It's no secret, at Chase & Fellow we like to plan. Our entire process is built around prepping & planning to make sure day-of everything runs smoothly for us and the couples we serve. And really, the goal should be no different for you. You should be planning & prepping so that your day goes as smoothly as possible because if it does, that means you get to spend more time enjoying yourself instead of running around stressed out.
So, what things should you have ready for your wedding day? The list could be pretty long and comprehensive, but, like all of our blogs, we like to keep things concise, so we'll touch on the things that we think have the biggest impact on your day.
Here are the things we'll touch on in this blog:
- A Detailed timeline
- Clear communication of addresses & locations
- Setting clear expectations with vendors
- Details for photo & video
A Detailed Timeline
Timelines are vital for a successful wedding. We mean that timelines orchestrate the many moving parts into one grand symphony. And when your wedding is like a symphony, it's beautiful! Nothing stands out too much or feels out of place, it all flows smoothly and the focus stays on the main event. Hopefully, the symphony analogy helps paint the picture of the need for a timeline. If you have a coordinator, ask them to supply you with a timeline that you can provide to all your vendors (coordinators/planners usually handle this). If your coordinator/planner isn't making the timeline for you, most photographers will actually offer to do this for you as well. And, if neither your coordinator/planner or photographer is providing a timeline, then let us know! If you're booking us for your wedding, we can help you create one as well (although we'd prefer if the photographer or planner does it instead). If you're looking to inquire about our services for your wedding, click here.
A timeline should lay out the day in its entirety, from the morning when the bride and bridesmaids are starting their hair and makeup, to the very end of the night. Then it should capture, at the very least, when & where vendors are arriving, and leaving, and the details in between. It should also highlight when getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception begin & end.
Clear Communication of Addresses & Locations
We've listed this out because we've had firsthand experience of several of our couples accidentally listing the wrong address for specific parts of the day. We, of course, double-check to make sure everything is accurate, but just in case your vendors don't double-check the addresses & locations you gave them, it's important to be clear, specific, and detailed in your communications with all of your vendors so that they know the addresses that are important. Most vendors will only need the ceremony & reception addresses, but the photographers and videographers will need the getting-ready locations too. This means the addresses (and room number) of where the bride and groom are getting ready will need to be sent too!
Setting Clear Expectations with Vendors
We've seen it before. The bride and groom are disappointed in the bouquet, or the ceremony set up, or the pictures/video that was taken because it didn't capture what they hoped it would capture. This seldom happens, but we've learned that nothing goes without saying. It's extremely important to clarify your expectations with your vendors. For photographers and videographers, that looks like letting them know specific things you want to make sure they capture and maybe even things to stay away from. Giving them a vision will not only help you be happier with the results, but it will also allow them to succeed! For florists, dress/suit vendors, and others, clarifying expectations could look like sharing the exact style and direction of what you're looking for. It could even be helpful to include a mood board with pictures so they know exactly what tones & flowers to use or avoid!
Details for Photography & Videography
All we can say is, please have these ready to go for when your photographer and videographer arrive! They'll often start the day by capturing details and then move through the day. Below is a list of some details you should have ready to go. And what will help you, even more, is to delegate collecting these items to your maid or matron of honor!
- Invite cards
- Save the dates
- Other print material & collateral
- Bride & groom's rings
- Florals & greenery
- Polaroid pictures & other printed pictures
- & More
In summary...
We hope this helps you prep & plan for your big day! There are so many moving parts, it's easy to miss something. That's why we write blogs, like this one, to remind you of something you may have missed or to help you approach planning in a different way that will make it easier and more enjoyable.
Happy planning!
