“I would have never thought of that!” says the client I am planning with. Not everyone hires a wedding planner though, so I’m here to share ten not so obvious wedding tips that couples might not be thinking about while planning their wedding.
1. ASK YOUR OFFICIANT TO STEP ASIDE
If you’re using a friend or family member as your officiant, they may not know to step out of the view of the camera once they say, “You may now kiss the bride,” which could leave you with your officiant standing awkwardly behind you during your first kiss moment.
Bonus Tip: Practice your “First Kiss.” It sounds ridiculous, I know, but you’ll be smooching in front of a crowd and a lot of cameras!
Photo: Black Coffee Photo Co.
2. ORDER AN EXTRA INVITATION
You have seen those beautiful wedding flatlays on Instagram, right? They typically include an invitation. Make sure it is a part of your checklist of items to bring with you to the hotel so that your photographer can include it in your wedding details portfolio.
3. TRUST YOUR VENDORS
This seems like an obvious one, but I hear of so many people forgetting this while planning their wedding. Creating a music list for the entire evening doesn’t allow your DJ or band to creatively keep your dance floor full. Giving your photographer 100 examples of photos you want will hinder their in-the-moment, raw talent of knowing what looks amazing. Stop yourself from micromanaging the people you hire. A very important item on the ten not so obvious wedding tips list.
4. PROVIDE EXTRA SEATS AT THE CEREMONY
If seats aren’t assigned, people naturally leave a chair between them and the person they don’t know. Unless you plan on giving a shout out on the mic for people to scootch in and cuddle up, it’s more comfortable for your guests to just order a few extra chairs.
Photo: Steven Michael Photography
5. SKINCARE
Do not wait for the month of your wedding to realize you need to do something about the blackheads on your nose or the fine lines on your forehead! You want to explore regiments early on in the planning process so that your skin is looking it’s very best by the time your wedding month rolls around.
Bonus Tip: Get your wedding glow on with a one of my faves, AesthetiCare MedSpa. They offer aestheticians that will personalize treatments specific to your skin from the time you say, “Yes,” to “I do.” They’ll even host a beauty happy hour for your entire bridal party to give you tips and tricks for skincare at no cost to you!
6. FEED YOUR VENDORS
While your vendors may seem like superheroes, they really aren’t. They need nutrients to give their best work. It’s definitely a long day for your photographer and videographer, so make sure to include them with your final guest count to the caterer.
7. YOU NEED A “DO NOT PLAY” LIST
Picture this cringe worthy moment; you’re on the dance floor having the time of your life and suddenly that song plays… the one that was special to you and your ex. Let your DJ know what songs are completely off limits.
8. HAVE A PLAN TO KEEP THE PARTY GOING
You might be exhausted by the end of your wedding night, but your guests could just be getting started! Check with your hotel to see if they can accommodate guests at the lobby bar or do your research on hotspots close to your venue to further entertain your guests.
Photo: Steven Michael Photography
9. ASSIGN END-OF-THE-NIGHT DUTIES
If you don’t have a wedding planner, you’ll want to designate a couple people to pack up your personal belongings. Someone will need to grab your cake cutting set, guest book, gifts, etc. Don’t assign your parents with these tasks! Let them enjoy the party. This is a very important point on the ten not so obvious wedding tips list.
10. FACTOR GRATUITY AND TIPS INTO YOUR BUDGET
Some of your vendors will add gratuity to your invoice, but not all of them. You’ll want to tip your venue coordinator that went the extra mile for you, the DJ that packed your dance floor, and anyone else that made your day extra special.
Bonus Tip: Hand off envelopes to a trusted person to distribute to your vendor team so you don’t have the extra responsibility on your wedding day.
Michelle Layman
COMPANY: Events by Elle
Michelle is the co-owner of reputable wedding planning company, Events by Elle, and is a frequent contributor to Wed KC. Connect with her and find more of her wedding resources at www.eventsbyellekc.com.
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