For many brides-to-be, the ‘to do’ list that starts forming after the proposal can seem overwhelming—and never ending! Luckily, there are plenty of women who have been there, done that and can offer suggestions on various aspects of the planning process. We asked brides whose weddings have been featured in Town&Style for helpful advice on how to pull it off with ease.
emily desloge
>> Include your groom-to-be in decisions. I was fortunate that my event marketing background helped me understand what to expect, but event planning isn’t for everyone and can be overwhelming. I saw it as our day and asked my fiance if he would like to be part of most decisions so he would feel included. But I didn’t get offended when he left certain things up to me.
>> Make sure your groom isn’t the guy who is just told where and when to show up. You want the day to be a reflection of both of you. Going into our wedding, I knew things wouldn’t go exactly as planned, and that’s OK!
>> We had a few things that got lost in translation during the ceremony and reception, and when we told people, they were always surprised and said they couldn’t tell. Guests are all so focused on the couple and the excitement of the day that the little mix-ups are not what’s noticed or remembered.
>> Trust your vendors. Of course you want the day to reflect your taste and ideas, but many times, I was perfectly comfortable asking our florist or venue manager for recommendations. They are the experts and have seen it all! You’ve picked them for a reason, so don’t be afraid to ask their advice. I trusted that they knew better than me regarding certain details, and I was so happy with the results.
emily hartman
>> I highly recommend finding a band that is easy to work with and willing to learn new songs. Ours was so flexible and even learned an ‘on-the-spot request’ from a guest during one of its breaks. Great entertainers will make your wedding that much more memorable.
>> Don’t stress about the little details that nobody else will notice! Many things I wanted done perfectly didn’t come through as planned. Whether your florist is late or you don’t have the right color napkins, don’t waste energy on worrying about it. Have fun and laugh it off. Focus on the real reason for the day. Down the road, it’s not about the linens or flowers, it’s about being happily in love!
jill rafferty
>> For a destination wedding: You must have a wedding planner. I would have been clueless without mine. And try to meet with her prior to the wedding, if possible.
>> Do a dry run with your hairstylist at home and take pictures so you can show them to the stylist at your wedding locale.
calli williams
>> Don’t start meeting with vendors until you have a firm idea of how you want the day to go. You should pick them based on a mutual understanding of your vision. And don’t be afraid to take chances on an unknown vendor; go with your gut!
>> Pick your top vendors, then ask for their opinion on the others. Companies that have worked together in the past typically work well with each other!
>> Make your wedding your own. Don’t just follow what your friends did.
>> You can never have too many schedules. Every vendor appreciates them!
>> Only use vendors that will pick up their items afterward so you don’t have to worry about clean up.
>> Delegate the week of. If your coordinator offers to do something, let them. If your mom or mother-in-law offers to do something, let them. If your dad offers to do something … let your mom do it!
>> Make sure your groom understands when he and the groomsmen need to be ready. And make the day easy for him as well; he also deserves time to gather his thoughts!
>> Wear your wedding shoes around the house for a couple weeks to break them in. Wedged dress shoes are wonderful; I never took mine off all day!
kate attridge
>> Once you’ve made a decision, don’t get back on Pinterest. I would choose something (my dress, for example) and then second-guess myself when I saw other options online. Go with your gut!
>> Crowdsource. I planned my wedding while living out-of-town, so I asked other brides in St. Louis which vendors they used—and what they liked and didn’t like about them. It made choosing vendors much easier when I knew they had ringing endorsements from people I know and trust.
>> Spend the money on a planner. Even if it’s just someone to take care of logistics the day of, it is the best money you will spend. It will allow you to be able to fully relax knowing someone else is there to take care of the details.