So, your best friend and love of your life proposed. You said yes. And together you set a date. The long list of what comes next may seem daunting, but, believe us, you’ll make it to that day in one piece and enjoy every minute of it. “You don’t have to do it all on your own,” says Shauna Carr of D. Lux Events and Florals in Spokane, WA (dluxflorals.com). “It’s your special day. Hire professionals who are experts and leave all the work for them.” Here are Shauna’s top tips and tricks for preparing for your wedding and making sure it is the best day ever – at least up until then.

» Set a Budget

The average cost of a wedding in 2019 was $33,000. You’re probably already aware of how much money you have to work with, but if you don’t know what a realistic wedding budget looks like, ask a professional. Then prioritize in the budget the things that are most important to you. Is it the food, the DJ, the flowers, your dress, or the photos?

» Have a Tent

One of the biggest wedding trends in 2021 was open air or outdoor weddings. However, the weather in the Inland Northwest can be highly unpredictable. I always recommend renting a backup tent at a venue that doesn’t have that option. Tents are also the new ballrooms and can be transformed with elaborate lighting, elegant drapery, and extravagant floral designs. This can be a big expense that you might not consider when looking for a venue.

» Hire a Professional

Couples often think they can do everything themselves, or Aunt Sally can help. The truth is that a wedding planner of day-of coordinator has the tools in their toolbox to solve any possible mishap that may happen. They have professional relationships with vendors and will hold those vendors to a different standard than nice Aunt Sally. And they can sort out the music if your DJ gets a flat and can’t make it to the reception.

» Choose Your Officiant NOW

I see many couples wait until the last minute to hire their officiant. They are then left choosing someone they don’t have a connection with or convincing their cousin to get ordained so they can get married. Sometimes this works out, but, trust, not all the time!

» Know Your Venue’s Details

Look closely over the contract and see what they do and don’t provide. Often, a cheaper venue won’t provide basic things like tables, chairs, and linens, which can add extra cost to an already tight budget. 

» Let’s Talk About Vendors

Know beforehand if a venue only allows certain vendors, or if you can choose the ones you want. This can also make a difference in your overall budget or might eliminate access to your favorite caterer. There are a lot of amazing vendors in the Inland Northwest, and a couple should never settle for less. Maybe compromise, but not settle. If, for some reason, you’re not satisfied with a vendor you chose, you have every right to fire them and move on. Feel free to ask all your vendors for referrals before hiring them to do a job. Taste the caterer’s food. Send flowers to your fiancé from the florist. Meet the photographer or get some family photos taken. Not all people are right for every job, for your job, and that’s ok. It may take a little time, but you can build a dream team that will make your wedding dreams a reality.

» Choosing the Right Food & Drink

This can be tricky. Do you have an open bar, a buffet, plated meals, appetizers, a cocktail hour? A lot of these choices are dictated by your budget, but this can also be one of the most expensive line items. A lot of catering companies have tastings that the bride and groom can attend. If you’re using a local restaurant as your caterer, go there beforehand and have a meal to make sure you love the food.

» Setting the Mood with Flowers

I think flowers are an important part of setting the mood and feel of a wedding. Determine how important the design aspect of your wedding is to you, then check out florists’ portfolios before choosing yours. Florists are artists. You can give 10 different florists the same flowers, and each will have a different spin on how to put them together. Costs often vary based on factors like what types of flowers you want, if they are in season, how big you want the arrangements and bouquets, and if you want focal pieces, such as arbors or chandeliers. Sit down and build a dream board that can provide a visual to your chosen florist and fulfill your expectations. 

» Gifts from Us to You

If you carry on the tradition of giving gifts to your wedding party, make them not only functional but also personal. Buy items that they might wear at the wedding, like a pair of earrings, a watch, a necklace, or an engraved pair of cufflinks. This is something special to commemorate your wedding, and it eliminates them having to buy one more thing. 

» That One Perfect Shot

There are three moments that I love to witness during a wedding. Number one is the first time a dad sees his daughter. Second is the first look between the bride and groom. And third is the moment when the bride walks down the aisle, and the groom and guests gasp at her pure beauty. If your photographer can capture these moments, the results will be priceless. 

» Extra, Extra, Extras

I feel like, regardless of your budget, you’re always going to pay for those extras. If you want those extras, save up! 

When it comes down to it, this is your day. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, guest, wedding party, or family. Enjoy every moment. It will be over in the blink of an eye. Whether small and intimate or large and elaborate, create a night you will remember. n

By S. Michal Bennett