7 Tips to Still Have Your Dream Wedding

Yes, you can still have the wedding of your dreams! And here’s how.

I really feel for all the Brides I’m working with and all couples getting married this Spring and Summer. You have already been asked to make so many changes in your day to day life since COVID- 19, and yet, you have one more unexpected change to make – to postpone your wedding.  To help make this change as smooth and stress-free as possible, I’ve selected 7 tips that will get you through this process.

Tip # 1

To keep your wedding date, change your plans to a small intimate wedding and you can always have a bigger reception during the off-season time when wedding venues cost less. Our daughter had a Court House wedding for her and her spouse then a destination ceremony in Cyprus – both a celebration and a vacation all rolled into one. Following this, we also had a small dinner here in Iowa once her husband received his Green Card. This format might sound expensive, however, but it wasn’t.  It gave all the family members a role in planning some of each celebration. One important step, if you’re planning a courthouse wedding is to share with your ideas with your Mom and ask her for help in the areas you need help, especially your wedding day look. It will help to make her feel included because many moms also dream about their daughter’s wedding day.

Tip # 2

I love to watch the HGTV show, Nate & Jeremiah by Design: Save My House. These design experts and dads, use their unique skills to help their clients save their homes from past renovation disasters. One of the strategies they use to help expand the budget is to call in favors. Sometimes this is hard to do, but I have found from my past experiences that most people love to return a favor. Look over your planning list and select 2-3 tasks that could be done by friends or extended family who you know will be easy to work with. It’s amazing to see the help that can come forth from past good deeds you or your family have done for others.

Tip # 3

Most of the brides that I’m working with for their veil and accessories have their gowns. So, I’m focusing on completing your wedding day look. If you have your gown and are looking for jewelry and other accessories, consider shopping in out of the ordinary places. Look at quality resale shops that specialize in wedding attire or vintage online stores. You could consider buying a handmade couture veil, headpiece, fascinator, or garter set. It’s a surprise to most brides who come to my shop that a couture handmade accessory normally costs less than a ready-made piece. As a bonus, your couture accessory is an exclusive design made just for you in its style, fit and embellishments. All of this is hand-selected by you, the bride.

Tip #4

Break the tradition of having a Bridal Party. Lots of cha-chings saved for the couple and both of your BFF’s. 

Tip # 5

Instead of renting decor compile a list of decor items you’d like for your venue and ask to borrow these items from family and friends. Bonus tip, these items could also be on your Bridal Registry and then used in your home after the wedding – a win-win!

Tip # 6

Ask your florist for design tips that go with the bouquet flowers you selected for your wedding. A florist is so talented in design and this can carry over into designing tablescapes, your ceremony, and reception spaces.

Tip # 7

 Even on a small budget, I’d suggest hiring a Day-of-Wedding Coordinator. They cost much less than a wedding planner and these savings can then be used for your honeymoon, your first home, or furnishings for that dream bedroom you’ve been waiting for for you and your spouse. A Dream Bedroom is a plus because it’s there for years beyond your wedding day and gives you as a couple, a retreat at the end of the day to relax, unwind and get a good night’s sleep. An added bonus for starting a successful marriage!

I hope one or more of these tips help you in replanning your wedding. I’m here for you! 

Other ways I can help are by phone consultation, video conference on zoom, or sending samples by mail for custom orders. I truly care about you and your wedding and I’d hope to hear from you soon.