VOWS: Your Best-Ever Wedding Tips
Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the best days of your life. It is the day that you become one with the one you love. However, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on your big day if you haven’t planned it properly: running behind schedule, hiring the wrong vendors, family drama, going over budget, among many other things. Below are a list of tips that we have put together to ensure that you enjoy every moment of your special day.
Make a detailed wedding-day schedule and share it with all vendors: Making a schedule with each task is a must. Sharing it with vendors will keep everyone on the same page, and will help each person to work effectively in achieving the same goals. It also gives all vendors an opportunity to review and let you know before your wedding day if an important detail has been missed or if there’s insufficient time to do their jobs properly.
Do not leave anything (except getting ready) for the last minute: According to Murphy’s law, “anything that can go wrong will go wrong”. Do not procrastinate or you will most likely find yourself without enough time to do everything, leaving you with stress and very little time to enjoy the day.
Hire professionals: Ensure that the vendors you are hiring have a good track record. Research them beforehand, and try to get client testimonials. Hiring a wedding planner can greatly reduce stress.
Do not sweat the small stuff: Do not overreact when minor details go off schedule, as it can ruin your whole day. Always be positive and try to come up with creative ways of solving small problems. Never let the small things ruin the big picture!
Invite guests who are happy for you: This will ensure that your guests are more eager to help you when things go wrong.
Make use of what is included in the wedding packages: Some wedding venues offer a complimentary bridal suite or décor items included in the cost. Utilise these opportunities and you can save yourself some money.
Know where to cut costs: Your wedding day is extremely important, so learn where to cut. If you are planning on having an all-day affair, you need to consider giving your guests up to three meals, and paying extra for all-day entertainment. Cutting the hours of your wedding can be a good way to cut costs without reducing the quality of your wedding. Your wedding planner can suggest where to cut based on your priority list and budget.
Always have a back-up plan: If you are planning to have your wedding outdoors, ensure that you have a tent in case it rains. Having these ‘just-in case plans’ can save your wedding from becoming a disaster.
Get everything in writing: When planning any wedding, you will be involved with many contractors. There will be your wedding venue, travel agent, wedding planner, hotels, caterer, photographer, and much more. Ensure that you create legitimate contracts with every individual who is providing you with a service. This will significantly lessen the risks and clearly outline the expectations for both sides.
Appreciate everything about your wedding: Appreciate the vendors you hired and the guests who took the time out to attend. Stop to smell the roses (literally!). This is one of the best days of your life, so do not let it run by without relishing every moment.
Models Latoya Gregg and Kevin Drysdale play make-belief…
Latoya Gregg and Kevin Drysdale chose to pretend- exchange vows by the cliffside with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea for their destination wedding in Jamaica. Borghinvilla was the perfect spot for their private wedding ceremony and reception. Situated on two acres of lush Jamaican foliage and a stunning seaside cliffside view of the Caribbean Sea, this location impressed the couple as well as their guests.
Jamaica was the inspiration behind every element. From the location which shows off the rich landscape to the variety of Jamaican vendors used for every detail of the wedding.
The décor incorporated a melange of Jamaican flowers such as hydrangeas from the Blue Mountains, locally grown orchids as well as palms and philodendrons. White roses were also dispersed throughout. Polished gold chairs, gold cutlery and glass tables with gold-frame legs were the base for this luxurious set-up. Stationery was customised for the event and attention paid to the minutest of details.
The dessert station included molten lava cakes, Jamaican sweets and candies all revolved around a gorgeous cake bearing a golden map of Jamaica.
Models: Latoya Gregg and Kevin Drysdale
Venue: Borghinvilla
Wedding planner: Jennifer Borgh
Furniture rental: Luxury Event Rentals Ja
Flowers and décor: Borghinvilla Designs w
Stationery: Krafted by Design
Bridal gown and tux : Petals and Promises
Jamaican sweets: Reggae Carmela
Candy bar: Heather May Candy Shoppe
Cake: Joy of Foods
Make-up: Brushed by Nicole
Cards, Bride Make-up Bag: The Artsy Train
