Wedding Planner Guide: The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Days
As a wedding planner, you know that wedding days can be equal parts magical and chaotic, but guess what? With a bit of planning and a sprinkle of preparedness, you can navigate these moments like the pro that you are! In this post, I’m sharing five dos and five don’ts for wedding planners on the wedding day.
Keep your day as smooth as silk bridesmaids’ dresses by following these wedding day must-dos.
1. Do always include plenty of buffer time.
Picture this: The bride's veil is nowhere to be found, the groom's socks have vanished into thin air, and Uncle Bob is taking an eternity to tie his tie. Cue the wedding day timeline anxiety! To anticipate the unexpected, add a sprinkle of buffer time between key moments. It's the safety net you need, ensuring your couple's day stays on track no matter what curveballs come your way throughout the day.
2. Do channel your best communication skills.
Communication is key! But, you probably already know this if you’re on my wedding pro email list. Over-communicate with your entire vendor team and the wedding party. This keeps everyone in the loop and ensures that every precious detail is perfectly orchestrated. No more surprise flower mix-ups or missing cake toppers!
3. Do keep calm and delegate on.
Crises happen; it's part of the gig. So, here's a tip – designate a point person or decision-maker ahead of time. They should be someone who's not the couple because let's face it, they've got enough on their plate. When things go awry, keep that cool exterior, and calmly figure out the next steps. You've got this!
4. Do have more than one emergency kit.
The more, the merrier when it comes to emergency kits! I always recommend that wedding planners have three. One big one for you and your fellow vendors and two smaller ones for the wedding parties. Inside, you'll find everything from extra pins to stain removers, breath mints to tissues… it's like having a mini wedding-saving superhero squad at your fingertips.
5. Do remember to take care of yourself!
Now, we can't forget about you, the planner. With all the running around and last-minute fixes, you'll need comfortable shoes to conquer the day. Pack a pair for setup and breakdown, and another for the main event. Plus, don't forget to stash a few snacks – because let's face it, a hangry wedding planner is no fun for anyone.
So there you have it, your guide to wedding day dos. Remember, you're the mastermind behind the magic, and with these tips in your back pocket, you're destined to pull off the wedding day of your clients’ dreams!
On the contrary, here are some things you should always avoid on wedding days!
1. Don’t indulge in the alcohol.
I know, a glass of bubbly might be tempting when the toasts start pouring in, but here's a golden rule: avoid alcohol during the wedding. As a planner, you’re the captain of the ship, and a clear head is absolutely essential. Keep your wits about you, and save the celebratory drinks for your own personal after-party once you get home.
2. Don't outshine the couple, but dress to impress.
When it comes to attire, remember you’re there to make the magic happen, not steal the spotlight. Opt for darker, more formal clothing that blends into the background, ensuring that the focus remains on the couple. You want guests to know who's orchestrating the show, not star in it yourself.
3. Don’t leave before the wedding reception ends.
Don't even think about making an early exit! Stay until the very end, making sure to oversee the breakdown. If you personally won’t be there until the end, ensure you have a team member on-site. After guests find their groove on the dance floor, things can take unexpected turns. Plus, this is your prime time to foster those strategic vendor relationships by ensuring their needs are met.
4. Don’t play the blame game.
Mistakes happen – it's a part of life. The key here is to own up to them and find a solution. Blaming others won't get you anywhere. Staying professional and honest in the face of challenges not only de-escalates situations but also cultivates stronger, more trusting relationships with both clients and vendors.
5. Don’t get caught up in the dinner dilemma.
Yes, I understand that by dinnertime, you and your vendor team might be ravenous. But resist the urge to dive into the buffet line before the guests (unless it's to retrieve the couple's plates), and avoid eating in front of the guests. It's all about maintaining an air of professionalism and ensuring the guests feel like the stars of the evening.
Remember, you’re the unsung hero of the day, and these wedding day dos and don'ts are your trusty guide to staying on top of your professional A-game. Make sure to incorporate these tips and avoid these pitfalls, and you'll continue to make wedding day dreams come true!
Follow along on Instagram @plannersvault for more wedding planner tips! And, if you want to accelerate your growth as a wedding planner, join my online educational membership, The Planner’s Vault!
