Whether you are planning your own wedding or for someone else, you’re probably aware of how challenging the process can be. This problem is what the internet was invented for, though. The article you are reading right now is your key to making wedding planning more fun and less stressful.
When wedding planning, think about what alcohol you want to serve, how you want to serve it, and try to be cost efficient. Open bars are typically very expensive, especially when they are open for long time-periods. Ask the venue you’re thinking of having the wedding at about the different types of alcohol they serve, and what they have in stock.
Your wedding photos are important as they will be the memories you carry with you for the years to come. See to it that you hire professional photographers and pay a little bit more for this if needed in order to document this wonderful experience.
Tie little decorative items into all the elements of your wedding decor. You could use the same ribbon from your bouquet as you do on your floral centerpieces or veil. These little details will add up to create one giant aesthetic.
Think about wedding transportation. For people who need a ride back to their hotels at night, arrange to have taxis and limos ready for them. This is also helpful for anyone who was drinking at the reception.
Flowers are great, but don’t place too many of them on your tables or they can become tacky. Oftentimes, those flowers are simply in the way for your wedding attendees. Also, some of your guests may have allergies to the flowers. To give the tables a romantic look, consider using non-scented candles as a centerpiece.
Of course you probably know to tell your DJ or band what songs you expect, but also consider telling them songs you absolutely do not want at your wedding. If you hate a specific song or a genre, such as heavy metal or country, you don’t want that played at your wedding reception. Whatever it is, let him know so you don’t end up cringing at your own wedding!
Take the time to look at the work of different photographers before committing to one. You don’t want to end up with wedding pictures that you’re unhappy with. To find some talented photographers near you, look for reviews online or see if friends or family can recommend anyone.
Your assistant just needs to be someone who is capable of keeping up with all your photographic gear and following along unobtrusively behind you. They can also help round up family members for group portraits.
Think about asking your family if they want to stay for the honeymoon. This saves people money based on hotel discounts for guests that stay longer, and it also helps maximize the fun. Then you can have a memorable wedding and your guests will enjoy a mini vacation.
Schedule your reception for midday. Most people will drink less during the day, which will cut back on the cost to fill the bar. Lunch receptions are often cheaper than receptions held during dinnertime. This can help you focus your budget on higher-quality foods or providing higher-end alcoholic beverages.
See that the lighting at the reception venue has the ability to be dimmed. You may not think this detail is important; however, consider the effect of low lights on parts of your reception. For example, you may want to dim the lights for your first dance or other important dances and brighten them when you want everyone to participate in dancing. Verify this with the venue, before signing your contract.
See if a friend has something they wouldn’t mind letting you wear for your wedding. This can allow you to look the way you want to and add an element of charm to your wedding.
For couples who enjoy the jet-setting lifestyle, incorporate thematic decorations that convey a love for travel. Save-the-date notices and invitations could be created to resemble tickets, boarding passes, or vintage postcards. You can use old luggage to display things like photos, wedding favors, or wedding programs.
Be sure to make wedding plans that incorporate the cultural and social backgrounds of both parties in the marriage. This solution creates a contrast that will honor the traditions of both families.
If you will not be serving a supper at the reception, think about using other furniture instead of tables and chairs. Lounges, chaises, and even cushy sectional pieces can encourage greater interaction between guests. Plush seating arrangements encourages comfort and relaxation among your guests, meaning you can even partition differing lounge environments through your reception site.
Alert your caterer to the fact that you would like your reception to be held outdoors. If the weather is hot, some foods won’t keep well, and if it’s windy, some lighter foods might actually blow away. You could use covered chafing dishes, or keep the food inside a tent. If possible, consider having a small fridge on hand for keeping beverages chilled.
Plan out the activities for your wedding day so that wedding party attendants and guests can interact in fun ways. Don’t just let everyone stand around tapping their feet, waiting for something to happen. Include a variety of activities, like contests, photobooths, karaoke or miniature golf. Make your wedding a participatory event for all, and it will be both fun and memorable for everyone.
Write your own wedding vows. Do not copy these as they should be personal. When you write your vows yourself, you add a bit more meaning and depth to this special day to remember. You can use other vows as inspirations, but you need to add your own special touch.
Try not to become overwhelmed with any part of the wedding planning process, and use the suggestions outlined above, when you need a little advice. Don’t forget to check out other sources of advice, as well, to help your big day run smoothly.