Showing posts with label Wedding Planning Advice. Show all posts

Monday, May 12, 2014

Secrets...Wedding Planners Won't Tell You!

13+ Things Your Wedding Planner Won't Tell You

I keep secrets.

At one wedding I planned, the cake went missing after the bride and groom cut it. The bride soon asked where the cake was. Turns out the servers had taken it upon themselves to eat it! We cut the pieces smaller and the bride never knew. Keeping things quiet is the secret behind making the bride think the wedding was flawless.

It stresses me out...

when the mother of the groom (it’s always the mother of the groom) steps in at the rehearsal to take over and change the plans. And it’s always the mother of the groom who hasn’t contributed a dime or offered even an hour of her time prior to the wedding who acts in this manner.

I hate feeling devalued.

When a potential client begins to nickel and dime me, I know they do not understand what it is I will be doing for them.

Don't forget the tax and service charge.

Many couples overlook the “plus plus” when planning a menu. Everything has a tax and service charge, and it really adds up, trust me!

I still cry at weddings.

Being part of the family for that short amount of time is truly rewarding. It’s when I’m sent baby photos that I know I had a real impact on a couple.

Your parents are paying?

I hope you understand you may not get what you want!

I'll go to great lengths to make sure your wedding is perfect.

Your wedding is my job and I’ll do everything I can to make it memorable, including walking miles to a florist in Jamaica to correct the $700 bouquet that arrived to you spray-painted purple.

We don't wear headsets and heels.

We know the importance of comfortable shoes. People envision The Wedding Planner and think this job is all about glitz and glamour. We’re not Jennifer Lopez.

Just because you planned your own destination wedding...

doesn’t mean you can do my job better than I can. Yes, you may have found lower rates on Orbitz, but you don’t have access to the contract and package perks that I’m able to offer to my brides.

You’ve only known each other for 4 months?!

Can I get 100% upfront?

I do manual labor and other dreadful tasks.

I cannot even tell you how many times I’ve been on my hands and knees, sweating. I sometimes have to count the napkins and linens before they go back to the rental company. I’m talking dirty, smelly napkins, with food, gum and whatever else is on them. Talk about gross!

Flowers cost a great deal of money.

For the most part, they are flown around the world to their end user. Their prices are affected by jet fuel costs, inclement weather and by the fact that they’re living things that are not manufactured by machines and simply “cranked out.” Likewise, they don’t jump into their vases!

You can always elope!

It's never too late to run away and have a relaxing wedding. You'll have great memories to share with your friends and family once you're home.

The second the ring goes on the finger,

commonsense goes out the door.

This is a full time job,

but on the big day we are steaming the bridal gown, pinning boutonnieres, making sure that the timelines are being met, making sure there are no spots on the glasses or silverware, allowing gum to be spit out in our hands before the ceremony, dealing with any situations that arise, and the list goes on!

I feel like a therapist

when I am forced to step in to help with family drama. My insight is to be polite and respectful. Often, meddlesome people just want to be heard out. Since I’m an independent third party, I’m able to bring neutrality to emotionally charged situations.

Sisters are tough to work with.

Often the Maid of Honor takes her role very seriously and doesn’t trust my capabilities. I take it in stride but have sometimes been forced to take sisters aside. By the end of the night, we’re friends!

If I’m doing my job

right you don’t end up with Bridezillas.

Make sure the things you spend money on can be reused.

Don’t have bride and groom etched on your flutes and toasting glasses. The same rule applies to serving pieces. If you must get something engraved, make it your initials, and then you have an heirloom.

Some things will not go perfectly.

We’ll do our best to fix mistakes without you knowing and bill you later at our discretion.

I do a lot of out of town work

and am sometimes away for days at a time. People interested in being a wedding planner often don’t take that into consideration.

While occasionally glamorous,

the reality of this career is you need to be a business person, a therapist, an artist, a mediator, and a psychic!

I’ll make sure everything you’re offered is in the contract.

If the first manager you work with offers you a complimentary toast, get it in writing. If that manager leaves for whatever reason, you won’t be forced to argue about these details with his or her replacement.

We are quick on our feet.

I had a situation once where the florist forgot one of the Bridesmaids bouquets. Within minutes I had one ready for her by gathering some flowers from the centerpiece arrangements and ribbon that I had in my emergency kit.

Stay focused on the big picture.

