People have been getting married for thousands of years, so you’d think the process was all ironed out by now.
Unfortunately, there are several pieces that continue to create problems for newlyweds and their concelebrants.
The best way to get a handle on how to plan such a special event is to follow a simple list of do’s and don’ts.
What are the most common guidelines that can work to assure the day goes off without unnecessary confusion?
Couples need to take control of the guest list from the start, consider applying for a personal loan to cover expenses, vet every service provider, make a detailed plan for the day of the event, make a backup honeymoon travel plan just in case, and more.
There are no guarantees your ceremony will be mistake-free, but adhering to some basic guidelines is a great way to begin.
Do: Control the Guest List
No matter who’s paying the bills, it’s important for the bride and groom to take control of the guest list if they don’t wish to delegate the responsibility to someone else. In the end, it’s your event, but there’s great wisdom in being exceedingly fair to both families.
Try not to impose a one for one rule by giving each family the same number of invitees. Instead, calibrate the allowed number based on need.
Small families might want to invite a dozen or so people, while larger ones will have as many as 50 names of potential guests.
Work directly with decision-makers on both sides of the aisle to come up with realistic numbers.
Do: Take Out a Personal Loan to Cover Extras
Taking out a personal loan is a sensible solution for most couples who need funds to pay for various wedding-related expenses in advance.
The main advantage of loans is that they tend to offer much lower interest rates than credit cards and can help young people build up their credit ratings.
However, before applying, it’s imperative to understand the ins and outs of the process.
People asking themselves how do personal loans work should begin by reviewing a comprehensive guide that walks through the borrowing process and explains all the pertinent points.
Don’t: Pay for Everything in Advance
Vendors will ask for payment in advance, and some don’t offer any other arrangements. But for those who agree to let you pay over time, consider spreading out the expense over a six-month or one-year period.
When service providers get 100% of the payment ahead of time, there’s a chance you could be disappointed.
No-show photographers and florists can spell disaster for an otherwise well-planned wedding.
Partial payment arrangements work to incentivize vendors to not only show up but also to perform their duties in a commendable fashion.
Don’t: Hire Providers Without Vetting Them Yourself
Staging a large ceremony is like operating a small corporation. There are numerous employees, all of whom perform essential roles.
The couple’s job is to hire everyone, pay them, deal with guests, and make sure all the pieces fall into place on the designated date and time.
When hiring florists, singers, videographers, caterers, clergy, and other providers, try to get personal referrals from friends.
You’ll still need current info on everyone you hire, so be sure to check online ratings. The same goes for renting space for a reception. Make sure the venue has a solid history of serving couples and their wedding guests.
Do: Make an Hour-by-Hour Plan
Logistical skills come in handy when arranging a social event with dozens of hungry, excited guests.
The most effective way to build predictability into the schedule is to create an hour-by-hour plan for the day.
Start the clock when you wake up, being diligent about noting everything that must be attended to until the ceremony and reception are over, and the guests have gone home.
For most couples, the final item to remember is flight information for traveling to the honeymoon destination.
Don’t: Assume There Will be No-Shows
Be careful to avoid the trap of assuming that some invitees won’t show up, either because they live far away or indicated that they might not be able to come.
For meals and church seating purposes, assume that there will be zero no-shows. It’s better to have a few extra seats and plates than to run short.