Recently I had an amazing dinner with one of my couples. They took me out as a thank you for planning and coordinating their wedding. As we discussed the interesting events that happened on the wedding day, I heard the familiar phrase “I wish we would’ve…”.
After almost all of my weddings, I take time to chat with my couples to get feedback on my services. The conversation always leads to the things they wish they would’ve done at their wedding. Although the couples are happy about their day overall, there’s always something they wish they would’ve done differently.
At times, the couple will talk about things that were completely out of their control. For example, we would all love to wave a magic wand to change the weather on the wedding day so that it’s absolutely perfect! Unfortunately, that’s not an option. However, during the planning process, couples often make decisions that they look back on and say “I wish we would’ve…”
Stayed within the Budget
Budget management isn’t normally seen as the fun part of the planning process. Often couples start off with good intentions then slowly start spending a little more here and there. This can lead to wedding remorse! Or worse, the couple is starting their married life in serious debt! To avoid this issue, set a budget and stick to it! If you’re not good with budgeting, hire a planner that can help you!
Hired a Professional
I talk about this often because it’s so important. And as you can see, after the wedding is over, my couples also agree! As you’re looking for service providers for your big day, hire a professional. Keep in mind, professional doesn’t always mean expensive. Hiring a vendor that has an official business is an investment in your day. You’ll be glad you chose someone with the expertise to provide the best service possible for such an important day.
Taken a Moment for Ourselves
Another phrase I hear in these conversations is “The wedding day went by so fast!” It’s true. If you don’t make an effort to schedule time to step away and take it all in, it won’t happen! Most couples assume they will magically find time to get away from the wedding day festivities to connect. But with eager guests that want to take pictures, changes in the schedule, and all the wedding formalities, it’s hard to ensure that you’ll get time together unless you choose to make it a priority on the timeline!
Provided Transportation for Guests
Making things easier for guests goes a long way. I’ve had many conversations with couples about providing transportation especially when they are serving alcohol, in an area with lots of traffic (all of Northern Virginia), or if the venue is a long distance from the hotel or where most guests live. Transportation doesn’t mean providing a personal limo for each guest! There’s so many budget friendly options! Guests truly appreciate anything from a bus or shuttle (from the hotel or a designated area) to free or discounted rides with a ridesharing company (Lyft, Uber, etc)!
Listened to Your Advice
Whether we are talking about vendors, the wedding day schedule, or transportation, I’m always sharing advice and past stories with my couples to help them choose the best option for their wedding day and budget. Ultimately, the couple makes the final decision and I work to ensure their expectations are met.
There are times when the couple makes a decision that will differ from a suggestion I’ve provided. For example, I once had a bride change the entire hair and makeup schedule I created the day before the wedding. She felt they “didn’t need all that time”. Unfortunately, on the day of the wedding, hair and makeup were behind by 2 hours and the time scheduled for the first look was cut very short! Yikes!
No matter who you work with, consider your planner’s advice. They only have your best interests at heart!
I hope this post helps newly engaged couples who are starting the planning process. Hopefully, this list will assist you as you take time to figure out the things that are most important to you for your wedding day. And if you decide you need a planner to help guide you, I know a really great one you can contact! :)