THE TALK
before starting the process have the talk with your fiancé, be transparent and share your ideas, tell them what is it that you exactly want
Dream about your wedding
Close your eyes and envision your perfect wedding day. How does it look like? What do you see yourself doing? How does the backdrop look like? Is it day or night? Inside or outside?
Start an Instagram and a Pinterest moodboard
pick a certain aesthetic and color theme. Know what you want and what you don’t want.
Your Wedding Your Rules: Personalize the Event:
think outside the box, ditch the traditions and infuse the wedding with personal touches that reflect your personalities and story. Remember, everyone is here to celebrate YOU, the adult that you have become and your love story.
Start Early and write your entire guest list!
Begin the planning process as early as possible. This allows for more options and reduces stress as the wedding date approaches. Writing the guest list at the first stage helps to prevent any disappointments and will give you a better understanding of the budget and the type of the wedding and narrows down your search for the venue.
Set a Realistic Budget
Establish a budget early on and prioritize spending based on your preferences. Keep a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
Hire THE RIGHT wedding planner!
choose someone that actually cares, not someone that looks at you as a transaction! your wedding planner will be your BFF for the next year or so. Despite their professional experience they must also have an eye for aesthetic and Design, be great at communicating and have a personality that works with yours, remember: you are going to talk/text/email almost every day!
The venue as the main Inspo: choose the right venue based on your aesthetic and other logistics.
Select a venue that aligns with your vision, the venue plays an important part in navigating the design and aesthetic but also make sure it works with your perfect wedding and for your guests.
The importance of selecting the right wedding dress
Your wedding dress plays the most important part and its the main character. It is crucial to work with professionals and to choose the best dress based on your style, body type, design and aesthetic, your venue and your budget.
Communication is Key
Maintain open communication with your planner, vendors, the wedding party, and family members. Regular updates and clear expectations help prevent misunderstandings.
Hire a content creator and have an unplugged ceremony.
in today’s technology-obsessed culture stealing a few hours of gadget-free time for an unplugged wedding ceremony should be a gift to your guests. Its important to have fun, relax and enjoy this beautiful day.
STAY HYDRATED AND EAT!!!
Make sure to assign this task to a family member or one of the bridesmaids/groomsmen to constantly check up on you and to Mae sure you are drinking enough water and grabbing a bite.
Destination weddings can be magical, but they require meticulous planning. The right wedding planner will be addressing the unique considerations of a destination wedding, and will create a memorable and stress-free experience for you and the guests. Planning a destination wedding is definitely a very fruitful process but it requires careful consideration of unique challenges and opportunities. Here are some destination wedding tips:
The Destination: Selecting the right destination is the most important step of planning a wedding abroad. The right wedding planner can seamlessly find and suggest the best location to you based on the logistics, aesthetic, your budget and the type of the guests.
Visit the Location in Advance if you can: Visit the destination in advance to familiarize yourself with the venues and logistics. This will help you make informed decisions and troubleshoot potential issues.
Understand Local Laws and Requirements: Research and understand the legal requirements for getting married in the destination. This includes obtaining the necessary permits and understanding any residency requirements.
Hire a Wedding Planner that is familiar with the area and your culture: Consider hiring a wedding planner who is familiar with the area, local vendors, and potential challenges. They can provide invaluable insights and support.
Someone who can help you with:
Travel Logistics: the planner can Provide clear travel information, including airport transfers, transportation to and from venues, and any required shuttles. Consider organizing welcome packages with maps, local tips, and a schedule of events.
Weather Considerations: they can Research the destination’s climate and plan accordingly. Have backup plans for outdoor events in case of inclement weather, and communicate these plans to the couple and guests.
Cultural Sensitivity: is aware of the local culture and customs. This includes any religious or traditional practices that may impact the wedding ceremony or celebrations.
Budget Wisely: Destination weddings can have hidden costs, such as travel expenses for the couple and vendors. Ensure the budget accounts for these additional costs.
Prepare a wedding website and Communicate Clearly with Guests: Provide guests with detailed information well in advance, including travel arrangements, accommodations, and any activities planned. Create a wedding website with FAQs to address common questions. Its nice to research and add recommendations on activities, restaurants, excursions, etc.
