12 Insider Tips from a Wedding Expert
— By Raashka Mannie

There are always fundamentals to wedding planning, of course. We’re sure you already know them, whether it’s how staying organised is key or how you’ve got to learn to delegate. Those are grassroots wedding tips, the kind that you’ve heard before. We took it to Cordis and their team of wedding experts to discover a little more about wedding planning and the plethora of tips that come with it, from thinking of your budget to picking a day for your ceremony. These are 12 wedding planning tips from professional wedding coordinators, here to make your day even the slightest bit easier.

Image by Grey Area Productions Photo & Video

1/ Take it Easy, Breezy

It seems pretty obvious, but try to take a few days off before your wedding if you can. This allows you to relax before the big day and enjoy some pampering, as well as to spend time with loved ones that have come to celebrate with you. After all, there’s nothing like kicking back with a mojito and anticipating your wedding in all its shimmering glory.

2/ Cherry Pick that List

Your guest list is going to be something you go over a hundred thousand times, and that’s okay. We recommend that you be extra careful with it, so you can never really comb through it too much. Inviting people just because you feel you have to isn’t going to make you happy, and your wedding day is all about you - it’s your day to celebrate with your closest friends and family. The same goes for plus-ones: it’s your call.

3/ The Kids are All Right

If you are inviting children, think about little extras you could do to keep them entertained, and their parents free to enjoy themselves. Can your venue or caterer provide a menu for the kids? Is there a small space to set up a play area? You can even look at event child minding services to really take the stress away.

Image by Cordis

4/ Check Your Calendar

The best thing to do when picking a wedding date is to be flexible. You might have a season, month or even an exact date in mind, but there’s more to it than just what you picture in your head. Having multiple options is the best course of action. Try considering a day other than Saturday and a season other than Summer, as both of these are in high demand and can end up being much more expensive than anticipated.

5/ In the Know

Your vendors will know about other great vendors. They can recommend experienced and reliable suppliers to save you the time researching. The wedding industry is a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone. Whether it’s your photographer leading you to your caterer or your stylist leading you to your makeup artist, you will know you can trust them.

6/ Help Your Help

Think about your suppliers and how long they will be with you for the day. Your band, DJ, photographer, and so on will be there for as long as you are - maybe even longer - and will need a break and a meal too (some will state a meal is required in their contract, so check that). Think about a space for them. Does your venue have a room for them to use to store their equipment and belongings, as well as to eat and rest?

Image by Cordis

7/ #Trending

Wedding trends are just that: trends. They’re great for ideas, but do what you want to do and what you feel is right for your wedding day. Consider what colour schemes and décor will work with your venue, with your wedding party and with your tastes, rather than just what looks good on Pinterest.

8/ Find Your Focus

Prioritise what is important to you. Your concerns, your loved ones, your photography, etc. It’s essential to rank how important different things are to you because there will be a lot to focus on during your wedding and even the days leading up to it. Choose what will have your attention and when, so you’re not scurrying around and feeling scattered.

9/ What’s Going On?

Do come up with an agenda for the ceremony and reception to keep everyone and everything on track - but be flexible and consider that it will likely change on the day. If you are going to print programmes for guests, leave off specific times. Chances are that things will come up and change as your wedding day goes on, but a general idea of where, what and when is always appreciated.

Image by Lydia Rachel Photography

10/ Easy Does It

Make things easier for everyone by creating lounge areas for your guests to relax. Have readily available snacks, lots of beverages for everyone, and accommodate to weather (such as summery heat, a winter’s chill and so on). You want your loved ones to be as comfortable and happy as possible.

11/ Watch that Wallet

Plan all you like, but the blunt truth is that unexpected wedding expenses are going to crop up because of unexpected wedding occurrences. Budgeting for contingency costs is one of the smartest things you’ll do when planning for your special day. You’ll thank yourself when you have that extra stash tucked away for a rainy day.

12/ What’s It Worth?

 Weigh up the costs of DIY wedding projects versus engaging a specialised vendor. DIY projects add a personal touch and can save cost, but they can cause a lot of stress to get things created in the lead up to the wedding, and it can be very time-consuming. Save DIY projects for simple things such as the wedding guestbook or the bridesmaids’ gifts. Working with a supplier can be an added cost, but it will give you time to spend with your family and friends or to just simply take the time to relax and be in the moment.

If you're looking for a team of expert wedding planners to help make your special day unforgettable, look no further than Heartfelt Weddings at Cordis.