Author: Olga Pomeransky

Olga is manager at Best for Bride since 2005. Currently Best for Bride operates 4 bridal stores in Canada (Toronto, Etobicoke, Hamilton and Barrie). Best for Bride sells wedding, bridesmaids, mob dresses and more. http://www.BestForBride.com
Posted on by — 2 Comments

Do’s and Don’ts for beach-bound brides

You are one lucky lady if your nuptials are to be at a beach. Whether it is at a faraway exotic locale or a tropical beach closer to home, this is easily one of the best wedding venues there is. Romance permeates the air, as nature forms a beautiful canvas for your wedding. Your guests will enjoy the holiday experience, even as they frolic and have fun in the sand and sea.

Nonetheless, planning a beach wedding has its own set of challenges. You have to account for various factors that are not present in other venues. The warm and humid environment can cause a fair share of makeup, hair and dress issues for beach brides. Fortunately, you can look gorgeous and plan a successful wedding day with a few helpful tips.

Here is our list of Do’s and Don’ts for the different things you should keep in mind when you are a beach-bound bride.

DO consider the weather at the time of your wedding

The weather at a beach isn’t warm and humid all-year around. Beach weather can also be dry, windy, with showers at various times of the year. Depending on the destination you pick, it is a good idea to do some research on the weather that will be present at the time of your wedding. If the beach will be windy, adjust your outfit, makeup and hairstyle to suit the weather. Consider accessorizing with a stole, wrap or jacket if it gets too cold. Also pick a hairstyle that keeps hair away from your face, and the wind won’t be a problem.

DON’T forget to choose the right fabric

Traditional wedding dress fabrics like organza and silk aren’t the best choices for beach weddings. They can weigh you down, show sweat and become shabby in the sand at a beach. So, it is wise to stay away from these types of fabrics. Instead, choose light and airy fabrics like chiffon for your wedding dress. These blend in beautifully with the setting, are comfortable to wear and convenient to carry. Other fabrics to consider are voile, organza and tulle. For more information on wedding dress fabrics, take a look at this article on the Brides website. Also make sure that the fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily. Your dress will be put through a lot of wear and tear. So, avoid fabrics like cotton and linen that wrinkle easily.

DO pick the right silhouette

The dress silhouette you choose has a huge impact on your overall bridal look. The right silhouette will flatter your best features and help you look gorgeous. When your wedding is at the beach, don’t let the location limit your choices. If you start your search early, you will have time to find a dress that looks great on you while being right for the beach. So, start by identifying the best silhouettes for your body type. Then find a dress that fits the bill. For help on identifying the best wedding dress silhouettes for your body type, visit this article on the Huff Post website. 

DON’T overlook the importance of picking the right white

One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor venue is that your photographer can make the most of natural lighting. This is a wonderful thing. However, it also means that your dress may look different in this light from how you would expect it to look in artificial lighting. Consider this aspect when choosing the shade of white. Eliminate any likely issues by simply ensuring that the dress looks good in natural light, prior to the purchase. Make sure that you pick the right white for your complexion, so it flatters your skin tone. Here is some information on this subject at the Knot website, that may come in handy. 

DO keep the skirt simple

Trust me when I say that it is no fun walking around in a dress that drags in the sand. Intricate details in the hemline and train can easily attract dirt and have sand stuck to it. This can be difficult to clean afterwards. So, keep the skirt of your dress simple and avoid such problems. It will be easier to move around in a light, airy skirt. Additionally, it will also look fresh and clean throughout the day, when the skirt of your dress is simple. If you must have an embellished wedding gown, choose a dress with details in the bodice and waistline for best results.

DON’T forget to look out for the sun

Since your wedding is in the outdoors, it is natural that you will spend hours in the sun. So don’t forget to protect yourself well. Use adequate amount of a broad spectrum sunscreen on all exposed parts of your body, to stay sun-safe. Pick makeup with sun protection for best results. Also account for the effect of the sun when you choose the colors of your makeup. The natural light will emphasize pinks and corals. So, pick them judiciously to sport a natural look. It is best to keep the makeup light, and just emphasize your features for the best result.

