A recent poll asked wedding vendors from all segments of the industry for the most important tip they would give a client who was planning their wedding day. As you might imagine all of them were a variation on “Hire a Professional” because you should. But a lot of these responses are backed up by less self-serving reasons than you might think. I don’t know a single planner, baker, photographer or DJ that loves every aspect of running a small business or being in the wedding industry. But I do know a lot of vendors that have an uncontainable passion for serving others with their talent and expertise. As a result of this and countless hours honing their craft, they have some seriously awesome recommendations!
Here are the Top 10 Wedding Planning Tips from the Pros!
Pro Tip # 10 Look over your guest list and see how many of your guests have children. Consider hiring an onsite babysitter.
I often use a local insured company to provide sitters with background checks and the skills to keep those kiddos entertained so mom and dad can cut a rug on the dance floor!
Pro Tip # 9 If you have to handle any portion of the event that a vendor can’t help you with make sure everything about that project is complete 30 days prior to the event.
Honestly, don’t DIY if you can avoid it but if you do have memory table or wedding portraits from generations of happily married couples then make sure you’ve got that project under control asap!
Pro Tip # 8 Put the escort cards or seating chart in alphabetical order, not by table number
Pro Tip # 7 when budgeting for stationary don’t forget about postage
We actually have a whole line item for postage on the RLE custom Guest List and Budget Tracker!
Pro Tip # 6 Ask your photographer to see completed wedding galleries or albums, not just the photographer’s portfolio
Anyone can put their best stuff on their website but you’re going to want to see how they capture the whole day
Pro Tip # 5 Count the number of people at each table including children – each table can only accommodate so many bodies regardless of the age of the person
Pro Tip # 4 Write down – pen to paper – what your priorities are (yes, they can change) Each vendor thinks they are the most important but what you care about most should be communicated clearly to your planner. They will help make sure your budget dollars go to the things YOU care about most!
Pro Tip # 3 Hire a professional makeup artist and don’t be afraid to speak up at your trials about what you don’t like or want to change
So many people are afraid of looking too “done up” at their wedding but the camera washes out street makeup so much that only the touch of a professional can keep you looking naturally camera ready all day long.
Pro Tip # 2 Videography Hire one. Research has shown that the #1 regret from couples after their wedding is not having a video.
Seriously. Do it.
And the # 1 Pro Tip for planning your big day: Consider your ceremony a vital part of your wedding day – the cornerstone of the day and of your relationship. Make it the reason for the party, not something to be endured to get to the party.
Ya’ll – getting married is a BIG deal. Make this the true reason for your day and you won’t regret a single thing that happens because you will have each other.
