The Dazzling Blog
Things Brides Wish They Knew
Hey Dazzlers! We have approached May and we have an amazing topic to go over. Things Brides wish they knew is important! If you want to scoop on what you should avoid and do, then keep reading. You can possibly save thousands and save yourself from a headache. Who wants to waste money on things that can be avoided? Especially not in this economy…I’ll also provide you with some advice and ways to make your day more special.
Cut the Guest List
Everyone can’t attend the wedding, and that’s okay! The more people, the more expensive it is. I’ve stated this before in previous blog posts, so please take this seriously. For intimate weddings, invite your close family and friends. I’ve seen some couples go to the courthouse and then they celebrated afterwards with close loved ones. Remember this day is ultimately a celebration of the couple, and people can always see what transpired online. Some couples may have extra funds to live record their wedding, and that’s also a good option. For destination weddings, you might have to cut the list regardless. Take into consideration what type of wedding you will have, and list out your close relatives and friends. Who has been supportive? Who do you talk to the most? Who has been there from the beginning? List it out and consider.
Start Earlier Rather Than Later
A lot of weddings like to start at 6 and some may argue that the time is too late. Consider who will be in attendance. If you have invited grandma, grandpa, older aunts or cousins then you might want to consider an earlier wedding. Weddings typically last around 4-5 hours. Consider these time frames below:
2:00 - 6:00 PM
3:00 - 7:00 PM
4:00 - 8:00 PM
Those times are not too extreme. I’m also seeing a trend in even earlier weddings. You get out early and have the rest of the day to yourself. Check the following times out:
11:00 - 3:00 PM
12:00 - 4:00 PM
1:00 - 5:00 PM
Remain on Time
There’s a schedule for a reason! I understand if things are pushed back, but if you can, try to remain on schedule. If you need a wedding planner, or if you have a bridesmaid in charge of planning then utilize them heavily. Not only will this save you money, but it will save you and your guests from extra headaches. If your wedding starts a little later, then starting late can cause issues. Some guests may have to leave early, and you may be rushed. Rushing on your wedding day is never a good idea. What if someone forgets the rings? What if someone forgets their bow tie? What if someone forgets the bouquet? A lot of wrong things can happen when you do not prioritize your time correctly.
Spend on the Important Things Like a Photographer
I did a poll recently on The Dazzling Wedding Officiant’s social media site. One of the questions that I asked was, “Do you prefer to spend more money on a dress or photographer?” More than 50% said a photographer. I believe capturing the moments is the most important for a lot of people. This is something you and your partner should discuss. Take a look at this wedding questionnaire that I created below. Take some time to answer this with your partner:
Spend more money on a dress/suit or photographer?
Outside Venue or Inside Wedding Venue?
Bakery or grocery baker cake?
Real or fake flowers?
Small or large wedding party?
Small or large guest list?
Early or late wedding?
Hire a professional DJ or new DJ?
Several wedding rehearsals or just one?
What type of wedding?
Compromise but not to the Expense of What you Want as Well
As a couple, we understand that you want to please your guests. Take the time to list out what each of you want and then come together with a consensus. The wedding should not be one-sided. It is also the groom’s day…I know we don’t hear that often lol, but it is. The Bride is surely the main character, but the other partner needs to also have some say.
Have Back-ups Just in Case
What would happen if you didn’t have a back-up pair of shoes, an alternate outfit, back-up officiant or musician? Having a Plan B is not a bad thing, it just means you are prepared ahead of time. I’ve seen weddings where an emergency happened, and someone from the wedding party didn’t show up. Have alternate plans just in case this happens. Life happens, so why not prepare for it? This is also another reason why you might need a professional wedding planner or wedding officiant. Typically a great wedding officiant will have a backup officiant in case something transpires. They will also have in their contract what their policies are pertaining to no-shows. A wedding planner is trained in what-ifs and they are very important. Wedding planners typically have a team or know of other professionals when things happen.
Enjoy the Little Moments
You’re running late, and you finally get down the aisle. The ceremony is over and now it’s time to take pictures. The photographer is having to rush, because you only hired them for a certain amount of time. The wedding party is also getting a bit antsy and is ready for the reception to start…Sounds like a mess if you ask me. You don’t have time to breathe and enjoy the little moments when too much is going on, and you’re having to rush. The little moments matter, and when you think of your wedding day, you want to think of good things. You don’t want to think about all the things that went wrong when you remember your special day. You paid over thousands of dollars (or whatever amount) on this wedding, so you should at least enjoy it!
Remember to Send Thank You’s!
Remember wedding etiquette is key, even for the couple! The guests took time out of their day to attend your wedding. At Least send out a thank you to everyone that showed. That’s why it’s important to have a wedding sign-in book. Here are some cute thank you ideas below:
(Found on Taste of Home: 21 Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Want to Take Home)
(Found on Taste of Home: 21 Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Want to Take Home)
(Found on Taste of Home: 21 Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Want to Take Home)
Summary
On that note, I hope you took away something important from this blog post. Everything doesn’t have to resonate with you, but at least consider and plan ahead. I can’t wait to see you in June! Summer is almost here, and that means the wedding season is about to get busier. I’ll see you in June with another great Wedding topic!
Love,
MaKayla
The Dazzling Wedding Officiant
