Sometimes when we are planning a wedding it is important to check-in with what’s truly important. It’s not just about the details. It’s essential to keep your focus on the big picture and most importantly to focus on each other.
Here’s a mantra for the day…
Honesty. It’s something that I value greatly and I consider it part of my job to be honest with my couples throughout the planning process.
Planning a wedding allows for a lot of day dreaming (or at-work-internet-searching!) and the real life logistics of that dreaming sometimes needs to be brought into focus. Whether it’s a budget issue or a matter of dreaming so big that your vision will present a set of challenges in terms of implementation it’s up to your wedding vendors to tell you the real deal when it comes to your requests.
Your caterer may suggest that you rent a tent for your cocktail hour or that you add an additional item to your menu; your photographer may want to take “first look” photos prior to the ceremony so you can enjoy more time at your reception; your floral designer may recommend you use certain flowers for longevity or color availability.
It’s essential that you are comfortable with their level of expertise and value their advice. If you can listen to the feedback from your trusted professionals and know that they will work their magic for you on your big day then your planning process can be more enjoyable.
Unlike the days when puffy sleeves and pastels were all the rage, it is totally fashionable to have a fabulous wedding party!
I first posted these tips in December 2009 and in my opinion they still hold true in 2012. Here are Six Tips for a happy and beautiful wedding party:
1. Consider having your girls wear different colors or styles of dresses (just in case everyone doesn’t feel she can pull off the color and strapless cut you may have in mind).
2. Coordinate the girls’ look with matching shoes & handbags.
3. Use bold, beaded jewelry to finish the look no matter what your style. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings all work to accomplish a matched style.
4. Perfectly match pashminas to your palette or add another pop of color to pull the look together. By the way, any of the aforementioned items would be thoughtful gift ideas from you to your maids!
5. Picture your groomsmen in matching suits (instead of tuxedos–particularly for mid-day ceremonies) with coordinating shirts & ties in your chosen palette.
6. Bridesmaids & groomsmen prefer to be seated with their dates instead of being separated by head table status. Everyone will love you for this one!
When I first start talking with a couple about their wedding one of the details I want to know is “how do you want your wedding to feel?” Even if you don’t have a “theme” per se, you most likely have an idea of whether you’d like the atmosphere to be elegant & classic or casual & rustic or romantic & gardeny or something entirely different than anything you’ve seen before. The atmosphere you create for your guests will surely be remembered.
Take some time to think about how you want your wedding day to feel. Is it formal? If so, then perhaps you’ll have a glass of champagne handed to each guest as they arrive at your reception. Do you want a more casual, welcoming vibe? Consider a pre-ceremony cocktail hour or a lemonade bar to encourage guests to mingle and get acquainted.
If you start hosting the moment guests arrive they will recognize the special feeling and ambiance you’ve created.
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