If you’re newly engaged, congratulations! This is a very exciting time and journey in every bride’s life. As a full service event company, we want to make the planning process easier by offering the following tips:
#1 Read the church guidelines if you have your own officiant.
If you’re having your ceremony in a church and you have chosen a friend or family member to be the officiant, read the church guidelines carefully about rules for having an outside officiant. While many churches accept an outside officiant, the pastor/minister of the church may be required to partake in the ceremony for legal reasons.
#2 Print your own invitations if on a budget.
Since printing large quantities can be expensive, you can minimize this cost by having a PDF file of the invitation printed on your own.
#3 Learn your venue’s rules ahead of time.
Many couples aren’t aware that when they secure a reception venue, they are required to utilize that venue’s catering, bar and/or wedding planner services. If you have your eye on a specific venue, ask what the policy is for food, decor, planning and beverage services.
#4 Secure a wedding director for the ceremony and reception.
If you’re on a budget, ask someone you know to take on this position and thank them later with a nice gift, like a wine and cheese basket. Often times, your caterer can take on the role of wedding director for you.
#5 Don’t overdo on food at the reception.
Food can be one of the easiest ways to spend most of your wedding budget. Keep the menu light and simple, like a few hors d’oeuvres and an entree. Remember that most guests spend most of their time dancing and mingling at weddings.
#6 If you have a band or a DJ, create a “Play”/”Do Not Play” list.
By doing this, you will be sure to hear the music you want without having to spend time requesting songs. If you have a band, give the players this list in advance so they have ample time to learn the songs they don’t know.
#7 Emergency kits are essential.
Put a friend or a bridesmaid in charge of creating an emergency kit on the day of your wedding with helpful items, such as fashion tape, band aids, medicine, glue, thread, a needle, scissors, snacks, cotton swabs, hairspray, deodorant, etc.
#8 Purchase all undergarments and shoes before fittings.
By doing this, you’ll visualize exactly how your dress will look and feel on the day of your wedding.
#9 Test hair styles before the wedding day.
You don’t want to have any surprises when you’re in the big gown, so it’s important to know exactly how you want your hair (and even makeup) to look.
#10 Create your guest list before all other lists.
Create the guest list of everyone you want to invite first. Doing so will make it easy to copy and paste the guests you want at your showers and engagement parties.
#11 Create a list for your photographer.
If you plan on having engagement pictures professionally taken, create a list of places and poses to give to your photographer to help move things along quicker and smoother.
#12 Don’t stress out.
It’ll just make you more anxious and worrying only leads to wrinkles. Remember, this process is supposed to be enjoyable and fun so make the most of it as much as you can. If self-planning isn’t your thing, that’s what we’re here for. We’re a full-service company that is very experienced in catering, floral and design and other areas of wedding planning. Whatever you need, we can take care of professionally to make you a happy bride!
Learn More About President of Avenue Catering Concepts, David Covell, on Google+
