Hello readers - we hope you're having a fabulous week so far!
Recently, we took to Instagram to answer our followers' top questions about weddings and wedding planning. As couples start to navigate through the planning process, there are always unexpected questions that pop up, so we're here to answer those today!
Here's the top 10 questions brides are asking today:
1. "What is the protocol for contacting guests who don't RSVP?"
* A: We always recommend setting your RSVP date a month out to allow an extra week buffer to follow up with guests before final counts are due. Typically, the easiest way is to simply call or text your guests individually. Let them know you are working on final counts and want to ensure they have a seat and meal!
Anchor & Veil Photography
2. "How can I make my wedding stand out without breaking the bank?"
* A: Utilize your budget to create an unforgettable experience, rather than just a beautiful wedding - this is the key! Incorporate interactive details for your guests to make memories, like:
- Adding a mirror photo-booth
- Creating a champagne display as they walk in with attached name cards
- Have a Polaroid guestbook
- Provide interactive stationery at seats (like personal mad libs)
- Create a cute and fun photo backdrop
- Provide interactive food features (like a s'mores bar or ice cream bar)
- Bust out a surprise late night snack on the dance-floor... maybe donuts on a stick!
Details like these are super impactful and sentimental for everyone! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to let your creative juices flow.
Anchor & Veil Photography
3. "For COVID couples who had to postpone their weddings, should they send another save the date & invite for the new date through mail? Or would a digital invite suffice?"
* A: This comes down to personal preference and what your budget looks like. I personally would say a digital swap/change out date is fine, but on the other hand - sending a new formal printed invite is nice. This would allow guests to still have something to keep on their fridge as a reminder and give you a keep-sake for your detail photos and wedding box! With that being said, we have plenty of clients who send both save the dates & invites digitally, so anything goes! Also, guests are definitely understanding during these times.
(Left) Josh Deaton Photography & Stationery by AM Creative Studio
(Right) Yah Photography & Stationery by My Little Design Company
4. "How far in advance should I send out save the dates and invitations?"
* A: Traditionally, save the dates are sent out anywhere between one year and 8 months out from your date. Then your invitations are sent out around 4 months out.
TIP: Be sure to make your RSVP date one month out! That will give you an extra week or so to bug guests who haven't RSVP'd.
Amy Kolo Photography & What's Up Buttercup Florals, The Carters Creative
5. "How do you plan a micro wedding reception at home and still make it feel special?"
* A: There are 4 things to consider!
1. Create anExperience! There are ways to make your day still feel like a wedding and an unforgettable experience.
- Consider hiring strings for your ceremony (even if you're only doing a playlist for the dinner/reception}.
- Maybe have a fun, interactive food truck as your catering instead of a standard caterer.
- Plan to have your girls come get ready together and enjoy a morning full of mimosas, hair/makeup and laughs.
- Create a fun DIY backdrop & set out selfie sticks or a Polaroid camera for memorable photos!
2. Focus on the Details. The less people attending, the more money you can spend on details!
- Purchase or make fun DIY name cards, personalized for your guests.
- Provide a menu or other personal stationery.
- Have guests do a fun wedding "exit" as you walk back up the aisle as husband and wife... maybe streamers, pom-poms, confetti or bells!
- Create practical wedding favors for guests - maybe custom beverage cups, koozies, or cute custom sugar cookies at their place setting.
Photography by The Carters Creative Yah Photography
3. Keep Your Highlighted Events. Craft an itinerary that still features those iconic wedding moments that you'll never forget, including your first look, first dance, introductions, parent dances, cake cutting, etc.
4. Schedule Zooms to Live Stream the Ceremony! Guests who are not able to attend will REALLY appreciate this. You can either hire a professional or set up a tripod and use a phone. Then maybe say a little personal "hello/we missed you/thank you for tuning in" after the ceremony, before heading to dinner. Guests will likely tune in and even dress up to watch from home!
Photography by Angela Tucker
6. "How do I decide what my budget will be?"
* A:
1. First sit down with your fiancé(e) to decide how much you both plan to contribute.
2. Discuss with your parents and see if they will be contributing anything to create a total budget.
3. Make your guest list - the guest list DRIVES your budget.
4. Create a list of priorities (ordered by importance) for your wedding day!
5. Conduct research on industry averages in your area to make sure your budget is realistic.
6. Allocate your budget accordingly for each vendor/aspect.
7. Grab 2-3 quotes from vendors in each field to compare.
7. "What should I be thinking about 3 months out? What details do I need to make sure not to forget/ignore?"
A: Between 2-3 months out, don't forget about the little details while you wait for your RSVP's to come in....
- Request your photography timeline
- Request your beauty timeline
- Purchase misc. decor (cake topper, knife, favors, guestbook, card box, signage, wedding party gifts, etc.)
- Plan out your day-of transportation and food for the wedding party
- Select wedding day music (first dance, parent dances, cake cutting song, bouquet toss song, must play, must-not plays, exit song).
- Book wedding night hotel room.
Photography by The Stewarts Roam Click Away Photography & Publix cake
8. "Videographer. Yes or no?"
* A: Our take on this is that if it is even a thought or consideration in your head, DO IT! We hear SO OFTEN that once all is said and done, clients wish they would have spent the money to hire a videographer when they didn't. Photos and videos are all you have left of your big day and hearing someone's voice and seeing them in live-action is always special and different, especially as the years go on. It also allows you to see your wedding day through your guests' eyes!
Indigo Photography
9. "How do you include your Mother-in-Law in planning?"
* A: Your big day is also so very special to your soon-to-be mother-in-law. It is easy to get caught up in the planning and day with your own mother and maid of honor, so be sure to include the MOG throughout. Here are some ideas...
1. Invite her to the venue walkthrough.
2. Invite her to help pick out your dress!
3. Plan the rehearsal dinner together.
4. Ask her who she'd like to be walked down the aisle by.
5. Offer her professional hair and makeup so she can get ready with everyone and be included in the morning preparation.
6. Let her pin on her son's boutonniere and let him place her corsage on.
7. Pick out a special wedding-day gift for her or write her a sweet note for that day.
Anchor & Veil Photography
10. "What should you spend the most AND least money on?"
* A: We recommend talking with your fiancé(e) to decide what is most important to you both on your wedding day. Everyone has different opinions and priorities, which determine how they spend their budget. If food is the most important aspect, splurge on a caterer. If music is, splurge on a band and/or live musician for the ceremony. If decor is the most important, splurge on rentals and florals. Order your items from most to least important and then break down your budget and book vendors to match.