Forgetting Something?
Captured by Hannah Bird
There’s been one key takeaway for me in this world of weddings, and that is ‘you only know what you know’. The reason that I come in at least three months out with my planning packages isn’t just to keep you as stress free as possible (although, that’s a huge piece of the equation) but it’s to ensure we have plenty of time to fill in the gaps, hire, design, create, print and source any extra pieces we need to fit the puzzle that is your wedding day.
Today, we’re going to touch on just a few things I often identify as being forgotten in an aid to help you and future couples stay relaxed, fuss-free and enjoying your final months before getting hitched.
Arrange Pre-Wedding Food
You might be surprised, but this one is always left until the last minute. Make a plan, or delegate the task to someone to ensure you have nourishment throughout the day. Depending on when you are starting hair & makeup, you may want a more substantial breakfast or may even have time to venture out for a meal. I always suggest having food you can graze on throughout the day that feels light on the stomach. There are also a number of amazing platter companies around town to take advantage of that offer a delivery service.
Source a PA System
Depending on how your Celebrant, Band/DJ/Venue operates, you may be required to source a PA System for your Ceremony and/or Reception. No matter how loud someone claims their voice to be, always ensure there is a speaker and mic available - especially if you are hosting outdoor events. These won’t break the bank and are readily available from many local hire or audio & visual companies - Just head on over to our Directory for options.
Signage and Stationery
If there is one way to avoid last minute rush fees, it’s to have your signage and stationery designed and ready for print in advance of your wedding day. Aim to have it ready for print about a month out, and chat to your designer & printers if you have any worry about changes to your seating chart - They will be able to offer an indication as to when the final design needs to be ready for print.
Order Vendor Meals
Please feed your vendors! Namely any vendor who is present during dinner service. Most of us will specify our requirements within our contracts as a point of reference. We are on our feet making magic happen for you all day, often with no breaks and little sustenance until dinner time so a hot, delicious meal is always appreciated. These meals are often supplied by your caterer at a rate different to what you are paying for your guests.
Wet Weather Plan
Whilst we can all hope for a glorious summers day, we all know how unpredictable Canterbury weather can be so creating a wet weather plan in advance of your wedding day with ensure you keep the stress at bay. Determine at which point you will move to Plan B; Is it any form of drizzle, or would heavy rain be the dealbreaker? Communicate this to your vendors early on and you will easily be able to make the call on your wedding day.
Thank You Speech
Nearly all of my couples who don’t plan on saying much, do in fact have a bit to say! Whilst it’s not always necessary to have a full speech prepared, jot down some bullet points on paper or your phone so you can rest easy knowing everything is covered should you get up to speak.
Confetti and Cake Flowers
This is an easy one, but often forgotten. For floral confetti, let your florist know your requirements. The same with cake - They may need to organise delivery to your cake maker in advance of your day so communicate this early and the plan will be put in place. If you’re organising confetti yourself, remember to organise paper bags or cones and give yourself time to put it all together. We also love The Whole Bride’s biodegradable confetti - You probably will too!
Empties and Rubbish Disposal
Firstly, always check with your food (catering) and beverage team if they can take care of this for you. It may incur a small fee, but it’s money well spent to take the job away from you. If you are opting for anything along the lines of BYO/DIY/Potluck, it always pays to have a small team of people ensuring that rubbish is cleared away throughout the occasion. Often you may find community fundraising teams or similar up to the task.
So, what do you think about these? I truly hope this has helped you progress with your planning no matter how small the step is. Putting out fresh, relevant advice pieces that assist your planning is my number one goal, so let me know if you’d like to see more blogs like this in the future.
Until Next,
Lucy xx