Wedding Planning Advice

The best advice for any event planning is to prepare for the worst and expect the best. So how does one prepare the list of worst case scenarios? Gather a few of your closest friends, add a bottle of wine and a little snack and just begin the conversation. They all have stories to tell about nightmare weddings they have experienced or heard of. Don't be afraid to take some notes. This is research for a very important wedding day.

Now there has been a gathering of friends and a lot of advice and drama, let the planning begin.

~Whose wedding is it anyway?
It is a simple question and one that needs to be repeated several times during the wedding planning. The couple needs to focus on their wants, needs and desires. Everyone else really does take a back seat on the wedding day. Of course they want it to be a great occasion for everyone, but it is truly their commitment. All decisions should be made with that in mind.

~Guests
There are some that say a wedding is no place for children. Try telling that to the kindergarten teacher who married in the spring. They even did arts and crafts with the children to help with decorations. It was charming and perfect for her situation. If Aunt Velda hates weddings and makes everyone miserable, she doesn't have to be invited. Keep the list to the people the couple wants to share their day with, period.

~Assume twice as many people will eat
Running out of food and beverage is never an option. There are places to take left overs where people will be happy and grateful to receive. They won't be as gracious at the wedding if there is an issue.

~Elegance can be simple
Elegance can be created with simple and minimal accents. Set an affordable budget and stick with it. A wedding themed around one white rose was one of the most stunning ever attended. The tables were had black cloths with one white rose as a centerpiece. The wedding cake looked like it was made of lace and had one white rose on a dramatic red top tier.

~Attire
It seems that every bride wants a beautiful gown. Beautiful only works if it is comfortable as well. A wedding day gets very long and an uncomfortable gown and shoes can truly ruin the day for the bride. So look for beauty and buy nothing that can not be worn for eight hours of comfort.

Be gracious with the attire selected for the entire wedding party. They too will be on display and want to look their best and be comfortable.

~Go with the flow
On that great day the best advice is to go with the flow. Accept the problems with a willing attitude and a smile. It is not a day to worry if things get a little crazy. Remember it is really all about the vows. Every thing else is just fluff!