Gina Strumpf Live Painting, Party of Two Photography, Separk Mansion
Many couples and their families are surprised by how many moving parts are involved on a wedding day. Before the event even begins, vendors are setting up, bridesmaids and groomsmen are getting ready, and there's a rush of adrenaline and nerves in the air. During the wedding, we take care of cueing the DJ/musicians for songs, lining up your bridal party, and any other logistics for highlighted events. To help you feel more prepared and less confused on the day-of, there are a few things we'd recommend practicing and finalizing before your big day arrives. Read ahead to find out how you can feel most prepared for wedding day formalities.
1. Plan A Dancing Date Night
Beca Hale Photography, Byron's South End, NL Glam, Vintage Soul Floral Design
To help prepare for your first dance, we always think it's a good idea to shake out your nerves, put "your song" on and practice dancing with your fiancé(e). Practicing beforehand will help ease your nerves when it's time for the real thing and you'll feel more confident with your moves! Some couples coordinate choreographed moves to a bunch of songs, as almost a slideshow of dance/song genres, so there really are no limitations to what you can do! We see a fair mix of both choreographed moves and slow dances, so it really depends on the couple's style and preference.
2. Practice Parent Dances
Keith and Lakyn Photography, Cali Stott Artistry, Magnolia Floral, Brakefield at Riverwalk
For many families, it's not everyday that dads and daughters or mothers and sons have the chance to dance together. Since song selections usually offer different tempos, we'd recommend practicing with your selected parent/family member before the wedding to familiarize yourself with the beat. If you haven't practiced before, parent dances might feel awkward or confusing, since you haven't had the chance to practice with the song.
3. Plan Out Your Toasts
Haley Lynette Photography, Ritchie Hill, Cali Stott Artistry, Ribald Events
We recommend planning your toasts in advance as a courtesy to your DJ and those speaking. The more you plan in advance, the less you'll have to think about on your wedding day! Find out who will be giving toasts and give them an estimated timeline of when they'll be speaking. We'd recommend limiting your toasts to a maximum of 5 minutes each, so be sure to let them know any ideas or limits you'd want them to follow.
4. Welcome & Blessing
Samantha Grigg Photography, Cedar Creek Ranch, Blushing Hair & Makeup
You'd be surprised how many dads/uncles/brothers find out they're responsible for the welcome and blessing just a few short hours before the wedding. We'd suggest giving them a heads up in advance so they can plan out what they're going to say. This helps your planning process as well, so you can provide your DJ with the proper names for them to announce.
5. Make A Spotify Playlist
Alexandra Blackmon Photography, The Grand Bohemian Hotel, Cali Stott Artistry, Lily Greenthumb
Throughout your planning process, we'd recommend compiling lists of songs you like for your highlighted events. You'll need a song for your ceremony processional & recessional, as well as your first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss, and a last song for your private dance at the end of the night. Your DJ/Band will work with you to create a dance floor playlist that suits your music style and tastes, so you won't have to hand select every single tune yourself.
6. Here Comes The Brid-(al) Party
Noah Edwards Photography, Highlands Brewery, Blue Ridge Blooms, Flawless Hair & Makeup
Before the big day, we suggest our couples consider the order they want their wedding party to line up in as they stand by their side. We work with our couples to determine the order they walk down (and back up) the aisle, but it's helpful if they've already thought about the specifics. We'd recommend visualizing the bridal party walking down the aisle and decide on a traditional single file or specific pairs for your ceremony processional.
7. Introducing...
Click Away Photography, The Dairy Barn, Beauty by Be Pretty, Just Dandy Designs
The tail end of cocktail hour is usually when your guests start feeling ancy as they await your introductions. Lining everyone up can take way longer than it needs to if not planned in advance, so we always recommend planning out your pairs beforehand. We coordinate with the DJ so he has the correct name order and pronunciation, but it helps to finalize this before the day arrives to maintain the flow of the evening.
8. Trust The Process
The Stewarts Roam, Florals by Weddings with Barbara, Cali Stott Artistry
The last step is to sit back, relax, and trust your vendors to do their job - after all, they are professionals in the wedding industry. They will guide you through your highlighted events and logistics accordingly, so you can be present on your special day. All of your planning has led to this, so it's time to enjoy the final product and trust that your day will be absolutely perfect!