Make Your Wedding Unforgettable: Tips For A Perfect Day

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but daunting task. Here are some tips to make the process easier and ensure your wedding is one to remember:

- Take your time. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of an engagement, but try to wait a few weeks before starting to plan. This will allow you to enjoy the moment and approach the planning process with a clear head.

- Envision your dream wedding. Do you want a beach wedding? A rustic barn wedding? A glamorous city wedding? Having a clear vision will help you make decisions about the details.

- Create a wants and needs list. Decide which elements are essential, and which you can do without if your budget doesn't allow.

- Know your budget and stick to it. Discuss contributions with family members and be realistic about what you can afford. Don't book anything until you have a clear budget in place.

- Hire professionals. While it may be tempting to cut costs by asking friends or family to help, hiring experienced vendors will ensure your day goes smoothly.

- Be true to yourself. Don't feel pressured to include traditions or elements that don't feel right for you. It's your day, so plan a celebration that reflects your personality and values.

- Ask for help. Planning a wedding is a lot of work, so don't be afraid to delegate tasks to your wedding party, family, or a wedding planner.

- Break in your wedding shoes! This may sound trivial, but it's important for your comfort on the big day.

- Confirm the details. In the week leading up to the wedding, confirm all the details with your vendors and create a timeline for the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

- Make your guests comfortable. Consider the weather and provide items like blankets, parasols, or flip-flops to ensure your guests are comfortable throughout the celebration.

- Include unique entertainment. From photo booths to live painters, fire performers to celebrity impersonators, there are endless options to surprise and delight your guests.

- Add personal touches. Include details that reflect your personality and interests, whether that's a signature cocktail, a photo scavenger hunt, or a display of family heirlooms.

Create a seating chart to group people with similar interests and backgrounds together

Creating a seating chart for your wedding can be a challenging task, but with careful planning, you can design one that ensures your guests have a great time. Here are some tips to help you create a seating chart that groups people with similar interests and backgrounds together:

Know Your Guest List and Venue Layout:

Start by reviewing your guest list, including any plus ones or children. Get a clear understanding of the number of guests and their connections to you and your partner. Then, obtain the floor plan from your venue to determine the table sizes, shapes, and the overall layout of the space. This will help you visualise how many tables you need and their arrangement.

Group Guests by Relationships and Interests:

When allocating seats, aim to group guests based on their relationships and shared interests. Begin with your immediate family, then move on to extended family and friends. Think about who gets along well and shares similar interests. This approach fosters easy conversation and ensures everyone feels comfortable.

Consider Comfort Levels and Special Requests:

Be mindful of any special needs or preferences your guests may have. For example, elderly guests might prefer a quieter seating area away from loudspeakers, while pregnant guests may appreciate being seated closer to the restroom. Also, avoid seating ex-partners or estranged family members at the same table to prevent any discomfort.

Mix Personalities Carefully:

While grouping guests by their existing relationships is a good starting point, it's also beneficial to introduce new connections by mixing personalities at some tables. Try to strike a balance by seating guests who know each other and adding some new faces. Consider personalities, interests, and ages that will blend well together.

Create a Kids' Table (If Necessary):

If children are attending your wedding, consider setting up a dedicated kids' table with activities to keep them entertained. Include colouring books, small toys, or other engaging items. However, be sure to ask parents if their children need to be seated with them.

Use Digital Tools:

Creating a seating chart can be simplified with the help of online tools and digital seating chart builders. These tools allow you to drag and drop guests into different tables, visualise the arrangement, and make quick adjustments. They can also accommodate last-minute changes and special requests.

Finalise and Communicate:

Once you've created your seating chart, be sure to finalise it and share it with your venue, planner, and caterer. It's also a good idea to convey table assignments clearly to your guests, either through place cards or a decorative seating guide.

