Before you walk down the aisle, follow these genius tips wedding planners wish someone had told them.
By: Perri O. Blumberg11. Ignore any ‘Debbie downers.’
Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. “Everyone will have an opinion about your wedding day. Ignore every negative comment or backhanded compliment. It is your wedding, not theirs. Don’t let haters spoil your beautiful memories of your perfect day,” Rosanna Craig-Sample and Jacqueline Powell, Wedding Managers at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
12. Delegate!
Don’t be shy, now is the time to speak up when you need help. “Assign tasks to your bridal party, family, and friends. You do not have to take it all on yourself,” offer Emily DiBello and Molly Emond, Event Managers at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island. “Ask them to help you with favors, gift bags, amenity baskets, escort cards, etc. Alphabetize your escort cards by last name; organize place cards by table number!”
13. Do a sound check.
Is this thing on? Technical difficulties! Phrases like that should be avoided on your day of nuptial bliss. "Be certain that the sound system is working accurately so that you do not struggle to be heard,” says Kathy Marchenese, Wedding Planner at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.
14. Make sure you consider hidden costs.
“I wish I knew that the gratuity was taxable!” laments Kerstin Famiglio, Sales Admin at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Always review all costs with your vendor and be sure to inquire if a gratuity will be included, and if so, what percent of the fee it will be.
15. Beware of ‘friendors.’
In addition to friends, also think carefully before hiring family members to provide services for your wedding. “Those 'friendors' might not be the best vendor fit for your own personal celebration. When planning your own celebration, hire vendors that best complement the style of wedding that best complements the two of you!” warns Lydia Redmond, director of weddings at Ritz-Carlton, Naples in Naples, Florida.