It’s easy to micromanage all of the details at the expense of the big picture. As long as people marry for the right reasons, the details of wedding planning are really secondary. Don’t make decisions to please or impress others.

My job is to make sure you don’t have a big overage,

but many caterers will fix 5% more than what’s guaranteed. While the buffet food can’t be salvaged, what’s leftover in the kitchen can. Ask your catering manager to send the extra food to a food bank.

You get what you pay for.

The biggest mistake you can make is choosing the cheapest vendors in the hopes of saving money. Really research your vendors, because you truly get what you pay for.

I wish you’d respond to my emails

as quickly as you expect me to reply to yours.

So the resort says you can’t use an outside vendor?

If you have your heart set on a particular photographer, consult the resort specialist about having a “friend” take your photos. Offer to pay for your photographer/friend’s flight and accommodations. Many will be eager to build their portfolios with destination shots and won’t charge you as much as they do traditional clients.

Reuse flowers

from ceremony to reception if at all possible. If you’re planning to do this, tell your florist, otherwise your flowers may arrive one-dimensional, and won’t look as nice in an open space.

If you've been engaged for a week

and your wedding planning organizer is thicker than mine (which usually contains paperwork for the five or six weddings I’m currently planning,) then I automatically tell you that I’m booked on your date… and your backup date.

Do you really want to do this?

Sometimes I get a gut feeling about a couple and really want to say head to counseling or put the wedding on hold.

Sources: Lynn Jawitz (Florisanllc.com) Denise Georgiou-Newell, WPICC, DWC, CSP, TICO (WeDDings Jubilee Planning Services), Tanya W. Porter (Weddings, Etc. LLC), Holly Schoenke (Simply Sweet Weddings), Gregorio Palomino CEP CWP, Candice “Candy” Cain (Candy Cain Travel), Jill Higgins (Jill Higgins Photography), Jules Rupae (Jules Rupae Events), Wayne Gurnick AIFD (momentsbywayne.com), Karen Clark (somethingborrowedsomethingblue.com), Bryant Keller (bryantkeller.com)

Thursday, February 27, 2014

The Truth About Weddings!

I found this wonderful graphic on Pintrest today! I thought it was a great visual about budget saving tips when planning your wedding! The time of year, and even day make a huge difference in the amount of money you spend! Check it out!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Thanksgiving is coming up next week, and I can't wait! I LOVE this holiday 2nd to Christmas. I think the reason I love/continue to love Thanksgiving so much is because I have NEVER been required to host the big event. For my family, our tradition is to go to either mine or my husband's parent's house and enjoy the meal we've loved since childhood. (Very little responsibility required). I get to enjoy the appetizers, drink the pre-meal cocktails, and enjoy time with family; not scramble around making the perfect meal or setting a gorgeous table. One day, I think I would really enjoy the challenges and stress of hosting such an important holiday tradition, but until then, I will continue to enjoy making my side and dessert at home to bring!

What do Thanksgiving plans have to do with wedding planning you ask? Hosting Thanksgiving is very much like trying to host your own or child's wedding! The pressures, decisions, and work need to be handled for such a large event, but BY WHO? If you are the couple getting married, you are busy with getting ready, taking photos, and (HOPEFULLY) enjoying the day! If you are thinking about trying to coordinate and execute your wedding on your own, PLEASE take notice this Thanksgiving to the host (if not you) to see how much they are enjoying themselves and ask yourself honestly: "Is this what I want to be doing on my wedding day?" "Can I really be in two places at once?"

I have heard too many couples not love or even enjoy their wedding because they were tied up in the details and decisions and not able to relax, enjoy, and be present in the celebration! This Thanksgiving holiday take notice and decide what you want!

Monday, March 18, 2013

Better Homes and Garden's Invitation Advice!

I love Better Homes & Garden's Magazine! I subscribe to the monthly magazine as well as get the daily emails. Today's email caught my eye! With wedding season quickly approaching; the start of Spring is just a day away, I thought I would share it with all of you! There is some wonderful information that I totally agree with in this article, and my comments are included in purple! Enjoy!

Cordially Invited: Wedding Invitation Tips

Expert tips on choosing, ordering, addressing, and mailing wedding invitations.

