How to ensure that your special day is everything you've dreamed of and more

I wanted to take a moment to share some handy tips and hints to help ensure that your special day is everything you've dreamed of and more.

1.     Have an assistant!

On your wedding day, designate a close friend or member of the bridal party to be your personal assistant, easing your stress by handling last-minute decisions and questions from various guests, allowing you to relax and enjoy the moment without getting overwhelmed.

 2.     Plan buffer times

Include 15-minute 'smell the roses' slots in your wedding day timeline, strategic breaks just before the ceremony, after it when guests are congratulating you, and before the reception, allowing everyone to destress, enjoy the moment, and even sneak in a special moment with your partner.

 3.     Make family photos easy, have a list.

To avoid wedding day chaos and family tensions, prepare a detailed photo plan beforehand, assigning a family member, like Uncle Jo, to oversee and coordinate family photos with the photographer, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

 4.     Keep the kids happy

Ensure children are entertained and engaged throughout the wedding day by providing colouring or incorporating games and activities post-ceremony, setting up a kids' table with colouring books during the reception, and consider asking a dedicated minder to supervise them discreetly.

5.     Get confetti!

For a memorable moment post-ceremony, opt for natural confetti-like flower petals, as plastic options are often prohibited by venues and harmful to the environment, ensuring a colourful and eco-friendly celebration as you exit as a newlywed couple.

 6.     Tidy Up!

Maintain tidiness in your getting-ready area to elevate photo aesthetics by assigning specific zones to the bridal party for cleanliness and designating a separate area as a temporary storage spot for extra items until after the wedding.

 7.     Plan your day around the sun, its all about those beautiful sunset glows!

Consult your photographer before scheduling photography sessions, particularly if photography is a priority, as midday summer hours from 11am to 3pm are characterized by harsh light, discomfort, squinting, and unflattering shadows, while later in the day, as the sun lowers, light becomes more flattering and temperatures drop.

 8.     Empty your pockets!

For a polished look, remove items from pants pockets, especially front ones, if you're in the bridal party, as jackets can better conceal objects, and there are plenty of helpers available to hold items until after the ceremony and photos, with the option of reintroducing items later or embracing a phone and wallet-free day.

 9.     Plan a party, not a wedding. 

Focus on celebrating joyously by planning a party rather than just a wedding, infusing every detail with personal touches, lively entertainment, and delicious treats to create a vibrant atmosphere that ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience for all involved, cherishing every moment of your special day

 10. Embrace the weather. 

Embrace the weather as an uncontrollable element, and if it rains, consider bringing out your fancy gumboots, turning unexpected conditions into charming opportunities for creativity and fun on your special day.

 11. Bring your pet!

Invite your furry friend to join in the festivities, as everything, especially your wedding day, is better with your beloved pet by your side.

Much love.