7 rules of wedding planning, according to the experts

By: The Golden Girl

Photo Credit: The Golden Girl via Style Me Pretty

Anddd we're back with another post in our Wedding series! If you remember, earlier this summer, I asked you guys if you were interested in seeing some wedding content here on GG, and was met with a resounding "YES!"

And because I'm not married (obviously) I have several very talented friends in the wedding industry who I'm lucky enough to have on the site to tap into their savvy knowledge. (Because really, who am I to be giving wedding advice?!) If you haven't read the first 2 posts, back right up and check 'em out:

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

DO YOU REALLY NEED A WEDDING PLANNER? HERE'S HOW TO DECIDE

All caught up? Great! Now, let's dive into today's topic, where the girls of La Belle Fleur Events are sharing their expertise. Here are the 7 rules of wedding planning that will help every bride pull off the day of her dream day.


1. SET PARAMETERS FROM THE START.
Did you always dream of an intimate 50 person wedding on Martha's Vineyard, but somehow your mother in law has been working on 2 page guest list for years? When it comes to family, it benefits you to set boundaries and expectations from the start. Discuss the desired size of the wedding, location and their level of involvement in the planning process. Open the communications line as soon as you can so that you and your fiancé are a united voice in expressing to your family how you envision your day.

2. PLAN FOR SUCCESS.
So many people ask "what does a wedding planner do?" The answer is – it depends on what you need! Sit down with your fiancé and family to decide to identify if and how a planner can help you ensure your wedding day is the day you dreamed of. Ashley from La Belle Fleur Events says her role as a wedding planner ranges depending on the couple. Services may include month-of coordination where her team would step in to ensure final details are in place and execute logistics on wedding day (bonus: this takes any stress off your mom or maid of honor because you'll have someone there to answer questions and solve any problems!) to partial planning (which would include vendor selection and theme ideation) or full planning if a couple wants to be hands off the planning process. Remember, you spend so much time and money on a wedding that it's important to be sure someone is there to seamlessly organize and execute the hard work!


3. BE SAVVY WHEN YOU SELECT THE VENUE AND DATE.
When it comes to the venue, think about logistics; are most of your guest out of town? If so, how will they get from the airport to the destination? Tip: while it's an extra cost, hire transportation to take your guest from the ceremony to reception to relieve stress on your guests! And as for the date, are there any large conferences or events happening that weekend? We recommend you check in with hotels before you book the date to be sure there is capacity.

4. CREATE A THEME AND STICK TO IT.
Creating a mood board will help you stay on track and focused during the design process. In addition to determining the look and feel (city chic, classic, modern, whimsical, nautical), determine your color scheme, preferred font style, favorite florals. Pinterest and powerpoint are useful tools to help you piece the pieces together.


5. MAKE A SHOT LIST FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER.
Though no one wants to create one more wedding document, we promise this one is worth it because it will ensure your most special moments are captured. You booked your photographer because you have trust in their work, so no need for a lengthy 5 page document, but clearly outline any special shots you would not be able to live without or images that your photographer may not know you want.


6. SEND OUT INVITATIONS SOONER THAN ETIQUETTE TELLS YOU.
Your venue and caterer will likely need your final numbers two weeks prior to your wedding date. We like to advise clients to send them out about 10 weeks before their wedding, so you have plenty of time to finalize the meal count, create the seating chart and send to the caterer.


7. DON'T PLAN ON DOING ANYTHING WEDDING RELATED THE WEEK OF YOUR WEDDING.
You'll likely be busier than you think welcoming in guests, entertaining them and enjoying any pre-wedding festivities. Plan on having all the small details like place cards, picking up the dress and putting together the final touches the week beforehand, so you can sit back and relax the final days leading up to the wedding!

What are your tips for wedding planning success?

NEED MORE WEDDING PLANNING ADVICE? GET IN TOUCH WITH LA BELLE FLEUR EVENTSON THEIR WEBSITE HERE.

For more content from the Lifestyle Collective, click here.

See photos from extravagant celebrity weddings:

More from The Golden Girl:
DIY home decor: 7 projects that are worth the (minimal) effort
A Case of the Mondays: 7 simple tips that make for better Mondays
Adorable iPhone backgrounds you need right now