Wedding Planner: Stay Calm And Let Them Work

Don't Mess With the Bride is a wedding planning and coordination service based in Portland, Oregon. The company is LGBTQ+-owned and prides itself on its inclusive and personalised approach. Don't Mess With the Bride offers a range of services, from full-service wedding planning to day-of coordination, catering to DIY couples who want to be more hands-on with their wedding planning. The team, including Will, Kari, Madison, and Rhania, are known for their professionalism, organisation, and attentiveness, ensuring that couples' special days run smoothly. With their expertise and dedication, Don't Mess With the Bride helps create magical and memorable weddings for their clients.

Don't mess with the bride's vision

Planning a wedding is an exciting but challenging task. It is easy to become overwhelmed, but there are ways to ensure the bride's vision is executed without a hitch.

Firstly, it is important to establish the type of wedding the bride wants. Is it a black-tie evening affair or a casual daytime party? Considering the overall vision will make choosing a venue and setting a budget much easier. It will also help to create a cohesive theme and style for the day, which is essential for a smooth planning process.

Communication is key. The bride should communicate her vision clearly to her wedding planner or coordinator, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This includes discussing expectations and priorities, and any unique or specific details that are important to the bride. It is also crucial to be mindful of the budget and choose vendors carefully. Shop around, compare prices, and read reviews to find vendors that align with the bride's vision and budget.

Staying organized is vital. The bride should keep track of emails, create task lists, and maintain a well-organized planning schedule. This will help ensure nothing is overlooked or forgotten. It is also beneficial to dedicate specific time slots for wedding planning to avoid becoming consumed by the task.

The bride should also consider her guests' comfort. Providing transportation, stocking hotel rooms with snacks and drinks, and arranging group activities can ensure guests are well taken care of and can fully enjoy the celebration.

Finally, it is essential to be flexible and prepared for any last-minute changes or crises. Even the most meticulous planning cannot predict every eventuality. Having a backup plan and a calm, adaptable mindset will help ensure the bride's vision can be adapted and executed smoothly, no matter what curveballs arise.

By following these steps and maintaining clear communication, the bride's vision can be brought to life, resulting in a memorable and magical wedding day.

Don't mess with the planning

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but there are ways to make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you "don't mess with the planning":

Start with a Clear Vision and Expectations:

Understand the type of wedding you want, whether it's a black-tie affair or a casual celebration. Consider your priorities, such as food, music, or any unique themes. This will guide your venue selection and budgeting.

Create a Realistic Budget:

Discuss and decide on a realistic budget with your partner. Consider what type of wedding you want and how much you are comfortable spending. Prioritize the aspects that are most important to you, whether it's the venue, catering, entertainment, or decorations. Be prepared for hidden costs and unexpected expenses.

Choose the Right Vendors:

Select your vendors carefully, starting with the venue, photographer, DJ, and florist. Research and compare different options, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Ensure you read and understand the contracts, including deposit requirements, cancellation policies, and other important details.

Stay Organized:

Create a master task list, keep track of contact information, and set deadlines. Consider creating a separate email address dedicated to wedding planning to stay organized and ensure you don't miss important communications. Use tools like Excel to track meal selections and RSVPs.

Dedicate Time to Planning:

Wedding planning can be time-consuming, so set aside dedicated time each week to focus on tasks. This could be an hour or two each day or a larger chunk of time during the weekends. This will help you stay on top of things without letting wedding planning take over your life.

Delegate Tasks:

Don't hesitate to delegate tasks to skilled and talented people. This could be a wedding planner, day-of coordinator, or trusted friends and family members. Recognize that you don't have to do everything yourself, and accepting help can make the process less overwhelming.

Manage Your Bridal Party:

Be thoughtful when choosing your bridal party. Consider the personalities of your attendants and how they will get along during the planning process and leading up to the wedding. Remember that they will have responsibilities, so choose people who you trust and who are committed to supporting you.

Think of Your Guests:

Make sure your guests are comfortable and well-taken care of. Provide transportation between venues and stock hotel rooms with snacks and drinks. If your wedding is a destination event, organize group activities to keep your guests entertained.

Stay Calm and Embrace Imperfections:

Remember that not everything will go according to plan, and that's okay! Focus on enjoying your day and making memories. As long as you and your guests are having a great time, consider your wedding a success.

By following these tips, you can "don't mess with the planning" and create a memorable and enjoyable wedding experience.

Don't mess with the budget

Wedding budgets can be stressful, but they don't have to be! Here are some tips to help you manage your wedding budget and ensure you don't mess with the budget.

Figure Out Who's Contributing

Find out who will be contributing financially to your wedding and how much they are willing to spend. This could be you and your partner, your parents, or other family members. Have respectful conversations about money, and be prepared to hear a "no" from some people. Once you have an idea of how much financial assistance you'll receive, focus on how much you and your partner can contribute. Be realistic and comfortable with the amount you set for yourselves, considering your monthly income and expenses.

