You have your dress picked out, the menu planned, and you know who to ask to be in the bridal party. But what about all of those little details? Here are some of our favorite tips for planning a wedding like a pro
Perfect Your Invitation Program
This is one thing that people are often too lax about. Send reminders via email or text message if necessary. And don’t forget to factor in travel time when calculating how many guests will be able to make it. You can also send invitations ahead of time, so they don’t need an RSVP date at all.
Think of save-the-dates cards as well. The traditional invitation will be a month or two before the wedding. But this doesn’t tell guests when they need to book their travel arrangements, for example. You can use save the date cards as an opportunity to announce your big day and send out details on the time and location of the ceremony. Use modern tools in developing appealing personalized cards.
Remember that you’re in a race against the clock. Consider getting your invitations out at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding, so you get enough responses back to plan for several guests and travel arrangements.
Look for an Event Coordinator
This is a big one. You might be tempted to go DIY, especially if you have a friend who loves weddings and knows how to handle all the details. But this can often lead to scheduling mistakes and other painful errors.
The solution? Find an event coordinator who specializes in your location and also can help with rentals, lighting, and more. Hire them well in advance of your wedding, and be sure to get a signed contract, so there are no misunderstandings if something goes wrong down the line.
Find the Best Wedding Site
Not all wedding sites are created equal. For example, if you want to have an outdoor wedding, make sure the area can accommodate that. If you’re looking for a rustic feel, find a place with plenty of trees and natural beauty. The location of your wedding will likely dictate things like the time of year you have it and how many guests can attend.
And don’t forget about the little things, like parking. If your wedding site is in a busy area, you’ll need to factor that into your budget for parking and shuttle services.
Target Top Entertainment Groups
There are different types of entertainment to keep in mind, depending on your wedding style. Sometimes you might need a DJ or lighting team to set the mood for an elegant affair. Other times you’ll be looking at full bands, string groups, and other options to make the event something special.
It’s also essential to think about your guests. If you have a lot of young people coming, for example, you might want to consider hiring a band that does covers of popular songs. And if you’re aiming for an older crowd, go with something more classical or mellow.
Planning a wedding is no easy feat. It can be hard to keep track of all details between the guest list, venues, and entertainment options. Thankfully with the right tips, you’ll plan your big day like a pro. Think also about the invitation plan.