of the items at the top of your list. You may be thinking that this is an outdated tradition that can be solved with just a quick text or facebook message – but I’m here to tell you no. Put down the phone and pick up a pen and thank you card. I promise you that your guests will be thankful that you took the time to send them a personal note. And I place an emphasis on personal. As much as you’d like to click buy on those customized wedding picture postcards with the generic thank you, please don’t. Or if you do, be sure to address each guest personally. Your guests have taken a lot of time, energy, and money to support this next step in your life. So, take a little bit of time to say thank you for celebrating your special day with you and your spouse. Our general rule of thumb – do these ASAP. To keep your gratitude fresh, we recommend within 2 to 3 weeks – at the latest six weeks. And if you’re still on the fence about personalized thank you notes, head over to our blog archive for more details. 

Change Your Name 
Now, we recommend this step for those who decide to change their name, as we know this is not applicable to all. But if you plan to, you’ll want to update your name at your earliest convenience. You will need to change your last name at the Social Security office. Be sure to bring your marriage license and any additional forms you may need. We highly suggest reviewing your local procedures prior to going. Once you change your name, don’t forget that you’ll need to update your driver’s license and passport. Notify your bank, credit cards, insurance, and update your information with your employer. If you are within a profession that requires certification, you’ll have to change that too. Changing your name can be a tedious task, so ensure you complete your research for the state that you reside and have all the necessary documents ready before waiting in line. 

Return Rentals
Most catering or rental companies do offer delivery and late night pick ups, but that can come with a cost. You can always decrease your cost by asking to pick up and drop off. Many rental companies ask you to return the items on the next business day or within the week after your wedding. If you chose to do it yourself with returns, talk to your vendor about the process and how they want things returned. For example, do you need to bag the linens or do you items need to be boxed a certain way? Make sure you return all rental items on time to ensure you don’t have any lost deposits or additional feeds. 

Thank your Vendors 
After you tie the knot and things have settled down, please thank your vendors. We love receiving snail mail or even that follow up email to thank us for our support. You can also thank your vendors by leaving a review, or providing a client testimonial. Going the extra mile can really make a positive impression and bring some light to the vendor world. We love hearing from our brides and grooms so reach out and drop a thank you. 

Wedding Photos and Video
Now, we’re going to draw a line here – it is okay to follow up with your photographer and ask for an adjusted timeline or check-in, but please don’t harass them for your pictures. Editing can take time, and photographers work diligently to edit and return photos in accordance to the contract. It is okay to send an email and follow up with your photographer and videographer to inquire about the final edits and/or confirm the next steps. But, give them time to create your final edits. 

Keep the Wedding Day Vibes Alive 
As you decompress from your wedding day, take the time to keep your wedding day vibes alive. Frame some of your favorite wedding photos, make plans to preserve your wedding day florals, or create a special box to keep your favorite memories from the big day. The journey to your wedding day was full of planning and months of hard work. The day of your wedding goes by in a flash and it’s important to keep those memories alive. I still look at our memento box from our wedding from 9 years ago! So, create a plan and organize the things that you want and can save. 

We love the post wedding glow our couples have and we are sad to see the journey end. But, as our journey ends as your wedding planner, your new journey in marriage is just beginning. Don’t let the details after your wedding bog you down, create a systematic plan and follow these simple steps to wrap everything up nicely. Say thank yous to your guests and vendors, ensure that all the loose ends are tied up - including returning your rentals, do your research if you plan on changing your name, and create a plan to keep those wedding memories alive. And, most importantly – enjoy that post wedding glow. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 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.

Questions You Should be Asking Your Wedding Photographer

So you’re in the market for a wedding photographer. I can’t tell you how many posts I see daily on my community page looking for a wedding photographer. And let me tell you, sometimes there are fifty or more comments advertising their businesses. This can be overwhelming for any client. But how do you know which wedding photographer is right for you? As you research a photographer to find the right fit, there are a few essential questions that you must ask to ensure they are the perfect fit for your day. So, let us break it down for you, question by question. 

Pre-Wedding Planning Questions 
It is essential to ask any photographer to meet for an initial consultation. We prefer face to face consultations, but if they are unavailable to meet within your schedule or availability, schedule a Teams or Zoom meeting in lieu of a phone call. During the initial consultation, you’ll want to ask some basic, but vital questions. 

• What is your photography style? Each photographer has a specific style. It can be the manner in which they take the photo or just their editing style. Understanding their style is SO important. Some photographers lean more traditional, others prefer fine art, while some lean more towards the artsy or candid shots. Ensure their style fits your overall vision first and foremost!

• Ask to see a FULL wedding gallery? Skip the highlight reel for this one, because let’s be honest, just like our social media are our personal highlight reels, the same goes for photography (or lets be honest anything). Seeing a full gallery rather than just a highlight reel will give you a better idea of the full picture and the photographer's consistency. You’ll be able to see all the shots and what kind of shots were done. In addition, you’ll be able to see all the editing and determine if you enjoy their overall photography style. 

