It’s a Balancing Act
Pictures can be photoshopped, memories can’t. Balancing joyful events with style can often be complicated, especially when planning your wedding. Here are a few tips that can ensure your celebration will be as memorable as it is beautiful.
Discover what you want. For a lot of brides and grooms they think they know what they want until they start making decisions. Don’t be afraid to jot down your “wish list”, even if you think it is ridiculous. You will very quickly see what might be a waste of your resources and what will be something worthwhile. Cutting out unnecessary things will help you keep to the part of your vision that matters. Your final decision might be the pared down, more realistic version of your wish list, but at least you began by understanding what you wanted.
Plan, plan, plan! Experiences that seem “effortless” rarely are. Deciding colors, decor, and menus do matter, however taking the time to think about the experience of your celebration is equally important. Guests are there to share in your happy moment, plan to allow joy to be in abundance! Start by making a flow chart for the wedding. A chart will help you determine areas of the event that might be confusing, boring, or need time management. For example, a simple problem like where guests sit during the ceremony can be solved by a simple sign directing them where to go.
You can’t do it all on your own, get help. Wedding coordination for the week of the wedding or day of the wedding can be a monumental stress relief. While your flow chart will help you determine the areas you may need extra assistance in, finding a coordinator who can meet those needs is an excellent solution. Remember on the day of your wedding you want the bride, groom, and bridal party to be a part of the celebration rather than being delegated to run around making sure everything is ok. Don’t be afraid to hire a coordinator or to ask a capable and trusted friend to help out.
Lastly keep your expectations realistic. I always say 70% of an executed vision translates to 100% for guests! There will always be something that has to be scrapped, changed, or figured out at the last moment. Breathe through these moments and let all of the hours of planning work for you. If you have planned well, the safe guards will be there to keep the momentum. Trust that your special day will be joyous and any fumble was just part of the thrilling ride.
Lastly, don’t forget a personal touch. Being a gracious couple ushers in feelings of love and joy to all who decided on being there for you. Whether it’s a thank you note, a speech, or a wedding favor; letting your guests know how much you appreciate and love them will never be wrong. Take that little extra time to recognize all of the individuals who came to celebrate your union!
We hope these tips are helpful. All the planning in the world will never cover last minute mishaps. Don’t let stress define the experience. Joy is an attitude and love is an action, let that be the mantra of your day!