The holiday season is always a popular time for couples to get engaged. Once the festivities end and the surrounding emotions settle, however, the realization sinks in quickly that you and your fiance now have some important decisions to make regarding your Big Day. A professional wedding coordinator can offer guidance, support, and experience to help you bring your wedding vision to life, while saving you time, money, and perhaps your sanity, in the long run. Portland-based Emee Pumarega is one of the area's top wedding experts and owner of EJP Events. Below, she offers 5 tips that can help you to plan the wedding of your dreams.
- Plan from your own personal "Big Picture" first.
Before you open a single magazine or wedding blog, sit down with your intended and at least get a rough idea of: wedding budget, number of guests, time of day, your own goals and hopes for the wedding event, and a list of adjectives that describe the look and feel of your wedding. Otherwise it's too easy to get carried away by all that is offered, which leads to option overwhelm.
- Give yourself time to plan.
You will save money and be less stressed if you acknowledge the fact that you will probably need the same amount of hours to plan what I call "a wedding with specified elements" (i.e., not a courthouse or backyard wedding) as a typical job hunt -- at least 100-200 hours. If you don't see this time availability in your personal calendar, consider getting professional assistance or moving back the date.
- Set priorities.
Not everything is an important element of a wedding, and don't let third parties or the media tell you so. If you don't really care if you have a custom-made ringbearer pillow, say so if someone is trying to foist that onto your wedding. Having a list of must-haves and I-don't-care-abouts also helps you save money and focus on the parts that will make you and your guests most happy.
- Remember you are a host.
Guest comforts and experiences are what makes a wedding memorable. Think of ways to include, honor, and fete your guests for a more exciting party; rather than from the outdated "it's the bride's day" mindset. Yes, it's your day -- but it's also your partner's, as well as your family's and friends' who are all coming together for this moment. Do what you can to make it comfortable and experiential for them.
- Remember you are celebrating togetherness!
Finally, remember what a wedding is all about: the celebration of your bond. If you start to get stressed about details, remember that all you need for a wedding is your love. The rest is just a wonderful bonus. Enjoy!
Follow these links for more great wedding tips from Emee, as well as information on her services...
Portland Wedding Planner
Wedding Coordinator Blog
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