Dos _ Don’ts

From the guest list to the invitations, weddings can be overwhelming and stressful. To help ensure your day is as lovely as you, we’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts.

DO RELAX. Remember, your guests are here to celebrate you. Don’t fret over each individual guest’s happiness; after all it’s your big day! Enjoy it, dance the night away and have fun because if you’re having a good time, your guests are guaranteed to have a good time.

DO STEAL LITTLE MOMENTS. As brides before you can attest, your wedding day goes by quickly. Be sure to take a few moments where it’s just you and your groom where you pause and soak up the magical moments from the ceremony to the photos to the wedding celebration.

DO BE YOURSELF. Don’t make any drastic changes to your appearance right before your wedding day. Be sure to schedule facials, spray tans, haircuts and highlights a few weeks in advance to help ensure you look and feel your best.

DO BE MINDFUL OF BUDGET. It’s likely that many of your guests are spending quite a bit of time and money to attend your wedding and most likely, they’re very happy to do it. Be sure you’re considerate of the time and money they’ve invested to be at your wedding. Don’t gripe to them about the cost of your wedding. Instead, express your gratitude of their attendance.

DO PICK THE RIGHT MUSIC. A DJ or live band can make or break your wedding reception. Be sure you’re very clear with him or her regarding music preferences and the flow of the reception.

DO EAT. This may seem like a no brainer, but many brides and grooms are unable to eat on their wedding day. Have snacks on hand (or give this task to one of your lovely bridesmaids) and be sure to enjoy the cocktail hour and dinner. After all, you’ve invested a lot of time and money into making sure the menu is just right. Enjoy it!

DO BE GRACIOUS HOSTS. Thank everyone for coming and stay until the last guest leaves. If you must leave before the party is to end, announce to your guests the time of your departure so everyone gets a chance to wish you well. Make sure to appoint someone to act in your stead as host to care for guests until they leave.

DON’T BE LATE. This applies to everyone.

DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. The day has arrived. You have accomplished all you can. Now is the time to smile and enjoy yourself. No one will ever know or remember what was on the list of things not done.

DON’T HAVE A CASH BAR. Nothing sours a guest’s mood quicker than continuously having to dig into wallets for drinks. Here are a few acceptable ways around spending a lot on beverages. Consider renting a soda fountain, especially if there are going to be a lot of children. Sweet tea is very attractive in a tall glass of ice with a lemon wedge and mint sprig. Today’s micro brews are very popular, have one or two on tap. Some suppliers will give you a price break for purchasing cases of wine. Sangria is a festive option for serving a large number of guests. Signature cocktails for the evening will help control the price of the alcohol purchased.

DON’T LET GUESTS DRINK AND DRIVE. Everyone knows the key ingredients to any party are guests, food and beverages. Make travel arrangements for guests that over indulge.

DON’T BE THAT WEDDING. You know the one where there wasn’t enough … food, drink, toilet paper, etc. It is better to over estimate the supplies needed than to have the momentum end due to lack of planning.