With each passing event, I learn something new. Helpful hints, here and there, begin to accumulate and I enjoy passing on advice to my clients and friends. Here are just a few for you to keep in mind, as you begin the path to planning your wonderful wedding. Maybe a hint or two will help you keep your sanity as the day grows near.

Make informed decisions without haste, and trust your instincts
When choosing anything for your wedding, from where to have the reception to what color linens to use, take some time to make your decisions. Ask for advice from your fiancé, your mom, a sister or your wedding planner. It’s always helpful to have a third party give you an impartial opinion. There is something to the phrase about not “seeing the forest for the trees.” Step back a moment and truly see the big picture.

Choose your attendants wisely
Accepting the time and financial commitments that come with being an attendant in a wedding party is a major decision. Be sure to extend this invitation only to those you feel will be able to truly stand by your side and support you, from now until the wedding.

Wedding Gown Shopping
Consider making an appointment with a shop before arriving to try on gowns. This way the sales staff is available to tend to your needs during the appointment. You will most likely have a positive experience with a helpful salesperson and perhaps find the gown of your dreams! Upon returning for alterations and subsequent gown fittings, be sure to bring along a bridesmaid or your mom or a girlfriend, who can give you an honest opinion and back you up, if you need to be firm about your alteration requests. Above all else, place your gown order no less than six months before your wedding date, to ensure enough time for alterations.

Hair and Make-Up Trials
Try to accomplish two things at once, and schedule your hair & make-up trial the day of your engagement photo session or other event where you might benefit from professional hair and make-up. Even if you don’t have somewhere to be after your trials, consider keeping your hair and make-up on for several hours, to see how long the make-up lasts or whether the hair style will hold as well. Take many pictures of the process and the final product, if your artists allow this, and maybe even film the trial for you to review afterwards.

Rehearsal Dinner
If you can delegate this part of planning to a family member who’s offered to help, I highly suggest you take them up on the offer. Rehearsal dinners do not have to be an elaborate affair. I’m finding more brides, myself included, are opting to have a casual dinner at home versus a dinner out at a restaurant. Sometimes this can be a more relaxed atmosphere where you and your family and friends can mingle and spend more time with each other before the big day.

Honeymoon
Of course, with all the wedding planning, I’m sure you can’t wait for the honeymoon. But, sometimes planning the honeymoon can be just as stressful. Consider hiring a qualified travel specialist to assist you in putting together the perfect honeymoon. Try to schedule your departure at least two to three days following your wedding. You will have time to unwind and tie up loose ends after your wedding, before heading off to paradise.

A Unique Event
Philly Pemberton, Owner
Philly@aUniqueEvent.com 949.230.1331