Ways To Make Attending Your Wedding Easier For Guests

Although planning a wedding can be incredibly exciting, it can also be incredibly stressful. There are so many factors to consider and elements to keep track of, from finding the right venue, to the food, flowers, and more. As a result, things can sometimes fall to the wayside. One of those things often tends to be a consideration for your guests.

While it’s important to make sure the day runs smoothly for you and your partner, it’s also imperative that your guests have a great time and enjoy your big day. Here are a few tips for making your wedding easier for your guests.

Provide A Welcome Package

Chances are, many guests will be arriving from out-of-town to attend your wedding, and may find themselves at a loss for what to do and where to go. In order to give them the information they need and put their minds at ease, create a welcome package to give each out-of-town guest or party.

You can provide info on nearby attractions, directions to the venue, an itinerary, and even some fun treats! They’ll greatly appreciate the help and spend less time stressing about travel, giving them more time to enjoy your big day.

Give Many, Many Details

When it comes to providing details on the logistics of your big day, do not take a less-is-more approach. Instead, provide your guests with what they care about most. They’ll be very appreciative and your big day will run smoothly, thus making things easier for you and your partner.

Details worth mentioning leading up to the wedding include dates, locations, addresses, and proper attire. During the ceremony, make sure to provide programs that lay out what to expect throughout the event.

Also, try to think about the details that will be specific to your wedding in particular. For example, if you’re getting married on a lawn, suggest that women choose shoes that won’t sink into the dirt. Or, if the wedding is outdoors and may go late into the night, remind guests to bring a sweater or light jacket to keep warm.

Provide Easy, Convenient Transportation

If you want to ensure that your guests have a stress-free experience, provide an option for transportation to and from the wedding. Using a shuttle can accommodate a large number of guests and save time. Plus, they’ll be very relieved they won’t need to worry about traffic, parking, or getting a taxi.

Instead, they’ll be able to focus on enjoying your ceremony and reception. Ask if your venue provides a shuttle option or service, or look into outside providers if the venue doesn’t include that in any of their packages.

Offer An Inclusive Menu

The food you choose to serve at your wedding is a huge part of your guests’ experience, so it’s important to be accommodating. On top of crafting a menu that both you and your partner will enjoy, make sure to also consider your guests and their needs.

Include different options on your menu for those with dietary restrictions. The main three to consider are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, but you can also do a light survey of everyone who’s RSVP’d before you begin organizing the menu. That way you’ll know which restrictions are most popular among your guests.

When planning your wedding, don’t let your guests’ experience fall to the wayside. Just like you want everything to run smoothly, so do they! The less overall confusion leading up to and on your wedding day, the better. Do your best to provide them with adequate information, consider their needs, and put yourself in their shoes. After that, everything will fall into place.

8 Things Every Couple Should Do to Make Wedding Planning Easier

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in many people’s lives, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Between choosing the perfect venue, narrowing down the guest list, sending invitations, and selecting decorations, there is a ton to complete before the big day arrives. 

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make wedding preparation easier. By allocating your budget properly and dedicating your time to the right tasks, you’re sure to enjoy the process of planning your big day. Keep reading for ways that you can make the process of planning your wedding more carefree and relaxing. 

8 Ways to Make Wedding Planning Easier

1. Hire a wedding planner.

When creating a budget for the wedding, some couples choose not to allocate any money toward hiring a planner. While it’s possible to plan a wedding without the help of a professional, it will make the process significantly more stressful. A wedding planner will not only make a detailed list of all you have to get done before the big day, but they will also be able to help you stay on schedule, find experienced vendors, and ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible, without any wedding disasters. 

We recommend you set aside some room in your budget in order to hire a talented planner who is well networked, organized, and efficient. This will guarantee that your wedding goes off without a hitch.

2. Carefully select the vendors.

Hiring a skilled wedding planner is of the utmost importance when planning a wedding but you must also thoughtfully choose the other vendors that will be a part of your event. Once you’ve hired a planner, they will make recommendations of other vendors they’ve worked with in the past. This will ensure you hire reliable, trustworthy people who will help your event run as smoothly as possible and make planning much easier. 

For example, the right DJ will be able to help you plan the perfect wedding playlist and experienced hair/makeup artists will make sure your wedding morning runs on time.

3. Choose a single venue for both the ceremony and reception.

Traditional church weddings are becoming less popular as couples embrace the trend of having their ceremony and reception at a single venue. This not only makes planning easier on the couple, it’s often preferred by wedding guests as well. Driving from one location to another can be a hassle and will consume time that should be spent celebrating! In addition, booking an all-inclusive venue will require less coordination, scheduling, and communication prior to the big day, ensuring a stress-free planning process.

4. Have a ‘first look’.

It was once believed that seeing your bride or groom before the wedding would result in bad luck. However, most modern couples are choosing to see one another before the ceremony because it not only alleviates any nervous energy, it also allows for a better schedule on the wedding day. By seeing your significant other earlier in the day, you’ll be able to take your time getting bride/groom and bridal party photos, rather than trying to squeeze them in during the cocktail hour. Make the decision to have a private first look and you are sure to have an easier time planning your schedule and feel more relaxed on your big day.

