13 wedding planning tips worth considering

From my perspective a little savvy can go a very long way.  Here are a few tips that you can use while planning your wedding. Keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule, and usually for good reason. So- these aren't rules. Just a few things to at least consider.
1. Read all of your contracts thoroughly and make sure they state everything you expect and what is expected of you. “Oh, you didn’t want the Macarena?” Yeah, that happens.

Mindy and Rob by Riversedge

2. Lesson learned: Don’t give your guests sparklers before they leave the building. Enough said.
3. Find quality vendors on referral lists, magazine editorials and blogs. The names you see & hear repeatedly are typically the best ones. But its imperative you do your research- ask actual people. You can't believe everything you read.
4. Make every effort to build a relationship with your professionals. For this reason I highly suggest that you hire people you like. Gosh, why would you hire someone you don't like?
5. Plan for the experience you want and then plan the details that will make the experience come to life. As much as we all love the cutie drink stirrers, you’ll need a cocktail hour planned first.
6. Use your downtime wisely. Once you have contracts in place, work on items that don’t require a guest count. There’s no reason why you can’t pick out your music, hair and makeup 6 months before the wedding. So long last minute stress.
7. Address and stamp your thank you notes as you receive your rsvps, this way when you return from your honeymoon all you’ll have to do is write the note! There is no excuse for not writing a thank you note. Ever.


Hydrangeas & Roses photo by Ashley Brockinton

8. For goodness sakes let those who are documenting your wedding in on the surprises. Your priest doing the Irish Jig at your reception? Kind of a great thing to get on video. I will say this until my face turns blue and blue is not my best color.
9. Make sure all your vendors know who they are working with. A simple email with a list goes a long way. You would be amazed by how much goes on behind the scenes and how much more gets accomplished when your pros are working together.
10. Get video. You cannot see yourself walk down the aisle and you’ll never hear your dads toast again if you don’t.  #1 thing I get thanked for post wedding (telling my clients that video is more important to you than you think & not to skip it).
11. Consider what you liked and didn’t like about weddings you’ve attended and tell your vendors these things. It will save you both time and frustration. Nobodys offended if you don't like Hydrangeas. Especially Madonna.
12. Take professional advice into consideration, but don’t get talked into things you don’t want.
13. If planning anything outdoors, have a solid contingency plans! Not just for rain; plan for heat, cold and wind too. Escort cards love to blow away.
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