Estimate Your Guest Count

The cost of a wedding is largely determined by the number of guests. The more guests you invite, the larger the venue and the higher the costs for food, alcohol, invitations, rentals, and favors. Being strategic about your guest list is an effective way to cut down on wedding costs.

Choose Your Non-Negotiables

Discuss with your partner what aspects of the wedding are the most important to each of you and allocate a larger portion of your budget to those items. This could be an open bar, a gourmet meal, a live band, or a specific venue. Knowing your priorities will help you stick to your budget and avoid overspending in certain areas.

Be Aware of Hidden Costs

There are many hidden costs associated with weddings that can quickly blow your budget. These include cutting fees for the wedding cake, setup and breakdown charges for the venue, vendor tips, and more. Educate yourself about these hidden costs, and do your research on the prices in your desired geographical area and season.

Use Budgeting Tools

Take advantage of budgeting tools and templates to help you create and manage your wedding budget. These tools can assist you in distributing your budget across different categories, tracking your spending, and scheduling payments. They can also help you identify hidden costs and ensure you don't forget any important expenses.

Be Flexible and Creative

Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune to have a beautiful and memorable wedding. Focus on the feeling of the event rather than the price tag. Be creative and sensible with your spending. Start saving early, use credit cards responsibly, and look out for wedding deals and discounts.

By following these tips, you can effectively manage your wedding budget and ensure you don't mess with the budget!

Don't mess with the couple's special day

Planning a wedding is no easy feat, and it's important to ensure the couple's special day goes off without a hitch. Here are some tips to ensure the couple's happiness on their wedding day:

Understand the Couple's Vision:

It is crucial to comprehend the couple's dream for their wedding day. Do they envision a formal evening affair or a casual daytime celebration? Understanding their priorities and preferences will make choosing a venue and setting a budget much easier.

Consider the Guests' Experience:

The couple's friends and family will likely go to great lengths to attend the wedding, so it is important to ensure their comfort. Providing transportation to and from the ceremony and reception, as well as offering refreshments and snacks at their hotels, will be greatly appreciated. If the wedding is a destination event, organizing group activities will help keep guests entertained.

Timing is Everything:

Try to minimize the time gap between the ceremony and reception to avoid leaving guests with too much idle time. If a large gap is unavoidable, suggest activities or set up a hospitality lounge to keep them engaged.

Offer a Helping Hand:

The week before the wedding is often the most stressful for the couple, as last-minute details arise. Offering your assistance during this time can be a lifesaver. Whether it's handling vendor meetings, putting out fires, or simply providing emotional support, your help will be invaluable.

Feed the Vendors:

Don't forget to feed the hired hands, such as the wedding planner, photographer, videographer, DJ, and their assistants. Include their meals in the budget and consider it part of their fee. A well-fed vendor is a happy vendor, and this will contribute to a smoother event.

Be Mindful of the Couple's Budget:

When suggesting ideas or making recommendations, always keep the couple's budget in mind. Avoid suggesting ideas that are far beyond their means, as this can cause unnecessary stress and disappointment. Work within their financial constraints to create a memorable day that doesn't break the bank.

Stay Organized:

A wedding typically involves countless details and logistics. Stay on top of everything by creating checklists, timelines, and budgets. Keep all the information well-organized, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks to others to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Be Flexible:

No matter how well you plan, there may be unexpected bumps in the road. It is important to stay flexible and adapt to any changes or last-minute crises. Remember, the couple's happiness is the top priority, so be prepared to make adjustments as needed to ensure their special day is everything they dreamed of.

Don't mess with the guests' experience

The guests' experience is paramount to the success of the wedding. Here are some tips to ensure the guests have a memorable time:

Planning and Preparation

• Keep the guests informed about the schedule of events, especially if there are any changes to the original plan.
• Ensure parking is convenient and well-organised, with clear directions provided to guests.
• If your wedding has a theme, ensure guests are aware and prepared.
• Be mindful of dietary restrictions and offer a variety of food options to cater to different tastes and needs.

On the Day

• Greet your guests and make them feel welcomed and appreciated.
• Provide entertainment or activities to keep guests engaged, especially during any waiting periods. Games, music, photo booths, and interactive food stations are great options.
• Be mindful of the comfort of your guests. Provide a comfortable space to relax, and consider offering a midnight snack to fuel guests' energy on the dance floor.
• Ensure a smooth flow to the day by keeping to the schedule. Avoid long gaps or delays between events.

After the Wedding

• A thoughtful gesture is to provide hangover kits for guests, especially if there was an open bar.
• Send a thank-you note or small gift to show your appreciation for their attendance and contribution to your special day.

By considering the comfort, enjoyment, and convenience of your guests, you can create a memorable and positive experience for all who attend your wedding.

Frequently asked questions