This is some notes on things to do to make a wedding go more smoothly. The
topic came up at a wedding reception recently, and since several of my friends
are still in the planning stages, we decided to collect the various notes on
a web page.
Anyway, things to consider doing: (It's your wedding -- do it how you want.)
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Have someone else at the wedding who knows all of the details. That way
if someone (photographer, caterer, etc.) has a question, they can ask them
without interrupting what you're doing. You'll be far too busy to deal
with every minor crisis. (Lynn, thanks for doing this for Beth and I!)
-
Also, keep the priest informed of everything. It makes things run more
smoothly, and avoids embarrasments like the priest not knowing for certain if
he's invited to the wedding reception.
-
Put numbers on the RSVP cards in the invitations, and keep track of which
number you sent to which person. That way, when someone forgets to write
their name, you'll know who it was.
-
Decide in advance what name you'll be using on your honeymoon. You'll
probably need photo ID to travel, so it's probably best to reserve everything
under your pre-marriage name.
-
Do a full rehersal of the wedding. If you don't rehearse something, that'll
be the part you don't know how to handle.
-
If you're starting a new job after you know when the wedding is going to be,
negotiate the honeymoon vacation up front. (I was lucky enough to be able
to do this.)
-
When throwing the garter, slingshot it. It won't go very far if you just try
to throw it.
-
Consider taking the wedding pictures before the ceremony. It'll give you more
time at the reception, and you'll probably want more time there anyway.
-
If you really want to know who will be attending, consider having a friend call
"on behalf of the caterer" to ask. Responses will be less biased by people
wanting to be polite.
-
Decide between the two of you what is important about the wedding, and then
negotiate with parents appropriately. If there are things that neither of
you care about, those are perfect to let someone else deal with. Conversely,
you don't want to accidentally misnegotiate something that's really important
to your future spouse.
-
Bring at least 3 pairs of nylons. If you're nervous, you're a lot more likely
to ruin them.
-
Don't tell your bridesmaids that they can reuse the dress. If they can, they'll know that. Otherwise you're just annoying them.
Suggestions? Please email me.
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