📸 Skai Chan Photography

Actual Day Wedding Planning Tips

Hello, lovebirds! I'm Skai, a professional photographer who's been lucky to capture the beautiful moments of beautiful couples' big days. Through these unique and happy experiences, I've learned a lot about the planning process for wedding, including some common mistakes. In this article, I want to share tips through my experiences to help you plan your actual wedding day better and make it an unforgettable celebration.

Book Your Photographer and Videographer Early: Photographers and videographers are often booked months in advance. Secure your date early to ensure you have the best professionals capturing your precious moments. Trust me, you don't want to end up with your Uncle Bob's shaky camcorder footage. The earlier you book, the more options you'll have to choose from.
Allocate Ample Time for Photos and Videos: If you've hired both a photographer and a videographer, make sure to allow extra time for each part of your day. They need to coordinate well to capture every angle and emotion without feeling rushed. Remember, you want natural, candid moments, not hurried snapshots that miss the magic. Talk with them about the timeline and give them enough time to do their best work.
Avoid Overpacking Your Schedule: A tightly packed schedule can quickly become chaotic. Leave some buffer times between events to accommodate any unforeseen delays. Flexibility is your friend. After all, who wants to be sprinting in a wedding dress or a tuxedo? Plus, it gives you a chance to relax and enjoy each moment instead of rushing from one activity to the next.
Include Travel Time: Don't forget to include travel time in your schedule, whether it's between the ceremony and reception or for photo locations. Factor in traffic and potential delays. Your wedding car isn't a teleportation device, after all. Make sure you allow enough time to get from one place to another without feeling rushed.
Assign a Friend as a Coordinator: If hiring a wedding planner is out of your budget, designate a reliable friend to be your coordinator. They can talk to vendors and handle any issues that arise, allowing you to enjoy your day stress-free. Your job is to be the star, not the stage manager. Make sure this person is organised and calm under pressure.
Prioritise a Good Night's Sleep: Plan everything in advance so you can rest well the night before. A well-rested bride and groom look radiant in photos, while sleep-deprived ones might look more like extras from a zombie movie. Being well-rested will help you enjoy your day more and handle any surprises with ease.
Start Makeup and Hairstyling Early: For weddings, makeup artists often take extra time to be as detailed as possible. Start earlier than you think necessary to account for any unforeseeable delays and ensure you're ready on time. Beauty takes time, after all! You don't want to feel rushed and make every guest wait because you're still in the makeup chair.
Hire Separate Makeup Artist and Hairstylist: If your budget allows, consider hiring a separate makeup artist and hairstylist. With both working simultaneously, you can significantly reduce the time required for preparations. This way, you can get ready faster and have more time to relax before the ceremony.
Have a Detailed Timeline: Work with your vendors to create a detailed timeline for the day. Share this with your bridal party and key participants to ensure everyone knows their role and timing. A well-orchestrated day is a smooth one. Include all important events, from getting ready in the morning to the final dance at the reception and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: An emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Include items like a sewing kit, stain remover, pain relievers, breath mints and anything else you might need in a pinch. Think of it as your wedding day first aid kit. You never know when you might need a quick fix, so it's best to be prepared.
Keep Personal Items Handy: Have a small bag with essentials like your phone, tissues, makeup touch-ups and other personal items. Keep it nearby and entrust it to a bridesmaid or groomsman. A mini survival kit can make a big difference. This way, you'll have everything you need close at hand without having to worry about it.
Confirm All Arrangements: A few days before the wedding, confirm all arrangements with your vendors. This includes transportation, floral deliveries, catering and any other services. Double-checking can prevent last-minute surprises. No one likes surprises on a wedding day unless it's a flash mob dance. Reach out to each vendor to ensure everything is on track and there are no misunderstandings.
Eat and Stay Hydrated: With all the excitement, it's easy to forget to eat and drink. Have snacks and water readily available to keep your energy up throughout the day. Fainting at the altar is not as romantic as it sounds. Make sure to eat a good breakfast and have small snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels up.
Plan for Weather: If your wedding is outdoors, have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Renting tents or choosing a venue with an indoor option can save the day. Rain on your wedding day is only good luck if you're prepared for it! Check the weather forecast in the days leading up to your wedding and have a plan in place just in case.
Designate Someone for Dress and Suit Duty: Assign a trusted friend or family member to help with your dress or suit. From bustling the dress to fixing ties, having someone dedicated to these tasks can be incredibly helpful. You'll feel like royalty with your own personal attendant. This person can also help with any last-minute wardrobe issues that may arise.
Prepare for Post-Wedding Logistics: Plan for post-wedding logistics, such as where you'll keep gifts and personal belongings after the reception. Assign someone to transport these items to your home or hotel. The last thing you want to worry about is who's got the gifts. Make sure you have a plan in place for getting everything where it needs to go.
Create a Wedding Day Playlist: Create a playlist of your favourite songs for getting ready in the morning. Music can set the mood and help keep everyone relaxed and happy. Think of it as your wedding day soundtrack. Choose songs that make you feel good and help set the tone for the day.
Arrange for Childcare: If children are attending, consider arranging for childcare. Hiring a babysitter or setting up a kid's area can keep little ones entertained and allow their parents to enjoy the celebration. Happy kids make for happy parents. This will help ensure that everyone, both kids and adults, has a great time.
Have a Plan for Vendor Meals: Ensure your vendors are fed by arranging for meals. A well-fed team is a happy team and they'll be more energetic and attentive throughout your event. Hungry vendors aren't quite as cheerful. Check with your caterer about providing meals for your vendors and make sure they're taken care of.
Enjoy the Moment: Finally, amidst all the planning and coordination, remember to take a step back and enjoy the moment. This day is about celebrating your love, so soak it all in and cherish every second. You've earned it! Take time to breathe, smile and enjoy each moment of your special day.

Your wedding day is a celebration of your love story and with careful planning and these tips, it will be a day to remember for a lifetime. Happy planning!

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