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Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting and
rewarding things a person will ever do, but it
is also one of the most stressful. As a wedding
coordinator I see all of the excitement and frustrations
that a bride goes through. The following is a list
of tips that I give brides that I work with. We
have found them very helpful, and I believe you
will too.
1. Start planning as early as possible. Places and
service providers are booked earlier and earlier
each year. So to insure that you get exactly what
you want, start early. It also gives you plenty of
time to find investigate other options if your first
choice does not work out.
2. Know your service providers. The reputation of
the service providers you choose is of the utmost
importance.
Avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of your wedding
by selecting service providers with impeccable records.
3. Put everything in writing. When you book your
service providers, anything that you discuss, including
special
arrangements or deals, that you want included in
your package for the quoted price make certain is
written in the contract. People can't remember promises
they made to you a year ago verbally, so make sure
all the details are written in the signed contract.
4. Be organized. In order to avoid feeling overwhelmed
by the number of tasks ahead of you, stay organized.
Make an action plan by week of what you are going
to do, and keep track of progress. This will help
you to keep your thoughts and plans in order.
5. Pursue proper etiquette. Following proper etiquette
has two advantages. Firstly, you will avoid embarrassing
social blunders that can ruin your most special day.
Secondly, since weddings are an emotional event for
everyone involved, not just the bride and groom,
it is important to keep all relevant parties happy
and excited. By following the proper rules of etiquette
you can never go wrong. People cannot argue with
what is right!
6. Invite people to participate in your
wedding party because they care about you, not
out of obligation. I can't tell you how often a bride asks someone to
be in her wedding out of obligation, and is only
frustrated by that individual's lack of interest
and participation. This is the one of the most important
days of your life. Only involve people who genuinely
share in your happiness and love. If they don't,
there is no way they can behave the way you might
expect them to. It is impossible.
7. Watch your budget. It is very easy to get drawn
into spending more on your wedding than you planned
or may be able to. There are so many wonderful choices
available to brides that you should not have to put
yourself in debt to have the wedding you want. If
you start out with a budget, stick to it and find
alternatives that allow you to do that. You do not
want to start your new life with your partner paying
off wedding bills for years to come!
8. Compromise. Knowing how to compromise will save
a lot of stress through the planning process. You,
your groom, and families all should enjoy the wedding
and be proud of it. While the bride and groom should
do what makes them happy, be open to suggestions
and sensitive to the feelings of those around you.
If you disagree with their recommendations, speak
about it calmly and diplomatically until an understanding
is reached. It will make the day more enjoyable for
all!
9. Confirm and follow-up. Make sure as the date
gets closer, about 2 months before, that you follow-up
with your service providers such as the band, limos,
photographer, florist, and videographer to confirm
your arrangements, provide any last minute instructions,
and reiterate timing of all activities. It will make
you feel secure and will insure that they understand
your expectations.
10. Relax and enjoy! It is a fun, happy, beautiful
time. Do not let the planning process mask that for
you.
Take moments to step back and enjoy what is happening.
Especially the day of your wedding, just enjoy it.
At that point, you have done all you can and it is
in the hands of the trustworthy people you have hired.
By Karen Bentley
Bentley Event Coordinators, LLC
www.bentleyevents.com
(203)262-1385
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