WEDDING NOTES™ – Some Planning Tips

As one wedding planner put it, “Just because you have planned something, doesn’t mean it is going to happen.”  Here are some tips from professional planners to help insure that everything works well at your wedding.

1. Getting Ready.   Of course you want to look your best on this big day.  You may have booked a hair stylist for yourself and your bridesmaids.  Maybe someone is doing makeup for all.  In order for everything to flow, treat this as a salon appointment and require everyone to be on time for the appointments.  Work with the stylists to establish a sensible timeline and insist that your wedding party be on time.  A lot goes on before you walk down the aisle, and you don’t need to add undue stress to the list. 
2.  Photographs.  Every couple wants the album of perfect pictures from the wedding.  Check out several photographers and insist on seeing their work.  Some specialize in formal shots and others are masters of creative vignettes.  Some do both.  Make sure that everything goes smoothly by giving the photographer a list of the people you want to make sure are included in your wedding album.  Appoint a friend to run interference for the photographer and make sure that each of those persons is available for photos.  The photographer should spend his/her time shooting pictures, not searching out the people you want in the photos. 
3.  If you are planning a cocktail reception, make sure that the caterer has wait staff ready with trays of cocktails as the guests enter.  For the first five to ten minutes staff should focus on getting beverages into guest’s hands.  Once that has been done, then they can start passing canapés.  Stress the importance of this to the caterer.  You don’t want lines at the bar if you are having an open bar.  Appoint someone as host/hostess at your reception and introduce them to the caterer before your event.  They can make sure that guests are not standing in lines waiting. 
4. Order of Service.   Think of your guests.  If you have elderly relatives, make sure that they are served first.  Unless you feel strongly about it, consider having the head table served last.  That gives the couple a chance to chat with guests and socialize.
5. Be aware of “down time”.  Weddings can lose energy after the food course.  Guests are at different points in the meal.  This can be a good time to introduce one or two toasts.  But have the best man announce that toasts need to be kept to a minimum of 3 – 5 minutes. 

For many other helpful ideas to keep your party flowing nicely, talk with one of our experienced consultants.