DON’T forget about issues associated with transporting your dress

Unless your venue is near to where you stay, you will have to travel with your wedding dress. It isn’t easy to transport a gown that is heavy, has intricate embellishments or is prone to wrinkling. Such factors can damage your dress. So, pick a dress that travels well and you can eliminate likely issues. We suggest that you choose from collections that are specifically tailored for destination weddings. Such gowns will be easy to pack, transport and restore to original condition with minimum effort once you reach the destination.

DON’T overlook the importance of your accessories

 

Most beach brides opt for simple wedding dresses for their beach weddings. However, this doesn’t mean they have to compromise on their bridal look because of the simplicity of the dress. The right choice of accessories will help you look gorgeous. Pick colored gemstone jewelry for a pop of color. Or indulge in extra bling to sparkle on your special day. The best part of choosing jewelry with sparkling stones is that they reflect the natural light and look stunning in the venue you chose. You can also go with pearl, coral or rustic natural stones for an earthy vibe.

DO use waterproof makeup

Waterproof makeup is an absolute must for your beach wedding. It will stay on despite the heat and keep your look fresh. Although you will have to touch-up your makeup at regular intervals throughout the day, waterproof makeup reduces the frequency of this task. It is very important to use waterproof eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow. This will help your eye makeup stay on, even if you shed copious tears of joy. Choose colors like brown, navy and olive instead of black in your eye colors, for a sun-kissed effect.

DO remember that humidity will affect your locks

Hair and humidity don’t always go together. Beaches have high humidity levels, and this can affect how frizzy your hair becomes. Keep this factor in mind when you plan your wedding day hairstyle. If your hair tends to frizz up when the air is moist, keep your hairstyle simple and collected. This will help you look fresh throughout the day. If your tresses aren’t affected by humid environments, feel free to choose any hairstyle that you desire. Avoid too many styling products that will weigh your hair down, as these can ruin your look. A sleek and polished hairstyle may also look out of place in the cool, relaxed environment of a beach. Consider these factors when choosing your hairdo for the day.

DON’T pick the wrong footwear

The uneven nature of the sand and turf at a beach make heels totally unsuitable for the occasion. Even if you have a wooden or cemented walkway for the ceremony, you will be walking in the sand at some time of the day. So, ditch the heels and go barefoot. Adorn your feet with the choicest accessories, like anklets, to dress your feet in style. Or step up your style with bridal flip flops or stylish sandals customized for the occasion.

DON’T overdo the tan

Sun-kissed brides look wonderful. Nonetheless, tan with caution. It is easy to go overboard and this can ruin all your makeup plans. Fake tanning lotions and spray-on tans are a big mistake when your wedding is at the beach. These take on a garish orange hue in pictures, and can make you look funny. So, if you must tan, do it in the safe and recommended way. Build up the faux glow by using the right products and obtaining the color gradually. For a detailed account of the ideal options to consider when your wedding is around the corner, visit this article on the Knot website. 

DO remember to stay hydrated

The salty air in the beach environment can affect your skin texture. So moisturize well before you set out for the beach. It is equally important to stay hydrated on the inside too. Refresh yourself by sipping on water and other liquids throughout your stay at the venue. This will keep your skin looking fresh and compensate for the loss of moisture in the salty environment. If you have oily skin, it is likely that you will find it excessively oily in the natural environment. Make use of the blotting paper in your emergency kit to avoid this. More on what you should pack into this day-of emergency kit is available in this previous post.

DO choose the right flowers

If flowers are a priority in your décor, make sure you pick the right blooms. Unlike other venues, the beach environment doesn’t favor all flowers. You will have to consider the heat and direct sunlight that will affect their life span. Discard the idea of any thin, fragile flowers that wilt quickly. You need hardy blossoms that hold their shape and last fresh for longer. Good choices are orchids and chrysanthemums. Incorporate flowers that can tolerate the environmental condition into your décor and accessories. The other option is to go for artificial flowers made from fabric or paper.

