A Few Tips for Your Wedding

Don’t have a Cash Bar
When it comes to the alcohol being served at your reception, it is entirely up to you. Whether you want to have full bar, limited cocktails, or no alcohol at all will be based on different factors including the budget. The one option that is not recommended is a Cash Bar. The guests should be gracious enough to accept what is being offered to them.

Wear Flats
A large number of brides have feedback after the reception that they wish they had worn flats instead. As a bride you should expect to stand for 8-12 hours on your wedding day. Be sure to break in your shoes in advance. Unexpected blisters can form after a few hours on your feet, even with wearing flats.

Have faith in your D.J.
D.J.'s are usually the wedding vendor most closely managed by couples. Too many song requests may actually impede the flow of your party. You hire your D.J. to judge when to play what music. You wouldn't instruct your Caterer step by step on how to prepare food, or your Photographer on what angles and lenses to use. Limit your D.J. request list to a few favorites and a do-not-play list of only the songs you cannot stand. Do not get carried away and have some trust.

Prioritize
What really matters most to you, the photographer, the music and dancing, the food and wine, the decorations, or being able to accommodate a large guest list? Put your money towards what you care about. You will have regrets if you skimp on what really counts. When you, the Bride and Groom are not footing the bill yourselves however, you may have to forfeit some financial decision-making. If this is the case you will need to compromise on certain priorities or if you really want that pricey photographer offer to pay for one yourself.

Have a Wedding Coordinator
With no Director there are too many details left to too many people at your ceremony. Having a Wedding Coordinator allows for one person to coordinate your wedding party processional, music, minister, seating guests and to resolve any unexpected last minute complications. A Coordinator will ease the stress level of everyone, including you, tremendously on your wedding day. So if your location does not include a Wedding Day Coordinator who also directs your rehearsal, hire your own. A Wedding Coordinator may be much more affordable than you think.

Be Smart about your Bachelor or Bachelorette party
DO NOT hold your Bachelor or Bachelorette party the night before your wedding! This may seem like a no-brainer but many brides and grooms still practice the archaic ritual of drinking all night on that fatal evening. It is simply not worth it, as the Bride/Groom and your attendants will no doubt feel tired, look tired, have a hangover, or worse be sick walking down the aisle. If necessary, request that any out of town attendants arrive a day earlier to help you to prepare and celebrate a different night.