5. Be decisive.

One of the biggest stressors when it comes to wedding planning is all the options available. When it comes to choosing a dress, cake, flowers, invitations, centerpieces, etc., do your best to be decisive. Do plenty of research in advance and make the choice that best suits your event. Once you’ve finalized a decision, try not to second guess it. Don’t continue looking for new options, as this will only confuse you. Keep a clear image of what you’d like your wedding day to be like and try not to veer off course!

6. Follow a timeline.

There are many wedding planning resources available that will help you every step of the way. From planning guide books to online calendars, you are sure to find all the help you need when it comes to preparing a to-do list and timeline. Be sure to make note of important deadlines like when to send save-the-dates, book a honeymoon, or apply for a marriage license. By having these dates written down, you’ll save yourself the stress of running behind.

7. Accept the help of others.

Throughout the planning process, you’re sure to have friends and family ask how they can help. Even though you might find it hard to delegate responsibilities for such an important event, allowing others to complete some of the tasks on your to-do list will make the wedding prep much easier.

Consider letting those closest to you make some of the decisions for your big day. Choosing little details like the last dance song and signature cocktails are the perfect task for trustworthy family and friends.

8. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Undoubtedly, there will be some hiccups along the way. While ideally, these are minor events or situations, that’s not always the case. It’s important to remember to appreciate the other areas in your life outside of wedding planning. Often times, the stress and demands of wedding planning can easily overshadow your day-to-day life, making the simple stuff much harder. 

The month before your wedding, try to make life’s everyday tasks easier for you and your spouse. Don’t make any big life changes, like moving, and try to ask for help or hire professionals for tasks like cleaning the house or mowing the lawn. 

Wedding planning can be as stressful or carefree as you allow it to be. Hire reputable vendors that can hold your hand every step of the way and do your best to make quick decisions and follow a timeline. Above all, remember that your wedding should be a joyous event. Do everything you can to enjoy the planning process and make your big day the best day!

7 Ways to Prevent the Post-Wedding Blues

After the exuberance of the long-awaited wedding day,
grooms and brides alike experience post-wedding blues. It’s understandable,
considering that most brides spend every waking moment planning in the months
leading up to the wedding. First-time brides experience a post-wedding pause
that comes as a surprise after months of planning.

Psychology
Today reports that in their first year of marriage, one in ten women
experience depression and many more pursue marriage counseling with their
partners due to this feeling. These
real brides struggled with post-wedding blues. Luckily, there are a number
of ways to prevent post-wedding blues before they even start. 

If you’re planning a wedding, read on for six ways to
prevent the post-wedding blues and enjoy married life.

1. Leave yourself
some wedding-related projects after the big day.

It’s quite possible to plan your wedding a little too
thoroughly. That’s why it’s a great idea to save important tasks like creating
a wedding album, framing your photos, and saving key pieces of decor
post-wedding. Plus, tasks like writing thank you notes and sharing your wedding
photo gallery on social media have to wait until after the wedding anyway.
These are a great way to relive the day without feeling sad.

2. Plan to move in
after the big day.

If you’re planning to move in with your partner after
your wedding day, save yourself the stress and wait until after the honeymoon.
Not only will you gain a little extra time before the wedding, but you’ll also
have an exciting planning project to tackle after the big day. Right after the
wedding, you’ll immediately have more time to wind down from the excitement of
the wedding day and discover the adventure that is married life.

3. Brainstorm some
fun newlywed activities and make everyday moments exciting. 

After the rush of planning a wedding, it’s understandable
to feel like real life is dull in comparison. Try to adjust your mindset to
remember that the
wedding is the start of a new journey, not a destination. You can take
action on this by planning fun newlywed activities to celebrate married life.
Pencil in date nights every weekend, indulge in self-care items like candles so
staying at home is exciting, and keep a running list of fun things you’d like
to do with your partner. You can also collect new recipes to make dinner at
home a culinary adventure instead of a dreaded part of the daily routine.

4. Style and
decorate your new home.

Be excited about exciting life changes like getting
married, moving in with your spouse, and creating your forever home. Whether
you plan to live in your new home for the short-term or years to come, go
shopping for furniture and create new Pinterest boards for your dream home.
It’s also fun to bargain hunt, so keep an eye out for flea markets and sales
where you can find (and maybe even restore!) your furniture. 

Don’t rush into buying all your furniture at the same
time– enjoy the process and only buy pieces you’re excited about.

5. Pursue a new
hobby.

Whether you had a small wedding or a huge family gathering
for your big day, wedding planning was likely a big part of your year. Make
time in your life for the hobbies you forgot about or have yet to discover. You
may check out local paint nights, take more regular walks, get a membership at
a gym, or read some fiction.  Now is the time to kick back and indulge in
self-care.

