I know it may seem like an impossible task… But I can assure you there are some great steps you can take to help your wedding day run much smoother and be virtually stress free! Your day SHOULD be stress free, right?! RIGHT.
1. Hire a Planner
This might be something you planned on opting out for but I promise a good one is 1000% worth their cost (yes one thousand). A great planner will help with all the menial tasks that may go forgotten during the planning but are so important the day of! They’re wonderful for orchestrating the day and the people that are building your dream wedding (AKA vendors) in a timely manner. They’ll let everyone know where to be and when and what they need! They truly are a godsend and is the number one thing I’d recommend out of all the rest below.
2. Give Yourself Extra Time to Get Ready
If your hair and makeup says it’ll take 1.5 hours for you to be complete budget for 2-2.5. I’m serious. This will help because there is NO rush for getting ready and if there’s extra time before the ceremony that means more photo ops for me to take advantage of! AKA = You get more photos! And if by chance it runs late, we’ll have the extra time budgeted so the rest of your wedding will stay on time! Talk about a win-win right?
3. Communicate with your Vendors
I know this may seem like a given but communication in any relationship is KEY.
Only want oatmeal colored linen table cloths? Tell the planner.
Have a special photo request with your BFFs from middle school? Tell me (or your photographer).
Don’t want to hear any group dance songs? Tell the DJ!
We usually have a rhyme and reason for the things we do but if there’s something important that you do OR don’t want please let us know! The last thing we want to do is upset you on your best day ever!
4. Hire the Vendors YOU Want
Also seems like a given but I know that many couples can be influenced by family or friends and that of course will impact you before, during and after your wedding. If you’re already hesitant with the florist your grandma made you hire because they’ve never done a bouquet like you envisioned… Well, I’m sure you can imagine that you’ll be wondering what the outcome will look like/will most likely be disappointed! This applies to any and all vendors you’re hiring. Don’t be swayed, hire the ones you love!
5. Utilize Your Wedding Party
Now obviously, I don’t mean to take advantage of them (don’t be that person)… But you could have a whole team of people to assign at least 1 task to lighten the load. They’re your BFFs and I’m sure they want and are willing to help, they just need to be told what to do!
Pin point the areas that need a designated person:
A) Marriage License
B) Rings
C) Someone to assist with fixing wedding attire/flyaways…etc.
6. Plan Ahead for Tardiness
It happens. There’s traffic, getting ready runs behind, a groomsmen loses his tie! This is where having people in charge of designated areas definitely helps… BUT it’ll give you even more cushion to tell people to arrive 30 mins prior to when you actually need them. Family formals at 3:00? Tell them 2:30. Want to be done with hair and makeup for everyone by 1:00? Tell the HMU Artist 12:30. This will help save SO much time and stress the day of.
That’s all for now folks! I’m sure there’s smaller things to add in but these are the big ones that you shouldn’t go without. If you end up booking with me as well, I work WITH you guys to build the ultimate photo-friendly timeline. So not only can you get the most out of your time with me, but this lets me know exactly where I need to be to make the magic happen. It’s one of the things I love to do for you guys so everyone’s on the same page AND I can give you the best suggestions on time frames. So it’s a win-win for us all!
Happy Planning!!
