Hello all!
As we ease out of the holiday season and into the upcoming wedding season, I wanted to discuss what every wedding needs. While each wedding is completely unique to another, there a few things I think every single wedding should have – and I want to be sure to share with you today!
As we’ve talked about previously, each wedding is specialized to you as a couple, and no wedding trend, though lovely, can take that away from you! From the traditional to the trendy, each element of your wedding will look different at your specific wedding because it’s truly yours! Take the dress for example – while most wedding dresses are typically white, there are so many styles, fashions, and cuts to choose from. Just like no body is exactly the same, each bride shines in her own way once she’s dressed in the gown of her dreams.
That being said, while weddings are very specialized, it’s important to remember these 5 things that you absolutely, without a doubt, should have at your wedding. Let’s get started!
- Wedding Planner
I know, I know. Here we are again discussing a self-serving topic, but hang in there with me and let’s discuss why a planner is so needed. Imagine your wedding day. Think about how many moving parts there are to your perfect wedding. From set up to tear down, there are a ton of things that can go wrong! A hired planner can help ensure that no disasters or catastrophes sneak by while remaining in the background and helping your friends and family have the time of their lives! (pc: Scott Cech Studios)
- Schedule of Events
Back to those moving parts…let’s schedule them! A planner can also help out with the timeline for the day, but even if you don’t end up with a planner – ALL couples should absolutely take advantage of having their proposed schedule written out. Things may need to shift on the day of, so it’s important to get those milestones written down for your vendors so that everyone knows when that first dance is and that the conga line doesn’t start until after dinner!
- Vendors
About those vendors! While there are many, many lovely wedding vendors to choose from, be sure you ask around. A great team of vendors can make or break the worst-case scenario on your wedding day. Just a quick Google search online will surface with thousands of wedding horror stories from couples who did not heed this advice! A great team for your wedding is of the utmost importance! Trust me!
Entertainment
While you probably think this is a given, this can be an important part of the timeline and flow of your event. After your vows, if you plan on taking photos with your photographer while your guests mingle at cocktail hour – be sure there’s enough entertainment to go around. This can come in many forms including DJ music, action catering stations, or even themed entertainment (think strolling magician, caricature artist, or live event painter). Just as long as your guests aren’t left to stare back and forth at each other! (pc: Marck Your Memory Photography)
- Wedding License/Certificate/Important Travel Documents
While it’s not ideal to have to buy a whole new wardrobe if it’s left behind, as you go on your honeymoon, one thing you can’t replicate easily are those travel documents. I tell my clients to always pack their wedding licenses/certificates before their actual day of departure and to know exactly where those are beforehand. As we’ve mentioned, there are so many moving parts to a perfect event and this can easily slip through the cracks and create havoc and unneeded stress. Just pack it early!
I hope these few items have gotten your ideas churning! I am all for customization and specialty theming, right after these few items are ticked off the list! If you have questions or comments or need help coming up with your perfect wedding team, I’ve got plenty of referrals for some star wedding professionals who can help make your day the best ever!
(Cover image by Kaitlyn Phipps Photography)
