Did that grab your attention? Good! Obviously we could list off probably a dozen different things, but these 3 are the most common, and eat up the biggest chunks of time on your wedding day. Heed my advice, your wedding day is going to fly by! You’ll be getting ready, and then BLINK! You’re saying your vows. BLINK! You’re walking down the aisle, married. BLINK! You’re cutting the cake. Blink! You’re tossing the bouquet/garter. BLINK! It’s over.
Yep… that’s pretty much how fast it can go. Add on additional responsibilities for yourself, and the day goes by much faster. Trust me: delegate, delegate, delegate. For those who like to be in control of everything, say it with me: Delegate, delegate, delegate.
1.) Don’t be a planner
Ok, let me rephrase that: Don’t be your own wedding planner/coordinator. Still plan… planning is good! But on your wedding day, don’t be the one trying to get everything organized, setup, and done. Now, I realize sometimes wedding planners/coordinators can be out of some budgets, but if you can afford to at least hire a day of person, do it! If not, find someone you trust who can take on this massive task. And when I say massive, I mean it.
This is your BIG day! One you may have been dreaming about since you were a child. Even if you’ve planned everything else leading up to the wedding day, have someone take over for you, and run your wedding day. I know it can be difficult sometimes to give up control, especially when it’s such a huge moment, but it needs to be done.
Enjoy your day, instead of running around handling all the little tasks that need to be done. This is one day where the universe shines upon you. People naturally want to help assist you on this day. Let them! The more moments you don’t have to be concerned about the flowers, food, decorations, etc, the more time you’ll have to enjoy your moment. And HUGE added bonus: you’ll actually have time to enjoy each other more too!
The key to success on this tip is spending time with the person who you hired, or who you designated as your go-to-person before the wedding day. Schedule time with them to discuss everything you’ve planned for, want and desire. Give them insight as to what your vision is, and then release them to make it happen.
2.) Don’t be a babysitter
Wow! This is a tough one, but a necessary one. Before I get in to this, you must understand, I have four children of my own, and understand how this can be challenging, but in order for you to get through your wedding day as easy as possible, you’re going to need to do this. Don’t be the one responsible for your child/children on your wedding day. Have a trusted friend, family member, babysitter to be in charge of your kids.
Years ago, when my wife and I were youth pastors, as we were coming up through ‘the ranks’, a pastor friend of ours gave us this great advice. He said “the more control you can give someone else over your children, the more time you can focus on the tasks at hand”. You see, I was being requested to speak at all kinds of events, camps, etc., and my wife was my support. Add in to the mix of children, and it could quickly turn in to chaos before I walked out on to the stage. However, if we had our babysitter with us, she was able to keep them entertained, happy, fed, and focused on other things other than mommy and daddy.
I love my children as much as you love your children, but they can consume quite a bit of our time, time that you should be focused on your wedding day, and preparing for the day’s festivities. Let someone take care of our precious offspring for the day. There will be plenty of opportunities throughout the day for you to spend time with them. Doing this allows you time to enjoy your day, while celebrating with the children around.
3.) Don’t clean up your mess
This one is actually two-fold: don’t be responsible for setup or tear down. Sometimes couples are very fortunate, and can book a venue where they take care of all the necessities, or perhaps you were lucky enough to hire a planner/coordinator. If that’s the case: congratulations on being one of the few who doesn’t have this concern. However, there are tons of couples who do, and this tip is for you.
Picture this: it’s an hour before your wedding, you and your fiancé are running around trying to get decorations up, getting the food set, arranging tables and chairs, plus you still need to go get changed for your ceremony. Oh, and did I mention it’s 95 degrees out? So, now you’re a frazzled, tired, sweaty mess, and you still have to put on a smile, and try to enjoy your day. Then, once your guests has left, it’s late, you’re still tired, and frazzled, and now you have to clean up after 100 guest, whilst still wearing your wedding dress/suit. Sound like fun? Do you think this couple enjoyed their wedding day, or did it become more of a chore, than an amazing moment in life?
Find friends, and family you can depend on, and ask them in the sweetest, most lovely way, if they’ll help take care of setup, and clean up. Make sure they understand your vision for the reception. Make a list of things that need to get done, where things go, and what you want it to look like. Then, most importantly, at the end, make sure they understand what’s to be kept, and what’s to be thrown out. Make a list of what’s trash, what’s donations, and what’s to be returned to the rental company. Lists are good! Lists keep everything organized, and allow everyone who’s volunteering to be on the same page as you.
Easy-peasy, right?
If you can get these three things covered on your wedding day, I know it’s going to be amazing, and you’ll be able to enjoy yourself, and spend the maximum amount of time with your beloved. For other great ideas for your wedding ceremony itself, contact me. Let’s discuss how we can make your ceremony as unique as you!