By Katherine C. Nugent for Simply Creative Weddings

With satin ribbons tied gently, elegant papers matched perfectly, and graceful swirls of letters cascading across the page, a wedding invitation is the announcement of a dream-fulfilling day. It speaks of promises to be made and the gathering of family and friends. It is a guest's first glimpse into a milestone event.
The wording of a formal wedding invitation follows a specific style that celebrates all parties involved while stating the details of the day.

The first line announces the hosts. Traditionally, these are the bride's parents, but now it is fairly common for the bride and groom or others to serve as hosts. A conventional line stating "request the honour of your presence" is appropriate for formal weddings, and "request the pleasure of your company" is acceptable for more casual ceremonies.
The next few lines vary, depending upon who is hosting the event. Often these lines indicate the hosts' relationship to the bride, followed by the bride's full name. The word "to" has a line of its own and precedes the groom's full name.
On the next lines, the day, month, and year are spelled out: "May 5, 2007" becomes "Saturday, the fifth of May, Two thousand seven." The time, on a separate line, also is written out (e.g., "five o'clock in the afternoon").
The wedding location gets its own line, and the city and state are next. Finally, if all wedding guests are invited to the reception, the last line gives information about the location and time; for example, "Reception begins at six o'clock at the Westover Golf and Country Club."
There are so many acceptable and different ways to word invitations now days. It is such a personal choice where you can really express your personality and give guests a glimpse into your wedding day plans! Have fun with this. Be playful if your wedding is so, Be goofy if you two are! Use your invitation as a sneak peak into your world as a couple!
Check a wedding planning book or stationery store for resources for the wording of an invitation to match your needs.

What to Send

Enclosures in the invitation, though not necessary, are a considerate touch and help clarify details. A reception card is useful, especially if the reception will be held at a place other than the wedding site. Using a separate card for this information keeps the wedding invitation clearer.

Another practical reason for a separate reception card: Some guests may be invited only to the wedding, and it's easy to insert reception cards into the envelopes of those who are invited to the reception. The card should indicate the time the reception begins (or say "Reception immediately following the ceremony"), followed by the name and address of the location. Other ideas: Dinner and Dancing to follow, Cocktails and Merriment to follow, Etc. Make it personal!

Other enclosures to consider are a menu-choice card, a map with directions to the wedding and reception, and a rain-location card if needed.

An RSVP card is customary; with the obligatory self-addressed, stamped envelope, it allows guests to reply quickly and easily and provides the hosts with a head count to determine the amount of food needed. Set the RSVP card return date two to three weeks prior to the wedding. All cards should match the style of the invitation. As a general rule I like my clients to have a RSVP date 4 weeks prior to the wedding day. This allows plenty of time to connect with guests that have not RSVP'd and find out their response before having to give final head counts to caterers and florist. Also, if you and your crowd are tech savvy online RSVPing is a new trend. I'm old fashion and prefer paper, but the choice is yours!

A new trend in wedding invitations is to send a save-the-date card. This announcement goes out three to four months prior to the wedding. The save-the-date card represents the first news of the occasion many guests receive. It allows them to make arrangements as needed well ahead of time. Typically, the card includes general information about the wedding as well as any special accommodations the couple has made for guests (such as meals or reserved blocks at hotels). It is typical now to include your wedding website for guest to find out all information about your wedding. Also, I personally like when clients send out Save the Dates 6 to 8 months in advance if there is time, especially if a large portion of the guest will be traveling to the destination or if it is a popular summer date.

How to Address

Because a wedding is so personal, the envelopes should be handwritten.
If time is an issue, enlist others to help address, or consider hiring a calligrapher.
Always spell out street names and write out street numbers from one to twelve (e.g., "8th Ave." becomes "Eighth Avenue").
Use guests' complete names; nicknames are inappropriate.
Children over the age of 18 each should receive a separate invitation, even if they live with their parents.
Check the postage. When you have a full invitation assembled with inserts, take it to the post office to confirm the required postage; before purchasing stamps. Remember to ask about postage for invitations going to other countries.
Mail the invitations six to eight weeks ahead of the wedding date. For faraway friends and family, even more time is necessary: eight to 10 weeks. If your wedding is during a holiday weekend or you're planning a destination wedding, consider sending all your invitations eight to 10 weeks ahead.