6. Get Excited
about Future Vacations

Post wedding blues may be a known struggle, but so is
post-vacation blues! After the honeymoon, you may be feeling down because you
just put an exciting vacation behind you. The best thing to do is get excited
about future vacations. Make time to talk to your spouse about future
adventures and ask about what they want to do next time you take a trip.

7. Be Open to
Marriage Counseling.

You know what they say about marriage counseling. The
earlier you go the less likely you are to run into marital problems. It can be
helpful to start counseling either before the wedding or soon after to make
sure your mental health is taken care of and you both feel loved and nurtured
in your relationship.

Preventing post-wedding blues before they start is all
about saving projects for after the wedding. Not only will you reclaim your
time but you’ll also feel more joy when your married life kicks off. It may be
a struggle to prevent post-wedding blues when you know your wedding is around
the corner, but with the right strategies, it’s totally possible to feel
excited about a little post-wedding relaxation.

Wedding Color Schemes for 2019

Planning
a wedding is a huge undertaking and planning your wedding’s color scheme is
no different. Whether you go for bold and beautiful or classic and traditional,
the colors you choose for your big day will say a lot about who
you are as a couple and what your guests can expect from the celebration of
your union. Your wedding color palette might be dictated by trends or totally
timeless.

However, regardless of your personal style, you’ll want to
know which colors are in season and which ones are on their way out.
Thankfully, we’re here to help! Here are the top wedding color schemes of 2019.

Soft Florals

According to The
Pantone Color Institute, which partnered with WeddingWire in unveiling the
top wedding color palettes of 2019, weddings this year will see many
floral-inspired celebrations. Think earthy greens seamlessly blended with bold
pops of color juxtaposed with rustic wood accents. Soft pinks, soothing mauves,
and creamy neutrals will mix with more dramatic colors like bright violet and
cherry red.

A gorgeous floral palette would be the perfect choice for
a spring or summer wedding, and would mingle beautifully with rustic wood or rattan décor, styles that are on trend this
year. Abstract
floral arrangements are also hitting the wedding scene in a big way this
year and will be the perfect way to unite your wedding’s bright fuchsias and
dusky roses.

Golds and Metallics

In addition to floral-inspired palettes, warm golds and
metallics will also be very popular this year. According to Wedding Wire, which
has dubbed this palette the “Golden Hour,” this color scheme will blend
beautifully with one of 2019’s
most popular texture trends: “pampas grass, a natural colored wheatgrass that pairs
well with minimalist florals.”

Taper candles, which are another popular décor
element this year, will stand stunningly beside the burnt oranges and warm
cinnamons of this color scheme—a perfect choice for a fall wedding!

Inspired by nature, these colors would also be perfect for
an outdoor wedding, or anyone looking to provide guests
a woodsy, natural ambiance. Changes are, no matter what color your venue is painted, these
colors will accent it very well.

Tropical

This year won’t be just about soft florals and subdued
neutrals though, which is evidenced by the tropical inspo in Pantone’s “Paradise
Found” collection.  This gorgeous
palette will feature “illuminating oranges, vibrant teals, radiant blues
and a refreshing splash of turquoise reminiscent of water and sky.” With this
gorgeous color trend, you’ll have the feel of a destination wedding in your own
backyard.

The funky, beachy vibes of this color scheme will look beautiful
paired with the rich
fabrics and translucent signage popular this year, and would fit right in
at a summer wedding or a tropical destination
wedding any time of year!

Velvety Blues

Another color scheme that will be popular this year is rich,
velvety blues. Think fresh berries and dark navy—colors inspired by the
night that will pair beautifully with velvet and cream. Nothing is too royal
for this palette.

The warmth and regality of this group would be perfect for
a December 2019 or even a January 2020 wedding. The rich tones would pair
beautifully amid white twinkle lights as well as the thick
fabrics so in-trend this year.

Coral

Of all the color schemes popular this year, coral
transcends them all. It appears again and again in the various collections,
and for good reason: it can be dressed up or down, and it fits in just as well
in a traditional setting with earthy greens and creamy whites as it does with
vibrant teals and cherry reds. Coral can be rustic or tropical; earthy or
ethereal.

No matter what your wedding aesthetic will be, there are
many ways to inject
coral into your big day. Include it in your abstract floral arrangements
and centerpieces. Drape
it around your alter. Include it in place settings, outfits, and more.

Tips For Choosing the Right Venue For Your Wedding

Your wedding day will be one of the most important days of your life. It is a day where you not only marry your spouse, but your friends and family gather to share in this union.  It is a day that memories are made. Because of this, you want to be in the most perfect place that best represents you. In order to avoid wedding planning stress, you’ll want to choose the right venue. 

Location Of Venue

Where you choose to get married has to be picked with care. You don’t want to have to worry about people getting lost or being late to your vows. You want to choose a wedding venue that is a good fit for your desires but is also travel-friendly. 

