From Dreamy to Dramatic: The Unpredictable Side of Wedding Planning
Ahhhh, you’re engaged! You’ve probably been dreaming about your wedding day since you were a little girl or boy, but now that it’s actually happening, you may be realizing that there are a lot of things you didn’t think about when it comes to planning your big day.
Sure, you’ve probably thought about the dress, the venue, and the flowers, but what about the unexpected surprises that come with planning a wedding? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explain in detail some of the things a bride- and groom-to-be don’t think about when planning their wedding.
The Unanticipated Aspects of Wedding Day Preparations
The Weather
You’ve spent months planning an outdoor wedding, envisioning a beautiful ceremony under the sun. But, as we all know, Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Suddenly, the forecast is calling for rain on your big day. Don’t panic! Make sure to have a backup plan in place, whether it’s a tent or an indoor venue. And hey, rain on your wedding day is good luck, right?
The Unexpected Costs
You’ve set a budget for your wedding, but have you factored in all the unexpected costs that may arise? From last-minute alterations to vendor gratuities, there are always additional expenses that you may not have considered.
Make sure to leave some wiggle room in your budget for these unexpected costs, and don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors to try and save some money. And remember, it’s okay to say no to things that are outside of your budget. Also, keep some cash on hand to easily pay these gratuities.
The Seating Chart
Creating a seating chart may seem like a simple task, but it can quickly become a headache. You have to consider family dynamics, friend groups, and who gets along with who. And don’t forget about those awkward exes that you may have to seat together.
To make things easier, consider using a digital seating chart tool that allows you to easily move guests around and make changes. And don’t be afraid to ask for help from your wedding party or family members, they may have some insight on who should sit where.
The Timeline
You’ve meticulously planned out every minute of your wedding day, but things don’t always go according to plan. Your hair and makeup may take longer than expected, or your limo may get stuck in traffic. Leave some wiggle room in your timeline to account for any unexpected delays. And remember, the most important thing is that you’re marrying the love of your life, not sticking to a strict schedule.
The Family Drama
No matter how close your family is, there’s bound to be some drama when it comes to planning a wedding. From disagreements on the guest list to arguments over traditions, family dynamics can be tricky to navigate.
Try to involve your family in the planning process as much as possible to avoid any surprises or hurt feelings. And remember, it’s your day, so don’t be afraid to set boundaries and stick to your vision. You may find this article to be helpful.
The Unexpected Guests
You’ve sent out invitations and received RSVPs, but there’s always a chance that some unexpected guests may show up. Whether it’s a distant relative or a plus one that wasn’t accounted for, be prepared for a few extra people. Have some extra chairs and place settings on hand, and don’t stress about it too much. After all, the more the merrier!
The Food
You’ve picked out the perfect menu for your wedding, but have you considered any dietary restrictions or allergies that your guests may have? It’s important to ask your guests for any dietary restrictions when they RSVP so that you can accommodate them.
And don’t forget about your vendors! They’ll be working hard to make your day perfect, so make sure to provide them with a meal as well. And don’t worry, you don’t have to serve them the same fancy meal as your guests, a simple sandwich or pizza will do.
The Bathroom Situation
It’s not the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s important to consider the bathroom situation at your venue. Are there enough bathrooms for all of your guests? Are they easily accessible? And most importantly, are they clean?
If your venue doesn’t have enough bathrooms, consider renting portable restrooms to ensure your guests are comfortable. And don’t forget to stock them with essentials like toilet paper, hand soap, and hand sanitizer.
The Marriage License
Last but not least, don’t forget about the marriage license! It’s important to research the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in your state and make sure to get it before the wedding day. Simply go to Google and search “How to get a marriage license in (your state).”
And don’t forget to bring it with you on the day of the wedding! You’ll need it to make your marriage official and start your happily ever after.
Wedding Surprises
The Speeches
You may have asked a few close friends or family members to give speeches at your wedding, but be prepared for some unexpected speeches as well. Your best friend from college may want to say a few words, or your partner’s coworker may have a funny story to share. Embrace these impromptu speeches and enjoy the heartfelt and hilarious moments they bring.
The Dance Floor
You’ve carefully chosen your wedding playlist, but be prepared for some unexpected songs to make an appearance on the dance floor. Your aunt may request a classic 80s ballad, or your partner’s college roommate may bust out a surprise choreographed dance. Embrace the unexpected and let loose on the dance floor – after all, it’s a celebration! If you need some wedding music inspo, check out this article.
The Cake Cutting
You’ve chosen the perfect wedding cake, but be prepared for some unexpected cake cutting moments. Your partner may decide to smash cake in your face, or your flower girl may accidentally knock over the cake. Embrace the chaos and have a good laugh – it will make for a great story to tell in the future.
The Small Details That Make a Big Difference
The Emergency Kit
You never know what may happen on your wedding day, so it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand. Pack some bandaids, safety pins, and stain remover – you never know when you may need them. And don’t forget to include some snacks and water to keep you and your bridal party energized throughout the day.
The Comfortable Shoes
You may have found the perfect pair of heels to match your dress, but be prepared for some sore feet by the end of the night. Pack a pair of comfortable shoes to change into for the reception, or consider wearing flats for the entire day. Your feet will thank you, and you’ll be able to dance the night away without any pain. Also, a second (more comfortable) wedding dress may not be a bad idea either.
The Thank You Notes
After the wedding is over, you’ll have a lot of thank you notes to write. Make your life easier by pre-addressing and stamping the envelopes before the wedding. This way, all you have to do is write a heartfelt message and drop them in the mail. And don’t forget to thank your guests for any unexpected surprises or thoughtful gifts they may have given you.
Wedding Keepsakes
I can’t even begin to tell you how many brides have expressed their regret for not preserving their wedding flowers. If you feel like flower preservation isn’t for you, know that you may regret not doing it in the future. Even just getting something small like a 5-inch hexagon or a 6-inch square block, or even creating keepsakes for the closest people to you who helped make your wedding dreams come true, it’s better to get something than nothing at all. Flower preservation may not be at the top of your mind if you’re in the middle of planning your wedding right now, but know that I’m here to help you even after your big day. Reach out to me anytime at maha@DesignsByMaha.com!
In Conclusion
Your wedding day is a special and memorable occasion, but it’s also important to remember that not everything will go according to plan. Embrace the unexpected, laugh at the surprises, and enjoy the small details that make a big difference. And most importantly, remember that the most important thing is that you’re marrying the love of your life. Congratulations, and enjoy your special day!