Demi Mabry Photography, Beauty by Look Love, Florals by Buy the Bunch
In the days leading up to a wedding, couples do everything they can to prepare for their special day. Planners and vendors alike prepare the last minute details so everything will run smoothly. However, there are a few things that you probably haven't heard before that can help you feel more prepared - this is what no one tells you about weddings...
1. Going Over Budget
As much as you'll try to stick to your well-planned budget, there are always little things that come up. We suggest giving yourself a $5,000 cushion to cover any extra expenses because you'll likely end up going over budget. Weddings are notorious for their cost, so this is a normal thing to expect!
2. Post-Wedding Slump
After your wedding day comes to a close and you find yourself at home after the honeymoon, it's totally normal to feel a little down. After months (sometimes years) of planning and anticipation, you'll probably be sad that it's all over. All of your time and efforts leading up to the big day have finally come to an end! The post-wedding slump is to be expected: you'll suddenly have lots of extra time and will likely feel an urge to think about wedding ideas again. Now is the time to fill that time with a new passion project: planning cute date nights as newlyweds, cooking new recipes, settling into a new place and into married life! As one season ends, a new one begins...
Amanda Somerville Photography, Morning Glory Farms, Beauty Asylum
3. Time Flies When You're Having Fun
One thing many brides don't realize is how FAST the day flies by - one minute you're getting your makeup done, and the next minute you're walking back up the aisle as a wife! I honestly believe time on wedding days passes differently than any other day, which is why we always encourage our couples to savor every minute. Soak it in by taking deep breaths throughout the day and taking a minute to look around and observe little details. Even with this mindful practice, don't be surprised if you can't remember certain details. There are a lot of moving parts on a wedding day, so this is totally normal. When you look back on wedding photos, you'll likely notice people or details that you'd forgotten were even there!
4. Say Cheese!
There's a reason your photographer comes with the price tag that they do... they are at work all day long! We'd encourage you to prepare yourself, your fiancé(e), and your wedding party for a TON of pictures. It's almost like having multiple mini photoshoots throughout your wedding day! We'd recommend bringing bottled water, so your planner can hand them out during your post-ceremony photos. When you finally receive your photo album, you'll forget all about the time you spent taking photos and instead beam at your beautiful day!
Highlands Brewery, Noah Edwards Photography, Blue Ridge Blooms, Flawless Hair & Makeup
5. Beauty Rest & Relaxation
Between snapping photos, chatting with guests, and handling highlighted events, you'll be pulled in every which way during your wedding. We'd suggest carving out time beforehand to relax and take time for yourself. That might look like waking up a little earlier to have a leisurely morning or taking 5 minutes alone to rest before having your makeup done. No matter when or how, taking a minute for yourself will help SO much and will prepare you for the whirlwind to come.
6. When Am I Supposed To Eat?
I'm sure you've heard from countless others that it's common to miss out on dinner, due to a lack of time and a surplus of chatty guests. You're probably thinking: how is that fair? A bride and groom should be able to eat the delicious food they've selected! This is why we always recommend that our couples carve out a few minutes to enjoy private appetizers/dinner before introductions. If not, you'll likely find yourself squeezing in a couple bites before being whisked away for an event or conversation. As your planners, we personally work with the caterer to make and deliver plates specifically for you two, so you don't have to think twice about it!
Connection Photography, New Creations Flowers, Roots Catering, Party Reflections
7. It's Your Day
Just a heads up: you'll receive numerous opinions from everyone during the planning process! Chances are your friends, family, and wedding professionals will all tell you different things. At the end of the day, this wedding is all about YOU and your love - so you have the final say for any decision. We advise our clients to take any opinions into consideration, but there is ultimately no right or wrong way to celebrate. You can't please everyone, so you may as well do what makes you happy!
8. RSVP's
No matter how simple & easy you structure it, your guests will likely forget to RSVP in time. You will likely have to follow up with guests a few weeks before your guest count is finalized to collect them! Don't worry - this doesn't mean your friends and family are unorganized or flaky, everyone forgets!
Eggleston & Co., Ribald Farms Events
9. Last Minute Changes
Even after finalizing your guest count, you will probably have some last minute rsvp's and cancellations to your guest count. You might even hear back from people the week after your wedding! Because of this, we recommend planning for 5 extra seats & meals just to be safe.
10. Precious Cargo
One thing many couples don't realize is how much stuff they'll need to take home with them. You will likely need a few designated cars to transport floral arrangements, decor items, gifts, cards, leftover food, and cake. Typically, your family or friends will be more than willing to squeeze some boxes in their trunk. We'd recommend planning this ahead of time, so you can take off without worrying about it!