DON’T skip a beautiful head accessory

Your hairstyle and headpiece are the crowning glory of your bridal look. In your attempt to look cool and casual, don’t overlook the importance of picking the right hair accessories to complete your look. Whether it is a nature inspired floral crown, a glittering tiara or a simple head band, make sure you explore your options and pick the one that is right for your setting. And if you love veils, don’t hesitate to wear one for your wedding day. The ideal veil for this setting is one with with a lace trim. The trim will add weight to the veil and help it stay in place, even when the weather is windy.

Although planning a wedding on the beach can seem like a lot of work, it is beautiful when you do it right. Just think of how apt the symbolism of nature is to your marriage. As the sun and the ocean join each other in blissful harmony at your beautiful venue, so do you and your partner come together to celebrate life as husband and wife.

Best for Bride is the perfect place to find your dream dress for a romantic beach wedding. From lightweight chiffon gowns to airy voile dresses and sexy mermaid gowns, we have a vast array of options for you to choose from. Visit us in-store or head over to our online gallery today to see what you love. And book your appointment today, so we can help you choose the dress of your dreams.

Posted on by — 15 Comments

Pros and Cons of Different Wedding Venues [2024]: Everything You Need To Know

Pros and Cons of Different Wedding Venues Everything You Need To Know

The overall impact of your wedding depends on the venue you pick. This is because your choice of location affects the theme, décor, lighting and other aspects of your wedding. It even affects your dress decision to a great extent. Hence, the venue decision isn’t one to take lightly. In fact, it is one of the first wedding planning decisions that every couple should make.

From indoor venues like barns, banquet halls and castles to outdoor venues like beaches and gardens, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, there are so many factors to consider when choosing your wedding venue. These include the following

  • Your budget
  • Expected number of guests
  • Accessibilty of location
  • Desired wedding theme
  • Style of wedding
  • Weather at the time of wedding
Continue reading Pros and Cons of Different Wedding Venues [2024]: Everything You Need To Know
Posted on by — 2 Comments

Beyond the Bouquet: 12 Actions to Shine as the Ultimate Bridesmaid!

bridal party

 

Weddings bring out the best and the worst in people. The bride, for one, will be under a lot of stress with planning the umpteen details for her wedding day. So, if you have signed up to be a bridesmaid, this is a time when you can expect to see your friend’s true colors.

Numerous brides have ended up with straining relationships with their bridesmaids as a result of wedding planning. This is unfortunate, as it doesn’t take much to avoid such situations. However, there are also many cases where brides and bridesmaids grew closer than they already were, by the end of a wedding. So, this basically depends on how both parties handle the situation.

As a bridesmaid, this is the right time for you to extend your help and support to the bride. After all, she considers you important and this is why she included you in her bridal party. It would be a kind and welcome gesture if you could extend your assistance to the bride in any way possible. Whether she accepts it or not, your proposal of help suggests you will be by her side, cheering her along.

Here are some of the ways bridesmaids can help brides, as they plan their wedding. If you are soon to be a bridesmaid, read on to see how you can be a valuable asset to your friend, as she plans her wedding day!

1.Take up responsibility

Wedding planning involves so many details. So it is certain you can find an area in which you can contribute. Don’t wait for the bride to delegate duties or request your assistance. Take the initiative to find out what you can do. If you have limited time to spare, choose a task that fits in with your busy schedule. Or if you have talents that can help the bride with her wedding details, offer help in that area.

If you are crafty, you could help with DIY details like wedding favors or décor. Or if you have planned your own wedding, offer to help the bride sort out her wedding planning timeline. Anything from going shopping with her to helping the bride choose her wedding colors, theme or favors to addressing invitations, checking vendor reviews or even scouting for the dress will be of help to the bride. For a comprehensive list of bridesmaids duties, take a look at this article on the Knot website.

