Plan Ahead Now To Avoid Unnecessary Wedding Day Stress
You’d be amazed at how many things couples forget to plan for on their big day.
There is so much to remember when planning a wedding, and everyone reaches a point where they feel completely overwhelmed with information. So we thought that we’d lend a hand. As one of the leading wedding venues in Essex, we’ve seen plenty of big days unfold. Over the years, we’ve noticed that there are a few things that people do forget to organise in the run up to their big day. To prevent any stressful situations both now and on the big day, here are some things to bear in mind.
Make A Back-Up Plan
You’d be surprised at just how many couples don’t have a back-up plan in place for if the weather changes. Most couples like to make the most of the great outdoors on their wedding day and our grounds really are a stunning setting for pictures and celebrations. The Great British weather is notorious unreliable though. So be prepared for everyone needing to dash for cover. Luckily, our venue is just as gorgeous on the inside!
A Place To Store Gifts
A couple will receive lots of gifts on their big day, and often, they haven’t thought about where they are going to put them. To prevent a crisis of epic proportions at the end of the night, where gifts are scattered all over the venue, have a place ready to put them straight away. This could be in a secure container, the couple’s room, or a trusted guest’s car. Leave rummaging through them until the next day, when you won’t be distracted or a little tipsy!
Some Extra Chairs
Nothing will make guests feel more unwelcome or uncomfortable than a shortage of seats. Having somewhere comfortable to sit for the duration of the wedding is vital, especially once the dancing has begun! Always have more seats available than you think you’ll need, just in case any of your invitees say that they’re attending at the last minute.
Clear Directions
Nobody wants their guests to get lost trying to find the wedding party, so be sure to provide directions for them. Remember, not everyone is going to be as familiar with the venue and surrounding roads as you are. A few simple signs pointing the way will make the navigation process a lot easier, and a good place to start is from the car parking or vehicle drop off spots. This is especially important if the wedding is taking place in an area with poor mobile Internet coverage, as many people rely on mobile phone navigation.
A Guestbook
It’s so nice to remember who spent your special day with you, and a few handwritten messages from your guests will be the perfect accompaniment to your wedding photos. A guestbook is the best way of getting everyone to commit their sentiments to paper, but many couples forget to leave one out. So make sure that you have yours in a central location that all your guests will spot.
Entertainment For The Kids
Whether they’re part of the groom’s and bride’s parties or are there as guests, kids really do bring so much joy to a wedding day. So show them how valued they are with some child-friendly entertainment. Lots of couples focus on their older guests, but kids need to be kept occupied too! Face painting always goes down a treat, as do arts and crafts activities. Many couples now plan a ‘mini disco’ for younger guests before the main party kicks off, with lots of fun activities for all people of all ages to take part in.
Extra-Special Favours
Favours might seem like an obvious thing to have ticked off your to-do list, but you’d be surprised at how many couples do forget them. This results in favours that have been organised at the last minute, and they’re often cheap or impersonal looking. Take some time to think what you’d like each of your guests to take home with them as a little memento. Some cute ideas are personalised scented soaps, pin badges, mini bottles of bubbly with name tags, and individual artwork.
A Change of Clothes
When it comes to planning what clothes to pack, all your focus is going to be on the outfits you’re wearing for the big day itself. If you’re staying at the venue overnight though, your wedding finery isn’t going to be very useful the next day. So pack an overnight bag with plenty of time to spare, with some nightwear, underwear and a change of clothes for the next day. You’ll look fresh and well put together the next morning, even if you don’t feel like it!
Your Guest’s Dietary Requirements
When you’re putting together your menu, don’t get carried away and provide options that only you like. Many of your guests will have specific dietary requirements, and what you think of as a dream dish could be a nightmare for them. So take the time to draw up a list of who can’t eat particular things, and plan for them. After all, you want everyone to be able to enjoy such a special meal together. Don’t forget to ask your venue or caterers about how they prepare food for people with intolerances and allergies either.
A Supply Of ‘Thank You’ Notes
Last but not least are your thank you cards. While you don’t need to have these in place for your big day, it’s a good idea to have some ready to be written as soon as you’re home from your honeymoon. It’s a really nice touch to have thank you cards that are just as special as your invitations, maybe following the same colour scheme. This will really make your guests feel appreciated and will set you and your partner apart from many other couples who say thank you by text or email. It’s a good idea to have them at hand when you open your gifts – otherwise, you may forget who has gifted you what!
You’re All Set for The Big Day!
Having everything prepared with plenty of time to spare will save you from lots of stress in the run up to your big day, and it will mean that you won’t have missed something vital. It can all get a bit much though. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just sit back with a cuppa and visualise how perfect your big day is going to be. If you have your wedding here at Crondon Park, we’ll always be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Whether the problem is big or small, there’s nothing that’s not worth planning ahead for. After all, those special touches are what make a good wedding great.