Whether your guests are going to be road tripping to your big day or flying, ensure you give then ample directions. If commuting traffic is going to be an issue, you can put a little notation in your invites to let people know of possible alternative routes, or when the best time to leave to your destination would be. 

If you feel it is hard to find, you can always put directions in your invitations too. Another thing that brides and grooms are doing these days is setting up a Social Media page or website that lists the venue, directions, and other important tidbits about your big day so that guests can access any information regularly.

Is It in a Safe Place?

It’s important to make sure that you are choosing an area that you and your guests will feel safe in. You don’t want to worry about crime or suspicious activity on your important day, so try and choose a locale that is safe. Most venues are placed in areas that allow for lots of space, so if it happens to be in the industrial part of town, just ensure it doesn’t ruin the ambiance of your big day. 

Size of the Venue

You want to make sure that you have enough room for seating all of your guests comfortably, and still, have room for the standard reception goodies. 

You need an area for food, table set-up, a wedding dj, the dance floor, and of course—a designated area for your cake. Plus, you’ll need enough space for tables to seat your bridal party and all your guests. Before you choose a venue, get the room dimension from the on-site wedding coordinator. This way, you can ensure you’ll be able to fit everything you might need to make your day perfect. 

Setup of the Venue

Setup is just as important as size. The layout of everything will matter. The wedding party’s table will is usually at the head of a room or center so everyone can see the newlyweds interacting with their guests. If you would rather have a sweetheart table, you might have more wiggle room for placement. Some people prefer to have their dance floor area in the center of the room. 

Setup is going to depend on the size and shape of your venue. If you aren’t sure how you want to set it up, ask for help or an opinion. Social Media is also a great way to get some inspiring ideas.

The atmosphere of the Venue

Many couples choose to have a lighthearted and fun atmosphere — this is a celebration after all. Others prefer a few magical elements created with unique decorations. Whatever you choose, you want it to be what makes you happy and what will make everyone feel blessed they were part of your day.

You have to decide what elements you can add to your space while still ensuring the comfort of you and your guests. If the walls of the ballroom are red velvet with gothic accents, but you’re wedding theme is light and floral, you might want to extend your search elsewhere. Most venues have very neutral atmospheres, but others come with a theme of their own. 

The setting of the Venue

The setting of the wedding is important because it is what best represents you and your partner’s love story. It is the external expression of your internal love for each other.  

Deciding whether you want an outdoor or indoor wedding comes first. Once you have narrowed that down, you can start searching for your venue. 

There are plenty of options for indoor venues: 

Hotel

Cruise ship

Restaurant

Country Club 

Church or chapel

A large home

A warehouse

If you choose an outdoor venue or one that incorporates an outdoor environment, you have a lot to choose from as well:

Rustic Barn

Ranch or farm 

The beach 

A courtyard

A vineyard 

Golf course

Whatever you decide, make sure that your guests are aptly prepared. If the outdoor venue is in a field of grass, tell your lady guests that wedges or flat shoes are ideal so that they aren’t pulling their heels out of sod all night long. Rustic venues are also very trendy right now, but these are usually located in rural areas. If this is the case, ensure that your guests know not to drive their BMW to the venue and provide a carpool in a nice SUV instead. 

Whatever venue you decide on, make sure you think through ahead of time. This will ensure that everything goes smoothly on your big day and creates less stress for you in the long run. Congratulations!

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What To Do With Decor After The Big Day

With butterflies in your stomach and romance in the air, you finally walked down the aisle to say “I do” to your forever partner. Now it’s time to start your life as a duo and say goodbye to your single life, as well as all your carefully curated leftover wedding decorations. Whether you choose to gift to friends or donate to charity, continue Marie Kondoing your life with our helpful wedding decoration tips below.

Make an Organization Plan

The magic of your special day can quickly lead to unwanted stress when something’s out of order. Avoid the would-be anxiety of a wedding disaster by planning ahead. Gather all your decorations in clearly labeled storage bins to bring to your wedding venue the day of and be sure to alert close family and friends of the cleanup plan for when the ceremony and reception are finished.

Make a checklist of everything that should belong in each bin as a convenient method of ensuring that items aren’t misplaced or disposed of when they shouldn’t be.

Sort the Items

Once you’ve obtained your clear plastic bins, it’s time to prepare that handy list for each for your wedding day helpers. Classify your items by ceremony, reception, keep, trash, donation, and cocktail bar to help with both packing and unpacking for easy clean up. After you carefully pack your bins, consider taping a printed checklist of everything that belongs in each storage container on top as a backup method in case any wedding helpers go overboard at the bar and lose their copy of your master list. Rest easy and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that arrangements have already been made. 

Hire a Professional Junk Removal Service

Although there will surely be items that can be repurposed for family and friends after your wedding, a fair amount of unusable decor and trash is unavoidable. Things like paper or plastic straws, plates, or cupware, excess food, and cocktail napkins will need to be hauled out into the garbage. Consider hiring a professional junk removal team to take care of bulkier items and general waste. Having a squad of experts prepared to take care of unwanted mess allows you to continue to relish in the glory of your special day. 

