Twelve wedding professionals--photographers, cake makers, reception hall managers, caterers, bridal shop owners,
wedding coordinators, hotel managers, and others, have seen every problem that can occur. Here are some important tips
from each one of them to help your wedding and reception go smoothly.
Problem: I can't find the bridesmaids gowns in the colors to match my theme! I've tried all the gown shops. Everything must coordinate--the decor, the flowers, the bridesmaids dresses. If you find the perfect set of bridesmaides dresses at a price that makes your friends happy, remember that there are many ways they can be worked into your theme. Choose the flowers last--they're the most easily changeable to match the dresses. And they don't have to fit anyone. Make sure the bridal party is taken care of first. Everything revolves around that. Choose the tuxes last. There are fewer colors to worry about and they are easier to coordinate.--Emily Ennis, Bridesmaids and More.
Problem: Everyone has a different idea on where to put the cake! Always set the cake up in a location where the guests are going to notice it. Pay special attention to what's behind it, since the background will show up in all the photos that your guests and your photographer will take. Choose a cake that is so delicious that your guests will always remember it--smell and taste are two of the strongest senses that we have and they will create a long lasting memory for them.--Beth Ann Osborne, Maribelle Cakery.
Problem: I'm having an outdoor wedding and the weather is getting worse every day! Should I have looked for a reception hall? I have seen so many outdoor weddings ruined by a sudden downpour, and am continually amazed by how many brides plunge on ahead with no backup plan, blithely hoping that their wedding will be the sunny one. Always rent a tent for the occasion. If tent rental just isn't in your budget, then, at the very least, rent a small, gazebo-style tent for the bridal party. If it looks like bad weather, most of your guests will think to bring umbrellas.--Tim Prues, Park Board wedding coordinator.
Problem Prevention: Never depend on your friends for pictures--make it happen! Put a disposable camera on each table at your reception, then email your photos to your guests after the wedding, or put your favorite photos up on your own web page and email them the address of the page. Even if the guests bring their own camera, you won't believe how many people will forget to share the pictures with you, or be too embarassed to show them if they don't turn out well.--Ron Miller, wedding photographer.
Problem: I'm afraid people will get bored because I don't have enough food. Food isn't about eating, its about socializing. Keep the food coming in waves so that people aren't just sitting and waiting for a meal. If there's a constant flow of little things to eat, people won't get bored. Don't forget a few vegetarian dishes since there are so many people nowadays who don't eat meat.--Fred Corteau, caterer.
Problem Prevention: Always assign one waiter exclusively to the bride and groom.-- Maureen O'Reilly, wedding planner.
Problem: I think my wedding reception hall is too plain. If the lighting is too bright, everyone will be tense, tired, and uncomfortable. Turn out all the electric lights before the guests get there. Candles are incredibly cheap and a couple on each table will go a long way. You won't believe the difference in mood it will make. Often, it will turn a run-of-the-mill room into fairy-tale elegance. Use a small flood to spotlight the cake at the proper moment. --Jamie Pinnock, lighting technician.
Problem: It looks like we didn't spend much on the reception. Table linens, napkins, china, silverware, and glass are a must. They are also quite inexpensive compared to the bang you will get from using them. Nothing makes a wedding look cheaper than plastic cutlery and plates. They belong at a picnic, not a wedding. -- Candace Shelton, hotel manager.
Problem: One of my bridesmaids hates the bridesmaid dresses. You will never please all of your bridesmaids when you choose their gowns. There is always one who will hate whatever you choose--usually your sister. Pick what you like, it's your wedding. --JoAnn Tomasula, European Bridal.
Problem: I'm afraid no one will notice my jewelry. Pay attention to the details. It's the little things your guests will always remember, not the big picture. No gown, no matter how wonderful, will look complete without the accessories--veil, tiara, jewelry, along with a matching purse for the reception. You may have the tallest cake or the most lavish flower arrangements in history, but your guests will remember how the diamond tiara matched the sparkle in your eye, or how the pearl tiara brought out the small details in your veil or gown.--Lindsay Brown, Isabelle Tiaras.
Problem: My fiance doesn't want to take dance lessons. Make him do it! It's a skill that will last you a lifetime. You'll have to force your fiancé to take the lessons with you (pretending he hates dance lessons is a guy thing) but he will end up loving it. Let him know that it isn't just about dancing, its about how you look. A good teacher will teach you how to walk out on the dance floor, and how to stand there while you're waiting for the music to start, so you will look like you know what you're doing. The rest, the dancing, is just faking it.--Larry Brown, tango dancer.