My Three Wedding Planning Rules

With engagement season winding down and lots of excited brides-to-be rocking their new bling, it seems like a great time to share some wedding planning advice before you begin looking for wedding vendors. Below are my three wedding planning rules to keep in mind as you begin checking off items from your to-do list.

#1. No Assumptions

This is THE most important rule in wedding planning. Assumptions will lead to miscommunication and issues on your big day and it will just create more stress and anxiety. Do not assume anything, regardless of how obvious or small it might seem. Asking as many questions as possible is my recommendation, especially if you make comments like: "I'm think vendor X will do/bring/set-up/breakdown that." Weddings involve a lot of moving parts and being certain of who is responsible for what is the key to a successful wedding day.

#2. Communicate

Besides clearly communicating with vendors what you need and expect from them, it is also important to make sure the logistics between vendors is clear to ensure everyone is on the same page. For example, the Florist will need to know at what time the Photographer scheduled the First Look, in order to deliver the flowers on time for the photo session.

Additionally, communicating with family and friends involved is important. From describing your setup vision to those helping with DIY centerpieces, to making sure those you want in your post-ceremony family photos are aware they are part of that session, communicating will help save time and provide direction.

#3. Everything Should Be On Paper

Having copies of contracts, invoices, and banquet orders, will help you and your vendors be on the same page and it is a great way to have something to reference if there are any questions about the services you are getting. If a vendor promises to provide something, it should be in their invoice or contract to ensure there are no misunderstandings. Keep in mind that your point of contact with a vendor today, might not be there tomorrow or might not be the one delivering the service, and having everything on paper will make it very easy for anyone to see and deliver what was already promised.

Also, it is very common for brides and grooms to have "friendors" (i.e. friends that are providing a vendor service), that do not provide a contract or invoice. In these cases, I recommend for the bride or groom to send an email describing in detail the services they are expecting, and for that friendor to agree to what has been requested to make sure everyone is on the same page.

For more information about how I can help you coordinate all your wedding's logistics, and ensure there are no unanswered questions, click here.