Cost Savers

Careful selection of invitations is one way to cut wedding costs. The amount of postage required can vary substantially, depending on size and weight; nonstandard shapes can be costly to mail. Squares are more expensive then rectangles to mail. I don't know why I just know it to be so. Take these types of things into consideration when selecting your invite if budget is a concern! If you love a square invitation consider using a larger rectangular envelope when mailing to avoid the up charge.
Stunning invitations, from engraved to those made using less-expensive printing processes, are available from vendors who cater to every taste. Also, ordering online may save you big bucks. Check out online invitation retailers to get the best deal! Wisdom: ALWAYS order a sample first so you know what you are getting. It is hard to tell the quality from a website without holding it in your hands.
Crafts and scrapbooking stores also carry a vast array of papers, vellums, ribbons, and other supplies for couples wanting to customize their announcements.
The number of invitations ordered will influence the cost. It is usually cost-effective to order 10 to 20 percent more invitations and components than needed. Reordering is costly, and having leftovers is better than running out. Purchasing extras also allows for inevitable "afterthought" guests and errors made in addressing.
The process of creating wedding invitations is an opportunity for a couple to put their own signature on the occasion. This is the first announcement of a moment to be remembered forever.

Have fun! Make it personal! Send with plenty of time!

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Junebug Weddings Article

I found this article on Junebug Weddings today and found it really interesting! I agree with all of their tips. Choosing the right planner is 2nd to finding the right person to marry when planning your wedding! I hope you enjoy!

How to Hire the Best Wedding Planner or Designer for Your Wedding

Sunday, November 25, 2012 6:00 AM

Filed Under: planning tips | with no comments

Over the last few years the Junebug team has frequently asked our readers “What is the best decision you made when planning your wedding?” By far the most popular answer is, “hiring a wedding planner!” With a substantial financial investment, and between 200 to 400 hours allocated to planning the average size wedding, it’s no wonder so many couples are grateful to wedding planners for helping them navigate the many details of their wedding planning process.

wedding photo by Elizabeth Davis Photography | via junebugweddings.com

(wedding photo by Elizabeth Davis Photography) What does a wedding planner provide?
An experienced wedding planner offers you sound budget and management advice, contract negotiation, timeline creation, vetted vendor and location selection, along with stylish design aesthetic and execution. Contrary to popular belief, wedding planners can actually save you substantial amounts of time and money while ensuring you and your guests are delighted with your decisions.

wedding photo by Claire Morgan Photography | via junebugweddings.com

(wedding photo by Claire Morgan Photography) What does a wedding designer provide?
Designers are experts at creating atmospheres that blend complementary décor concepts throughout your entire celebration and they generally work with your planner, lighting crew, décor companies, and photographer to transform your venue into an unforgettable experience. Celebrity couples and couples looking to make a one-of-a-kind statement frequently employ wedding designers. The wedding planner you choose may also be an experienced wedding designer, and if not, you may decide to hire a designer separately to create the overall visual aesthetic of your wedding.

wedding photo by Cunningham Photo Artists | via junebugweddings.com

(wedding photo by Cunningham Photo Artists) Whether you choose to hire a planner, designer, or both, here are five tips for choosing the professional that’s right for you.

Look to your friends, family, co-workers, and highly-vetted resources like Junebug Weddings to create your own list of wedding professionals. Visit their websites and blogs, and read online client reviews. Be sure the companies you’re considering have orchestrated numerous weddings from start to finish before you trust them with yours (we ask our members to have at least 50 weddings completed before they join Junebug Weddings).

Choose 3 to 5 planners to interview, and pay attention to how well they listen, and how comfortable you feel with their ideas and responses. Ask them for multiple references and check them. Trust is the most important component of a great working relationship, so choose someone who you believe will keep your best interests at heart, and who you are looking forward to spending time with in the months ahead.

Set a budget upfront and let your wedding planner and/or designer make the most of it. Your budget will include your wedding planner so keep in mind that wedding planners charge for their services in several different ways. Some charge by the hour, others charge a percentage of your overall budget (generally 10-20%) and still others charge a flat rate. Be sure the pricing structure you agree to fits your needs and desires best.

Share your style, history, and dreams with your planner, and let them know how involved you would like to be in the planning process. After all, you want your wedding to fit you to a tee so the more your planner and designer knows about you and your expectations, the more likely they will be to exceed them.