Accommodation Options: Negotiate room blocks with local hotels to secure discounted rates for guests. Provide a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Timeline Flexibility: Be flexible with timelines, as things may operate differently in the destination. Account for potential delays and build in extra time for unexpected situations.
Guest Entertainment: Plan activities and excursions for guests to enjoy during their stay. This could include guided tours, spa days, or group outings to local attractions.
Welcome Bags: Prepare welcome bags for out-of-town guests staying at hotels. Include a schedule of events, local recommendations, snacks, and any necessary information.
Coordinate Transportation: Arrange transportation for guests between the hotel, ceremony, and reception venues. This is especially important if the locations are not within walking distance.
Plan Welcome Events: Consider hosting a welcome dinner, cocktail hour, or casual gathering nights before the wedding. It gives guests a chance to mingle and sets a festive tone for the weekend. Consider combining welcome parties with your dinner rehearsal.
Create a Detailed Itinerary: Provide guests with a detailed itinerary of the entire wedding weekend. Include the timing of events, locations, dress code, and any other relevant information.
Communication is Key: Keep open lines of communication with all vendors, the wedding party, and family members. Make sure everyone is aware of the schedule and any last-minute changes.
Relaxation Time for the Couple: . Wedding weekends can be hectic, so plan moments for to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Try not to plan any events or activities the day before the Wedding.
Rehearsal Dinner Tips: Make the rehearsal dinner enjoyable and relaxed. Use it as an opportunity for toasts, thank-yous, and an early celebration. Consider hosting it in a location with sentimental value to you.
Wedding Morning Essentials: Prepare a “wedding morning” kit with essentials like water, snacks, an emergency sewing kit, and any necessary personal items. Assign someone to be responsible for it.
Plan Post-Wedding Brunch: If the couple wishes, host a post-wedding brunch the morning after the wedding. It’s a great way to spend more time with guests and extend the celebration.
Emergency Kit: Put together a comprehensive emergency kit with items like band-aids, pain relievers, stain removers, and safety pins. Having this on hand can address unexpected issues.
Weather Contingency Plans: Have a plan for unexpected weather changes, especially if outdoor events are part of the weekend. Consider renting tents or having an indoor backup option.
STAY HYDRATED AND EAT!!! Make sure to assign this task to a family member or one of the bridesmaids/groomsmen to constantly check up on you and to Mae sure you are drinking enough water and grabbing a bite.
Create a Timeline: Develop a detailed timeline outlining all the events, tasks and deadlines. This will help keep everything organized and on track.
Hire Professional Vendors: Invest in experienced and reputable vendors, including a photographer, videographer, caterer, and florist. Check references, read reviews, and meet with vendors to ensure a good fit.
Consider Guest Comfort: Plan for guest comfort by choosing a suitable venue, providing clear directions, and considering weather conditions. Ensure there are ample facilities, such as bathrooms, and that the seating arrangement is comfortable.
Stay Organized: Use tools like wedding planning apps, spreadsheets, or a physical planner to stay organized. Keep all contracts, receipts, and important documents in one place.
Plan for Contingencies: Prepare for unforeseen circumstances by having backup plans for outdoor events, arranging for extra seating, and having an emergency kit with essentials like a sewing kit and first aid supplies.
Think About the Guest Experience: Consider the flow of the event from the guests’ perspective. Provide clear signage, offer a variety of entertainment, and ensure there’s enough food and beverages.
Test Hair and Makeup: Schedule a hair and makeup trial before the wedding day to avoid any last-minute surprises. This ensures the couple feels comfortable and confident in their chosen look.
Create a Rain Plan: If the wedding is outdoors, have a backup plan in case of bad weather. This could involve renting a tent or securing an indoor venue.
Delegate Responsibilities: Assign specific tasks to trustworthy friends or family members to lighten the load on the wedding day. This allows you to focus on enjoying the celebration.
Take Breaks and Enjoy the Process: Remember to take breaks, enjoy the process, and spend quality time together. It’s essential to savor the moments leading up to the big day.