Repurpose Items to Family and Friends

Finding new ways to reuse wedding decorations is both challenging and fun. Get together with loved ones to discuss which items they are able to give life in a new and original way. Consider using a wedding arch in your backyard as a peaceful getaway for relaxing under the sun. Candles and lanterns once used to set ambience for your romantic evening make the perfect picnic table ornament. Your wedding flowers don’t have to be tossed at the end of the day; tie them up with a bow and hand them out to guests as they leave. Upcycling your decorations is both cost-efficient and good for the environment, so be sure plan ahead in your purchases or take a second look before you decide to toss them in the trash. 

Sell Useful Wedding Decor

It’s no secret that weddings can take a big bite out of your savings, but by reselling your gently used goods you can make up some of that expended income. Facebook marketplace is an easy to access tool that cuts out the middleman. Users can search or browse items by location and contact you directly for purchase, but this also means users can negotiate with you, leaving you with a higher chance of a sale. Other great sites include Bravobride, Ruffled, and Wedding Recycle. Don’t dismay about those leftover decorations; other thrifty brides and grooms are around the corner to take them off your hands. 

Donate to a Good Cause

Reignite the afterglow of a wedding celebration by helping others; donating your decorations not only relieves you of a few extra steps, but also brings joy to couples who may be on a tighter budget. Search for charities like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or local thrift stores  to make a contribution that will keep your community thriving. Your donation can not only make someone’s day, but make someone else’s wedding spectacular. 

Say Goodbye to Your Big Day

Staying organized from start to finish is the key to a successful wedding. Sorting your most precious decor and planning whether to dispose, repurpose, or donate them to a good cause will ensure that you, your partner, and your loved ones enjoy a day of stress-free celebration.

As your wedding celebration fades to memory, the keepsakes and photobooth snapshots you decide to make a part of your everyday life and the decorations you have chosen to part with will echo as an everlasting memory. 

Wedding Disasters and What to Learn From Them

Wedding Disaster Stories and What to Learn From Them

Everyone wants their wedding to be perfect. With the amount of time, money, and planning that goes into the day, it’s never a good feeling when a problem arises and something unexpectedly goes wrong. However, every once in a while, there is a wedding that has a mishap so massive, so catastrophic, that it puts all other wedding imperfections to shame. These are the weddings that make national news, the stories you share with your friends on social media out of shock that people like the ones at these events really exist. As funny or cringe-worthy as they might be, there are also important lessons to be learned from each of them about what not to do at your own wedding.

Photography Predicament

Our first story takes place in England, where a couple hired a young photographer they’d found through her “professional” Facebook page to take their wedding photos. The first red flag appeared when, after hiring the woman, the couple couldn’t get back in touch with her to discuss details until the night before the wedding itself. From there, things only went downhill– she showed up 45 minutes late to the event with only one camera in tow, produced a total of 15 low-quality photos from the entire day (some of which led to the bride’s dress being stained with mud and the groom’s recently-surgically-repaired knee being reinjured), spent a portion of the reception taking selfies in a photo booth instead of continuing to do her job, and then later refused to show up in court after the couple sued her for the $850 she had charged them. The photographer argued that she had done her best to showcase their wedding, but the couple firmly believed that she ruined their day.

The Lesson

Do your research! From the way the couple describes finding this photographer, it doesn’t sound like they did a very thorough exploration of their available options for wedding day photos. Don’t just look at portfolios and self-descriptions on a potential photographer’s website; look at customer testimonials, earned credentials, and offered packages, and see how they compare with those of their competitors. Actually meet in-person with professionals you’re considering hiring and ask them any questions you may have. Discuss in great detail your vision for your photos, your service expectations for the day, and what they’re realistically capable of providing you in both of those areas.

DJ Disaster

This one is ranked at number twelve on a compiled list of fifteen horror stories (all of which are worth giving a read). According to the storyteller, the DJ they hired for their wedding specialized in “weird electronic dance music” and spent the first portion of night playing non-traditional but still enjoyable sets. But things really took a turn when the groom’s brother got wasted on a combination of alcohol and pills, gave the DJ a bunch of pills to take as well, and then the two of them proceeded to wreak havoc on the remainder of the reception. The DJ’s competence went down the toilet, the evening’s schedule was completely derailed, and the brother ended up getting sick in front of everyone to bring the night to a truly terrible close.

The Lesson

Again, a lot of this comes down to doing research ahead of time and making sure that the person you decide to hire has been reviewed favorably by former clients and, while still making the event fun, is capable of maintaining a level of professionalism throughout the evening. Also, if you have friends or family who like to party and might get a little out of control on occasion, you might want to have a discussion with them before your wedding day about what kind of behavior will be deemed appropriate or inappropriate at your reception. Establishing a few ground rules in advance with your guests about acceptable conduct will help you to keep your event on track as well as ensure the safety of all attendees.

