This week I am sharing a Hot Topic that I often answer for brides that pose real questions. As its full on wedding season and many brides are getting to this point, I think this question is particularly useful.
Q. Our wedding is just over two months away but, having organised everything myself, I’m beginning to worry about the timings on the actual day. I’ve just discovered that we can’t decorate the reception venue until the morning of the wedding and, while I want to ensure everything comes together perfectly, I also don’t want to get myself in a fluster, where do I begin?
Two months is not long to go so it is definitely time to finalise the plan for the morning of the wedding. Good that you realised now so that you don’t panic. First of all write a list of what needs to be done. Be precise and clear with the list so that when pass it on to someone to use, it all makes sense and you don’t have to rewrite it or keep explaining. Even draw a diagram of your table layout so that it cannot be misunderstood.
When you have your list, check with your wedding venue to see what help they can be. Often the staff available on the day will set up your tables with stationery, menu’s and favours if necessary. If not then you really do have to appoint someone to do it. It maybe one or two of your bridesmaids, but chances are if they are getting ready with you they won’t be available. The task may have to be given to a close friend or family member, preferably not your Mum. She needs time to relax too.
I would suggest that a month before the wedding you start to phone round all the suppliers and check when, where and what time they will be coming to bring flowers, cake and table décor etc. You need to liaise these details with the venue and be able to hand over all the information to the person you are going to appoint to help you. Categorically it can’t really be you. There is just not the time on the day of the wedding and you really will be very stressed if you have to do it.
The handover cannot be too soon before the wedding, two weeks to a month so that you have everything finalised. If there is no one to help you then I suggest you use a wedding planner and book some time for them to set up your venue.
Many of them do an On The Day Coordination or Décor set up service. That way you can handover and be guaranteed that your décor and plans will be executed perfectly. Who ever it is be sure you trust them and they have all they need to carry out your plans perfectly. This may incur more out of your budget but a small price to pay when you think about how much you have spent on your décor and details.
Until next time, happy planning.
Written by Julie Dawson - The Wedding Genie
