Planning a wedding can seem like a huge undertaking, and in all reality, it is. However, it’s also a manageable process that can be accomplished—without too much stress—if you are good at taking advice. No, we’re not talking about your grandmother’s advice for your honeymoon (shudder, shudder). We’re talking about tips that get the intended results: a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception that you and your spouse remember forever. And while you’ll find article after article on the web about wedding tips, here’s our two cents—tips from entertainment agents who have been part of the wedding planning process for a wedding, or two, or 10, or, well, many more than we care to admit.
- Set a budget. Your budget is a key detail in every step of your wedding planning process, and a question you’ll find every vendor asks about. Sit down with your fiancé and any family members or friends who have expressed interest in giving you financial gifts for your special day. Making sure everyone is on the same page financially can eliminate hassles, and drama, as you progress through the wedding planning process.
- Know how much of the wedding planning you can take on. There is no shame or blame in asking for help. Wedding planning is a process, and can be an intimidating process for anyone. If you’re overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner or entertainment agent (or both) to coordinate and finalize all the details that come with your wedding.
- Call an entertainment agent. Choosing wedding entertainment is so much more than making the decision to hire a band or DJ. You have to choose the right wedding entertainment that fits your theme and is quality and appropriate for your guests. An entertainment agent can also make recommendations for ceremony music, suggest unique entertainers that set your wedding apart, and take care of all the small and last-minute details you don’t have time for.
- Don’t procrastinate. To borrow an old saying, “the early bird gets the worm.” The prompt couple also gets the caterer of their choice, the best bands and entertainers, and the in-demand venue. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Appoint ‘helpers’ for your wedding day and give them jobs. It is VERY helpful to have many hands at your disposal on your wedding day. Ask for their assistance, and, if they accept, give them in-depth details of what needs to be done. Don’t feel like you need to be in charge of it all, and that you need to put out every fire. Ask friends or family you trust to help getting family members to photos, assisting with babysitting (if needed) during the festivities, passing out payments to vendors (make sure you choose a trusted friend or family member for this task) and any other small details that need to be done on your ewdding day.
- Put all payments in envelopes the week before your wedding day. If you still owe vendors payment, put the money in envelopes a week before the wedding day. Label each envelope and put them together in a bag so you’re ready. This simple step saves you the time of writing out check after check or pulling out your credit card repeatedly—which takes you away from the fun and festivities.
- Coordinate and confirm as many details in advance. Don’t think you’ll have time to talk to your band about your favorite dance songs, or you can call your caterer with last minute changes the morning of your wedding. Follow up with your vendors well before your wedding date to confirm, and discuss any preferences you have.
- Make a plan and give it to your attendants in advance. Once you’ve conferred with all your vendors, such as your entertainment agent, put the schedule for your wedding day (and day before and after) into a schedule and share it. Whether you have two or 20 attendants, give your bridesmaids, ushers, groomsmen and other ring bearers a detailed schedule of where and what times you need them—in person, if possible. Don’t rely on random texts or other people.
- Have an emergency kit for ANYTHING that could come up. Pack extra cosmetics, a sewing kit, umbrellas—anything you think could come up on your wedding day. Go through your day in your mind, and picture all the worst case scenarios and what you can do to fix the problem.
- Don’t be afraid to lean on experience. If you need assistance while wedding planning, turn to people with experience. For example, if you don’t know where to start locating and hiring entertainers for your wedding, hire an experienced entertainment agent for recommendations, to set a entertainment schedule for your wedding day and to finalize all the details of your wedding entertainment. Also don’t be afraid to ask your vendors for recommendations for other vendors; entertainment agents know florists that do a beautiful job, and caterers are familiar with local venues that fit your vision. Or, if you want to consolidate and simplify the process, hire a wedding planner. Together, you and your wedding planner or entertainment agent can produce a beautiful wedding day that speaks to who you are as a couple.