Funding Fail

Oh, boy. This is one for the history books. Four days before this bride(zilla)’s wedding, she made an expletive-laden Facebook post announcing the cancellation of the event, the end of her relationship with her almost-husband, and her impending departure to South America to spend time “exploring my soul and ridding myself of toxic energy brought on by my friends and family”. She then launched into an elaborate story about how a psychic told her to pursue an expensive blow-out wedding rather than one that would fit within her original $15,000 budget and how, in order to fund this “once and a lifetime party”, she requested that each of her guests pledge at least $1,500 apiece when they RSVPed to the event. Shockingly, only eight of their invitees committed, and after desperate pleading with loved ones and an unsuccessful GoFundMe campaign, things began to spiral even further out of control. Even more people (including the maid of honor and, eventually, the groom himself) began backing out and trying to convince the couple to lower their budget, and the bride snapped. She refused to give back any of the money she’d already received, accused her fiancé of cheating on her, and began rapidly cutting all of the “snakes” out of her life who weren’t willing to support her dream.

The Lesson

Uh…don’t ask your guests for thousands of dollars to help fund your wedding?

In all seriousness, an extremely valuable takeaway from this nightmarish tale is the importance of setting a realistic budget for your event. If the wedding of your dreams is a bit outside of your financial reach, look for areas of your personal life where it would be reasonable to temporarily make cutbacks on spending. Consider canceling any non-essential subscriptions until after the wedding, or if you have any debt from college, explore opportunities for refinancing your student loans to lower the monthly cost. Be sensible about what you can actually afford– this one day of your life isn’t worth putting yourself at risk of financial (or life-wide) ruin.

Bad-Mannered Bride vs. Problematic Planner

Our final tale is a bit of a tricky one, as there continues to be disagreement over who is more in the wrong in this situation. After a less-than-perfect wedding, an angry bride lashed out on her hired wedding planner’s Facebook page, leaving a comment accusing the company of being rude and rushing the reception schedule. Instead of replying with the usual bland apology characteristic of companies under fire online, the company chose to respond with a similar level of venom. “We were going to let your disaster of a wedding slide but since you decided to initiate a negative comment, we are certainly willing to reply,” they began, and unleashed a flurry of insults on the the former customer, describing her and her spouse as “incompetent, discourteous and evasive”, and citing discussions they’d had with other vendors at the event about payment problems they had all encountered. Some readers have applauded the company’s boldness in standing up for themselves, but many others have loudly come to the defense of the bride and condemned the response to her review, resulting in the company deleting their entire Facebook page.

The Lesson

Regardless of who you think is most at fault here, it’s obvious that communication between the couple and their hired planning company, both before and during the wedding, was sorely lacking. If you’re looking to hire a planner or an event company for your wedding, be sure to speak with them regularly throughout the planning process, and make your expectations for the day abundantly clear so that they’re able to execute all aspects of the event at a satisfactory level. If you and your planner are on the same page the entire time, arranging your wedding plans will be much less of a headache for the both of you.

Bad-Mannered Bride vs. Problematic Planner
Our final tale is a bit of a tricky one, as there continues to be disagreement over who is more in
the wrong in this situation. After a less-than-perfect wedding, an angry bride lashed out on her
hired wedding planner’s Facebook page, leaving a comment accusing the company of being
rude and rushing the reception schedule. Instead of replying with the usual bland apology
characteristic of companies under fire online, the company chose to respond with a similar level
of venom. “We were going to let your disaster of a wedding slide but since you decided to
initiate a negative comment, we are certainly willing to reply,” they began, and unleashed a
flurry of insults on the the former customer, describing her and her spouse as “incompetent,
discourteous and evasive”, and citing discussions they’d had with other vendors at the event
about payment problems they had all encountered. Some readers have applauded the
company’s boldness in standing up for themselves, but many others have loudly come to the
defense of the bride and condemned the response to her review, resulting in the company
deleting their entire Facebook page.
The Lesson
Regardless of who you think is most at fault here, it’s obvious that communication between the
couple and their hired planning company, both before and during the wedding, was sorely
lacking. If you’re looking to hire a planner or an event company for your wedding, be sure to
speak with them regularly throughout the planning process, and make your expectations for the
day abundantly clear so that they’re able to execute all aspects of the event at a satisfactory
level. If you and your planner are on the same page the entire time, arranging your wedding
plans will be much less of a headache for the both of you.

8 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Dj

Planning a wedding should be as fun and stress-free as possible, though that might be a bit unrealistic at times. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that everything flows with the theme you’ve decided on, is approved by the venue, you have all the décor you need, and that you’ve checked with everyone to make sure things were going to run as smoothly as possible.

