kevin warn photography
Less is More often. Less can be so much more, and sometimes, 'more' is much better. Take it from this pro, “simplifying” your wedding may be the best thing you do in the months leading up to the aisle.
This doesn’t mean to eliminate any of your dream ideas heck, I love making your ideas blossom into a real actual sentiment and experience! It simply means to downsize in certain areas so that you can actually achieve the blissful wedding of your dreams.
Less can be so much more tip #1
Cut down your guest list. Make the large list first, then the two of you must blend both of your lists. Try to analyze the list. Make sure the people you are inviting are listed because they support you, love you, and lift you up in some way. Factor in a set of guests that your parents may want to include. Many people you don’t currently associate with directly have been part of your lives since your were a child. Honor that wish, they may have been spiritual, financial, and emotional supporters of you and your folks and you just don’t remember or were not made aware. This can also avoid unwanted tension with your parents and give you some leeway on a different issue that may arise later down the line in terms of “granting wishes”.
Be fair, if you don’t feel that your fiancé should invite their extended family like 2nd cousins, distant cousins, then make sure you too make that type of cut to your list. As always, those who you actually have EXISTING close friendships with don’t apply. Co workers- touchy but can be most easily averted by only including your friends. If you are only 9-5 friends, then they may have to be cut, sorry.
My favorite weddings were those that had about 80 guests. An intimate affair is so romantic. It wasn’t my favorite solely because the guest list was so manageable, but the main reason I loved them is that the Bride and Groom invited those closest to them. They were able to touch and see everyone who shared their special day. The couple could participate more efficiently in dining with their guests and they were more relaxed. They were also able to….. wait for it…spend more money on a nice meal!!! Often, the couple comes in with an idea of their desired menu, but they have to go with the basic package because once you start multiplying the cost per person, that idea of a gourmet feast gets squashed. It’s just a reality. For most of us, a budget is not endless, so making smart choices on where you spend money is crucial. Did you really want open bar? Cutting that list can determine if you can have it or not.
photography credits Kevin Warn Smith, Vernon T Williams
Less can be so much more tip #2
A solid referred wedding planner is so valuable. Talk about simplifying! Considering the array of big purchases willing to be made, this should be a no brainer. Most Awesome Talented Planners pay for themselves with the money they’ve saved you by being your advocate! You can save money, or more efficiently utilize your products and services and avoid unwanted stress and strain. Try to find someone in the beginning. Once you have an idea of when you plan to marry, start interviewing Planners and work on the guest list at the same time so that you can give your planner a capacity request for your venue.
Less can be so much more tip #3
jasonkoenigphoto.com
Bridal Party Selection. I’ve seen both sides of this coin;the best and the worst. The best are the true blue who love you. They will call you to check in during planning, go with you to help with anything you have to pick up, pick out etc, run errands for you, and have your back. They won’t encourage you to defy your fiance’s wishes, and they won’t complain (even if they have a right to). They’ll be there do whatever needs to be done to keep you happy. And on the worst side of bridal parties, some friends and family are too caught up into themselves to be there for you. You know how they are, and just because its your wedding doesn’t mean unresolved issues will be set aside. While we hope and pray people are on their best behavior, adults are free to drive you crazy even if they “didn’t mean to”. Choose wisely. Please try to keep your party to 6 or less on each side. However, 3ea. is a magical bridal party number. Less can be so much more.
Tip #4
Venue/Décor - If you have a generous budget, then you can have your wedding almost anywhere. If you have a set cap, try to go with having less to transform. Your venue should be pretty nice without décor. If you select a venue that has charm and character that fits into your “theme” and design wishes, it will require less transformation. The benefit of this is to allow your design team to enhance and create a beautiful wedding space. You were smart enough to hire a planner, and they are very interested in your wedding looking amazing.
Tip #5
The less amount of people who know all the details of your planning, the better. Lots of us want to give you our opinions and advice, but due to the frailty of your wedding, its best to keep a tight lid on things. Choose your confidants and make sure they can keep their lips tight as well. Make sure that when you do want to bounce ideas or vent, it is with a trusted source who has value to add.
Less will be written in the next blog, I had to give so much more to you for this one.
Be lovely!