Wedding Secrets
Best Kept Tips
These make all the difference.
Delegate.
Most people try to do everything themselves, especially when it comes to our weddings. OR they have a planner who takes care of everything. Either type of couple, can delegate. What do I mean? Who around you has an innate knack for styling clothes, was a born interior designer, or throws the most unique soiree? Which friends or family members are natural hosts? Involve your people. Ask them for advice and whether they would be open to helping you. Brainstorm together over coffee or a cocktail and see what great ideas you can come up with together. This can help you create a wedding that is warmer, more authentic to your values, and unique to you. Focus on fun and many hands making light work.
Adding on to that point!
Do you know anyone who can sew minor repairs, steam, and press? You want that person nearby on your wedding day. Make this person one of your VIP’s. If you don’t know anyone who can do this, ask your partner if they do.
Simplicity is Key.
Be realistic about how intricate everything needs to be and how much time everything will take. If you are a maximalist, choose where that shows up- having multiple gowns is trending for good reason, or choose really vibrant bohemian patterns to include in your table scapes or decor- color too is in! If you are planning to craft anything for the wedding yourself though, don’t wait till the week of- there will be last minute decisions and pivoting you may need to do already. Some guests suddenly can’t attend- or some who couldn’t now can, or there is a storm and flights are getting diverted- life happens. Give yourself some space in your schedule the week before- and hopefully you’ll be filling that time with romantic anticipation, instead of solving problems- Murphy’s law and all!
Prioritize Experiences
Make sure on your wedding day you and/or your wedding planner, builds in some time for just you and sweetheart to be together privately on your wedding day. This usually works best right after the ceremony or after the family photos or once dinner has started- you can choose to eat privately, which also makes sure you actually have time to eat! No matter where it fits best in your timeline, I recommend at least 10 minutes. To breath, to look into each other’s eyes and let everything sink in.
The happiest, most rewarding and successful marriage I’ve witnessed, is still the first wedding I ever photographed. They were/are friends of mine, and our mutual friends were beside themselves because they hadn’t sent out official save the dates. What they said when our friends asked them about save the dates, really stuck with me. They said they wanted to start their marriage the way they intended it to go. Their priority was taking dance classes together- they wanted an epic first dance- and it was! Their marriage has continued like that, the priority has always been them doing things together.
Plan Clean Up.
Not the most fun aspect for sure, and hopefully if you have a wedding planner this will be fully taken care of. If you don’t have a planner, ask your caterers their plan, talk to your venue. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Then ask someone you trust to be your point of contact person, so if any questions arise the day of, or as the wedding winds down, that person can answer questions or make sure everything is taken care of so you can ENJOY your wedding.
Remember What This is About- You & Your Love.
You are celebrating your love and committing to each other. This is not your mother’s wedding. (Extra secret, it’s not typically bridezilla’s, it’s often momzillas or mom-in-law-zillas.) There will likely be at least one person who is judging everything about your wedding- you can’t control that. Those people find fault no matter what, because they are unhappy themselves. Make sure you and your partner love the day you are creating- try not to worry about impressing or pleasing others.
Weddings Are Not For Diets!
Have food you love, and make sure there are options for friends or family with allergies or dietary restrictions. Food is something that is remembered. Make sure icy beverages are available immediately after the ceremony. These don’t have to be alcoholic- you can have carafes or lemonade or infused water ready to go.
Have A Rain Plan!