The Wedding Planning Tips You Need
When it comes to wedding planning, most coupes have never done it before. There are a lot of steps and details, big and little, that go into planning a wedding. Sometimes there are just things you don’t know and that’s where a professional can be super helpful. If you’re planning a party for anywhere from 100-200 guests, that’s a lot of details to keep track of! So I put together my top 5 tips to plan a successful wedding:
Hire a wedding planner!
I know this might sound like I’m selling myself, but seriously, hire a wedding planner. They are your ultimate guide! Planners have checklists galore, tons of relationships with people in the industry and they know all the great vendors. They are a great resource for questions, to remind you of all the small details and your own personal checklist creator. As a planner, I’m also a designer to help make your wedding look cohesive + beautiful. But most importantly, planners are your go-to person the day of the wedding. You may think you’re saving money to have your family members do different tasks, but ultimately, it’s not worth it. We want you, your friends, and your whole family to enjoy the day – not move tables, chairs and set up decor! The goal isn’t to stress them out or to have them setting things up and tearing things down. Your wedding planner can do it all so you don’t have to!
Photo by: Palms and Pines Photography
Utilize your checklists
This is key to making sure you’re getting things done on time. I give all my clients a monthly countdown checklist to make sure they are on track in the planning process. This is beyond helpful because you know when to book vendors, when to discuss ceremony details, when to send invites, when to have dress fittings, etc.
Stay Organized
Create spreadsheets, timelines and utilize seating charts. Your wedding planner usually creates these for you, but they are essential to getting everything done on time, staying on budget, and making sure you have all the details for the day. I typically create docs on my google drive or use an amazing tool called AllSeated, so that all the important parties have access and can view or edit them when needed. AllSeated helps with layouts, RSVPs and where your guests are going to sit. Creating spreadsheets is great to keep record of your budget, vendor information, decor set-up, and a schedule for the day. 
Research Your Vendors and Read Your Contracts
Research your vendors and read contracts (entirely!) Again, your wedding planner is someone that can provide the best of the best vendors and go over contracts with you. But research your vendors, ask information, understand what’s included in the packages, and meet them! At the end of the day you want to love who you are working with and love their style. It’s key to connect with your vendors because you’re spending a lot of time with them and they are a part of the biggest day of your life. Oh, and don’t forget to read the contracts thoroughly! Make sure you know what your vendors charge for, whether it’s additional time, travel fees, policies, etc. That way everyone is on the same page from the beginning! 
Communication
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! Be sure to voice your opinion with your fiance, your family and your vendors and keep communication open. This is so essential in planning a successful wedding! Keeping everyone in the loop from your family, your bridal party, to your vendors will streamline everything once the big day arrives. Don’t wait to change things a couple weeks out, sometimes it’s too late. So be sure to say what you want and have honest and open communication with those in the planning process. If you communicate well, the day will be smooth sailing! 
Photo by: Palms and Pines Photography
If you keep these 5 things in mind, planning will be easy, fun + exciting! Remember, it’s a special season of life, so why not do it right and enjoy the planning process! And if you’re ready to start planning your big day, contact me on my homepage here and let’s chat!
