Planning A Wedding: My Hindsight Guide

Planning a wedding is stressful, but hindsight is a great teacher. Many brides and grooms wish they'd known a few things before planning their wedding. For example, that it's important to have a rainy day plan, to hire a day-of coordinator, and to budget for cleaning and preserving your wedding dress. It's also a good idea to be mindful of your budget and what's important to you on your big day. For instance, if you're a foodie, you might want to splurge on catering. And remember, it's your day, so don't feel pressured by tradition or family expectations.

Be prepared for things to go wrong

No matter how much you plan, things will inevitably go wrong on your wedding day. It's important to be prepared for this and to remember that it's okay! Here are some tips to help you navigate potential bumps in the road:

First, accept that not everything will go perfectly smoothly. Your florist might do the draping differently than you envisioned, your hairdresser might use the wrong products, or your flower girl might throw a tantrum. These things happen, and that's okay! It's all part of the unique story of your wedding day.

Next, try to plan ahead as much as possible, especially for the week of the wedding. Clear your schedule and minimise work obligations or other responsibilities to give yourself time to finalise details and handle any last-minute challenges. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan for potential issues. For example, if you're saying your vows outdoors, ensure there's an indoor option or storm equipment available in case of bad weather.

Consider hiring a day-of coordinator or assigning an organised friend or family member to handle any issues that arise. That way, you can relax and enjoy your day without stressing over the small details. Remember, it's your wedding day, and you should be able to savour every moment without worrying about logistics.

Finally, don't stress over the little things. While it's natural to want everything to be perfect, remember that the most important aspects of your wedding are the love you share with your partner and the memories you create together. Years from now, you'll cherish the memories of the love and excitement in the room, not the colour of the napkins or the bathroom baskets. So, focus on what truly matters, and let go of the rest.

Plan ahead for the week of your wedding

The week of your wedding is going to be a whirlwind. Planning a wedding comes down to the wire as you finalize everything, people start arriving, and celebration mode kicks in. Here are some tips to help you plan ahead for that week and ensure you can enjoy it without too much stress:

• Manage your schedule: Try to clear your calendar as much as possible for the week of your wedding. Avoid taking on too many work obligations or other responsibilities during this time. It's essential to create space for last-minute wedding preparations and allow yourself to relax and soak in the excitement.
• Accept that things may go wrong: It's unlikely that everything will go perfectly according to plan. From vendor mishaps to small details not meeting your expectations, there are many variables at play. Embrace the imperfections and remember that these moments often make the best memories.
• Prioritize self-care: In the lead-up to your wedding, focus on taking care of yourself. Avoid engaging in unusual or potentially dangerous activities that could result in injuries. Instead, prioritize relaxation and stress management. Remember, your wedding day will be amazing regardless of any minor hiccups.
• Delegate tasks: Consider delegating tasks to a wedding planner, day-of coordinator, or trusted friends and family members. This will help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks and allow you to focus on enjoying your special day.
• Plan for the reception: While the ceremony often receives the most attention, don't forget to plan for the reception as well. Go over the details, create a timeline, and communicate important information to your family and wedding party to avoid confusion.
• Prepare for different scenarios: Create a backup plan for potential issues. For example, if you're planning an outdoor wedding, have an indoor venue or storm equipment ready in case of bad weather. Also, consider having a wedding emergency kit with items like allergy medicine, a copy of your vows, and a makeup bag.

You don't have to do anything you don't want to

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it's easy to get caught up in trying to please others. But it's important to remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your unique relationship. So, don't feel pressured to follow tradition, etiquette, or family desires if they don't align with your vision.

You might feel the need to invite certain people, such as coworkers or distant relatives, out of obligation. But ask yourself if these are truly the people you want to share your special day with. As one person advises, "It's not about the show; it's about who you want there to share your happiness with."

Similarly, don't feel like you have to stick to a cookie-cutter wedding template. For example, if you don't want to wear heels, you don't have to! Choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident. The same goes for other aspects of the wedding, like the dress, the food, the music, and the decorations. Splurge on the things that are important to you and cut back on the rest.

It's also good to be mindful of your budget and decide what extras are worth spending money on. For instance, you might decide you don't need a second dress for the reception or an engagement shoot. Or, if you're not too fussed about having a DJ, you could save money by asking a friend to manage the music instead.

Remember, it's your day, and you don't have to do anything you don't want to!

Invest in a videographer

While hiring a videographer can be a significant expense, many couples who have tied the knot consider it a worthwhile investment. A photographer will capture the key moments of your wedding day, but a videographer will immortalise the day in a way that photos simply can't.

With a video, you can relive the magic of your wedding day whenever you want. From the love and excitement in the room to the all-important speeches, a videographer will be able to capture the essence of your celebration. It's also a great way to remember the parts you may have forgotten or missed.

One bride reflected that, while she initially didn't want to spend money on a videographer, she was ultimately glad that her venue required her to have one. Watching her wedding video brings back all the emotions of the day, and she can't imagine not having those memories captured on film.

Another bride agreed, saying that hiring a day-of coordinator and a videographer were the best decisions she made during the planning process. While photos are essential, a video will truly sum up the feeling of your wedding day—and that's something worth investing in.

Budget for your dress to be cleaned

Budgeting for your wedding dress to be professionally cleaned is an important consideration that is often overlooked. Here are some reasons why you should include this in your wedding plans and budget:

Firstly, your wedding dress is a special garment that you may want to preserve for sentimental reasons or for future generations. Even if your wedding day goes by without any spills or stains, outdoor weddings, in particular, may leave your dress with dirt or grass stains along the hem. Getting it professionally cleaned and preserved will ensure it stays in the best possible condition for years to come.

Secondly, while it may seem like a task that can be easily done post-wedding, cleaning your wedding dress is not as simple as dropping it off at the dry cleaners. Professional wedding dress cleaning services are specialised and often come with a higher price tag. They will carefully inspect your dress, treat any stains, and use appropriate cleaning methods to ensure the fabric and any embellishments are not damaged. This process can take several weeks, so it's important to factor in the time and cost required.

Additionally, if you plan to go on your honeymoon immediately after the wedding, you may not have the time to deal with dress cleaning. By budgeting for this service in advance, you can ensure your dress is taken care of promptly and properly without any added stress during your post-wedding bliss.

Finally, don't forget that your wedding dress is an investment. Taking the time and spending the money to have it professionally cleaned will help maintain its value, especially if you ever decide to resell it or pass it on to someone else.

In conclusion, budgeting for professional cleaning of your wedding dress is a practical and thoughtful step in your wedding planning process. It ensures the preservation of your dress, saves you time and stress, and maintains the value of this special garment. So, while it may not be the most glamorous part of planning your big day, it is certainly an important one!

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