Whether you just got engaged or only a couple months away from your big day, here are some practical advises from people who were in your shoes not that long ago.
1) Make a list of the things you want to bring back home
Chances are you probably spent a lot of time creating those beautiful centerpieces. Make a detail list of everything you would like to keep and assign one on your bridesmaid to pick them up at the end of the evening. That engraved cake cutter set, a copy of your menu, those decorative candles, put everything down in writing.
2) Have a plate sent to your room
Let’s face it, although this is technically your day, you will most likely not have much time for yourself. In order to actually enjoy that delicious roast you carefully pick, ask for a plate to be sent to your room if your venue is in a hotel.
3) Keep those bridesmaids busy
You carefully choose these lovely ladies because they clearly hold a very important place in your heart. Feel free to delegate and let them help you with the planning and the day of your wedding. Turn your origami-folding task into a fun girls night and we guarantee you won’t even care about those soar fingers after your second glass of wine.
4) All you need is love… And Google Docs
Use all the tools available for you. A wedding planner will do a miracle when comes the time to select vendors, produce a timeline, and create the blueprint of your perfect wedding. However, when will come the time to update your guest list for the fifth time, or when you will try to keep track of your numerous deposits, Google Docs quickly becomes a solid ally to do a quick update without having to constantly exchange emails.
5) Set wedding planning meeting
Both you and your future husband are probably juggling tons of projects and responsibilities at the same time. From experience, discussing seating arrangements in the middle of a hockey game is not recommended. Allow time in your schedule to sit down and strictly focus on wedding planning. You will find the experience much more productive and enjoyable.
6) Make time for your guest
Take the time to personally thank everyone who freed its schedule to celebrate this day with you. Make sure to spend extra time with people from out of town. Allow enough time before or after the wedding to show them around especially if they are visiting from overseas.
7) It is impossible to please everyone
This is you and your future husband’s big day. Period. Expect to receive unsolicited advice from your entourage. Maybe your mother-in-law would prefer a traditional wedding or your own mother wants to invite that great-aunt you never met, no matter the issue, have a calm and honest conversation about your vision.
8) Be prepare for rejection
Truth to be told, it is always a bit disappointing to receive a negative response. No matter how close to you this person is do not take it personal if they can’t make it. On average, 30% of your list won’t be able to attend for various reasons. Focus on all the great people who will!
9) Plan accommodation for out of town guests
Is your venue located in a hotel? Great! Most hotels have a special rate for wedding guest. If not, make sure to include a couple lodging option in your invitation. If budget allows it, send welcome baskets to your guest’s room. (Treats, snacks, local products, map of local attractions, personalized thank you note etc…)
10) Make an emergency contact list
Take the time to make a complete list of single vendors, including: their name, phone number and arrival time. Leave the sheet with one of your bridesmaid. This wedding planning’s Holly Grail will come in handy if one of your vendor is running late or in case of a last minute emergency.
11) Plus one or no plus one that is the question
You most likely don’t have unlimited space nor unlimited budget. Therefore, it is absolutely okay to tell your cousin no when she asks to bring her new Tinder date to your wedding. Make sure, however, to include plus ones for married and long-term couples
12) Plan alone time
It is easy to become overwhelm with all the preparation. In this craziness, find the time to have one on one relaxing time with your fiancé. All of this is a celebration of your love after all.
13) Please leave a message after the beep.
It is absolutely fine to update your Facebook status to “Married” the day after your wedding. Try to avoid being on your phone and live in the moment as much as possible on your wedding day. You work so hard to plan it and it will only happen once.
14) Make it like you
We cannot stress this point enough. You always dreamed of a medieval wedding? This is your wedding and it should look like you. Use wedding magazines and Pinterest to inspire you, not dictate your choices.
15) Make sure the things you spend money on can be reused
It is easy to get dragged in what I call “the future-bride whirlwind”. Before you buy the entire ” future bride” apparel collection, ask yourself, will I really use the matching, tots bag, legging, sweatshirt, t-shirt and iPhone case after the wedding? This rule should also be applied to decoration. It is, however, worth splurging a bit more on a nice chandelier if you plan on reusing it after. If not, try to go for a rental.