• Does your portfolio reflect my vision? If you’ve read our blog on how to select your vendors, you will know that the first step is to define your wedding vision. Before you meet with any vendor, you’ll need to narrow down your vision. This includes your must-haves and you want-to-haves. Ask your photographer if they have portfolios from your venue, or if they’ve done your type of wedding (ex. Elopement, destination etc.) You will want a photographer that will feel comfortable and experienced with your style and vision of the wedding. 

• Tell me about scheduling on the big day. Ask about their time management. Do they work with the wedding planner to create a timeline? Are they more on the fly with their time management? You will want to know if they are flexible or more of a timeline kind of guy or gal. 

• Do you have a back-up plan? Ask if they have backup equipment or back-up their photos. I try not to give horror stories, but I know someone who lost all their wedding photos and was literally ghosted because her computer crashed and she lost all her clients' wedding photos. So ask how your photos are stored and if they are backed up on the cloud, or some sort of drive. Because YOU NEVER KNOW!

• Do you retouch your photos? Talk about editing and if they retouch your photos. For most, it is included in the editing, but others may charge extra for it so it’s always best practice to ask! 

Time to Talk Logistics and Packages 
This is the nitty gritty part of the consultation. Ask about their logistics and packages that they offer. Do they offer any add-ons or what is included in their packages? Ask to read their contract to determine the fine lines to clarify any misunderstandings. 

• Determine what is included in the packages. You will want to ask about what is included, can you do add ons, or additional prints?

• What are the hours of coverage? What is included for each package? What are the hours and is there an overtime rate in case the wedding runs late? You will want to know before the big day if they are flexible with staying later than contracted hours if the wedding runs behind, or if they charge per hour etc. 

• Do you have a second shooter? A second shooter is great to have and some photographers can’t live without them. Inquire if it’s included or for an additional cost. 

• How long until you receive your photos? Ask about an estimated delivery time and what will be expected. The typical range is anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Also ask about a sneak peek – some photographers will send over a few photos prior to your entire album (because we all know you’re dying to post on social media!). 

• Do you do prints? Most photographers just give you access to a photography drive, but some do deliver prints. Our wedding photographer gave us prints in a custom box. Photographers may have different albums, or physical prints they will give you. 

• Are you insured? Most wedding vendors will be insured or have liability insurance. This covers parties if there are accidents or damages to your venue. 

• Will I get a Refund? It’s a scary thought to have, but it’s best to know. What is their refund policy, can you change your date, or what happens if you need to cancel? Life happens, Covid happens, and sometimes you need to cancel. It’s best to know what to expect before the unexpected happens! 

The Wedding Day 
As you continue your consultation, fast forward and ask what to expect on your wedding day. You want to ensure that they will collaborate with your other vendors and their approach aligns with your overall vision and expectations. 

• How do you capture the moments? We’ve all been to a wedding and seen it. The photographer smack dab in the middle of the aisle, snapping away. Determine what you prefer and ask away. Do you prefer candid shots, do you want an intimate ceremony with the photographer at a safe distance? What approach does the photographer take and does it jive with yours? 

• Do they collaborate? You want to create your dream team of vendors. And ideally, this means that each vendor, including your photographer, will be able to communicate and collaborate with the other vendors on the big day. 

• How do you handle unexpected situations? Such as rainy weather, or poor lighting. Or maybe the reception space is darker than intended. Does the photographer have skills to adapt in difficult environments? 

• How do you capture it ALL? Ask the photographer the key moments that they aim to capture. How do they capture the ceremony, first kiss, or behind the scene photos. Ensure they’ve hit all your big must have shots in the discussion. 

• How do you handle group photos? How will they collaborate and collect your group photo folks on the wedding day and when? They have to have a plan, be organized, and efficient. We love a photographer that works with their clients to create a list of group photos before the wedding day!

Catch a Vibe 
Bottom line, do you vibe together? Your photographer will be one of the vendors that you interact with the most on your wedding day. They will be with you from start to finish and see you in all the ups and downs. You need to feel comfortable with your photographers. 

• Are you comfortable around them? You need to feel comfortable and confident with your photographers. What kind of approach do they have? Is it a relaxed approach that will keep you relaxed? 

• Do you click? What is their overall vibe like? Are they laid back? Are they hands on or hands off? You will need to determine if you click at your initial consultation. 

• Can you help me look my best? You want your photographer to be your right hand guy or gal. You want someone that will tell you if you’ve got lipstick on your teeth, or fix your veil before your first look. Ask if they will help you pose and ensure that you’re still looking your best. 

