Have a photo booth at your reception where guests can pose and send you the photos for inclusion in your thank-you cards. Try out an ethnic jig instead of the traditional money dance for a unique twist.
Make sure all of your vendors know EXACTLY what you want on the day of your wedding. This way, you won’t have to worry about any miscommunication.
1. Get Organized
The best way to get the most out of your wedding day is to make sure you’re well organized. This will help you save money and keep you on track when it comes to planning.
If you’ve got guests travelling to your wedding from out of town, ask a friend who owns a vehicle to help transport them. This is a quick and easy task that can be done well in advance of your wedding date.
A friend who’s good with kids is a valuable asset to have on hand during your wedding day. They can help corral them for their entrance, entertain them during reception and keep an eye on them while you prepare for photos.
2. Delegate
Just because you share a cubicle or eat lunch with someone in the office doesn’t mean you need to invite them to your wedding. It’s far too busy of an event to try and rekindle old friendships, anyway, between all the mingling and one-on-one time with your new spouse.
Also, if you’re cutting your guest list down to fit the capacity of your venue, don’t be afraid to be firm about plus-ones. It may be uncomfortable to tell your college friends who only know you and your fiance they won’t get their own seats, but it’s the only way to keep your list under control.
3. Cut Your Guest List
If you have a wedding guest list that’s overflowing at the seams, it may be time to consider cutting some names. While it’s tempting to invite cousin Fran and her new boyfriend of two months, you have every right to decline them if the relationship isn’t long-term or committed.
Likewise, there are likely people who you don’t talk to on a regular basis that you could eliminate from your list as well. Your day should be spent with people who mean the most to you and are able to fully appreciate your special moment.
A great rule of thumb is to cut anyone who you haven’t seen in a year.
4. Have a Timeline
Your wedding day timeline is essential to the smooth running of your day. Having a timeline lets your vendors know when they need to be where, and gives you an idea of how long your day will take.
Typically, it’s best to start with your ceremony time & work backwards & forwards from there crew logout. This will give you a rough idea of when any hair & makeup appointments need to begin.
Remember to leave a bit of extra room for any late arrivals, too. Most weddings stray by at least fifteen to twenty minutes at various points throughout the day or night, and it’s usually not a big deal.
5. Make a List of Must-Have Photos
If you want posed photos, make sure to tell your photographer this ahead of time and work with them to narrow down what shots are most important. If there are a few special ones that you know will be a must, like a photo with a certain grandparent or godparent, make sure to communicate this with your photographer so they can ensure you get these pictures if possible.
The best part about having wedding photos is that they help you remember all the special moments of your big day. Let your photographers have free rein to capture all the fun stuff that you may not be able to catch on camera, too.
6. Put Your Wedding Party to Work
Make your bridal party and parents aware of what needs to be done, when. This will help them stay on the same page and prevent any aggravation or confusion on your wedding day.
Encourage your friends and family members who are not in the bridal party to help you greet guests and get them settled at their tables. This will make them feel like a valued part of your big day.
If you have musically-talented friends or family, ask them to play at your ceremony. This adds a personal touch that will be remembered by your guests for a long time to come.
