This week The Friday Five is for all you newly engaged ladies who need a little push in the right direction when it comes to planning a wedding. You just got engaged and you're already bombarded with guides and checklists that make you feel like you were behind even before he could slip the ring on your finger. Don't stress. We get it. When you're overwhelmed it can be difficult to just get started so let's change all that...
1. First things first, create a separate email for all things wedding. Use your future last name + wedding @ whatever dot com and bam! You can share that address with anyone or any website without fear of getting wedding spam on your main email until you die. It's a great way to keep things separate and organized. Just remember if you plan to delete it eventually, send an alternate email address to any vendors or contacts you want to keep in touch with after the wedding.
2. Some of the best advice I never took was to hire a wedding coordinator. I was able to do most things myself with a little help from my fiancé and the moms. And although everything did end up going fairly smoothly, the journey could have definitely been less stressful towards the end. I felt a full-time event planner was more of a luxury but something I should have at least considered was a month-of or day-of coordinator. That option is more budget-friendly and a month out from the big day is a crucial time when things can get most stressful while trying to tie up loose ends. It should really be spent relaxed and enjoying time with family and out-town guests. No doubt you can independently plan a wedding but you want to make sure there's someone there for you day-of to execute all your hard work to perfection. Don't put that stress on yourself or your family members. You will all be too busy with the excitement and attention surrounding such a special day.
*Bonus advice: Sometimes the venue comes with a day-of coordinator but don't get confused and rely on them too much. It's definitely different when you hire a day-of coordinator yourself. The coordinator you hire is there to focus on you and your fiancé's needs. The on-sight coordinator is there for you only in relation to the venue, so there's a lot of responsibility that doesn't fall on them but will need attention that day.
*Bonus advice: Sometimes the venue comes with a day-of coordinator but don't get confused and rely on them too much. It's definitely different when you hire a day-of coordinator yourself. The coordinator you hire is there to focus on you and your fiancé's needs. The on-sight coordinator is there for you only in relation to the venue, so there's a lot of responsibility that doesn't fall on them but will need attention that day.
3. Speaking of relief, there is a huge sense of it that comes after you’ve set a date for your wedding and can finally tell your guests to plan ahead. But how do you narrow it down to one day? A lot about your wedding is contingent on the venue. The date itself can depend on venue availability, so step away from the Pinterest boards and start a venue search. It's the best place to start. If you already have a specific date in mind prepare to be flexible as options may be limited. Keep in mind there is a peak wedding season for any and every location, which can obviously be a more expensive time to wed than the rest of the year. Venues will usually raise their costs and popular vendors can book up quickly (i.e. I got married over Veteran's Day weekend and had to scramble a bit to find an available florist when it didn't work out with the one I thought I would choose). Also keep in mind any major events happening in that area throughout the year (i.e. any Chicagoan would agree it's best to avoid getting married near the St. Patrick's Day Parade or Lollapalooza). Major events in the area can cause hotel and airfare to get pricey and traffic concerns for your guests, so do the research and your guests and your budget will thank you. Reward yourself when you've set the date with an adorable engagement session like the one below (we'll talk choosing photographers soon!)
4. Before you get too wrapped up in wedding dresses and centerpieces, don't forget to properly celebrate. If there’s any reason to request an engagement party be thrown in your honor* it’s as a reminder to continue to celebrate the love that brought you to here every chance you get. Celebrate your engagement, then celebrate your marriage and keep celebrating every day after. Marriage is just the beginning of your journey not only an end to this whirlwind planning experience. The party should never stop so don't miss this opportunity with family and friends and bliss out on each other.
*Etiquette tip: It's customary for the bride's parents to host the engagement party.
5. My final piece of advice: Be decisive. In the Pinterest world we live in today it can sometimes be difficult to narrow down your style with so many great ideas floating around. Listen to your heart and trust your gut. Start by choosing one thing that is timeless in your eyes and go from there.
For more planning advice and wedding inspiration check back with us here every Friday and if you're planning a wedding in the Chicagoland area become a member with us at RevelryAlliance.com. It's free to join and it only takes a few minutes to set up a profile by answering some questions about your event. We have personally selected vendors for every category that we know, love and trust (some of them we've even used for our own weddings). We'll match you up with them based on your event preferences, style and budget. Then you can contact those vendors and manage proposals straight from our site. It's that simple.
Happy planning!
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