A.B.P. – Always Be Prepared.
I talked about this a little bit last week, when I mentioned making The Lists of Three (TM Liz). The first venue might not work out, so rather than go back to the drawing board, make sure you already have two more options in the pipeline. Practical, yes, but it’s also a good way to temper any disappointment you end up having. Managing your expectations is a big part of that. I always say that the first vendor you meet is not the only choice you have. And many times, you’re grateful for that!
Photo by Up Imagery, Flowers by Honey and Poppies
But it also extends to the rest of your wedding, too. Not just being prepared to meet a lot of vendors, but being prepared when you meet them. Dates and guest counts when you visit venues. Pictures of flowers and arrangements you like when you speak with florists. A preliminary count of how many out of town guests you’re going to have before you book your room block. A strapless bra and both high-heels and flats when you try on dresses. Three songs that you absolutely have to hear at your reception, so you can tell a D.J.
It’s true that you could figure out all of these at each meeting, or even after. Heck, a lot of bridal shops have bras and shoes you can borrow. But but it’s better if you bring it with you. I’ve sat in meetings with couples when the “No” and the “we haven’t thought about it” answers pile up in response to “How many/What Do you want” questions, right along with their stressed out expressions. You don’t have to have all the answers, just the basics.
Always be prepared. If your ceremony is outside, have a back-up plan if it rains. If your reception is going to be outside, have a rain plan and reserve heat lamps. Cover your bases. Find out where the nearest grocery and hardware stores are to your wedding, just in case. I have stories that you never want to hear. I bring along a huge emergency kit to every wedding, and it lives in my car every other day of the week, too. It is always better to have and not need, then need and not have. Always. It’s not paranoia, it’s, well…preparation.
What have you done in preparation to plan your wedding day? Do you have any questions on how to prepare for any part of it, or how not preparing bit you in the butt?? Let me know in the comments below. It happens to the best of us.
See you at the end of the aisle,
Lists of Three, that's brilliant, how did I miss that when you originally posted it? Love love love this idea.
It just makes it easier if you break it down. Lesson for life, as well.
I wasn't able to see the original post of the three list. Thanks for sharing this.
It was in that part about finding three venues and looking at them, and that three does't work, finding another three and looking at them. Like that.