Keep in mind that your wedding will be much more than a party. Chances are your guests will vary in age and interests, (and even dietary restrictions) and the scope of your celebration from the days leading up to your wedding and the days after will be full of details, logistics, and frequently unforeseen changes that can cause you unnecessary stress. If you decide to plan your wedding yourself, or if you’re going to let your friends and family do it, you may want to consider having a “day of” coordinator with you on your wedding day; a professional to help you manage logistics and last minute details so you can relax and enjoy your wedding day unencumbered with worry, and overjoyed by the all the little moments that will never come again.

wedding photo by The Rasers | via junebugweddings.com

(wedding photo by The Rasers) Junebug Weddings has spent years compiling our World’s Best Wedding Planners and Designers Hotlist. Every planner and designer we recommend is highly sought after and trusted for their talent and expertise, and every one of them is ready to make your wedding planning more fun and easier than it could ever be without them. Don't miss it!

(wedding photo by Elizabeth Messina)

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Friend or Foe? Online Wedding Resources

I frequently get interviewed for wedding magazines doing stories of a variety of wedding related topics. The most recent wanted me to comment about online wedding resources in regards to Wedding Food & Drink. The article has not yet been published, but as soon as it it I will share the link! Enjoy!

1. How might online resources help you find the perfect caterer and build a dream menu?

Online resources put many more options at your finger tips. Brides/Grooms are exposed to so much more than just what is in their area. They are able to pull ideas from other experts around the country or world! They can use this information to build your dream menu from recipes you found online and now can share with your caterer. If caterers in their area are not the exact fit, they can use the information gathered and share it with the professional to collaborate and build exactly what they want.

2. The meal and bar are typically the biggest wedding expenses, and with a never-ending supply of Pinterested, etc. pics of chic small bites and bottles and bottles of Champagne, it can be easy to get ahead of yourself and your budget. What are your tips for balancing a dream dinner and drink spread with budget realities?

Pintrest is amazing to help clarify your vision and give your vendors direction about how you want things prepared and how you want them to look. It is an amazing tool! It also allows clients to be far more creative using someone elses' idea they have found online. Clients can definitely get carried away trying to do EVERYTHING they saw online, so It is important to chose one or two things you loved from these sites that will make a big impact. 1 signature cocktail with a beautiful fruit skewer stir stick and 1 elegant dessert table, but skip the 20 cute appetizers you fell in love with. Also, consider filling foods when it comes to appetizers or sides, if you are doing a lot of small bites. Cheese and fruit will not fill people up for the night, but risotto balls and meat skewers will! Be selective when and where you want to use your pintrested inspiration!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Tis the Season - January or June?

Summer, fall, winter or spring? 2 pros weigh in on the wedding ‘when’
Anna Sachse CTW Features

January 12, 2012

Summer

Pros: “The weather!” says Christina Friedrichsen, author of “Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style” (North Light Books, 2004). “If you’ve got your heart set on an outdoor wedding, there’s no better season.” There are also three great three-day holiday weekends, and guests are more willing to take vacation time in the warm months and/or when kids are out of school, says Wendi Hroncich, founder of Seattle-based Ethereal Events. Other advantages Hroncich points to include a seasonal produce and flowers, and more daylight hours, which is great for photos.

Cons: Summer is the most popular season for nuptials in the U.S., which means prices generally are the highest and there’s a lot more competition for vendors, says Hroncich. In addition, guests may have already made vacation plans - or have another wedding to attend - during your wedding weekend. And that sunshine you were hoping for? It may not seem so spectacular when you’re dripping in sweat.

Autumn

Pros: Fall is full of fabulous décor inspiration, from colorful leaves to pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks, says Friedrichsen. You also can have a sunset ceremony that’s reasonably early, adds Hroncich, and you may still be able to have an outdoor party. Even better? Travel is typically cheaper during this time, so you may find great honeymoon deals.

Cons: Hroncich warns that cold or wet weather can hit out of nowhere, so you’ll definitely need tents or an indoors backup plan. Autumn also is the second most popular time for weddings, so you’ll need to book your vendors well in advance.

Winter

Pros: Hotels and venues will likely do their own decorating for the holidays, supplying you with free décor that feels festive and warm, notes Hroncich. December can be costly, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but prices often drop drastically in November, January, and February. Use some of the money you save to serve an indulgent spread of seasonal treats like spiked eggnog and gingerbread cookies, says Hroncich.

Cons: It’s a busy and expensive time of year for people, so chances are not everyone on your list will be able to make it, says Friedrichsen. Furthermore, severe weather could make traveling treacherous or downright impossible, Hroncich says.

