Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. The most important thing to remember is that a wedding is just a party to celebrate the union of two people in marriage—and all you really need for that is the couple, an officiant, and a couple of witnesses. Everything else is just fluff. That said, there are a few things you'll need to consider when planning your wedding, like choosing a theme and colours, picking a venue, sending out invitations, and deciding on food, music, and entertainment. Oh, and don't forget the rings!
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What You'll Learn
Wedding essentials and emergency supplies
Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but being prepared for the unexpected will help the day go smoothly. Here is a list of wedding essentials and emergency supplies to help you get started:
Wedding Essentials:
- A wedding planner or a notebook to keep track of your budget, timeline, and vendor contacts.
- The bride's dress, the groom's tux/suit, and any accessories or shoes.
- Bridesmaids' and groomsmen's attire, if applicable.
- Wedding rings.
- Flowers or decorations for the ceremony and reception.
- Music or entertainment, such as a band, DJ, or playlist.
- A photographer or designated person to take photos.
- A venue with enough space for dancing and parking, especially if you're having an outdoor wedding.
- Food and drinks for the reception.
- Thank-you cards for guests.
Wedding Emergency Supplies:
- A small sewing kit with scissors, safety pins, and crochet hooks (for any last-minute wardrobe malfunctions).
- Blotting sheets, stain remover pens/sticks, and static and wrinkle spray.
- First aid kit with band-aids/plasters, eye drops, hand sanitizer, and any other personal medications.
- Baby powder/anti-chafing powder, deodorant, and other hygiene products.
- Snacks, such as protein bars, for the wedding party and vendors.
- Backup batteries or chargers for any electronic devices.
- A list of vendor phone numbers in case of unforeseen issues.
- Insoles, heel cushion pads, and anti-blister kits for comfortable footwear.
- Hair ties, hair clips, and other hair accessories for the bride and bridesmaids.
Remember, it's a good idea to start preparing these emergency kits and supplies a few months before the wedding, and to assign someone to ensure they are with you throughout the day.
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Wedding attire for the couple
Firstly, it's essential to strike a balance between personal style and harmony. The goal is to look like a couple while still feeling like yourselves. One way to achieve this is through strategic accessorising. For instance, if one partner is wearing a bold colour, the other can incorporate a matching accessory, such as a tie or pocket square, in a complementary or slightly deeper shade. This adds a subtle coordination without being overly matched.
The wedding venue and theme should also guide your attire choices. For an outdoor summer wedding, opt for lighter fabrics and colours that complement the natural setting. In contrast, a formal ballroom wedding calls for richer colours and luxurious fabrics befitting the elegant atmosphere. Matching outfits, or "couple dressing," can be a fun way to coordinate, as long as it feels natural and complements both partners' styles.
Cultural traditions can also play a significant role in wedding attire. For example, in African cultures, couples might wear coordinated attire with traditional fabrics like kente cloth to honour their heritage. In European and Western traditions, subtle matching, such as a scarf that complements the partner's tie, reflects harmony and respect. Celebrity couples and fashion magazines can provide inspiration for unique, coordinated looks that blend colours, patterns, and fabrics creatively.
Lastly, don't forget to prepare an emergency kit for any last-minute wardrobe adjustments. This kit should include items like safety pins, a sewing kit, band-aids, and stain remover pens. By assigning a member of the wedding party to look after this kit, you can ensure it's readily available throughout the day.
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Wedding party attire
Wedding attire has become a reflection of the couple's style and personality. While bridesmaids once wore matching dresses, it is now common for them to wear mix-and-match dresses in a designated colour palette, such as ombré or jewel tones, or a central theme, like the 1920s. Similarly, groomsmen no longer need to wear traditional black tuxedos, and can instead opt for light, summer-appropriate suits or even a contemporary preppy look, depending on the wedding's location.
For example, a coastal wedding might call for a nautical theme, with groomsmen wearing individual ensembles that complement the ocean backdrop. Alternatively, for a relaxed wedding, groomsmen can go without a tie, and bridesmaids can wear an ensemble that complements the wedding day scene, such as pastel colours for a lush, green venue.
If you are a guest at a cocktail wedding, you can expect the dress code to be more elevated than semi-formal attire, but less dressy than formal attire. Men can wear a suit and tie or a well-tailored blazer with dress pants, while women can opt for jumpsuits or mini, knee-length, or midi cocktail dresses. The invitation, location, time of day, and time of year can all provide clues about what to wear. For example, a spring garden party wedding calls for a flowy, floral dress, while a black sheath dress with cape sleeves is perfect for an elevated cocktail event.
Don't forget to pack an overnight bag if you're staying away from home after the wedding, as well as any remaining vendor payments and tips. It's also a good idea to bring cash or cards for transportation, unexpected cash bars, or after-parties. If you have dietary restrictions, remember to bring snacks, and always pack your preferred allergy medicine if the wedding is outdoors.
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Wedding venue and decor
Deciding on a wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you can make when planning your wedding. It is where you will host your guests, walk down the aisle, eat, dance, and take the majority of your photos. When choosing a venue, it is important to consider the date, guest count, and style of your wedding.
If you are planning to decorate the venue yourself, it is recommended to do a dry run beforehand to see how it will look. You should also consider how long it will take to set up the venue and try to gain access to it the day before. It is also a good idea to create a step-by-step guide with photos for anyone helping you with the set-up.
If you are looking to save money, you may want to choose a venue that is already decorated and only add a few personal touches. For example, you could add centrepieces, table cloths, runners, or a guest book. If you are having a Christmas wedding, you can save money by choosing a venue with existing decorations.
If you have a larger budget, you may want to hire a wedding planner, stylist, day-of planner, or florist to help with the venue set-up and decoration. They can work with you to create a unique spin on your venue décor, such as cool signage, festoon lights, or fun wedding favours.
- Will you have to share the space with another wedding or ceremony?
- Does the venue provide a day-of coordinator?
- Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
- Are there good places to take pictures onsite?
- Are there nearby hotels for guests?
- Is there parking available?
- What are the bathroom facilities like?
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Wedding entertainment
If you're looking for a unique and interactive experience, consider a live circus performance. This could include fire performers, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and even contortionists. If you want to go a step further, you could hire an entire circus troupe to perform at your wedding. Alternatively, you could opt for a more low-key option, such as a live band, singer, or DJ. A fun twist on this could be hiring tribute bands or even surprise singing waiters.
For animal lovers, you could bring the zoo to your wedding with a mobile petting zoo or, for a more exotic touch, alpacas. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even incorporate a drag performance into your ceremony or reception. For a more relaxed atmosphere, lawn games, tarot readings, and video games are great options to keep your guests entertained.
For a memorable send-off, fireworks are a classic choice that never fails to impress. If you're looking for something more interactive, you could rent a photo booth with fun features like instant printing or boomerangs. Finally, for a truly unique touch, you could hire a caricature artist to capture your guests' personalities in a fun and creative way.
Remember, the key is to choose entertainment that reflects your personality and interests, ensuring your wedding is a fun and unforgettable celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
The absolute essentials for a wedding are the bride, the groom, and someone to perform the marriage rites. Other essentials include the rings, the marriage license, and the vows.
Other important things to consider are the venue, the number of guests, the food, the music, and the decorations. It is also important to have someone taking photos and to think about the lighting.
To save money, it is important to create a budget and stick to it. Be mindful of what items are provided by your vendors, such as linens, tables, chairs, and place settings. A wedding planner can also help you save money by advising on what items are necessary and which are not.