2.Try to accommodate the bride’s needs

When you sign up to be a bridesmaid, you should also prepare to accept responsibilities related to the wedding. The bride may want you to go shopping with her, co-ordinate matters with other bridesmaids or simply as a sounding board. Don’t brush off her needs saying you have a tight schedule. Find time to assist and support your friend for this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Make free time in your schedule and take on responsibilities she assigns you. This may sometimes require you to make small sacrifices. Remember that your effort will be worth it, when she will also find a way to return the favor when your turn comes.

3.Make her bridal shower real fun

Since you are responsible for the hen party/ bridal shower, try your level best and make it fun and memorable for your friend. After all the tedious tasks and hectic wedding planning, this is an occasion when your friend can sit back, relax and enjoy herself. It is also a welcome respite for her when she can engage in a party that she doesn’t plan herself.

Although you can easily whip up a party with little effort, do minimum decorations and order food that everyone will enjoy, it isn’t really fair towards the bride. She will certainly appreciate it if you let her have her moment and a little effort from your side can make a huge difference. Round up the rest of the bridesmaids and do some brainstorming. Get creative, involve yourselves in some DIY tasks and plan a party with plenty of personal touches that will mean a lot to the bride. Find all that you need to plan the perfect bridal shower in this article on the Huff Post.

4.Help her with her all-important wedding dress decision

Most brides see the inside of a wedding dress boutique for the first time after engagement. So, shopping for their wedding dress can be overwhelming with hundreds of available options. Add to it the fact that wedding dress shopping comes with its own dictionary of terms, don’t be surprised if your friend is confused and nervous about the whole thing.

If you are already equipped with the knowledge of how wedding dress shopping goes, share your ideas with her. You may come across useful information in magazines or online. Collect them and give them to your friend so she can use it. If she invites you to go wedding dress shopping, try to find out her preferences. Encourage her to make the right decision. Remember that this is her choice. So keep her best interests in mind when you make suggestions and recommendations. Be on her side if the rest of the entourage are opinionated and tend to confuse her.

5.Be sensitive around the bride

Wedding planning can cause nervousness and exhaustion to such an extent, that even a cool-headed woman can turn into a Bridezilla. Many friendships and relationships have suffered irreparable losses due to wedding planning stress. While it is up to the bride to try and stay sane during all the wedding planning, there is a lot you can do to help her take it in her stride. Understand that your friend has a lot on her plate. So, try to overlook it when she seems unreasonable. Remember that this phase will pass. Listen to her and help her stay optimistic. Check in on her when she is under undue stress and help her when she needs someone.

6.Go with the flow

Although your friend may ask your opinion on every single wedding planning aspect, do not feel offended or disappointed if she doesn’t use your suggestions. Be honest with your opinions, but don’t patronize. As the bride, she will have her own vision and will have thought of her wedding a thousand times in her head. So, she will likely pick ideas that blend in with her overall vision. Don’t take it personally if your ideas don’t appeal to her. It could just be that she doesn’t think it fits in with her idea of how the day should be. It isn’t because she doesn’t value your opinion or asks just for the sake of it. Remember that it is her special day. All you can do is offer help that she may or may not take.

7.Be proactive with your responsibilities

There will be a lot of responsibility on your shoulders before, during and after the wedding day. The bride counts on you to make all these things happen on time. Take responsibility and do things punctually and with perfection. If she specifies a deadline for a task, make your plans so this deadline is met. Always double-check with the bride in case of doubt. Your timely help is crucial. So, don’t procrastinate and delay things unnecessarily. Be proactive and assist the rest of the bridal party with their tasks if you have the time for it. Your involvement and support will lend a positive atmosphere to the wedding planning, and the bride will surely appreciate it.