Spring

Pros: Spring usually is the off-season, thus more venues and vendors should be available, perhaps at a discount, says Friedrichsen. You’ll also find a greater selection of blooms, fresh-feeling menus, and bright color palettes, says Hroncich. Add to that the possibility of sunshine without sweltering heat.

Cons: With the exception of Spring Break, kids will be in school, making it more difficult for families to travel, says Hroncich. And, says Friedrichsen, there’s a lot of potential for a cool, rainy day that you didn’t properly plan for.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Wedding Dress 101

Happy Holidays! I hope all your Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. dreams have come true! For those of you who's dream of getting engaged over the holidays came true I'm here to help! Here are first of many tips to come!

10 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping Success!
Wendi Hroncich

1. Always make an appointment at the dress shop beforehand!

2. Shop for your wedding gown SEPARATE from Bride's maid dresses. Shopping for both at the same time can be too overwhelming and does NOT give either shopping experience the value it deserves!

3. Wear or bring a strapless bar

4. Wear or bring heals with a comparable heel height to what you will wear on wedding day.

5. Shower and do your hair/makeup - when you try on dresses you will feel better in them if you like your hair and makeup that day!

6. Bring more than 1 person with you, especially if this person will like or hate everything you try on. Bringing someone whom you love their style/taste or has similar taste to you will really help. A 2nd set of great eyes will give you more confidence in your decision! If you have to - bring the people you love, whom you don't share taste, as your last option. They can make your decision harder or with out meaning to make you 2nd guess your self or not enjoy the experience at all. Surrounding yourself with positive people with great fashion sense will help you the most!

7. Try on dresses outside of your comfort zone. You never know what you will end up loving once it is on you. Have fun with this experience! After the wedding is over, you will wish you could go dress shopping again!

8. With that said, keep your wedding vision in mind - you don't want to end up with a dress that doesn't match your venue or formality of your wedding. For you I know you have a pretty clear idea of what you want and it really fits your whole vision, but don't rule anything out before at least trying it on!

9. Ask for a fabric swatch of the dresses you love and take pictures, if the shop will let you!

10. Bring a snack for in between appointments. Have everyone coming with you do the same! Dress shopping takes a lot of energy and time. It's important for all to become starving in the middle of the day!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

It's Crunch Time!

It is getting to the time of year when your wedding day is just around the corner! You have hired all your vendors, completed all your projects, bought your favors, had your dress fitted, etc., and now you need to know how to make your wedding day run smoothly.

Many of us have been a guest at wedding where there was a lot of standing around wondering, where are the bride and groom?, or when is the next thing going to happen? I'm sure you want to avoid this for your special day. Good News! It is so easy to make sure that you, your new hubby/wife, and your guests have a great time on wedding day! All it takes is putting together a simple timeline for your vendors to follow and guide you through! You have probably considered the placement of the major events of the day: whether you want to be introduced into your reception or sneak in during cocktail hour. When the first dance will take place if your dancing at all. If you want to do a garter and bouquet toss or avoid the whole thing altogether! The list can go on and on!

Luckily, now days there is no "right or wrong way" to way to put your day together. There are just many things to consider, from ceremony start time to last call, inorder to have a smooth flow to your day.

Photobucket

Many of your vendors have probably tried to help you put together a time line already. (Their tools can be really helpful so please use them!) But, I recommend putting together a detailed timeline for the way YOU see your day going. You should share it with ALL your vendors, and not rely on each individual vendor's. They may all be slightly different from one another! Using the ONE you created ensures that everyone has the same overall picture of the day’s events as you want it! It also helps you make sure that you are fitting in all the major events in the time allotted in your contracts. If you only have 7 hours with your photographer, you don't want the ceremony to start at 2:30 and the toast to happen at 10:00pm. You want your photographer there to capture all of the elements you have planned in the 7 hours!

For an easy way to arrange this, I recommend using sticky notes and a large piece of paper with the start of your day on one side and end on the other! It can make for a fun game, mixing and matching the order of events on the time line to find what makes the most sense and works best! It is also a easy way to visually move the key events around to find the suitable order for the two of you! With the events in order you can start filling in the time surrounding the events and creating the time line.

No matter how you schedule your day, make sure that it's all about you two having the best time EVER, and taking special moments to slip away and enjoy being married!