We could probably go on and on about what to ask your photographer, but these are definitely our top questions and inquiries. Your photographer is one of the biggest and most important vendors on your wedding day, so do not be afraid to ask all the questions. Photos last a lifetime. One day you’ll be looking back at your wedding album and cherishing these moments. So, do your research, book the consultation, and don’t be afraid to print this list and ask away. We’d rather have you knowledgeable and make an informed decision, so you can enjoy a lifetime of memories from your wedding day. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 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.

A Guide to Vendor Collaboration

Have you just finished booking your venue? If this is you, we can guess that you may just be starting your wedding planning journey! Many couples choose to select their venue as the first step. Often, your venue may have a list of preferred vendors. These are a list of curated vendors that your venue knows and trusts. And as we know, in a wedding setting, every detail matters — from the flowers and décor to the catering and music. Each vendor brings a specialized skill to the table, and when these experts collaborate, it creates a smooth, cohesive event that aligns with the couple’s vision. By working with your venue’s network of trusted vendors, venues can offer a one-stop-shop for couples. It also reduces the likelihood of logistical issues, as vendors are already familiar with each other’s working styles, timelines, and expectations.

#01: Selecting the Right Vendors for Collaboration
First and foremost, successful vendor collaborations begin with choosing the right partners. As a wedding venue, it’s important to create a list of preferred vendors that align with your values and can consistently deliver high-quality service. Look for vendors who share the following characteristics: 

• Share a similar work ethic: Timeliness, professionalism, and clear communication are essential for a smooth collaboration.

• Have a strong reputation: Vendors with positive reviews and a solid portfolio inspire trust and confidence.

• Are flexible and adaptable: Weddings can be unpredictable. Vendors who can adapt to changes or last-minute adjustments are invaluable.

• Have experience working with venues: A vendor familiar with wedding venues will know how to work efficiently in your space and understand what makes an event run smoothly.

EA Pro Tip! As you navigate the list of potential vendors, don’t be afraid to meet with numerous vendors in the same category! Venues typically have a selection of vendors that may appeal to different clientele. It is OK to schedule several meetings. It is also OK to wait to give vendors an answer until your decision is made! You never have to make a decision on the spot. 

#02: Build Strong Relationships with Your Vendors
The start of every good relationship is a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect. It is important to connect with your vendors on a regular basis. This includes your venue, florists, caterers, photographers, videographers, and DJS. Work with your planner to create a line of communication between your vendors, or if you’re planning alone, create a timeline to reach out and check in. Establishing a reliable and positive rapport with these vendors can create a seamless experience for couples.

EA Pro Tip! Hold a virtual mixer with your vendors to meet as a team! Create a zoom call or teams meeting to collaborate, build relationships, and meet with your vendors to discuss all the details. 

#03: Clear Communication
Clear communication is key to any vendor relationship. To create a smooth collaboration of all vendors, be upfront with expectations for the wedding day and timeline. Ensure that vendors that need to work together, such as your Officiant and DJ, have time to meet and greet to avoid any misunderstandings later on. promote collaboration keep your line of communication open to include: 

• Pre-event Coordination Meetings: Host a pre-wedding meeting with all vendors to ensure everyone understands their role, timeline, and expectations.

• Shared Event Timeline: Provide a detailed timeline of the day to all vendors, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding setup times, ceremony start time, and key moments.

• Point of Contact: Designate a single point of contact at your venue (such as an event coordinator) for vendors to communicate with, which reduces confusion.

EA Pro Tip! As you meet with your vendors, provide mood boards or inspiration boards to communicate your overall aesthetics and preferences. Be sure to share any details about your other vendors to create a seamless event!

#04:  Respect Each Vendor's Expertise
As you begin to work and collaborate with each vendor, remember that each wedding vendor has their specific area of expertise. You must trust them to do what they do. This is vital for a successful wedding day and working relationship. Yes, it is important to be involved in the process and share your vision with each, but also allow your vendors the freedom to collaborate and do what they are skilled at. 

EA Pro Tip! As you work with each vendor, remember they are professionals! Be open to their professional advice, especially if they suggest any changes due to their experience or logistics on the wedding day. 

#05: Trust your Wedding Planner (if you have one)
If you’ve hired a wedding planner, trust them to handle the coordination between you and your vendors. Allow them to help take the lead on vendor collaboration and teamwork. Wedding planners often have great relationships with local vendors and can manage communication, negotiate terms, and solve any last-minute issues. Let them take the lead, allowing you to enjoy the planning process without feeling overwhelmed.

EA Pro Tip! If you haven’t taken the lead on hiring or meeting with a wedding planner, we recommend you at least meet with one or two. They can be such an asset to overall collaboration with your team of vendors. So, don’t be afraid to take the plunge! 

With anything in life, the key to collaborating successfully with your wedding vendors is open, respectful communication, and trust in their expertise. By trusting your vendors, respecting their expertise, ensuring communication, and building positive relationships, you’ll make sure that your wedding day is everything you dreamed of. Working together with your vendors will help make your celebration seamless, fun, and unforgettable! 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 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.