With spring approaching, there’s another important season approaching: wedding season.
Planning that wedding can be stressful; here are some general but practical tips for keeping stress levels to a minimum and making that special day the best one possible.
Put the time into planning that it deserves. Procrastination is never good, but waiting until the last minute and making snap decisions may not make the best wedding day.
Be realistic about how “perfect” a day can be. Any major event has minor, sometimes major, problems. Prepare yourself for these so they don’t surprise you when they happen. Simply tell yourself, “Not everything is going to go to plan. But most of it will, and we’ll survive in any event.”
Keep in mind it’s impossible to make everyone happy all the time. There will inevitably be people who didn’t like the cake, felt the wedding should have been indoors, the bridesmaid’s skirts were too short etc. They’re entitled to their opinions, but remember they are only that: opinions.
Develop a budget and stick to it. Not every couple’s finances are the same. Perhaps you have friends or family who will help out, perhaps not. If you can only afford $3,000 for a caterer, dance hall and DJ, then stick to that.
Explore all your options for catering. Catering, especially for a big wedding, can be one of the event’s major expenses. Contact and compare as many different catering options as possible. For example, many restaurants also provide catering service, but may not advertise that fact. Remember too, some of your guests may have special eating requirements.
When choosing a photographer, consult friends and family. Photographers can vary wildly in price and skill. Depending on what you are expecting, prices can climb into the thousands of dollars. Ask friends and family about their experiences, check your local newspaper for photographers and remember these photographs will be around for many years to come.
Don’t be afraid to be frugal or practical; it’s not the same as being cheap. If you decide your flower budget is only $100 because that’s all you can afford, there’s nothing wrong with that.
Don’t be afraid to limit the guest list. It’s easy to bloat the guest list because you don’t want to leave anybody out. However, it’s almost impossible to include every person or family you like. Use a limit such as “direct family only” or “please, no children.” The “no children” detail is actually quite common nowadays.
Holding the wedding outdoors or at a friend’s or family member’s home can save a lot of money. Rental rates for dance halls are not cheap, and this move alone can save a lot of stress and money. The same goes for music; consider a DJ instead of a band or even rent sound equipment if you have a friend willing to handle it for the wedding.
Make handcrafted invitations. Depending on the number of people you’re inviting, this can be an easy way to save money, and can be an enjoyable evening for you and your fiancé.
Consider “bring your own bottle,” self-serve bars or even do away with alcohol completely. Also, limiting the alcohol options to beer and wine only can save time, stress and money as no ice, mixes etc. are needed.
Don’t be afraid to break tradition if the tradition gets in the way of a happy wedding. For example, the happy couple doesn’t have to sneak away at midnight; they can stay and enjoy the company of their guests as long as they wish.
The Pipestone Flyer wishes all soon-to-be-married couples and newlyweds the best of luck and a future filled only with happiness.
Editor’s note: don’t forget to mark on your calendar the Edmonton Bridal Expo Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. More info is available online at http://www.edmontonbridalexpo.com.