I asked my 2020 couples what they would offer to future couples as “wedding-day tips” and “favorite moments/memories” from their wedding day! Continue reading to find out what they said!
What would be 1-2 wedding planning or wedding day tips that you would like to pass along to my future couples?
Bride Kerri shared this — whether you are using a coordinator/planner or not, it is best to start as early as possible and organize all of your ideas. The more you get done earlier, the less stressful the last month leading up to the wedding will be. Groom Hakeem said this — start early to pick out your vendors so you have the option of choosing the vendor you want. Some vendors book quickly and then you will have to choose a back-up plan.
Groom Ian’s answer — Buy a wedding planning book and create a budget & stick to it. Bride Kenzie’s answer — Get to the venue early the day of (trust me you will need the time to get ready and it will take longer than you think). Also use Google calendar or something to keep track of all your planning things ahead of time (i.e. when bills are due, appointment times and addresses/phone numbers etc.). (photo by Kelly Mitchell Photography)
Groom Mark replied — Don’t overlook the necessity of a day-of coordinator. You can do a lot of the work of setting up yourself, but once it’s ceremony time, it’s all out of your hands. Prioritize your budget around photography. The day goes by surprisingly fast, and you only get one shot at capturing it. His bride Emily replied — 1) give yourself enough time to plan! So many websites will tell you to delegate, and that is good advice, but if you’re anxious and type-A like me, delegating is not easy when you have such a specific vision. We gave ourselves a little over a year between engagement and wedding day, and I felt like that space really let me plan and get everything ordered to my specifications; 2) But also, give yourself grace. Most likely, you’re not going to have a Pinterest perfect wedding. Some things will not get as much attention as you originally wanted. And that’s okay! Be realistic about your budget and what you can do yourself, and accept that things might have to change; 3) SPECIFICALLY DELEGATE SOMEONE TO BUSTLE YOUR DRESS. My mom and bridesmaid totally forgot (as did I) and I kept getting physically wrapped up in my dress during all the twirling from first dances. This wasn’t a huge deal/obviously didn’t ruin the day, but make sure someone bustles your dress before the reception; 4) Don’t get married during a global pandemic!!
What are your favorite memory(ies) from the wedding day?
Kerri’s answer — our 1st dance as it was magical with the fog and cold sparklers. I also enjoyed being able to have the time to go around with my husband and greet all of our guests.
Hakeem’s answer: our sparkler exit!!
(photo by J McClean Photography)
Ian’s favorite moment was “marrying my wife”. He also added — getting together and celebrating with family and the food was really good too! Kenzie’s favorite memories were the actual ceremony (you blur out most of what the officiant says but I was so happy to be standing next to my partner saying my vows). Also, we had an amazing band!
Mark replied — One that really stands out to me was our surreptitious entrance to the dinner portion of the evening. We weren’t able to be physically present to oversee the entire process of setting up the reception area (for the obvious reason of being the bride and groom), and I was anxiously bracing myself for a scene of chaos and confusion. I was elated to find the space had instead been transformed into a rather elegant dinner party. Not only did it exceed every expectation I had, but it also allowed me to breathe a deep sigh of relief. Everything had come together. The stress of the day was officially over; we could finally relax and enjoy the evening. As the golden hour arrived, music suffused the air, and I was able to really take in the sights and sounds of our friends & family, all dressed up and looking their best, arrayed in ornately decorated tables, talking, laughing, and enjoying being together. That was a pretty magical experience. Another good one was the send-off, which had a similar feeling of “it all came together beautifully.” The party bus, with all of our wedding party, was also probably some of the best money we spent on the wedding.
Emily shared — 1) I was originally wary of a first-look because I wanted that dramatic moment of Mark seeing me for the first time coming down the aisle, but with consideration of time, we ended up going with a first-look and I’m so grateful! Not only was it a special moment, but getting to spend some time together before the big event was great for my nerves. 2) I loved hearing Mark’s vows. We wrote our own vows in total secrecy of each other and hearing them for the first time in front of loved ones was so meaningful and special to me.
(this photo and cover photo by Brad Barnwell Photography)
Want to experience those fabulous moments and cherish those memories! Be in touch at 410-978-2048 or lexi@eventsbylexi.com and let’s chat!