8.Prepare to handle pre-wedding jitters

Don’t be surprised if the bride is too stressed out and suffers from pre-wedding blues. Remind her that this is normal and only because she is stressed. Don’t dismiss her when she comes to discuss her fears and anxiety. Convince her that all will be well, and that you will support her through it. The bridal party can always plan a surprise girls evening for the bride to unwind and put aside her wedding planning stress for a while. The wedding eve is when a stressed-out bride is most susceptible to pre-wedding jitters. Prepare yourself and handle this sensibly and make her last day as an unmarried woman pleasant and memorable.

9.Adjust well with the team

You will not be the only person in the bridal party. With the bride picking friends and family members to support her as bridesmaids, you must work alongside women of different personalities. This can sometimes lead to conflicts. If the group is large, striking a rapport with the different members becomes important. Since you should work together to plan the bridal shower and to coordinate on the wedding day, compromise and adjustment become necessary. Disagreements are normal but don’t take it too far and ruin the bride’s peace of mind. Respect each other’s space and stay away from arguments that can get out of hand.

10.Be prepared for emergencies

Emergencies of various natures can crop up anytime during the wedding. This can quickly throw the wedding plans off-balance and create stressful situations for the bride. As her pillar of support, be prepared for such situations, step in and help however you can. You can also prepare for certain likely issues, well in advance. Consider packing an emergency kit with items like safety pins, chalk, tissues, blotting paper, and hair pins that may come in handy at any time on the wedding day. Also consider warning your bride about likely trouble situations like weather problems, if you foresee a likely problem. A list of common emergencies and how to tackle them are available here on the Bride Box.

11.Don’t complain or be snarky

We get it if you do not agree with the bridesmaid dress choice or are unhappy with your friend’s wedding planning decisions. Remember that it is her wedding and her decision and you ought to respect it. If something makes you really uncomfortable, like perhaps the chosen dress style, tell the bride about it. However, could you keep it to the point? Accept it if she prefers to stick with her choice. It is just a matter of one day. Go with it, and rest assured, you will not suffer any permanent damage because of it.

12.Don’t embarrass the bride

You don’t want to be that bridesmaid who gives the bride nightmares. Unfortunately, few women realize the trouble they cause their friends by simply voicing out unwarranted opinions and advice, spilling wedding plans and going overboard with drinking at the wedding. Act sensibly and know your limits. You will participate in several celebrations, like the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and reception. Please don’t do anything that will make the bride regret her decision to make you bridesmaid. She has enough stress to handle as it is; you do not want to add to it in any way.

Bridesmaids have a very important role in a wedding. However, it comes with various important responsibilities. Appreciate the gesture of your friend, who values your support and invited you to be part of her special day. She deserves your presence, guidance and assistance as she plans the biggest event in her life. Use this opportunity to be a good friend and make her day extra special with your personal efforts. As you look back on this experience in the future, it will be filled with special memories and a sense of accomplishment.

For bridesmaid dresses that are perfect for the occasion, don’t forget to look at our vast inventory of dresses for the bridal party. Available in every color, dress style and size, there is something for everyone. So, why don’t you browse through it and pitch in when the bride invites suggestions for the dresses for her best friends? Click here to see what we have in store.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Do’s and Don’ts when planning a Large Wedding

A wedding, whether small or large, is an affair that involves hundreds of details. Even an intimate wedding, in which just the couple and their close family and circle of friends participate, has its fair share of challenges. So, you can imagine how much more complicated it is when you must plan a bigger wedding.

Typically, a large wedding is one where the guest count exceeds 200. If your guest count touches this number, you will have more work planning your wedding. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when you intend to have a large wedding of this nature.

DO book a venue that can accommodate your guests comfortably

While you still have the challenge of finding a venue that fits your budget, it is also important to find one that will fit your guests. Not only should the venue have space to hold so many people, but it should also have adequate facilities to make them comfortable during their stay there.

