First off, congratulations! Take this time to celebrate, appreciate the moment, and share it with your friends and family. You are finally a fiancé and during your engagement is the only time you will be able to call each other that, so soak it all in because it’ll go by fast! Wedding planning can be stressful, but The Perfect Day is here to help! Once you are ready to jump into wedding planning, take a deep breath, and follow our tips below to start planning your perfect day.
Communication is key to a happy marriage so the first step is to sit down with your fiancé and discuss details to make sure you both are on the same page. It’s important to talk about legal and financial changes that can take place before and after the wedding such as sharing finances, changing your name, expanding your family, etc. When you book TPD for planning or coordination, one of the first things our couple’s receive are detailed, financial and name change steps that will help make the process easier. Then, ask each other questions like what is our budget? Where will it be? Do you want a big or a small celebration? What do WE want?
First decide the time of year you’d like to get married. Spring is light and airy, full of color and garden style blooms. If you’re in Texas, summers can be hot and your venue choices can be limited as you might want to opt for an all indoor wedding. Fall is super popular, so venues and vendors availability might be limited, but for good reason. The cooler weather, outdoor foliage, and moodier color palette is chef’s kiss. Winter weddings are underrated. Who doesn’t love emerald green, velvet, and a fur shawl? You’ll give glamourous vibes and it’s likely that you’ll save money doing it. So, choose your #1 wedding date and have a backup date just in case your dream venue is already booked that day.
It’s smart to create a wedding email as this will be your main source of communication for your vendors and venue. Now it’s time to PIN IT UP. You’ve probably been adding to your wedding pinterest board since you were young, but it’s time to decide your vibe and create your vision. If you need help bringing your vision to life or if you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. WE GOT YOU. As a planning client, we present a design concept that goes over all decor, florals, centerpieces, etc. We make sure it fits your vision. Then we bring you in for a showroom meeting to visualize tablescapes and decor together on our full size 60″ round table. Our wedding planners will keep you on track and make sure you’re not forgetting anything on your big day.
The hard part is deciding who you want by your side and asking yourself -Can I count on them for support? Take your time on this one. Weddings can be stressful and the people you choose will most likely be helping you with wedding tasks. Being in a wedding is also a huge financial responsibility, so make sure to clarify what you expect from your besties. Remember that more isn’t always merrier. The fun part is asking them! Bridal party proposal boxes can be personal and a fun way to get them pumped and show your appreciation. Our sister company, Engaged Extras, has cute swag for you and your best friends. Shop our boutique here .
After you’ve taken care of the first steps, then you’ll be ready to dive into wedding planning. Our planners can guide you through the whole process, step by step. Contact The Perfect Day at 830-632-5162 to set up a consult call and we can get the ball rolling! Cheers and happy planning!
Couple: Lillian & Jerald
Engaged: October 15th, 2021
Married: December 9th, 2022
Planning & Coordination: The Perfect Day
Photographer: Cristina Soto Photography
Weddings are exciting, personal, and one of the most important days of the couple’s lives. If you have been lucky enough to be invited to celebrate that moment with them, consider it an honor. But whether you’ve been to a lot of weddings or if it is your first time being a wedding guest, it’s good to refresh on wedding guest etiquette and we’re here to help! These tips will help you become the best guest ever!
This is your first task after being invited. Rsvp by the date on the invitation but only if you’re going to show up. Place settings, linens, etc. all depend on their guest count. For the couple to plan accordingly, please let them know if you’re coming or not and don’t forget to include any dietary restrictions.
It was probably a hard decision for the couple to make, so be respectful if they decided against children and plus 1s. It is safe to assume the only people invited are the ones addressed on the invitation.
This is an anxious time for the bride and groom, and we want them to stay cool, calm, and collected. So, if you have any questions for them, please refer to your invitation or wedding website. If that still doesn’t answer your question, ask the maid of honor or a bridesmaid.
It should be known not to wear white, but I’ll remind you again. DON’T DO IT. It’s the bride’s day, not yours. If you’re questioning an outfit, just go ahead and try again. Better to be safe than sorry.
There’s nothing worse than creeping up to the ceremony mid-prayer or sliding in right before the bride enters. Be prepared and leave 10 minutes early to avoid that embarrassment.
