We all know that nothing in life is perfect, but I’m sharing my top tips for how to make your wedding day pretty darn close! And in the interest of being real here, yes, sometimes little things go wrong on your wedding day. That being said, you can choose to let those things roll off your back and still have an amazing day!
1. Hire a wedding coordinator
Wedding coordinators are amazing! Let me say it again for the people in the back: Wedding. Coordinators. Are. Amazing! Is your florist running late on your wedding day? With a wedding coordinator on your team, you’ll probably never know and they’ll take care of it. No coordinator? It’s your problem to stress over when you should be getting glammed up and enjoying some champagne with your pals! Wedding coordinators help keep your big day flowing smoothly and stress-free so that you can relax and enjoy!
2. Pick your priorities
Besides being married, what’s truly important to the two of you? Is it killer food? An amazing party? Fabulous photos? Unless you’ve got a budget with six or more zeros, it’s important to pick your priorities and allocate your budget accordingly. Choosing a DJ versus a full band, or six hours of photography rather than eight are great examples of ways to maximize your budget.
3. Make a timeline. Then add some extra time.
Does the drive to your venue take 10 minutes? Plan for 20. Did your makeup artist say she can get you gussied up in an hour? Plan for 90 minutes. Think it’ll take you two minutes to don your dress? You see where I’m going with this, right? Sometimes things get delayed on the big day and rather than stress over a timeline crunch, create a timeline and then add some buffer time in there to account for things like traffic and stuff taking longer than you expect! And if all runs smoothly, then use that extra time to sit back, take a deep breath, and soak it all in!
4. Consider a First Look
First looks are fabulous! Not only do they allow you a private moment with your partner pre-ceremony, they also help make your wedding day timeline flow more smoothly! With a first look, you can knock out the bulk of the pictures before your wedding ceremony, allowing the two of you to attend some (or all) of your cocktail hour to spend more time with your loved ones! In my experience, first looks are also great for easing wedding day stress! Spending that time with your partner before your wedding ceremony allows the two of you to take a deep breath and cast aside all the stress of wedding planning and focus on what’s about to happen and your excitement about your commitment to each other!
5. Think about transportation
How are you getting to the ceremony? And from the ceremony to the reception? And home (or where ever you’re going post-wedding reception)? A lot of people think about the first one, but neglect to plan for the second and third! Now I’m not saying you’ve got to bust your budget and hire a limo for the entire day or a fancy car for your big exit (though that’s a super cool option if it’s your thing!) but make sure you’ve got a plan in place for how you and your partner are getting from point A to B — especially if you plan to indulge in a few cocktails at your wedding reception!
6. Consider comfort (yours and your guests)
Not a heel gal? Then maybe don’t rock a pair of uncomfortable, unbroken in stilettos for your big day! You’re going to spend a lot of time on your feet, so make that time as comfortable as possible! With the vast majority of wedding dresses, your shoes aren’t even visible, so don’t suffer for style! Pro tip: know what shoes you’ll be wearing on your big day and take them with you for your wedding dress alterations appointment! The hem length of your dress will need to be adjusted based on the heel height of the shoes. you’re wearing!
Your guest’s comfort is also important to consider when planning your big day! Getting married outside in the hottest part of a summer day? Provide paper parasols and bottled water for the ceremony. Hydrated guests are happy guests! Winter wedding? Cozy shawls for the reception are a welcome comfort item! And a basket of dancefloor-ready flipflops is always appreciated!
7. Figure out food and drink
Whether it’s a super formal white glove plated dinner or family-style BBQ, there is no wrong answer when it comes to wedding food! Be sure to consider guests with special dietary needs when planning — most caterers offer options to cover a wide range of needs. Oh, and be sure that the two of you actually eat at your wedding! It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind, but champagne toasts and an empty stomach can lead to disaster!
Speaking of alcohol, there are so many options for having it — or not — at your wedding! From dry weddings to bar service during cocktail hour only to specialty drinks to full bar all night long, there are a number of ways you can entertain your guests while keeping your bar bill in check!
8. Hire a killer DJ (or band)
DJs and bands do more than just play music! They serve and emcees to introduce you into your reception and announce important events like your first dance and cake cutting. Make sure you find someone who is equally comfortable on the mic as they are mixing tunes! And speaking of tunes, a good DJ (or band) can read the crowd and adjust the music accordingly. No one dancing? They’ll figure out the right mix of tunes that’ll get your guests breaking it down on the dance floor, making for one heck of a memorable party!
9. Make it meaningful
Whether it’s a memorial to loved ones who are unable to attend; something old, new borrowed and blue; or a unique unity ceremony, be sure to incorporate elements that are meaningful to you as a couple! One of my favorite unity ceremonies was a candy ceremony, with each member of the blended family adding their favorite candy to a big jar! Think outside the box and make your wedding day personal with little touches that will have your guests talking for years to come!
10. Plan an awesome exit
No one wants to think about the party being over but your wedding day will be over in a flash! And when it is, why not make a memorable exit? Grand exits — whether it’s sparklers, bubbles, confetti, ribbon streamers, glow sticks or, well you get the idea — are a fabulous way to say farewell to your guests and cap off your picture-perfect day! Be sure to check with your venue to see what they allow (some don’t allow sparklers, many require confetti to be cleaned up) to ensure that there are no surprises on the big day!