The venue should have enough space to seat all the guests during the wedding and reception. It should also have a sufficient number of washrooms to meet the needs of your guests. Apart from the ample parking space, the dance floor should be large enough so your guests can dance comfortably.

Ideal choices are banquet halls, museums, castles, and outdoor venues like parks or beaches. You should visit the venue before you commit to it. Seeing it is the only way to recognize whether it is right for your needs.

DO analyze and fix issues which can cause queues at the venue

Always consider the likelihood of long lines at the bar or bathroom. Analyze whether your venue has enough facilities to meet the needs of the number of guests attending your wedding. Your guests will find it inconvenient if it takes them forever for their turn at the washroom. Similarly, they won’t appreciate waiting indefinitely to get their chosen drink, at the bar.

Consider these factors in detail when you plan your wedding. If the venue has limited facilities, consider how you can alleviate issues. Simply arranging an extra lot of portable restrooms at an outdoor facility will help you overcome these issues. You can also have two separate bar setups at either end of your reception space to distribute the crowd evenly. Discuss your options with the venue manager and figure out the right fixes before the event.

DON’T cut down on what is most important to you

There is no question that a big wedding will be more expensive than a small one. However, this doesn’t mean you should cut down on what you love. Instead, redistribute your budget to include what you must have at your wedding. You can always let go of certain factors or choose cheaper options for what is less important.

Here is an interesting idea on this post on A Practical Wedding. This couple decided to save on centerpieces and elaborate florals, which can quickly add up to several hundreds of dollars. Instead, they had a cocktail-style party, where everyone could move around and socialize throughout the evening. Since there was no need for a strict seating arrangement, in this case, they went with simple tabletop arrangements and saved a huge amount of their budget this way.

DO remember that you still have to meet and greet all your guests

Whether it is a big wedding or a small one, you have to abide by some etiquette rules. This includes how essential it is to say hello to all the people who made the effort to participate in your wedding. Schedule enough buffer time in your wedding day timeline to accommodate this need. Set aside at least two minutes per guest, and it should work well.

Since waiting at a receiving line isn’t usually practical for this huge number of guests, it is a better idea to plan the day so you have opportunities to socialize and meet and greet everyone. Well-wishing guests will understand the practical problems you face with meeting all your guests. So, they shouldn’t complain if you couldn’t meet them personally. Nonetheless, it is best if you try to greet all there and avoid such a situation.

DO consider hiring help

While you can always attempt to pull off a big wedding by yourself, it is a Herculean task. With the number of details involved, you need plenty of time to do this right. Also, remember that even small tasks will involve time because of the sheer volume of work involved. Imagine addressing your invitations to 200 guests, and you will realize the time that it will require. Similarly, every small detail will quickly add up in terms of time and energy.

Professional wedding planners have enough resources and staff to handle such weddings. They can make your job much easier, and save you a lot of stress. Even if you intend to do everything yourself, consider hiring a day-of bridal planner. While he or she tackles the numerous responsibilities of the day, you can sit back and actually enjoy your wedding. Additionally, wedding planners can get you valuable vendor discounts, which is a big win in the case of a large wedding. More details on how you can make the most of their expertise to snag a bargain are here on this Brides website article. 

DO try to skip the little extras

Unless you have a budget that cannot be extinguished easily, it is wise to skip the little extras when planning a big wedding. Although these items will help make your wedding unique, they can also quickly add up with the extended headcount. For instance, you will run up several extra dollars if you decide to send out Save-the-date cards in addition to wedding invitations. Similarly, special touches like calligraphy, monograms and personalized wedding favors will be expensive unless you DIY.

Rather than splurging on these items, it is better to save your budget for the more essential parts of the wedding. Better quality food and drinks, for example, will be more appreciated than these elements.

DO consider repurposing and reusing items to take your budget further

Certain items at a wedding are non-negotiable, like flowers. However, they are expensive as well. To get the best bargain on such items, we suggest that you consider using them to the greatest extent possible.

