Plan of Action: Planning the Wedding You’ve Always Dreamed of

Oct 24, 2018 12:00 PM Back

Whether you’re planning on hosting a gala extravaganza or an intimate affair….you probably want your wedding day to be perfect. Remember…nothing is ever totally perfect and you will look back at some things and wish you’d done them “differently”. Still, planning a memorable celebration is not only possible but easier than you may think. Here are a few helpful tips and tricks to help you master planning the party of your dreams.

Let Go of Control: Even if you are the most masterful party planner, remember, you’re the bride-to-be and that’s exactly what you need to be. Sure you may want to show off your skills with some DIY projects….but remember to ask for help. You’ll also want to pay the professionals to take some of the stress off your hands…even if you can do it all on your own…why not simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

Know What You Want and What Works: While you definitely don’t want to be a Bridezilla…you do want to have a plan of action and to stick to your guns. But, you also want to remain open minded and leave some things to the pros. The reason brides turn into bridezillas is A) Because they feel they are pressured into something they don’t like or want; B) They don’t really know what they like or want; C) They don’t want to take good advice; D) All of the above. Have a concept in mind…like a 1920s themes soiree and don’t let someone else talk you out of it…but be open to suggestions and good ideas. Remember, the professions (whom you are paying by the way) have been doing this a very long time and they are the ones who can make your vision and the magic happen. Also, keep in mind, especially when buying a gown that if the stylist is bringing you more of a particular style than the one you described…maybe it’s simply her polite way of saying your fashion sense just isn’t that flattering. While you should never be forced to change your vision…you should be willing to bend a little and to compromise.

Limit Your Options: YES….YES….and YES!!!! You do want to keep your options open…but the more choices you give yourself the more confusing the wedding planning process will become. Remember, this is supposed to be exciting and fun (not frustrating). So, if you’ve always dreamed of a beach wedding, don’t allow yourself to look at tea houses for your main event. Instead set limits and only check out places and options that fit into your budget and your vision.

Stop Trying So Hard: Every couple wants their wedding day to be different, unique and special…and because it revolves around the two of you, it will be. But, realize that when it comes to originality you’ll just have to relax. Sure there will be truly unique aspects to your wedding, but even the poshest of parties have some standard elements that are simply intrinsic to weddings. Weddings have been around since the beginning of time and are timeless traditions…so trying to do something that’s never been done before maybe putting too much pressure on you and those who are working hard to make your dreams come true.

Splurge Mostly on Necessities: Sure you have visions of grandeur in your head and maybe even in your heart…but remember to ask yourself if any of these things will truly make a difference. Remember, key components to your wedding are food and entertainment…the rest matter, but mostly to you and your soon-to-be groom. Make sure not to go over the top or over your budget when it comes to little details that guests likely won’t even remember. But, on the flip side…if there is money left in your budget…go ahead and splurge…after all it is your big day.

Give Guests that Gift that Keeps on Giving: When choosing your parting gifts for guests, make sure to think functional rather than trendy. Give gifts that guests truly will use and enjoy. Think a nice bottle of wine, a gift card to Starbucks, or perhaps some culinary delights that are sure to delight…just remember to forego the DIY desserts and leave the parting gifts to the pros.

Give Thanks in a Timely Fashion: Life after the big day can get pretty busy pretty fast. From honeymooning to getting back to work, setting up your home (if you haven’t already done so), looking for a new home or thinking about planning a family, things can easily spin “out of control”. So, remember to pay homage to your guests before you forget. Write thank you cards as you open each of your gifts. In fact, have him open and you scribe your thanks. And, don’t forget to mail your thank yous out ASAP.

Enjoy The Ride: Sure marriage is serious business…but your wedding doesn’t have to be. In fact, the wedding is a day to celebrate and have fun…so let your hair down, lose a little control and let the good time roll.

Need some help planning your Long Island Wedding? Take a look at LIWeddings.com’s Event Planners and Day of Coordinators for their expertise!