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Our Team’s Take on Making the Most of Your Wedding Day

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Our Team’s Take on Making the Most of Your Wedding Day

July 29, 2022

Call it a bout of summer love, but lately, we’ve got weddings on the mind. Granted, it’s always more fun to muse over the details when you’re not in the throes of mid-planning stress. So, in the spirit of not gatekeeping anything that might prove useful for any overwhelmed brides-to-be, we went to some of the recently wed members of our own team to compile the wisdom they’ve garnered along the way. Whether you’re planning an all-out party or an intimate gathering of your closest family and friends, read on for some fresh perspective, a much-deserved deep breath, and the must-dos for making the most of your own “I do.” Once you’ve immersed yourself in their wisdom, don’t forget to shop our bridal edit for all the makings of your special day.

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Our Team’s Take on Making the Most of Your Wedding Day

Choose “Yes” Vendors

The first part of any wedding planning is deciding upon a venue and the vendors who will help you execute all the details. Instagram is a definitive resource for scouring spaces and aesthetics that speak to you, but one takeaway we heard time and time again from our team was this: choose a “yes” venue and vendors that understand your vision and are excited to bring it all to life. Weddings are stressful enough, so there’s no room for negativity. For our GM of Apparel, this mentality led her to Los Poblanos Inn in New Mexico, and when it came time to choose florals, she was set on Floriography—whose beautiful arrangements you can see below.

When it comes time to choose a venue, don’t be afraid to ask questions (in fact, the more you ask, the better) to ensure they’re prepared to provide everything you’re seeking. Location is also another important element to consider. It saves a lot of money and stress if you choose a venue that has a backdrop that feels in line with what you’re picturing for your wedding. By leaning into your surroundings, you’ll be able to rely less on florals and rentals, which will also help with cutting costs as time goes on.

Communication is always key, so once you’re locked in with your “yes” people, make sure you share as much as you can about what you’re envisioning. Try perusing Pinterest, Etsy, and Instagram to curate mood boards that will show your vendors exactly what you’re picturing. If you see it in your head, show them rather than telling them to ensure nothing gets lost in translation. It is, after all, your dream day.

Prioritize The Experience

Throughout the wedding planning process, our team suggests making decisions that prioritize the experience. Visuals are of course important, but the day is about celebrating with those you love, so try to focus on the bigger-picture elements that will elevate each moment for you and your guests. Flowers and tabletop details are of course important, but nobody wants hungry guests, an endless bar line, or a ceremony where everyone is boiling under the hot sun.

With this in mind, our Jenni Kayne brides made clear that while you’re planning, it’s best to make of list non-negotiables and to focus on the elements that are the most important. If everything is important, then nothing is important—identify the details that matter most to you and communicate them clearly and often to your vendors so that you know those are taken care of and you can spend time enjoying your day.

Speaking of the day-of, there’s one crucial wedding planning tip to keep in mind: try to stay in the moment and, most importantly, have fun. Whether it’s your best friend, sister, or mom, choose one person that you can turn to on your wedding day if or when changes need to be made. If you’re feeling like the music could be louder or anything of that nature, let your loved one handle it so you can continue relishing in the festivities. The host sets the tone for an event—if you’re having fun and feeling stress-free, everyone else is sure to be.

Keep It Authentic

The best weddings are those that feel like a true reflection of the bride and groom. Don’t get overwhelmed by the pressure to make it perfect. In fact, we think it’s all the better to trust your personal style rather than aiming to create an event that isn’t authentic. Every wedding is different, so if you’re drawn to florals, tabletop details, or anything for that matter that feels unexpected, lean into that rather than choosing something that fits the traditional definition. Not a fan of cake? Skip it!

For those unique additions, use Etsy for bespoke touches that really feel like your own, or add in dinnerware and other decorative pieces from your own arsenal. If you have things you love at home, even in small quantities, try working them into your vision—you might be surprised at how you’re able to incorporate them.

The last piece of advice brings us back to the most important element of any wedding day: spending time with friends and family. While all eyes are definitely on the bride and groom, we love any excuse to make guests feel special with personalized details. Write notes for your parents, new in-laws, and bridal party to share with them before the festivities fully begin. If you’re hosting a smaller wedding, you can even add handwritten notes to every place setting. At the end of the day, your wedding is all about celebrating with your community—and that’s what makes it memorable.

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Photos by Alex Mari and Katie Jean Photography

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