I will scream this from the top of my lungs – PUT AWAY YOUR CELL PHONES, CAMERAS, AND IPADS! The last thing the couple wants is their professional photographer capturing everyone’s cell phone at the ceremony. Please put it away, I promise they will share it later.
Give the couple a chance to cut their cake and photographer a chance to take a photo of the dessert table without holes/gaps where missing cookies and donuts should be. Please refer back to the bar, appetizers, and dinner you just had and wait a little longer, please.
Saying a speech and dancing in front of a hundred people is hard enough, but people chatting in the background makes it hard to concentrate and enjoy the special moment.
Weddings are like a big family reunion in a way, which can be a good or bad thing. But it’s best to save any unfinished family drama for another time and be supportive of the new bride and groom!
Unless cleared by the bride and groom, let’s keep the attention and focus on them. They only get married once!
Being a good wedding guest doesn’t require a luxurious gift or a fancy outfit. Your attendance, support and manners are what matters the most. Visit our website for more tips and contact us today to help make your wedding day PERFECT.
On average, weddings last about 6 hours and the expectation of having a child stay calm or entertained for the duration is sometimes not realistic. When considering children at your wedding, ask yourself the following questions-
Once you’ve made your decision, be clear and don’t make any exceptions. Start by putting the details on your website, spread the word to your guests, and include the information on your invitation.
Use this verbiage if you want specific children at your wedding-
Creating your guest list can be one of the hardest parts of wedding planning and deciding whether to invite children is a very controversial topic. But at the end of the day, it’s not about your guests or their kids. It’s about celebrating you and your fiancé. Contact The Perfect day to help design wedding websites and invitations to fit your specific needs. Cheers!
CALLING ALL DOG LOVERS! Dogs become more than just a pet, they’re family and if you love your pup just as much as we love ours, you’re probably wondering how you can incorporate your fur baby on your wedding day. First things first, check with your venue to see if your four-legged friend is allowed on site. Then consider your dog’s temperament. Are they trained? Good with large crowds? If your dog gets anxious easily, it’s better to spare them the anxiety and honor them in different ways. If your pup is well behaved and ready to roll, here are our favorite ways to include them in your big day.
As if the title isn’t cute enough, giving your pup a role on your wedding day adds a sweet personal touch. Don’t forget to add Fido to the program and wedding website so your guests know to expect your dog the day of your wedding.
Think about doing a first look with your doggo. You can definitely expect an excited reaction from them! Don’t forget to bring treats or toys to grab your dog’s attention.
A super special way to include your dog is to have them walk in the processional. Make sure to assign someone to walk with them and don’t forget a cute bow tie and a neutral colored leash!
If you’ve decided against bringing your pup, that’s okay! Dogs can be a handful and, at times, unpredictable. Spare yourself the added stress and feature them in different ways. Here are some cute pet inspired wedding ideas that your guests will love.
Signature cocktails have become quite popular and what’s cuter than naming a drink after them? Add some matching cocktail napkins that say “wipe your paws” or a koozie with your dog’s outline.
Whether it be customized decorative sugar cookies with your dog on it, a doggie cake topper that may have already dug into your cake, or dog treats for your guests to take to their fur baby. Why not honor your dog with their favorite thing? FOOD.
If you take your engagement photos with your dog, pick one for your save the date! Or include photos of your dog as your table numbers. If you wanna go all out, get a cardboard cutout of your canine and use it as a photobooth prop, so your guests can have a picture with your dog too!
Consider featuring other pups and reach out to your local animal shelter. Ask them to bring a couple dogs for adoption to mingle with your guests during cocktail hour. Maybe one of them can find a furever home! If you need more help planning your wedding, reach out to The Perfect Day! We can help coordinate your dog into your wedding. Call the office at 830-632-5162 to learn more information!
Picking your bridal party is one of the first steps after getting engaged. The excitement is fresh and you’re ready to jump into your bridal party proposals. But, before you do you might want to think about the roles and responsibilities that come with being in a wedding. This way you can designate the best person for the task and let them know what you expect.
This is your bestie, your go to gal, second in command. This is the highest honor of the wedding party and it comes with its fair share of duties and responsibilities.
