After attending 200+ weddings here’s what I have to say.

1. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GET A PLANNER.

I know it seems expensive. I know you think you can do it all on your own. I know you think that perhaps a day-of-coordinator might be enough. I PROMISE that a planner (even if its a 3-month coordinator) will make you feel so much more cool, calm, and collected on your big day.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard a bride or groom tell someone to go find Jerry who is downstairs with a blue bag that has a small book with the VOWS IN IT with nearly one hour until the wedding (ok, it’s not Jerry every time, but you get the point). Hiring a planner will help you focus on what’s important. Plain and simple.  

2. Feed your guests!

I know you love them all so very much, but your guests are not thinking straight when they are getting ready for your wedding. They eat at noon and don’t realize they probably won’t eat again until 7 or 8! A heavy cocktail hour is the key to keeping your guests energized and excited throughout your wedding. Give those people some CARBS!

3. Bust out the jams DURING dinner.

You may not realize it, but if your guests are listening to Frank Sinatra for the entirety of that 1-2 hour meal, his sweet voice is slowly but surely putting them to sleep. So when it’s about 45 minutes until you plan to start the dancing, make sure your dinner music is fun! Make them want to bust out of their chairs before they’re even finished with the meal!