Tips from Maria, seasoned wedding planner directly for YOU
1. Everyone has an OPINION
Daytime wedding, nighttime wedding, summer or winter, catering or restaurant… Everyone in your family (and your partner’s) will chip in. It’ll be mostly coming from a place of love, but let them gently realise that the only people who have to decide is you and your fiancee.
2. Decisions, decisions…
To make a plan, you need to define what you like. Open the web and start checking sites like Pinterest, WeddingWire, Best Destination Wedding and Weddings In Playa – these sites have the ability to transport you to thousands of weddings in 5 minutes. Take notes, be bold, have fun!
3. It’s important to get on the same page as your families before planning anything
Details that might seem obvious, like who’s paying for it, what the budget will be, and what the priorities are. Very important, if your parents pay; make them feel important. Everyone loves and greets appreciation!
4. Yes, it’s YOUR day, but it’s also important to your whole family
When starting the planning process, fighting for stuff that is only important to one, can end rather unpleasantly, sometimes even with tears. Understand that the day is a dream come true not just for you, but also for your parents, so if we need to have a religious ceremony in order for them to be happy, we might be able to come to a happy medium. Pick your fights!
5. There will be some conflicts between the 2 of you and that’s OK
To you, the song you pick for your first dance is super important. For him, it’s all about what’s going to be served at the open bar – you have different priorities!
Take a deep breath and just remember that you’re both under intense pressure trying to plan the perfect day, and that you’re always going to be different people with different ideas. Talk about everything, explain why you’re passionate about certain things, and maybe take a whole day with each other to just hang out and forget about the wedding so you can enjoy each other’s company instead. It sounds like a self-help book, but I promise that it works.
6. Some guests are a headache
The majority of people understand the unwritten rules and know that they have to RSVP on time. Others are going to tell you last minute that they can’t make it, making you end up footing the food and drink bill.
It happens at every wedding. It’s normal to get stressed and frustrated so do your best to spot the unwanted and try to be on top of it. Either you accept that they might not come or misbehave or you don’t invite them. Easy!
7. Dress shopping can be tough!!
And it can be a nightmare because, contrary to popular belief, no dress is going to fit you like Cinderella’s slipper right out of the box. There are a number of designs and designers you’ll love, so don’t worry. Start shopping early!
8. Be aware of the weather conditions
Beach weddings generally mean a lot of wind: I also love candles but unless it’s a quiet evening they won’t stay lit.
Same for your hairdo: if the wind blows, an updo is best…
9. EAT
Ask the catering service or restaurant manager to assign someone to follow you around.
Everyone will tell you that you will be going to be too busy to eat or drink on your wedding day because you’re going to be running around at the reception. Get ready! Assign a waiter to cater to both of you and all will be well!
10. ENJOY YOURSELF
It’s true that the day is going to fly by, but it’s really going to fly by if you’re not having fun. Don’t worry about it if someone doesn’t look comfortable or if your cousin is having a fight with his girlfriend. Enjoy your party because it goes fast.
What’s truly important is the fact that you’re marrying the love of your life.
11! Wedding planners are your best friends
It’s an extra cost that will hinder your budget BUT they have done this a million times before, so by giving them the reigns you can actually enjoy your own wedding. It is very easy to hire people to manage timing, amount of alcohol per person, and negotiations with the florist and every one else.
