Top Tips for a Perfect Wedding Day

There are so many aspects to wedding planning it’s easy to forget something. Here are a few handy hints to help with organising your speical day.

Make sure you have a guest book handy at your reception, it’s a great way to remember all your guests. Another new idea is to have a photo guest book where each guest writes a message next to a photo of themselves. Either put the photos in yourself before hand, or have a polaroid camera next to the guest book for the guest to take photos of each other. This can often produce some of the best reception photos!

If you’re having kids at the reception, have a designated table for them with colouring books and games to keep them entertained.

Ask your caterer or reception venue to make up a little nibble basket for the bridal party to consume while getting their photographs. Often the bride hasn’t eaten anything all day and can be starved by this stage!

If you’re decorating your venue yourself, make sure you allow heaps of time to do so, you don’t want to be fiddling with last minute decorations when you’re supposed to be at the hairdresser! Better yet rope some family and friends into doing it for you so you don’t have to worry about it!

A good way to save money is to make your own decorations. Invite your friends over and make a day out of putting together funky center pieces.

Photo print quality is important; Make sure your photographer uses a good quality, professional printer.

Common Planning Q&A’s

How can I “interview” my officiant seeming rude?

Your officiant is one of the most important people to attend your wedding, so it’s crucial you find one who suits you as a couple. Whether religious or civil, officiants understand that you want to find a perfect match. They meet with couples all the time who, like you, have a truckload of questions, and they won’t be offended by yours!

Take a list of your ideas when you meet with officiants, for example: what you would like them to say, whether it’s formal/informal, etc. Let them know you’ll be interviewing others, and don’t forget – first impressions count. If you don’t think they’re the one for you, don’t feel pressured to hire them.

What’s the correct etiquette on greeting guests at the reception?

A receiving line is the traditional way to welcome guests, and ensures you and your new hubby chat to everyone. The receiving line goes like this: the hostess (historically the bride’s mother), the bride’s father, the groom’s mother and father, then the bride and groom, maid of honour and bridesmaids. If you want to include the best man (not done traditionally), he stands between the maid of honour and the bridesmaids. But this method of greeting can be slow-going (and painful if you’re in heels!). Not to mention the who-stands-where issues with today’s complex family units. A less formal welcome might be the way to go, such as mingling at the wedding reception. Or, you could join each table for a moment during the meal. If you’re worried you might miss someone, make a toast to all your loved ones during dessert, singling out any who made a special effort or gave extra support.

My fiancés parents haven’t mentioned a thing about money. How do we get them to contribute?

With your fiancé, have them to dinner and explain why you’d like their help. Give them an idea of what you want them to pay for (and how much it’ll set back). The general rule nowadays is that the groom’s parents pay for the alcohol at the reception, so perhaps they could make this payment as their wedding present to you (which takes the pressure off if they can’t afford both a contribution and a present). Make sure they know they’re not obligated to contribute. Remember, weddings are expensive, and parents’ contributions are voluntary, not a given. If they choose not to, listen to their reasons, and maybe you can find a compromise (if the reception is too much, maybe they can help with the cost of the wedding cake).

Do we have to supply meals for the entertainers?

It is a nice gesture to provide the band/DJ and photographer with meals. Yes, we know you’re paying for their services, but keep in mind that they’ll be working hard to make your wedding perfect! Many reception venues provide ‘crew meals’, which cost less than your guests’ menu, and will suggest somewhere separate for the entertainers to sit with their meal – just to make sure you talk to the venue about this well in advance so that no-one goes hungry!

Will the people I invite to the engagement party expect an invitation to the wedding?

You shouldn’t feel obligated to invite everyone from the engagement party to your wedding. Relationships may change between the two events and it might not feel right to invite certain people. The party can actually be a great opportunity to see all the people you can’t invite to the wedding, but be prepared to offer an explanation to those you’ve left off the guest list. When you invite people to the party, explain that you’re having a larger engagement due to the wedding being a smaller, family affair, and you’re having this special party to see all your loved ones.

I really don’t want a pub-crawl for my hen’s night. What can we do instead that’s tasteful?

While your bridesmaids may think the festivities are up to them, your hen’s night is about you. Pick out an understanding friend (perhaps your maid of honour – there’s a reason she’s got this title) and explain that you don’t want a drunken rampage. Instead, how about cocktails at a suave bar? Or book a room at the Hilton and indulge in manis, pedis and facials all night (jump online for last minute hotel specials).

Can I use the Internet to help me plan my wedding?

Yes, the Internet is a fantastic research tool, so if you’re planning a wedding it’s a must as one of your key planning tools. Good wedding sites can provide you with the tools to plan your wedding from start to finish. Man sites offer personalised supplier directories covering everyone from photographers to florists, a wedding calendar so nothing is left to the last minute and a budget calculator to help keep you on track.

What are the advantages of using the Internet for wedding plans?

There’s so much to organise when wedding planning, so let your mouse do the walking (clicking), saving you time and headaches. By using the various planning tools available you can keep track of what needs doing and stay in control. Moreover, there’s plenty of valuable information and guidance. Read about how other couples tied the knot and what they went through, review the tips and advice or find honeymoon specials for your dream holiday.

Are some wedding services or products easier to source online than others?

Not really – the Internet is a great source of information for all wedding services and products. Certain products and services you may even be comfortable booking online, such as honeymoons, bonbonniere, stationery, cars and bridal registries. Others you may prefer to visit personally after initial research on the Internet.

What arrangements could be made entirely over the Internet?

A bridal registry, whether for gifts or so guests can contribute to your honeymoon, can be set up entirely on the Internet.

How do I get started using the Internet for my wedding plans?

Begin by sourcing wedding websites from magazines, by using an Internet search engine or as recommended by friends. Once you have found a few, review them thoroughly and determine which are best suited to your needs. Then save these sites in your ‘favorites’ folder in your Internet browser to ensure easy access.