Take the advice of event planner Kristen in this article on the She Knows website.  You can get your money’s worth for the flowers at your wedding by putting them to more than just one use. Take the flowers off your arbor and use them in centerpieces. Or put your bridesmaids bouquets into vases and use them at your cocktail table after the ceremony.

All you need is an organized friend or professional planner to handle these details. It will save you more money than if you have to use more flowers for the purpose. And, more importantly, it will also lessen scope for wastage of wedding resources. Other options are to choose centerpieces that double up as wedding favors and choosing non-perishable décor items that you can reuse after the wedding.

DO consider a bigger bridal party

Consider yourself lucky if you have a number of friends and family members who want to be closely involved in the wedding. With a little tact and foresight, you can use their help to the most at your wedding. The benefits of having a bigger bridal party are immense. This gives you more people who will assist you on and before the wedding day. For a bigger wedding party, this means you have many hands to help you handle the various details.

Your bridesmaids and ushers will be valuable in helping guests find their way around, on the day of the wedding. They can also assist with tasks like helping the photographer round up the right people for each wedding shot. You can request their assistance with setting up the venue, distributing favors and meeting and greeting guests. Nonetheless, the extent of success will also depend on the personalities of the people in your party. Choose wisely, and enlist the help of each person for tasks they are best suited for.

DO allow enough time between events

The logistics of planning a successful wedding timeline can be challenging when you have a huge wedding party. The flow of the event will be affected by the number of people there. Although this can be sorted out to a great extent by making multiple arrangements for dining and washroom facilities, it may not be enough.

We also suggest you plan your wedding timeline at a relaxed pace, with more buffer time for special moments. This will allow people to move to settle in comfortably and be ready for the next event on the timeline. Avoid packing in a tight schedule and make sure you consider the distance and space they have to maneuver to be in place for the next important part of the day. This will ensure your wedding timeline progresses as expected and that the day winds up on time.

DON’T risk booking unreliable vendors

Whether your wedding is big or small, unreliable vendors can totally ruin the show. Nonetheless, the chance of fixing a goof-up is tougher when the guest count is higher. It is simply impossible to find a replacement at short notice who can cater to such a large crowd without prior notice. This can end up as an emotional and stressful disaster, and spoil all the fun of your special day.

Hence, make sure that every vendor you hire for your wedding is reliable and has always delivered the service they promise to. Apart from online reviews, also ask for references before you commit to a contract. If you have a wedding planner, he or she will be able to suggest reliable vendors for various jobs. They will also have likely alternatives if any of the plans go south. Finally, ensure your vendor contracts contain practical solutions as emergency plans, in case of cancellations at the last minute. Make sure you can work with their solutions before you decide to be optimistic and sign up for the service.

DON’T forget to account for all the extras

There are many extras that you may miss adding to your budget. Many couples overlook factors like tipping and gratuity, wedding dress alteration charges, extra costs at the venue for service, etc, when planning their budget. Although some of these may seem insignificant, it can quickly add up when you consider the headcount at your wedding.

So, make sure you discuss all overheads before you book a service. Also, calculate these factors so you can create a practical budget. When booking a service, mention to the vendor what your total budget is, so they can direct you to the service accordingly. Also, don’t hesitate to cross-check and ask whether you will have to pay anything above and over the mentioned amount to get the service you book.

All said and done, your wedding is a special celebration of the day you and your partner become husband and wife! It is a special moment, that should be celebrated with all those who matter in your life. If this means having a big wedding, so be it! The challenges pale in comparison with the joy of the celebration. Just make sure that every moment counts, you stand by every decision you make and enjoy this special day in your life.

For all that you need for your wedding day, from your all-important wedding dress to dress alterations, attires for the bridal party, wedding favors and more, come visit our Best for Bride shop. With four locations and an impressive inventory of everything wedding-related, every modern bride can find all that she needs for her special day. Find more details about our wedding dress collections, services, and more at the Best for Bride website here.

Save