Certainly one of the three adjectives a couple could choose would be: beautiful.
Planning a wedding means juggling tasks and managing things down to the smallest details. To help you pull off the biggest party you’ll ever throw, we asked various experts — from a caterer to a makeup artist — for some of their best tips. As for cutting that guest list, you’re on your own.
Stationer
“Set the tone with your invitation: It’s the first and most tangible thing your guests receive for your wedding. You are working hard to create a beautiful and fun, special day. So it’s important that your invitation reflects that same care and attention that you’re putting into the flowers, the food and the music. You want your guests to also have all the information they need, not just place and time, but directions, appropriate attire, additional activities and so on, so that the invitation also makes everything easy and informative.” Mel Morris, Lion in the Sun
A boldly colored letterpress invitation from Lion in the Sun.
Caterer
If you’re on a budget, “make sure you find a caterer that is creative and happy to make the numbers work for you. I have been doing a lot of upscale weddings where we do high-end appetizers to start, and then we have a fun barbecue for the main dinner.” Kate Economides, Tasty Plates Catering
Makeup artist
“First and foremost, find an artist who will give you that timeless look. Trendy makeup styles may not hold up in pictures over time. And when deciding on an artist, remember to think of lighting. If you go to a mall, the lighting will be totally different inside than outside. It is worth the money to invest in an artist who can come to you and check your makeup in all kinds of lighting.” Kim Poutre, Owner, Special Event Beauty
Personal trainer
“Planning a wedding can be a triple-decker stress sandwich with all the fixings. At least once a week, schedule a workout session as a couple with one major ground rule: no wedding talk. Hit up your favorite class, go for a bike ride in the park, book a joint session with a trainer. Whatever it is, it’ll bring you closer while getting you all sorts of sexy. Bring on the honeymoon!” Adam Rosante, Celebrity Fitness Trainer and Creator of The People’s Bootcamp
Wedding Planner
“I ask people to give me a few adjectives to describe the feel of their wedding. That helps me get in their head to see what they’re thinking overall. Really basic adjectives — soft, romantic, sophisticated, quirky, whimsical, casual. I think that’s a good idea for any couple.[It makes them think,] ‘What do I want to have?’ It helps [them] start to picture what it is that they want.”Ara Farnam,Rock Paper Scissors event planning
Photographer
“The most important thing for a photographer is time. People often don’t plan enough time in the day for pictures, and it can be a rushed affair. If you build time into your day, you can relax with your photographer, and you will love the results. The photographs are what you have left when the wedding is over, so you want to love them and have good memories of the experience.” Carly Abbott, Carly Abbot Photography
Dressmaker
“Make your first visit to the dressmaker on your own or with one of your very close friends or relatives. Having too many opinions often becomes overwhelming, as peoples’ opinions often focus on what they like for themselves. The process is far more effective when we can really focus on what works best for you. It is of utmost importance that [you and the dressmaker] have time to explore your personality and style. Once the process is narrowed down to two dresses, then you can have fun with a larger group for a final thumbs up.” Angelo Lambrou, dress designer
DJ
“Beware of a DJ who knows what they’re going to play for you before you even talk to them. Even if the music is popular, it’s not a good sign if the DJ doesn’t want to communicate with you, and that means they won’t bring those moments that make a wedding really special.” Julie Covello, aka DJ Shakey
