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7 Things Your Vendors Want You To Remember on the Big Day

Customize your own event checklist with due dates, personal reminders, and timelines for all your wedding to do’s.
When it comes to wedding advice, you sure do get a lot of it before you walk down that aisle. Everyone from your mom to your neighbor is bound to offer some pearls of "wisdom" for your big day. While their opinions totally matter, the best advice, in our opinion, comes from those who attend weddings like it's their job...because it actually is.
Yes, we're talking about your wedding vendors. These pros have seen it all, heard it all, experienced it all—they are indeed the experts when it comes to what you should do, or not do, on your wedding day. That's why we asked some leading wedding vendors for the one piece of advice they give to every couple they work with for the big day. Here's what they had to say:

Your Wedding Planner: Stop Planning Already!

Once the big day is almost here, it's time to stop stressing so you can actually enjoy the day itself. "I tell my couples to stop planning in the few weeks leading up to their wedding," says Jaime Kostechko, owner and wedding planner, Wild Heart Events. "Believe it or not, I have had brides still pinning to their Pinterest boards days before their big day."
Kostechko says that even the most uncontrollable of factors can't ruin a wedding day—and your vendor team will make sure of it. "Ultimately, rain or shine, whether that last DIY got accomplished or not, your family and friends will show up to celebrate your love and have a great time!"

Your Wedding Photographer: Clean Up Your Room

"The number one thing that I advise my couples, specifically for the getting ready-portion of weddings, is to make sure that their getting ready space is clean and picked up," says wedding photographer Angie Candell Brandon. "Wedding days can be crazy during this part of the day, especially when all the bridesmaids and brides are getting ready, but keeping the space clean can make a huge difference in how your photos will look." Granted, most photographers will pick up your space a bit so your rumpled clothes are in the shots, but it's easier for them to do their job if they don't have to do that.

Your Caterer: A Sit Down Meal Isn't the Best

Some couples might feel like not having a fabulous six-course sit-down meal could be a let-down for their guests. But this is so not the case. "While the idea sounds grand, most guests won't want to sit at the table through all those courses," says Laura Walsh, marketing manager at Olympia Catering & Events. So, if you're doing a buffet, be proud! It's less headache for your vendors and more fun for your guests.

Your Ceremony Musician: Make the Moment Last

Steve Newbrough, a classical guitarist who plays weddings in the Asheville, NC region, says he always advises his couples to make space in the ceremony for a meditation. "They've spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars on this event but the ceremony ends in the blink of an eye," he explains. "Take this time to breathe in the moment; notice the beautiful venue, the family members who've traveled so far to see you, and, most importantly, notice each other."

Your Officiant: Don't Give Your Rings to a Kid

"Never give the actual rings to the ringbearer if he's under eight years old," says Alan Katz, an officiant based in Southern California who runs Great Officiants. "The ringbearer is a ceremonial position. Put both rings in a pouch and have the best man hold onto them to give to the officiant."

Your Makeup Artist: Don't Go Too Bare

While having a natural look is ideal for most brides, don't forget that bridal makeup, which is meant to last all day and look fabulous in photos, needs to be a bit more done up than you might expect to really look amazing, says Jennifer Trotter of Lip Service Makeup, who's a professional makeup artist based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
"The perfect wedding day makeup for any bride is glamorous, yet neutral. You can do a full face of makeup with lashes, liner, and highlight to make it look 'special' and more than you do every day, but if you keep the color palette simple, you won't look over the top, trendy or dated," she says. "Exception? A pop of color on the lips, when the rest of your makeup is neutral. A bright red or vivid berry lip will always look classic!"

Your Videographer: Lighting is Key

"Make sure you find a prep location with natural light," says Jamie Podworski, owner of JPod Films, a leading wedding cinematography company in Boston."Natural light is the most flattering light on any individual. Therefore, finding a prep location with lots of windows is key. Having the makeup artist and hairstylist near those windows will make all photos and videos tremendously more flattering. One time last fall, we even took a bride out on a balcony to finalize her getting in her dress—the buttoning and accessories—and the light was amazing."
Natasha Burton
About The Author
Writer living in Santa Barbara, CA.
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