So, you're engaged! How exciting..let's see, you have your dream venue booked and of course you've chosen us as your photographers (right?!?!?!)! So, what now?
When I worked as a Wedding Planner for six years I never necessarily enjoyed telling people "DON'T" do this or "DO" that as I believe every couple's wedding is different, their guests are different and the wishes that they have for their wedding day will be different. So at the end of the day, remember - you do you!
However, over time that I worked as a wedding planner here are the Top 5 Wedding Planning Tips that I have that you may actually appreciate. They will make your life easier as well as your guests' like easier which equals to a smooth wedding day (hopefully)!
1) Create an e-mail FOR ONLY wedding items
You want to start e-mailing vendors and setting things up for your big day - instead of using your own personal e-mail where you receive those amazing Bath & Body Works coupons, why not create a separate e-mail ONLY for wedding items. This way you can create folders, keep track of vendor responses, etc., etc. all in one place. Your e-mail can be jenanddavewedding@gmail.com or jenplusdave2019@gmail.com Either way, I assure you, creating your own wedding e-mail will make your life that much easier.
2) Ask for RSVPs to be sent back via E-mail
Instead of the traditional RSVP card that you would ask your guests to fill in and sign - you can insert a separate card with all the information for your guests to follow and RSVP through e-mail.
Here are a few items that you can add on your RSVP card
Ask them to RSVP to this e-mail address
Ask them to inform you on the number of guests attending*
Ask them to inform you on any dietary restrictions of their choice of dinner (if applicable)
I put an asterisk* by the second point because some couples want to specifically mention how many guests that they are inviting in that household. If this is the case you can inform them on the card how many guests are invited and continue to ask them how many guests will be attending.
If you do plan on using this e-mail RSVP method I again will highly recommend you creating a separate wedding e-mail.
3) Your vendors can be a huge help!
Vendors can be a huge help in finding other vendors that you're looking for. For example, as photographers, when we're able to be involved in the get ready portion of the day, we see how the hairstylist and makeup artist work and how they connect with the brides and the bridal party and family and we would happily recommend some of our favourites.
4) Out-of-town guests
Out-of-town guests are always so excited because not only do they get to attend your wedding - but they are in a different city which can feel like a mini-vacation! For these guests, I suggest sending them a few options for hotels close to the venue with different price points. The magic number here is probably two hotels - one with a higher price point and one with a lower price point.
Another suggestions for out of town guests is giving them a list (which can be done through e-mail) of the top 5 tourist attractions! In Alberta, I would naturally suggest down town Banff, Lake Louis (depending on how much free time they have). They will very much appreciate that and I bet you they will give it a try and have one extra memory that makes your wedding weekend that much more memorable!
5) Deligate!
If you have bridesmaids - I suggest delegating ONE thing to each of your bridesmaids in regards to wedding planning or wedding organization. This way each of your girls can support you with one thing and this goes a LONG way!
For family, you can delegate a cousin to man your money box the day of your wedding and make sure it goes to a secure place once your reception begins. You can also delegate a family member to be at the reception an hour early and support you in setting certain items up such as setting up seating cards, organizing the guests favours, making sure the last minute details are ready for when guests arrive.
Remember, at the end of the day, a wedding is the joining of two hearts - make sure you enjoy it. Get as organized as your possibly can while planning, and then the day of the wedding enjoy every second. If things go wrong, they will make for awesome stories and memories.
I hope these few points will be of help to you!
Happy Planning!
Bride & Bow Photography
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