Along with the fun of guest lists and table plans, many couples are now taking on paying for and planning their own nuptials — everything from creating centrepieces to coming up with a signature cocktail, or even pre-cooking food for the event.
Sound stressful? It doesn’t have to be.
Marly Anderson of P.E.I.’s newest wedding venue, The Grand Victorian in Victoria, P.E.I., offered some tips for creating a less stressful wedding day, as did Maribeth Roberts of Clinton Hills Weddings and Events in Clinton, P.E.I., and some of you, via Facebook.
“I have been married five years and still remember the perfect memories of our day, also remembering the things I stressed about that did not matter,” recalls Anderson.
“Take a minute to yourself before walking down the aisle and breathe — your day will go by like a flash. Enjoy it and have fun!” she said.
1. Hire a day-of coordinator
People feel the “pressure of having that dream wedding,” said Anderson.
Both Anderson and Roberts advise hiring a day-of coordinator to look after everything so the couple or their families don’t have to.
“Money well spent so you have the good memories and the other stuff is looked after,” said Anderson.
2. Keep plans minimal
“Try to keep your schedule clear the morning of the wedding,” advises Roberts. “Stick to the absolutes like hair and make up but don’t try to plan too much.”
3. Ditch the phone
Ditch your phone on your wedding day, advises Roberts, so you can enjoy the day.
4. No peeking
Don’t check in on the venue beforehand,” advises Roberts. Couples may be tempted to jump in and tweak the work in progress.
Clinton Hills’s rustic barn nestled in quiet, rolling green hills relaxes guests and wedding parties, owner Maribeth Roberts says. (Submitted by Maribeth Roberts)
“You’ve planned everything for this moment, let the professionals do the rest,” she stressed.
5. Delegate tasks
“Delegate tasks to family and friends you do not have to do it all yourself,” advises Roberts. “People want to help, they just need to know what to do!”
6. Don’t strive for perfection
“Don’t read any bridal magazines! They perpetuate a standard of perfection that isn’t possible in reality,” urged P.E.I. writer and blogger Paige Matthie, who wed Richard Campanaro last summer.
‘Stay in check as a couple,’ reminds Marly Anderson of The Grand Victorian, recalling her own wedding day a few years ago. (Submitted by Marly Anderson)
“Plan your wedding just like you would a good party, with a few more logistical details thrown in, and stay on budget,” she urged. Matthie and her groom got married at home and kept things simple.
“You can’t control everything, zippers will break, flowers girls/ring bearers may not go down the aisle, what matters is the marriage — not that a candle didn’t get lit,” added Roberts.
