Hello hello!
Some fairly boring but necessary food for thought on this rainy Wedding Wednesday...
As I write this post, I'm reminded of all the little stressing thoughts that raced through my mind in the few days leading up to my wedding. Who will manage guests if it rains during our outdoor drinks reception, will the table plan be set up exactly as I imagined, how will I know when to walk down the isle so the timed music is just right, who will mix and label the punches in the carefully selected punch bowls with ladles I took months to find and will it look right? - the list goes on...
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Martha Stewart
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Some of these worries seem a little insignificant now, but as every bride to be knows, it's important little details like these that consume our every thought for hours and hours of every waking day.
Something to try and ascertain very early on with your venue is if there will be someone there for
you on the day. A co-ordinator to oversee all the little personal details, somebody you can go to if you have any queries or needs, not just someone who manages the waiting staff.
Often your chosen venue will have someone there on the day to ensure a smooth running. What venues don't always tell you is that the person you've been dealing with since day one - the person you've formed a relationship with and discussed every detail with - may be nowhere to be seen. Instead you come face to face with an Event or Operations Manager who you've never met before. This may not necessarily be a bad thing. This person is more often than not very capable of running your event without a hitch. But will they know every detail? Exactly how should the decor look? Will they know you're nervous about a possible family altercation, will they be aware that your aunty may refuse all meal options and demand a cheese sandwich, who will ensure the correct activity packs are given to the correct kiddies?
So, while you've expertly planned and thought out every little detail to make your wedding special and unique, I think it's safe to say you don't want to be worrying about these things on the actual day. Envisaging how your wedding will look and run is one thing. Working out the logistics is quite another.
My advice is make sure you are absolutely clear about where your venue's duties and responsibilities end. Are you expecting more from them than they're prepared to do? Have a final meeting with your venue. If possible, try and have a face to face meeting with the person who will be looking after you and your wedding on the day.
And, if need be, consider hiring an On The Day Wedding Coordinator. It may be the best money you spend for peace of mind.
Remember, the key to arranging any function - expect the best, plan for the worst.
