Final Post in Wedding Tips Series!


Here are some final tips to make your big day easier and
stress-free!

 

1. Provide Accurate Driving Directions

This one is crucial.  It is imperative that guests
know where they’re going. As easy as online map programs are to use, sometimes
the directions are wrong — or there’s a quicker, less traffic-prone route to
take. Ask your ceremony and reception sites for printouts of recommended
driving directions, which they often keep in stock for weddings and will give
to you for free, and test out the routes yourself.  You do not want your
guests arriving late or being frustrated when they arrive due to traffic or
poor directions.

2. Paper Trail

It is important to get any nonstandard changes to your
agreements in writing or send the vendor a confirmation email saying,
“Hello, just confirming that you’ll keep the venue open until 2 a.m.
versus midnight.” As much as you want to take people for their word,
don’t.  By the time your wedding comes around, your contact may no longer
be working there to vouch for you.

3. Plan for Setup

Make sure there’s ample time for setup. If you’re renting
a venue and bringing in outside help, ask, “What time can people come in
to set things up?” This will help prevent any setup timing issues!

4. Learn About Marriage Licenses

Make sure to check your state’s license requirements
online, but also confirm with a call to the county clerk’s office to see when
they’re open. Even if they are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., they may issue
marriage licenses only during slower times like, say, Thursdays from 2 p.m. to
3 p.m. Also, as a precaution, give a copy of your marriage license to your mom
or your maid of honor (just in case you lose yours during the final days before
your wedding).

5. Review the Rules

Always be prepared! Ask the manager of the house of
worship or site where you’ll be married for the list of restrictions (if any).
For instance, is flash photography or bare shoulders prohibited? Or, if you’re
exchanging vows outdoors, are you allowed to plant tent stakes in the lawn
(which is often a no-no)?

6. Classify Your Cash

Wedding budgets are all about balance. Start your budget
planning by making a list of the crucial details, (music, your wedding gown,
the invitations, the flowers, and the photographer,etc) and assign a number to
each — one being the most important and three being the least. Invest your
money in all your number ones and cut corners on your number threes. However,
just remember, that everything can’t fall into the number one category! 

7. Help Guests Pay Attention

It is imperative that you make sure your guests can see —
and hear. If people are seated farther than 15 rows back from your ceremony
altar or podium, consider renting a mic and a riser. This could range anywhere
from $50 to $100, depending on the equipment used. You’ll need to coordinate
the delivery and setup with your ceremony space, so put your wedding planner or
best man in charge of this task.

8. Write Down Your Digits

Make sure to carry an emergency contact sheet on your
wedding day. Keep the paper with names and phone numbers of all your vendors in
your purse — it may come in handy in case your limo driver gets lost or you
decide you’d like your photographer to take some behind-the-scenes shots.

9. Call the Fashion Police

Don’t go dress shopping on your own — all the gowns will
start to look the same after a while and it will be harder to recall which
style you really loved. But be careful about who you do bring. If your mom or
sibling can’t make the trip, ask a friend who is truly honest. This is the time
when you really need to know which dress looks best.

10. Be Realistic With Your Time

When it comes down to the last month of your planning (and
when you’re particularly frazzled) look at your mile long to-do list and cut
three things. Yes, cut three things. Not crucial things that you just don’t
feel like doing, such as picking a processional song or confirming final
details with all of your vendors. Eliminate only the over-the-top tasks like
hand-painting “Just Married” signs, or baking cookies for all of the
welcome bags. After cutting them, make a pledge to not think about them ever
again.

If you are planning a party and need some help making it come to life, let the team at Action Rentals help make the event easy for you and memorable for you and your guests!  Give us a call today at 423-246-5181 and let us see how we can help!