by Alexandra McNamara, WPICC, of Blush & Bowties
You want your wedding day to be as stress free and fabulous as possible. Being a wedding planner, I am a strong believer that you must plan accordingly to avoid any missteps along the way.
Here are my top wedding planning DOs and DON’Ts to ensure you have nothing to worry about on your wedding day and can sail through the day smoothly:
DO hire a wedding planner
The number one way to ease the stress on your wedding day is to hire a planner. Whether you decide to have a coordinator assist with planning your entire wedding, or just require help on the day of, having a an expert to ensure your event is executed seamlessly will allow you to relax and savour every moment of your celebration.
DON’T hire a friend to do your photos
The major regret I have heard from married couples is not having hired a professional photographer. Photography may seem like a place to save money, but you get what you pay for. A professional photographer will have the experience to capture moments that happen only once, direct family and friends for potentially chaotic group photos, know the must-have shots to capture, understand lighting and composition to make fantastic photos that will last a lifetime . . . the list really goes on and on.
DO have a rain backup (that you actually like)
Although Alanis Morissette may have been clueless about the meaning of “ironic,” she did have it right that rain on your wedding is an unwelcome guest. Worrying about a rainy day, especially for an outside venue, can be darn right nerve-wracking. But back away from the seven-day forecast, and take a breath. There is nothing you can do to control the weather, so it’s important to have a backup, and not only that, a backup you like. Talk with your venue coordinator, and
make sure your rain option is a good one, not one that will leave you disappointed and with a fly in your chardonnay (seriously, Alanis, . . . how is that ironic?).
DON’T have a cash bar
I’ve said it before, and must say it again, a cash bar at a wedding is a big don’t. Would you ask your dinner guests to pay for their drinks? If you are worried about expenses or over indulgence, you can tailor your bar options or offer only wine at dinner, but it’s a definite faux pas to charge guests for drinks.
DO have a makeup and hair trial
Your wedding morning is not the time to discover the hairstyle you have selected isn’t working for you (or the stylist you have hired is not up to par). It’s also not the time to find out you have an allergy you never knew about! Having both a hair and makeup trials will ease your mind and allow you to make any changes and test the hair and makeup products the stylist will use. Whether it’s more volume, less colour, brighter cheeks, or bolder eyes, having a trial allows you to perfect your wedding-day look.
DON’T have a long break between the ceremony and reception
If possible, try to keep the wait time between the ceremony and reception at a minimum. Having an hour or two between the ceremony and cocktail hour is a reasonable amount of time, but any longer than that, and you may hear some grumbling. Schedule certain photo ops before the ceremony to save on time. Many couples prefer not to see each other before walking down the aisle, but the first look trend is sweeping the wedding world and is a sweet and intimate moment shared between partners, not to mention a great way to have most photos taken before the wedding starts.
DO have a wedding website
A wedding website is free and an excellent way to communicate with your guests before your wedding. You can make guests aware of accommodation, transportation options, registry, or even fun things to do in the area (this is especially appreciated if your wedding it out of town). It’s also an effective tool to establish the logistics of the day so guests are not left wondering about timing. It’s a tech savvy way to be a gracious host!
DON’T sweat the small stuff
Something undoubtedly will not run according to plan at your wedding. A vendor may be a late, the flowers may be a shade too dark, or a noisy ambulance may pass by during your ceremony. Just like marriage, your wedding will present unpredictable moments that you didn’t plan on. Remember, as long as you get to marry the love of your life, your day has been a success. Plus if you follow the “Do” of hiring a planner, she will be there to solve any issues that arise and leave you to enjoy the day.
DO eat a hearty breakfast and lunch on your wedding day
On your wedding morning, odds are you will feel a bit nervous and be tempted to skip breakfast. Do NOT skip breakfast or lunch! You will need a healthy and hearty start to fuel your body through the emotional, exhausting, and exciting day and evening. Scrambled eggs with avocado (which promotes glowing skin and hair) is the ideal meal as it’s high in protein and low in carbs (so you won’t feel bloated). Snack on almonds if you are feeling hungry as they aren’t messy and will keep your hunger in check.
DON’T worry about pleasing everyone
There is a fine line between being a gracious host and trying to please everyone. If your aunt doesn’t like barn weddings, or a friend detests the colour aqua, or perhaps your mother prefers traditional vows to self-written ones, my advice is to stick to what you and your partner want.
When is comes to the details of your wedding, it really should be about you and your fiancé; no one else’s opinion should dissuade you from having your dream wedding.
DO be a gracious host
It’s important to think about the enjoyment and needs of your guests at your wedding. Selecting your menu thoughtfully (and offering delicious options for those with dietary needs), arranging seating carefully, and saying hello to each guests at your wedding are just a few ways to be a gracious host. Your guests want to enjoy your day too, so make sure you think of their needs while planning your wedding.
Photos by Lauren Vandenbrook of LV Imagery
Blush & Bowties is an event design and coordination company serving Toronto and the GTA. We approach your celebration with a sense that anything is possible, that something old can be something new, and most importantly, that the day reflects you.
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