One aspect you should be sure to vet vigorously is your wedding DJ. The music is one of the most important aspects of your wedding reception. A good DJ will make or break a wedding. In fact, wedding music is one of the things wedding guests care about most. To ensure you’re hiring the disc jockey of a life time, here are some questions to ask your wedding DJ:

Can you share your music library or song list that you draw from?

First things first: Make sure that the DJ has an array of music that aligns with you and your partner’s (and perhaps even your guests’) musical preferences. If you’re not a big fan of hip-hop music, then perhaps a DJ whose library features mostly hip-hop artists wouldn’t be the best fit for you. Regardless, make sure there is plenty of variety. 

Do you book more than one wedding per day?

While your DJ makes a living off of his or her bookings, it’s important that your day won’t get pushed to the side. If your DJ does book more than one event on your wedding day, just ensure you provide a detailed timeline in advance. It’s also a good idea to outline your expectation to ensure you’re on the same page from day one. 

What are your break and sick time policies?

Typically, DJs will only take one break per shift and will likely eat a meal off to the side. During that time—usually during dinner—they won’t have to find dance music and will just play something fun that people can eat to. If they get sick, they should have a plan in place for somebody reputable to replace them and with a taste that aligns with your intended DJ.

Do you have a video or tape of a previous wedding?

While it’s certainly important to read reviews and testimonials, viewing a previous wedding that the DJ worked at before or listening to a tape could help really paint the full picture. This will give you exact idea of what type of vibe you might expect, and it will guarantee that you get exactly what you want from your wedding DJ. If possible, view the DJ perform at a wedding or event before you book them for your wedding.

Do you use lighting, effects, or props?

If you’re venue has amazing wedding packages, but the ambience of the ball room is less impressive, your DJ might be able to help. Chances are, they can’t paint a room in one day, but many DJs have different ways of enhancing a space. Certain venues aren’t equipped for lighting or music equipment, so you should make sure your DJ has everything needed for a set. It’s also important that any up-lighting and sound enhancements are approved by your venue ahead of time. Various extras might also cost more, so keep that in mind – especially if you have a strict budget. Also, find out the set-up locations so the DJ knows what extension cords and other necessary equipment they need to bring. 

How do you handle requests or a shy crowd?

It’s good to know what your DJ will do in specific situations, such as receiving requests from guests or encouraging a shy crowd to boogie down. Some DJs will encourage people to dance by walking them through the steps of a song. As for requests, if you don’t want there to be an endless line of guests dictating the direction of your music, you might want to let your DJ know that you’d like a cap on requests. Certain parts of the night are best for requests, and an experienced DJ will know how to handle those requests.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Even though it’s certainly not your intention to cancel on a vendor, some aspects of wedding planning are out of your control. If you do need to cancel, find out if there’s a cutoff point and if there’s a refund policy in place.

Do you have liability insurance?

Insurance is an important aspect because you’ll want to make sure you, your venue, and your guests are all protected in case something happens to go wrong. It’s a worst-case scenario, but it’s best to be prepared just in case.

If you’re prepared, you’ll have the best wedding possibly and undoubtedly the best wedding DJ. In the end, you’ll look back fondly on your fun wedding and all the dance-worthy moments that you had to some of your favorite tunes. Contact us today! 

Self-Care to Survive Wedding Planning Stress

While your wedding day will be one of the happiest days of your life, the planning leading up to it will probably be among the most stressful weeks of your life. From the invitations to the decor, the menu, the music, the transportation, the venue, and more – there’s plenty of decisions to be made, and they start to pile up fast.

The best way to survive wedding planning stress is to remember to take a moment for self-care. After all, you don’t want to self-combust from stress before you get the chance to say, “I do.”

Here are some essential tips on self-care to survive the wedding planning process.

Stick with a sleep schedule

It’s difficult to get yourself to bed at a reasonable time while juggling both your daily schedule and your many wedding planning tasks. However, getting enough Zzz’s is one of the most important ways to manage your health and wellness, and is an essential aspect of self-care.

People who practice a regular sleep schedule are shown to have improved concentration and productivity levels. Meanwhile, not getting enough sleep can increase your anxiety and cause you to become more irritable. Keeping your concentration and productivity up will undoubtedly help you keep up with all of the prospective wedding planning details, so try to set a bedtime and stick to it.

Manage your time as effectively as possible to get the most out of your day-to-day while leaving enough time for a good night’s sleep. If you don’t already utilize calendar alerts and reminder notes, they’re about to be your new best friend.

Treat physical symptoms of stress

Stress doesn’t only affect your mental health, it can affect your physical health and appearance as well. Try to get ahead of any physical symptoms of stress by taking preventative steps ahead of time and keeping treatments ready.

For example, to combat stress-induced breakouts, make sure you’re practicing a regular skincare routine and have spot treatments handy. Or, if you know that stress causes you to get cold sores, stock up on a treatment to manage them. Valacyclovir, an anti-viral suppressant taken by pill, is an effective treatment that can start working within 48 hours to treat a developing cold sore.

