I’ve seen a fairly large number of weddings, and I can guarantee you that there has never been a perfect wedding. Here are seven things you might want to put on your checklist when you are planning your big day.
- Don’t forget the marriage license. Yes, it’s true. It happens and it happens quite often. Make one of you responsible for bringing the license.
- Make the rehearsal dinner different from the reception. The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is for close family and friends of the bride and groom to mingle and be at ease with one another. If the rehearsal dinner was a great four course meal, dancing, and the works – the next night might seem like a “repeat” of the first, but with more guests. A rehearsal dinner should leave the participants psyched up for the “big” event. Create a rehearsal dinner that’s different – maybe an outdoor steak/hamburger grill, barbeque or a picnic style event with relaxed dress attire.
- Here’s the crazy thing about most weddings. You and your partner will share very little time together on the most important day of your lives! First, you get ready for the ceremony, then have the ceremony, and finally spent a lot of the reception dancing with parents and friends and thanking guests for coming. I highly recommend that you PLAN some alone time for you and your spouse immediately after the ceremony. Take a walk, go to a room alone, or just find some place where the two of you can really share time just with one another.
- Don’t try to do everything yourself! The night before the wedding you don’t want to be making place cards, finishing centerpieces or arranging bouquets. Delegate and use your family and friends. The bridesmaids and groomsmen are there as well to assist you, so don’t hesitate to ask them to take responsibility for a last minute task.
- Don’t invite too many wedding guests. Sure, I’ve seen empty spaces at tables where guests have RSVP’d and then failed to arrive. However, if you have invited 300 guests, received 290 “yes” responses, but the reception venue can only legally accommodate 275, you might have to turn 10 people away. That’s really bad. I’ve seen it happen. And I think most couples don’t realize this.
- Don’t blow the budget! Make a budget and keep track of your expenditures. Don’t forget the hidden extras like tips and delivery fees. I’ve heard of grooms who had to make a trip to the bank to get money to pay the DJ, or else there would be no music! It costs a lot of money to have a wedding, so make sure you have all the major items budgeted for.
- Tension between families is inevitable. Remember that this is a celebration of the beginning of your life together….and leave all the family issues at the door. Don’t let issues ruin your day.