You’re planning your wedding, and you have a lot of questions….. let me help!
Q: How early is too early to start planning my wedding?
A: Never! Vendors book up fast, so if there is a location or photographer you want, the sooner the better! You don’t even have to wait to get your attire. Plus if you start planning sooner rather than later, there will be less stress on the big day, cause you’ll have already figured everything out!
Q: Is it worth hiring a videographer?
A: The one thing I regret from my own wedding is not hiring a videographer. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my wedding photos and they are hung all over my house, BUT my dad passed away a few years ago and I would love to be able to watch a video of us dancing on my wedding day. You don’t realize how much you will miss on your wedding day either, having the videographer there to capture those moments are priceless! If you need referrals, I can get you a list!
Q: What’s the timeline for save-the-dates and formal invitations?
A: This can be a little tricky because it depends on if there is traveling involved. Usually save-the-dates go out anywhere from six to eight months before the wedding. Obviously if you have a lot of people traveling, getting them out sooner is always better!
Q: Should we provide meals for vendors?
A: Yes! A lot of vendors will have it in their contracts to provide a meal, but even if they don’t, its best practice to offer one. Your vendors work very hard for you all day long, often times not eating or drinking along the way. Offering them a chance to sit down and enjoy your big day with you wont go unappreciated!
Q: Should we allow children at the wedding?
A: This is going to depend on your budget, social group, and comfort level. Allowing children to attend the ceremony and reception can make it easier for their parents to attend, but children can also be distracting. Another option would be to hire a sitter that can hang out with the kiddos at the venue during the ceremony, then let the children join in on the festivities of the reception.
Q: What’s better - a band or DJ?
A: Everyone loves a live band and the energy they bring. Some bands will also announce events of the evening as you go. A DJ will always announce for you, and rarely needs breaks. They can’t be as personal but they do have a wider range of songs.
Q: Is hiring a wedding planner worth it?
A: Are you crazy busy doing a million other things? Then a wedding planner will be your best friend! You’ll still get to be involved in every decision, but wont have to handle all the correspondents with vendors. If you are more of a Type A (like me!), being in control of everything is important to you and hiring a wedding planner might not be a good fit
Q: Do we have to have a rehearsal dinner?
A: Nope! It does help to rehearse how the bridal party will come down the aisle, especially if you have not hired a wedding planner.
Q: Who should we invite to the rehearsal dinner?
A: Typically the rehearsal dinner is for the wedding party and parents of the couple. Adding siblings is always an option as well! Some people also invite their photographer to get rehearsal dinner shots and get to know the bridal party a bit better.
Q: What’s the most important thing to remember?
A: Have fun! Planning can be stressful if you let it, but at the end of the day, as long as you are standing there with the love of your life - it will all be worth it! Write down the things that mean the most to you and make sure you include them. Everything else will just be extra!
In the end…
Ask questions. Don’t feel bad for doing all of the research to make your wedding day the best day of your life. Make sure you and your spouse can compromise on the not so big things, and you each get the important things taken care of. And remember, this is BOTH of your wedding day. Share in the responsibilities and decisions - it’ll make it that much more fun!
