10 Best Wedding Planning Tips You Don’t Want to Miss

July

17

When it comes to planning your wedding, there are some key considerations to keep in mind. Some elements are merely nice to have, while others are absolutely essential. So, if you’re searching for valuable advice, you’ve come to the right place! You may be wondering if you’ve overlooked anything important or if you’ve already covered all the bases. Fear not! Check out the following best wedding planning tips from our experienced Tampa wedding planners to ensure a memorable celebration.

Best Wedding Planning Tips

Our 10 Best Wedding Planning Tips for a Perfect Celebration

1. The Guests Come First

DA Event Planning advises engaged couples to sit down with both their parents and their fiancé to create a complete list of guests. This approach provides a clearer understanding of the expected number of guests and assists in establishing a budget. A solid guest count is crucial when searching for suitable venues. If there is insufficient space in the ceremony or cocktail room to accommodate all the guests, an alternative venue must be found. As a general guideline, it is recommended to allocate 25-30 square feet per guest. While this may initially appear excessive, it accounts for tables, waiters, and the dance floor.

2. Consider Wedding Blackout Dates

It is advisable to be aware in advance if the wedding date coincides with any local events, such as charity walks, trade conferences, or other gatherings that might impact hotel availability and traffic. 

Here is a compilation of dates that could potentially pose issues:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Mother’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Father’s Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day
  • Halloween
  • Thanksgiving
  • New Year’s Eve

3. Hire a Wedding Planner

One of the best wedding tips is to consider enlisting the services of a wedding planner. Although it is an additional expense, it is an investment that yields significant benefits. A skilled planner can assist you in establishing and adhering to a budget. They can help you select an ideal venue and assemble a top-notch vendor team. If you’re uncertain about your plans, you can start by hiring a wedding planner for initial guidance.

DA Event Planning suggests treating wedding planning as a consulting process. You don’t have to immediately hire a wedding planner if you’re unsure about your requirements. Instead, inquire about hourly packages designed for beginners. These packages can help you create a budget, find a suitable venue, and then upgrade to a more comprehensive planning package if it aligns well with your needs.

4. Consider a Destination Wedding

Destination weddings offer a fun experience for all participants. Attendees can escape their everyday routines, discover unfamiliar places, and embark on new adventures with their families. The couples themselves can personalize the celebration and incorporate local elements, all while enjoying a mini-vacation. Furthermore, depending on the venue’s location, guests may have the convenience of not having to travel to and from the event, reducing the overall hassle for everyone involved.

5. Inspect the Venue Thoroughly

From the perspective of wedding planners, it is recommended to request a viewing of the vendor entrance and backdoor while selecting a venue. This practice may seem unusual, but a clean and well-maintained backdoor and vendor area can minimize the risk of encountering problems like rodent infestations or unpleasant smells from accumulated trash.

wedding tips

6. Listen to Mother Nature

It is important to consider various factors, such as weather and potential inconveniences when planning a wedding. Some guests have encountered issues with excessively hot wedding tents during summer or insufficient heating in winter receptions held in lofts. 

Additionally, certain seasons may bring challenges to bugs like gnats and deer flies. To address this, renting pest control tanks can help alleviate the problem, and providing bug repellent as a gift in guests’ bags is a thoughtful gesture. 

For those planning a sunset ceremony, it is advisable to check for the precise timing to exchange vows. Always having a contingency plan (plan B) in case of unexpected weather problems is also highly recommended.

7. Check Your Credit

One strategy to maximize the benefits of costly weddings is to consider signing up for a credit card that offers a rewards program. By consolidating your wedding expenses on such a card, you have the potential to accumulate thousands of reward points. This can be a valuable opportunity to earn rewards while managing and leveraging the expenses associated with your wedding.

8. Pay it Forward

Consider the concept of “paying it forward” in your wedding planning process. Allow one vendor to serve as a guide to another. For instance, your wedding photographer can offer recommendations on flower choices and suggest popular bands or musicians for your event. Vendors within the wedding industry often have valuable insights and connections, making them a valuable resource when it comes to selecting other vendors for your special day.

9. Hire a True Vendor Team

When selecting a vendor team, it is crucial to consider individuals with great personalities. This principle is particularly relevant for weddings in Florida. The aim is to pair couples with creative professionals who can also establish a friendly rapport. This approach not only enhances the overall enjoyment of the day but also contributes to the creation of exceptionally beautiful results. Trusting the vendor team with such a momentous occasion is of utmost importance, as they play a significant role in ensuring the success and cherished memories of the wedding day.

10. Trust the Pros

Our wedding planning professionals strongly recommend granting vendors creative freedom on your special day, without being overly concerned about letting go of control. These hardworking and dedicated individuals are fully committed to delivering exceptional results, as their reputation is tied to their work. Entrusting them with the lead and placing confidence in their expertise can greatly enhance your wedding experience. 

This advice applies not only to wedding planners but also extends to other vendors, including florists, videographers, and stationery designers. It is essential to choose vendors whom you can trust right from the beginning. By doing so, they will surpass your expectations and bring your envisioned wedding to life in ways that are truly amazing.