1) Plan for weather

Regardless of which state your wedding is, weather can change on a dime and if you don’t have a plan it can greatly hinder the positive energy of your day. Whilst most friends and family will be of course happy just to see you get married, you don’t want them to be soaking wet from a surprise shower or have sweat through their underwear before the ceremony has even finished. If you think it is more likely to be sunny, then plan for seating in the shade. Sunburn and sweat make a fairly horrible mix when you’re planning on going for the rest of the day and then you wonder why not many people are on the dancefloor later – because they’ve all got heatstroke! Likewise, ask the venue or wedding stylist if they have backup umbrellas handy just in case of severe rain. (Actually umbrellas are handy for sun as well). I have seen entire ceremonies rained out (which of course can be fun in a certain playful, ‘The Notebook’ sense, but only when there are towels handy and some replacement eyeliner! I have also seen people faint from heat exhaustion early and have to leave the wedding which is an unfortunate mishap that is easily avoidable. So if you’re wanting your guests to enjoy themselves long after the ceremony, plan for a changing weather scenario and worst case, you’ll be ready!

2) Plan & Organise your run sheet

Whilst most of the weddings I do have runsheets, still (surprisingly) some forget to organise one, which leaves myself, photographers, celebrants, videographers, florists, venue managers, etc. all just running off experience instead of customising a bespoke and seamless experience for you and your guests. Often this creates time delays, awkward silences and can even sometimes ruin the flower arrangements due to weather playing a big part in timing. By simply writing down your plan for the day (which includes adding times for each event), everyone can then work to the same, unified vision for the day to bring that vision to life. Once you’ve organised your runsheet as best as you can, email a copy out to your vendors a few weeks prior and just ask them if there’s anything else they need from you or if there are any red flags that arise they foresee. Often when asked, vendors will happily offer their tips and tricks to help the day run smoother and often they’ll think of things you may not yet have considered, drawing on their experience. It’s an easy organisational step that dramatically improves your day and that you don’t want to forget!

3) Stick to your runsheet

I’ve literally had couples that decide to enter the reception room half an hour before they are due, then complain that the music wasn’t on when they walked in the room (obvious facepalm moment for me). Your team of experienced vendors on the day work to the runsheet in order to plan for every special moment and ensure each of those moments is maximised and well executed. The photos are captured, video is taken, MC has announced at the right time, music is played on point and PA is setup ready to go, etc etc. There are many moving parts to your day to make it work so try not to wander off the beaten path if you can. If you really need to adjust on the fly, at least pull your wedding planner over or venue manager and they can help you communicate with your vendor team to check and confirm last minute changes for you. I think I speak for all vendors when I say this – we want to get it right for you, we are just not mind-readers! Also some venues will have really. fantastic wedding coordinators as part of their package, other venues you may need. your own wedding planner. Others still are more for the DIY bride and you’ll need to make sure you stick to your plan to the letter to avoid unnecessary confusion or chaos on the day. In any case, sticking to your original plan as best as you can (aside from obvious weather changes or unforeseen circumstances) will better serve to give you that fantastical day you’ve been dreaming of all this time!