Common Planning Mistakes: Failing to Maintain Your Sanity

Yes! This is a BIG one. In fact, this is such a problem that I actually find myself surprised to find a bride calm in the last two weeks before her wedding (unless, of course, they're my client, teehee).

The reason? Because most of the planning materials available out there unintentionally trick couples into thinking that they've completed everything they need to by ignoring all of the little things that need to be taken care of in the final weeks. Of course, as the wedding date gets closer most brides begin to realize all of the work still left to do:

Where will the guest book table go?
Did we pick a song for our entrance?
Who will be seating Grandma Jones?
Who's moving the pillars from the ceremony to the reception?
Where are the vendors eating?
Who will take care of the card box?

The Wedding Workbook helps by bringing these all-too-often forgotten details to the foreground well in advance so you don't have to rush around sorting out the "little" details just days before the big day.

Keep your sanity!

Happy Planning!

Sophie

www.somethingblueworkbook.com

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Common Wedding Planning Mistakes: Hiring a Friend to Take Photos

This is one of the biggest and most common mistakes made by couples. The reasoning that most couples use seems to make sense; which may be why this is such a common practice. Here are the reasons typically used to justify hiring a friend or family member to take wedding photos instead of a professional:


1. Professional photographers are too expensive.
2. My friend has a great camera.
3. My friend has a great eye and takes really nice photos.
4. The wedding photos are not a big priority for us.


In a recent survey conducted by Shutterfly revealed that 22% of brides regretted not spending more on their photography. That's nearly 1 out of 4 brides! And why this pang of regret after the big day? Because when all is said and done one of the only things you'll have left of your wedding are the photos. The photos are what will help to keep the memory of your beautiful day alive for you and your guests. Given all of the money and time being invested in this one day it's important to have something wonderful (and tangible) to take away from it.



Here are my responses to the 5 reasons listed above:

1. Professional photographers are too expensive: It's true that your photos may take a big chunk out of your budget but the old adage "you get what you pay for" rings true in this instance. Besides, you can often find fantastic photographers who are just getting a start in the industry and who may be priced a bit lower as a result. In order to make sure you're getting quality work, ask to see a complete wedding album and not just one or two photos from several weddings.

2. My friend has a great camera: Camera's don't take great photos, photographers do. I have a really nice camera but I would never offer to take wedding photographs. When a pro-photographer friend of mine picked up my camera I was stunned at the shots she was able to get with it. Shots I never would have gotten because I don't have the technical know-how (or the eye for that matter). Albeit, I do get lucky now and then.

3. My friend has a great eye and takes really nice photos: Okay, so let's say that in addition to a nice camera your friend actually has some technical abilities as a shooter and takes some really nice photos. It's important to consider what kind of wedding experience this friend has. Taking photos under the pressure of a wedding (with hectic timelines and no do-overs) can be enough to put anyone off their game. You're taking a big gamble with this.

4. The wedding photos are not a big priority for us: This may be true in the moment when your focus is on getting everything together for the day but if you think past the wedding day to what will be left you may change your mind. You don't want to be the 1 out of the 4 brides mentioned in the survey above.

What do you think? Are you planning on having a friend shoot your big day? Maybe you have a reason not listed above. Or maybe you're a recent bride and you have some feedback from your own experience. I'd love to get your thoughts.

Yours,

Sophie
Something Blue: The Wedding Workbook

www.somethingblueworkbook.com

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Common Wedding Planning Mistakes: Formal Seating of Parents and Grandparents

In making the final preparations for the wedding day you're not likely to think too much about your processional... after all, that's the officiant's job, right?

Well, this is true for the most part. But most officiants are really more concerned with the flow of the ceremony itself; getting everyone down the aisle is secondary. I'll talk more about creative ways to get your wedding party down the aisle in another post but today I want to talk briefly about another step that is often overlooked; the formal seating that precedes the processional.

Before your wedding party takes their place at the alter there are some important people who should be sat only once the rest of your guests are seated. These folks include your parents and often your grandparents as well. You can also include additional people of importance who you may want to honor on the day. Keep in mind though that this portion should not be too long (no longer than one song... or more specifically, 1 to 3 minutes in length).


IN WHAT ORDER ARE THE PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS SAT?

The rule of thumb for the order in which to seat these VIPs is groom's side then bride's side categorized in reverse-order of importance -- did you get that?

Let me give you an example using the grandparents and parents for both sides:

1. Groom's paternal grandparents
2. Groom's maternal grandparents
3. Bride's paternal grandparents
4. Bride's maternal grandparents
5. Groom's parents
6. Bride's mother

The bride's mother is always sat last (assuming the father of the bride will be escorting her down the aisle). The seating of the bride's mother signals the other guests that the processional is about to begin.


WHAT IF THERE ARE STEP-PARENTS?

If there are step parents in the picture the groom's father and new wife will be sat before the groom's mother and new husband. For the bride's side, if the father is escorting the bride down the aisle the step-mother would be sat alone before the mother of the bride is sat.

If the mother of the bride is re-married she may be escorted down the aisle by her new husband or by one of the ushers/groomsmen with her husband following behind.


WHO SEATS WHO AND HOW?

Your VIP guests may be escorted down the aisle by an usher, a groomsman, or a close friend or family member (typically a male). The escort will offer the female guest his right arm and escort her to her seat. If there is a husband/date as well he will follow in behind. When the group reaches the guest's seat the escort will use his left hand to signal the guest to her place.


HONORING A DECEASED PARENT DURING THE PROCESSIONAL

If there are any deceased parents to be honored you might have the escort carry a candle or photo down the aisle and place it in the parent's seat.


OTHER SEATING TIPS

1. Don't start the formal seating until everyone else in the wedding party is ready to go... you don't want a big gap between the formal seating and the processional.

2. Assign someone to guard the door once the formal seating begins. You don't want a tardy guest strolling down the aisle in the middle of the seating/processional. Have late guests wait out of sight until the ceremony begins.

Do you have any questions or comments about formal seating during a wedding ceremony processional? Let me know!

Happy Planning!

Sophie
Something Blue: The Wedding Workbook

www.somethingblueworkbook.com

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Wedding Planning Tips: Staying Organized With The Wedding Workbook

Now that you've downloaded this fantastic tool, here are some pointers that will help you make the most of your workbook:

1. Print: Printing the workbook double-sided is best (it's less expensive and more eco-friendly).

2. Binder: Find a binder with a 2" ring or greater (you'll want room to add things as you go along). A binder with a pocket in the front and back is preferable.

3. 3-hole punch: Get your hands on a compact punch that fits right inside your binder. This will help to ensure that you're putting loose materials neatly into your binder and not simply stuffing them wherever they fit.

4. Dividers: You'll need 12. Create one divider for each step of the 10-steps listed in the planning process, one for your planning calendar, and one for your notes.

5. Post-it flags: Use these flags to quickly identify any steps or issues that need your attention ASAP.

What additional things have you done to prepare your planning workbook for the task ahead?

www.somethingblueworkbook.com

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