Have a signature cocktail

A signature cocktail is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding day. It's a fun way to elevate your cocktail hour and let your personalities shine through. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect signature cocktail for your special day:

Choose a Cocktail that Reflects You as a Couple

Consider what you and your partner like to drink. Do you have a favourite spirit or cocktail that you both enjoy? Are you craft beer fanatics or wine connoisseurs? Opting for a drink that reflects your interests will help your guests get to know you better. You could even use a spirit from a local distillery to showcase a place that is special to you.

Get Inspired by Your Love Story

Think about where you and your partner met – the city, state, country, or even a specific restaurant. What drinks or ingredients is that region known for? You could also incorporate drinks that hold a special memory for you, such as what you drank when you first met.

Consider the Season

Think about the time of year for your wedding. A spiked hot cocoa bar might be perfect for a winter wedding, while a refreshing Moscow Mule could be ideal for a summer celebration. Also, keep in mind which ingredients are in season to ensure your cocktail is packed with flavour.

Tie it into Your Wedding Theme and Colours

Your signature cocktail is a great way to reinforce your wedding theme and colours. For example, if you're having a garden party-themed wedding, opt for floral-inspired cocktails with lavender sprigs. If you have a colour scheme, choose ingredients that match. For instance, yellow could be represented by pineapple, lemon, or champagne.

Keep it Simple and Playful

While you want your cocktail's name to be fun and playful, make sure it's not too complicated. You want your guests to know what they're ordering! You can also include a sign at the bar with the drink's ingredients listed.

Involve Your Wedding Party in the Process

If you're stuck for ideas, why not ask your wedding party for their suggestions? They know you best and might come up with something that perfectly suits your style. It's also a fun way to get them involved in the wedding planning process.

Don't Forget the Mocktails!

Not all your guests will drink alcohol, so it's important to offer a non-alcoholic option. Create a mocktail version of your signature cocktail or come up with something completely different. That way, everyone can feel included in the celebrations.

Work with Your Bartender

If you're hiring a bartender, they can be a great source of inspiration. Ask them about the key ingredients, preparation methods, and serving suggestions. They might also be able to help you with tasting sessions to perfect your chosen cocktail.

Be Mindful of Your Guest List

Consider the demographics of your guest list when creating your signature cocktail. If you have a lot of elderly guests, they might prefer something more classic, while your college friends might be up for something more adventurous. You want to create a drink that most people will enjoy.

Plan the Logistics

Don't forget to think about glassware, garnishes, and who will be preparing the drinks. Check your local liquor laws and venue rules to ensure you comply with any regulations. Also, keep in mind the number of guests you're expecting and your budget when planning how much alcohol you'll need.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a signature cocktail that will be a memorable part of your wedding day!

Provide a photo booth for guests to enjoy

Providing a photo booth for your guests to enjoy is a fun and memorable activity for your wedding day. It encourages your invitees to interact with one another, helping to boost the uplifting, social atmosphere and enhance the overall guest experience. It also gives your guests a break from the dance floor or serves as an alternative activity for those who feel uncomfortable dancing.

While photo booths are a hit at many weddings, renting one can be costly. On average, these rentals cost $700, which can increase depending on the number of hours, the location of the event, and any other additional features. If you don't want to miss out on this interactive experience but are also conscious of your budget, you can always create your own photo station. All you need is a well-lit backdrop, complete with a decorative display that coincides with your wedding aesthetic, for guests to pose in front of. You can also supply disposable cameras, Polaroid cameras, or a professional photographer to document these mini shoots.

• Incorporate a faux flower wall: Fully-fledged flower walls make a huge visual impact, but they can be costly. For a more affordable option, you can construct your own flower wall using faux floral panels and signage, resulting in a lush, vibrant backdrop for photos.
• Pose in a residential setting: Residential styling has become a popular choice in wedding décor. Infuse your wedding with charm by incorporating interior decorating elements into your photo booth. If you or someone you know is skilled at woodwork, consider framing the station with quaint wooden doors.
• Integrate draped linens: Draped linens create a whimsical and dreamy setup for photos. Buy a few yards of fabric and drape the material from the ceiling. You can also add furniture, rugs, lighting, and any other decorative extras to set the mood for dynamic photos.
• Opt for a colorful palette: Bring a pop of color to your photos by covering the backdrop in splashy shades. Ensure that the vivid tones coordinate with your wedding theme.
• Personalize with a custom neon sign: Whether you illuminate your names, a favorite line of poetry, symbolic song lyrics, or a catchy phrase, a custom neon sign will surely stand out in every photo.

