TIPS & TRICKS FROM WEDDING DAY EXPERTS

We've been around the block and seen our fair share of 'definitely do' and 'oh no, please don't' ideas for your wedding! With coordinators and general managers who have been in the industry for many many years, we've been around the block and seen our fair share of 'definitely do' and 'oh no, please don't' ideas for your wedding! Our team would like to share what we believe are the best things you can do when organizing your wedding, as well as what we believe you should avoid.

1 - ENJOY THE PROCESS

Keep in mind what your wedding day is all about. There are a lot of "wedding customs" that you don't have to participate in. There is no right or wrong way to plan a wedding, so avoid traditions and trends that don't mean anything to you. It's perfectly great if it's real to you as a pair but not "conventional." This encompasses everything from the food to be served, to the veil to be worn, to the outfits to be worn, and so on. Allowing wedding trends to affect how you tell your wedding day tale is not a good idea. Make it your own and don't be shy about it.

2 - CUSTOMIZE YOUR CELEBRATION

Personalize your wedding décor to the nth degree to reflect your personalities. It's a wonderful approach for your guests to learn about both sides of the story. For instance, we met a bride-to-be who is addicted to mac & cheese and requested that our servers refer to it as "Kristie's guilty pleasure." During cocktail hour, we recall a couple who brought their favorite games for all of the guests to enjoy. It's worth it to pay attention to the small elements that will make your guests smile and show them that your wedding is truly unique to you.

3 - EMBRACE YOUR FAMILY

I adore it when couples with children (whether together or as a mixed family) incorporate their children in wedding vows. This is the day they make pledges to each other about their future life together, as well as commitments to their children about the family they are building. It's also a momentous day for them!

4 - MAKE A CEREMONY SEATING CHART

We hear from visitors all the time that one crucial aspect is lacking from the preparation process: establish a seating chart! While seating charts are frequent at wedding receptions, they are less common for wedding ceremonies. Guests, on the other hand, adore them since it ensures that they will have a space reserved for them and that they will be with persons they care about! The seating chart on your wedding ceremony programs is a fantastic concept!

5 - HIRE A VIDEOGRAPHER

There's nothing quite like a wedding video! While photos are magical and long-lasting, a video really brings the memory back to life in an instant. Perfect Cadence Events is here to help you remember you day for years to come.

6 - GET CREATIVE WITH GIFTS

While some couples enjoy traditional wedding presents and registries, others may not want or want tangible stuff. Take a time to consider what you truly desire as wedding gifts. Would you like some assistance with your honeymoon budget? What are your plans for your backyard renovation? For newlywed escapades, how about matching mountain bikes? The possibilities are infinite! Choose a charity if you honestly don't want any wedding gifts.

7 - HAVE A 'FIRST LOOK'

The first glance is our favorite of all the bridal rituals that have graced modern-day weddings. There are a plethora of reasons to like the first look, not least of which are the incredible photo memories you'll have for the rest of your lives. First, plan one with your soon-to-be spouse, then one with your parents and wedding party.

8 - INVITE YOUR PET

Why not bring your pets to your wedding if you love them so much that you consider them family members? It's a great way to personalize your wedding while also providing great photo possibilities! Plus, our crew will shower them with extra love just for you! Isn't he the cutest ring bearer ever? Yes, we believe so!

9 - HIRE A BABYSITTER

A child-free wedding is great for many couples who want a quiet (or loud) break from daily life and children, but it can be difficult to arrange child-care. Hiring a babysitter is a great option to enjoy a child-free wedding while also giving parents the peace of mind of having child care scheduled ahead of time.

10 - DON'T FORGET TO SAY THANK YOU

Thank those you care about the most! While we all know that the wedding day is all about the happy couple, your family and friends are likely to have assisted you along the journey. A simple thank you note or gesture can go a long way toward demonstrating your gratitude.

11 - PLAN A SWEET SURPRISE

We're sure you'll be smiling and laughing the entire wedding, but anything you can think of to make our new spouse smile even wider is always fun! For your initial look, how about a dinosaur costume? A flash mob of groomsmen? Burro of Beer? Is it possible that they're serenading each other? Instead of the garter, you're pulling out a football. There's an opportunity to add a laugh at every turn!

12 - DON'T STRESS THE SMALL STUFF

We guarantee that you won't recall the color of your napkins or the stones in your centerpiece in 5, or even 10 years. And don't forget: we're here to help you and are experts in our field so you don't have to be!

13 - CHOOSE YOUR VENUE FIRST

We usually suggest selecting your wedding venue first, followed by your wedding date! It may seem counterintuitive, but it's the most cost-effective way to have the wedding of your dreams.

14 - DON'T DIY TOO MUCH

A DIY wedding from start to finish may be ideal for you if you DIY everything from your toothpaste to your living room renovation. DIY wedding tasks are usually more expensive and stressful for most couples than hiring a professional to do it for them.

15 - RE-THINK THOSE WEDDING FAVORS

On your wedding day, there are no rules, and that includes presenting wedding favors! While favors can be a lot of fun and meaningful, if you don't have an original idea, skip them.

16 - INVEST IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

There are many places in your wedding budget where you may save money (for example, wedding favors, centerpieces, and linens), but you should always invest in the elements of the wedding that will last a lifetime: photography. Find out how Perfect Cadence Events can help your memories live on forever!

17 - SKIP THE AISLE RUNNER

While aisle runners are attractive, they are rarely useful. Choose a wedding ceremony location that has a natural aisle, which many venues do. These are equally lovely and far safer for the bridal party.

18 - DON'T DIY CHAIR COVERS AND SASHES

This is, believe it or not, one of the most time-consuming setup and tear-down activities. You want the chair decor to be flawless because the chairs are a focal point of your wedding day (and your wedding photos). Invest in a professional!

19 - CREATE A SCHEDULE, BUT KEEP IT FLEXIBLE

A wedding's truth is that timing will never be perfect, and that's fine! The idea is to leave room in your schedule for unexpected events.