The big day is on the way—congratulations!
Wait—has panic set in? Worried what to do to make sure you don’t turn into bridezilla while planning one of the most important days of your life? Relax, our friends at Vickers Restaurant are here to help.
First, pass off this advice on Dos and Don’ts for a Memorable Bridal Shower to your bridesmaids. Then, have your other half drop these helpful Tips for Planning the Ultimate Rehearsal Dinner (or Welcome Party!) to the appropriate people (usually the groom’s parents).
Now, get out your to-do list and let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Vickers recommends the following to sail through planning your special day:
Ask for Help
It is absolutely your day and you should have it your way (with a few suggestions from your future spouse, of course). But, that doesn’t mean you have to do it all. Delegate tasks to bridesmaids, well-meaning friends and family. Offload everything you can and get comfortable asking for help (it gets easy to do—we promise). Others can set up the appointment for scoping out bridesmaids’ dresses; gather recommendations for bands, DJs and florists; seek out cool ideas for seating cards and favors … any up-front fact-finding, really.
Check Your Budget Early—and Often
You’ve set a budget: now embrace it. If you and your partner are footing the bill, then make no decision about the budget alone. If someone else is paying, then you absolutely owe them the courtesy of a discussion if you find an “oh-my-goodness-must-have” item. Keep track in a spreadsheet or handy budget calculator like this one from The Knot, and log everything you buy the minute you spend the money. Remember: couples that keep an eye on the budget avoid last-minute impulse purchases (and bigger bills).
Manage Your List with an Iron Fist
Be strong, wedding couple! You’re going to get requests to invite Cousin Bertha (six times removed), that old buddy from grade school (whom you haven’t seen since 5th grade) and so-and-so’s old friend from back in the day. If you’re handling the full wedding expense, then get comfortable just saying no. We didn’t say it would be easy, but your budget will dictate the number of guests, so work with your mate (and a trusted family member) to cull that list down. You can do that in a spreadsheet, too, or The Knot’s easy guest list manager. Not paying for the wedding? If the financier wants Cousin Bertha, then it looks like she’s coming.
Feel Good About Flowers
Nothing says you have to have traditional flowers—unless that’s what you say. Super trendy right now are decorating and adorning with lots of flowers, and seasonal at that. Take creative license and choose fun flowers that match your bridesmaids’ dresses, decor, favors, menu—the sky’s the limit. Want a fresh flower crown? It’s in, and it’s your wedding, so do it.
Choose Food for All Tastes
You absolutely don’t have to survey the masses before you select your menu. However, it is smart to offer something for those who have common food allergies or restrictions. Consider a vegan and gluten-free entree or buffet option (vegan covers any dairy issues) that’s also free of peanuts. Remember to have similar fare during the cocktail hour, too. Ask your event planner to assist with this very commonplace request. Your food-sensitive guests will thank you!
Stock the Bar
Back to the budget! That will dictate what type of bar you offer, and for how long. It’s not unusual to see a beer, wine and signature cocktail bar (with plenty of soft drinks, of course). Yet many couples still love to offer a full bar at this, their first big family-and-friends party. Think outside the usual and customize to your heart’s content, just as you will with the food menu.
Make Time for You (and Your Fiancé)
Let’s face it: no matter how much help you have, it’s going to get hectic at times. Find time for yourself and time to spend with your fiancé, even if that means putting it on your calendars. Do whatever you enjoy most: hit the spa, grab dinner, check out a movie or take a walk. It’s all about decompressing and spending good times with the person you love. After all, isn’t that why you’re planning a wedding in the first place?
Vickers to the Rescue
Vickers knows parties! Its event experts have been planning celebrations of all sizes for four decades. In addition to taking care of the venue, food and drink details, Vickers can direct you to its trusted vendors—musicians, bands, DJs, florists, photographers, printers, hotels, limousines and artists—all of whom have negotiated excellent rates clients. It’s the reason Vickers has been the wedding authority for nearly half a century.
Find Vickers Restaurant at 192 E. Welsh Pool Rd. in Exton; phone: (610) 363-7998.
- Top two photos & "Love Is Sweet" photo: Ali & Paul Photography
- Outdoor reception & bride/groom photos: Spark Photography
- Wedding cake, table setting & placecard photos: Christopher Duggan
- Cocktail photo: Emily Ryan
