Wedding Survival Tips
Destination Hotels & Resorts' wedding specialists are here to guide you along the way to ensure a flawless wedding ceremony and reception. Our team of wedding experts has shared some of their wedding tips to get you started:
Wedding Day Tips- At 12:00pm the day prior to the wedding LET IT GO. Whatever happens, happens! Allow your planner, to take all of the worry and stress off your shoulders and handle any and all details for you from the moment you check-in until the moment you check-out.
- Hand over your phone. The morning of the wedding, hand your cell phone over to an appointed "representative or mediator" who can field all phone calls on your behalf.
- You must eat! Take at least a 15 minute time out during dinner to sit and enjoy the meal before you begin to "work" the room. You've chosen this yummy food for you and your guests to enjoy.....so sit and enjoy it!
- Together as a couple, take a 5-10 minute "soak." Step back and observe, watch, listen, feel....with the speed in which the day moves past you, the precious moments that you spend "soaking" will give you memories that you will never forget, and will most likely end up being some of the moments that you recall for years to come.
- ENJOY IT. LOVE IT. BASK IN IT. Live in each moment of the day. This is your time. One of the few moments in life that will be all about you. EMBRACE the attention and take pleasure in every moment.
- ‘For the perfect winter wedding, make sure your guests are aware of the expected temperature and how often they will be outside. If cold weather is a concern, purchase inexpensive pashminas and have them available throughout the evening or hand out warm mulled cider upon arrival. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful touch.' -Stowe Mountain Lodge Wedding Planner
- ‘Seaside weddings can make for some of the most incredible photos, but make sure you check the tide schedule to find the best time for photos on the sand.' - L'Auberge Del Mar Wedding Planner
- Keep hydrated. This goes for everyone: bride, groom, wedding party and guests! Take a break from the champagne and cocktails and remember to incorporate water throughout the day.
- Don't forget the sun block! For ceremonies and receptions that are held outside, remember the sun is not forgiving just because it's your wedding day (even if it happens to be overcast).
- Have your wedding program double as a fan. Print wedding details and/or a special photo on heavy paper, and attach to a wooden handle (popsicle sticks from the craft store work great). Your venue might also be able to provide umbrellas or misters for ceremony areas.
- Help guests plan for the weather. Make sure your invitation clearly indicates that your ceremony and/or reception will be held outdoors. This will help your guests plan the appropriate attire.
- ‘If your ceremony location is on a lawn, you may want to consider purchasing heel protectors. They keep you from sinking into the grass and also protect those gorgeous wedding shoes!' -Estancia La Jolla Wedding Planner
- Keep it simple - you don't want to take away any surprises or elegance from the big wedding day
- Create a theme - this makes it fun and memorable for your wedding guests
- Offer specialty/signature cocktails - create a drink that sums up the bride and groom, or tie in a specialty wine, beer or cocktail with your wedding menu theme
- Short and sweet - remember that tomorrow is a big day, don't stay out too late and get plenty of rest
- If you have a themed wedding, incorporate this theme in your cocktail hour drinks to add some extra personality.
- Incorporate two signature drinks to express the bride and groom's individual tastes. Perhaps you each have drinks you are known for always drinking, or perhaps you can feature special drink names and flavors that express your personalities.
- You can make your Signature Drinks fun and exciting by adding a pop of color, such a colored straw, fruit or sugared candy.
- Signature drinks can even be geared towards the season. Guests will enjoy a citrus margarita during the summer and hot apple cider during the winter.
- Plan ahead and have coloring books and crayons for the children. If space in your reception venue allows and you have a large group of kids, perhaps create a kid-friendly play area with games, crafts, or a TV and DVD player.
- Find Other Ways To Entertain. When it comes to entertainment, the question is always "Are you having a DJ or Band?" Think beyond music and think about other ways to entertain your guests. Let your guests be mesmerized by a palm or tarot card reading. Give them a keepsake to remember; replace the traditional favor (think miniature frame or monogrammed match book) by hiring a Caricaturist to draw them as a goofy cartoon.
- Create A Vibe. Good music, good food and drinks are a must but think of other ways to make your guests feel like they aren't just at another wedding. Adding lounge furniture to cocktail hour or the dance reception can make your guests feel like they are at a swanky lounge or club.
- Late Night Delight. Once the wedding formalities have concluded and the music kicks up, guests let loose. The one bummer is that usually once the cake is cut, the food service comes to a halt. We're all guilty of that late night craving so after a massive dance set, reward your guests with a late night delight. This can be sweet or savory, healthy or indulgent. Some popular ideas: sliders and sweet potato fries, mini grilled cheese, chocolate covered strawberries, fruit and cheese, or even a taco station. This is a definite crowd pleaser.
- Say Cheese. Photo booths gained popularity a few years back but have moved from a trend to a classic.
- Wedding planners and coordinators are no longer a luxury reserved for the rich and famous; they are a modern day necessity. Wedding coordinators can be an integral part of the success of your wedding day and the whole planning process leading up to it.
- Spend some time brainstorming. Think about what your guests will enjoy and what fits your style. Make a list of everything you want to do and what's important to you in your wedding. You can always narrow the list down.
- Once your decision on a destination and venue is made don't second guess yourself. Move full force ahead and let the planning begin!
- Create your own dedicated wedding website that showcases everything from the location, accommodations and details on the event. Share this website with your wedding guests so they can share in the excitement and plan their stay.
- Plan a few days after the wedding to just stay put. See your guests off and have your first moments alone as husband and wife to enjoy all the momentous occasions that just happened.
Final Words
Have fun and enjoy the big day!