Additionally, here are some unique ideas to elevate your photo booth:

• Include festive props: Include creative props that your guests can pose with, such as paraphernalia from your alma mater, childhood favorites, destinations you've traveled to, or something significant to your engagement.
• Create a well-lit signage: Ensure your guests are aware of your photo booth by creating a brightly lit sign. This will not only add to the décor but also guide your guests towards the photo-op spot.
• Offer a variety of backdrops: Provide different backdrops to cater to various tastes and preferences. From a simple, no-frills background that focuses on the subjects to a colorful balloon backdrop or a flower wall, there are numerous options to choose from.
• Add a boxwood wall: A boxwood wall is another organic option that provides a fresh feel to every shot. The green hue is versatile and adaptable, coordinating with many aesthetics without clashing with outfits.
• Douse the site in balloons: Balloons are a playful and festive way to frame your photo booth. You can create any design that fits your wedding theme, from elegant and refined to fun and vibrant.

By incorporating a photo booth at your wedding, you not only provide entertainment for your guests but also offer them a memorable memento to take home.

Give out-of-town guests a welcome bag

One of the best ways to make your wedding memorable is to ensure your guests have a great time. And if your guests are travelling to be with you on your special day, it's a thoughtful gesture to give them a welcome bag. This is a great way to show your appreciation and make them feel special.

• A few snacks and bottles of water are always appreciated after a long journey.
• A list of local spots, such as the nearest drug store, restaurants, coffee shops, and nearby attractions, will be useful for guests who are new to the area.
• If you want to splurge, include a bottle of wine or some tasty local treats, like artisanal cheese or candy. A guidebook is also a nice addition.
• A small hangover kit is a fun and thoughtful extra, which could include items like painkillers, water, and eye masks.
• A handwritten note is a lovely personal touch, thanking your guests for attending and wishing them a wonderful time.
• The itinerary for the wedding weekend, including addresses and pick-up times if you are providing transportation, is a practical addition to the welcome bag.
• If you're providing welcome bags for guests with children, you could include some colouring books and small toys to keep them entertained.

Welcome bags are a great way to greet your guests and make them feel right at home. They can be as simple or extravagant as you like, but it's the thought that counts, and your guests will surely appreciate the gesture.

Create a wedding hashtag

A wedding hashtag is a fun and efficient way to keep track of all the photos that your bridal party and guests take on your special day. It's also a great way to foster community and encourage guests to share their experiences on social media during the celebration.

• Ensure it's not already taken. If it is, try adding numbers, dashes, or other symbols to make it unique.
• Capitalize each word to make it easier to read.
• Avoid words that are easily misspelled. If you want to use a long name, consider a nickname or cute abbreviation instead.
• Get creative with puns, rhymes, or cultural references.
• Make it personal and memorable. Guests will be more inclined to use unique hashtags.
• Keep it concise so it fits easily on day-of wedding decor like napkins and menus.
• Start using it on all wedding-related social media posts.
• Include it on your wedding website, stationery, and invitations.
• Add it to engagement photo props, personalized wedding party gifts, and favors.
• Display it on cocktail napkins, chalkboards, selfie frames, and other decor.
• Incorporate it into your guest book, photo books, and thank-you cards.
• #AlvarezAtLast
• #BewitchedByBearden
• #CrazyAboutCrawford
• #FinallyFreeman
• #GetWed
• #HappilyEverCarter
• #InfatuatedWithIngram
• #LovingLachman
• #MeetTheNelsons
• #OfficiallyMrAndMrsSmith
• #SweetOnSwainey
• #TheTaylorsAreTaken
• #WilliamsSquared

Frequently asked questions