Are you getting the wedding jitters?
Don’t know where to begin in the wedding planning process?
Here at The Briarcliff Manor, our team of experts came together to write this Wedding Planning Survival Guide: Pre-Wedding Edition.
This guide is sure to cover everything you need to know and help take away that “I feel like I’m forgetting something” feeling.
So keep reading if you’re ready to be set up for wedding planning success!
1. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
Don’t fall into detail anxiety over little things such as your signature cocktail sign or place card settings. Put your energy toward focusing on the logistics. Think of your wedding day from the big picture view – all the smaller details will fall into place.
2. A Resourceful Wedding Venue Website
Your wedding website should contain enough information for your guests to avoid having to call you and ask questions. It should be a one-stop-shop for your guests to find out more on parking details, wedding venue directions, arrival time, hotel room block, shuttle services and more. Our recommended wedding website builders are Zola and Minted.
3. Wedding Planning: Day of Coordination
Your day goes by so fast which is why it’s so important to be present on the day of your wedding. In order to be fully present, hiring a wedding planner/ day of coordinator is key!
Your wedding planner helps with time management and day of coordination between vendors and guests. You won’t have to worry about anything – they’ll guide you step by step of how to walk down the aisle, best time management skills for photoshoots to ensure no guests see you before the ceremony, and so much more. Hiring our in-house event coordinator guarantees a seamless wedding planning process.
4. Trust in Your Vendors
Put trust in your vendors including your DJ, Photography, Florals / Decor Specialist, and Officiant. They have the best interest in ensuring your wedding day runs according to plan and have a passion for what they do. Trust that they will make your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of, and try to just be present and enjoy your special day.
5. Solid Weather Plan B
Depending on the season, rain or snow can put a halt on your wedding day plan A, which is why having a back up plan B is so important! Call it a rainy day plan or whatever you’d like but make sure you have a plan in case it does start to rain or unpredicted weather occurs. Here at The Briarcliff Manor, we provide an automatic plan B for you! If unpredicted weather rolls in, we bring your ceremony & cocktail hour inside. Our prepared staff already knows exactly what to do in this case so no stress there!
6. Elevate Your Guest Experience
Two ways to do this would be having adequate transportation and accommodations. Plan to have a convenient hotel or airbnb for you and your guests, in addition to a reliable transportation company. We have a recommended preferred vendors list which includes our trusted hotels and transportation partners to ensure a seamless wedding day.
7. Trust Your Gut
Once you and your partner make a decision, try to move onto the next task. Don’t second guess your decisions, go with it! Your wedding day is a reflection of the two of you so be sure to build in personal elements!
8. Having Wedding Insurance
Put your mind at ease with a good wedding insurance package. Consider getting insurance to cover the liability for the venue, the wedding dress, travel / transportation, and other vendors. Vendors will purchase their own insurance and provide it to us!
Great resources for this are www.eventhelper.com and www.wedsure.com.
The Most Important Tip:
Be in the moment, the experience is what matters most.
Things To Bring On The Day Of:
Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Tide-To-Go Sticks
Bobby Pins
Heel Stoppers
Spare Shoes
After Party Dress