10 Secrets to Planning Your Own Wedding
Whether you're just in the beginning stages of preparing for your happily ever after or you're almost at the finish line, these helpful tips that might just save you from a Bridezilla moment!
1. For starters know that not everything goes according to plan. Always have a Plan B and C just in case things go wrong. Weather contigency plans are always a good idea, especially if you're planning an outdoor event.
2. Have someone co-ordinate the day of your wedding - whether it's a friend or a relative, you as the bride or the groom do not want to be running around making sure that the caterers have come in time or whether the florals have arrived.
3. Make sure your family members and bridal party are kept in the know! There's nothing worse than having your bridal party show up late or worse the father of the bride is not to be seen. Have an itinerary outlined for the week to help keep everyone on the same page.
4. Planning DIY's? Try to have these "just about" done 2 weeks before the wedding. A week before the wedding they should all be done. The last thing you want is to stay up doing menu cards the night before your wedding!
5. Have a person assigned to be in charge of gifts and cards. This could be part of your co-ordinator's job but ensure you have a plan for who will be taking those home at the end of the night.
6. Plan to feed your vendors (i.e. photographer/videographer and anyone else who is on site) if they are present during meal time or have worked more than 4 hours.
7. While we're on the topic of vendors, make sure you read through your contracts thoroughly. For example, if you want a specific DJ or make up artist - make sure it states that in your contract you sign.
8. Walk a mile (or more) in your wedding shoes before your wedding. The last thing you want to do is break in new shoes on your wedding day as this will cause you great discomfort.
9. Enlist the help of a trusted family member that is great at getting everyone together for those family photos. Also, have a photo list of shots you want and make sure your photographer has these days before the wedding.
10. Last but not least, try to get ready in a quiet space. If you have out of town family members that will be staying at your house, plan for an alternative space to get ready. Those moments of quiet reflection will help ease you into the most special day of your life!
I hope this helps you in your planning process, as always if you have any questions or are needing some additional help - I'm here for ya!