Defending your body against the physical signs of stress is an essential aspect of self-care. The more you know your body and how it reacts to stress, the more you can take preventative steps to care for yourself.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise helps to improve your mood, lower your stress levels, and boosts your self-esteem. Making time to hit the gym or go for a run everyday is a great way to manage the amount of stress and daily pressure you feel. If you don’t already have a fitness routine, the weeks leading up to your wedding is as perfect of a time as any to start.

You don’t need to start a heavy-duty workout plan to feel the benefits of regular exercise. Practicing yoga or fitting in a walk are all great ways to exercise for those who aren’t interested in starting a new gym membership. Workout apps that tailor your fitness routine to your daily schedule are a great alternative to the gym as well.

Take some ‘me’ time

It can be easy to lose yourself in the wedding planning process. With so many things to decide on, any time for yourself sometimes takes a backseat. However, one of the keys to self-care is the ability to take a moment to step back and breathe. Set aside some time for yourself to take a break, binge your favorite show, take a relaxing bath, or read a book you’ve been meaning to get to. Afterwards, you’ll be refreshed and ready to handle whatever stressful decision is next.

Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Phoenix

Planning a wedding is a large task. From finding the perfect dress to even the smallest details, there are many aspects that go into the process. A destination wedding requires even more planning and organizations. Here are the top five tips for planning a destination wedding in Phoenix, Arizona.

1 – Plan Ahead for Weather

When you think of Phoenix, it’s hard not to imagine a hot, dry desert all year long. However, the city does have varying seasons and temperatures depending on the time of year. Summertime is the hottest part of the year. Temperatures average around 100 degrees Fahrenheit during June, July, and August, which is why most couple opt not to get married during this timeframe.

By fall, the temperature starts to cool down to the 70s and 80s, making it the perfect time of year for a wedding (especially if you want an outdoor venue). Winters are generally mild with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. And luckily, there’s sunshine and clear skies all year long, so rain won’t be a problem whenever you chose to tie the knot. You’ll also want to keep the weather in mind when picking out your wedding dress!

2 – Visit First

One of the most important steps in the planning process is to visit Phoenix at least two or three times before the wedding. And on top of that, plan to be there at least five days during the week of the actual Big Day.

On the first trip, scope out venues and secure the location. You’ll need a space for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, as well as hotel accommodations for your guests and wedding party.

On the second trip, schedule appointments at all your different locations and vendors. You’ll want to have a tasting with the caterer, see sample bouquets from your florist, meet with the experienced DJ discuss music, and try out hair/make-up with your stylist. Rent a car or borrow a friend’s during each visit so you won’t have to rely on cabs or public transportation to get around.

3 – Read the Reviews

When planning a destination wedding, reviews are your best friend. It’s imperative that you read reviews of the businesses you chose to work with. You’re putting a lot of trust into them to make your big day special, so head to their website, Yelp, and Google to see what other people’s experiences have been.

Of course, you can’t always trust what one person on the internet said about a vendor, but if you see a pattern of complaints or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, bring it up with the vendor. If you find a vendor you like, they might have recommendations for other vendors in their market.

4 – Notify Your Guests

All of these tips are important, but this is a tip that your guests will appreciate, so they’ll have as much fun as you do. As soon as you settle on a date, let your guests know so they can plan and budget accordingly to make the trip. You’ll want to give them at least eight months to book flights and accommodations at the best price.

For those in the wedding party, you should inform them of your destination wedding before asking them to be in the ceremony. This way they’ll have plenty of time to decide if they can make (and afford) the trip.

Create a wedding website that will list all the important details in one place, such as group rates for hotel rooms, how to get to and from the airport, and a list of nearby attractions, bars, and restaurants so they can entertain themselves before the wedding festivities begin. Some destinations are walkable, while others might require guests to drive.

Another nice touch is to include a little welcome bag for when they arrive at the hotel, complete with essentials such as sunscreen, water, and anything else they might need in Phoenix.

5 – Hire Help

You’re going to have to relinquish some control to make a destination wedding happen. Delegating some of the important responsibilities to outside help will make the planning process go so much smoother.

Because you don’t live in Phoenix, is essential to work with a wedding coordinator who knows the area and vendors well. They will be your eyes, ears, and set of hands when you’re not around to physically get things done. A wedding coordinator can also be a huge help on the actual day of the wedding. They can handle any last-minute fires that pop-up (last minute hiccups will happen), create gift bags for guests, and show people around the wedding venue.

They also help as a point person for assisting with special requests from guests as well as ensuring everyone gets to the wedding on time. If you do choose to work with a planner from your own hometown, make sure they specialize in destination weddings. You want to work with someone who’s well-versed in planning weddings in another location. Make sure to budget for their transportation for all the planning visits and actual wedding.

No matter where you live, a destination wedding in Phoenix will be a breeze with the right help and the right planning tools. Phoenix is a beautiful place to get married. Contact Non-Stop Entertainment today for help choosing your Phoenix wedding DJ and other vendors!