Also known as your HYPE SQUAD. They’re usually made up of your close friends or relatives. Bridesmaids take on other responsibilities during the wedding and planning process such as-
Many times, the best man is a close friend or brother of the groom. Recently, we’ve seen more grooms pick their dad (so sweet!). The best man has many similar tasks as the maid/matron of honor.
AKA the Bros. The groomsmen are there to aid the groom with whatever he needs, but mostly there for moral support. Here are a few other duties to give them.
Now that you picked your squad, make sure to set clear and reasonable expectations early on. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help and engagement throughout your planning process, but be understanding about their personal life. No one will be as excited about your wedding day as you are and that’s okay. You should be excited, IT’S YOUR DAY. Contact The Perfect Day to help you plan, execute, and enjoy your wedding day! Go to Click here to learn more about our services!
Not a fan of wedding cake? You’re not alone! Wedding cake is a controversial subject but the truth is, it’s becoming a thing of the past and couples are leaning more towards non traditional options. We’ve seen more couples skip the large tiered cake and opt for a dessert bar instead. Here are some wedding cake alternatives that you won’t end up tossing at the end of the night.
Cannolis are a sweet Italian pastry that get overlooked too often. They are a fun, unique dessert that you can fill with many different flavors. Not sure where to get them? Cake’s Couture has the best!
We’ve seen many couples opt for a wedding bundt cake or mini bundt cakes and they are a hit. Bundt cakes are an affordable alternative and their rich flavor is a huge crowd pleaser.
Chocolate covered strawberries are a romantic sweet dessert to offer your guests. You can dip them in milk or white chocolate and dust them with gold for a nice accent.
Who doesn’t love fried dough dusted with sugar and cinnamon. These are best served warm with a caramel or chocolate dipping sauce on the side. YUM.
We’re seeing more macarons at weddings and I AM HERE FOR IT. These round French cookies come in many different bright colors and flavors. They are perfect for adding a little elegance to your wedding day.
Donuts are pretty popular, but for good reason! They are budget friendly and come in many different varieties. They’re perfect for on the go guests that want to eat and hit the dance floor. They also come in handy for the day after brunch, if there’s any left!
Truffles are dangerously delicious. This bite sized treat is super easy to pop in your mouth and enjoy! And that’s exactly what you’ll find all of your guests doing!
Pies are super nostalgic and remind me of the holidays. The different pie fillings are endless and are perfect for fall weddings. Grab your grandma’s recipe or hire a local baker like Naeglins, their nanny’s pie is to die for!
Fruit tarts can add diversity to your dessert bar. They’re perfect if you like that idea of pies, but want a more sophisticated look. They’re perfect for guests who don’t like chocolate and give a nice refreshing taste.
Personalized M&Ms are a fun way to display your wedding colors. Customize them with your wedding date or photo of your dog. Either way, your guest will love them and they can double as a favor.
You don’t have to be restricted to cake on your wedding day. We can help you personalize your love story with your desserts. Not sure where to start? Contact The Perfect Day for our recommendations.
There are so many benefits to having a summer wedding- seasonal flowers, outdoor scenery, guests having travel flexibility, more hours of sunlight, etc. But if you’re having a wedding in the south, one of the biggest downfalls is the heat. Summers in the south can be sweltering hot and this summer is already no joke. As event planners in central Texas, we’ve had our fair share of HOT events. The Perfect Day has tips and tricks for surviving the heat for you and your guests.
If your dream venue doesn’t offer an inside option, a tented reception is the next best thing. Not sure where to rent from? The Perfect Day can help you out! Wedding tents are excellent for outdoor celebrations and give ethereal vibes. Parasol umbrellas are also a great source of shade. They’re perfect for the ceremony and give a southern elegant vibe and double as a chic prop for wedding photos. Your guests will appreciate any protection from the sun and even more with a refreshing beverage in hand.
Barbecue is a staple in Texas, but you might want to skip it for a summer wedding. Offer lighter foods and specialty drinks like mojitos and frozen margaritas. Serving lighter foods can spark creativity with your menu like pan seared salmon over broccolini and incorporate summer flavors like citrus. Don’t forget to provide cold water for your guests! Serving a fruit infused water station before the ceremony will have everyone hydrated and ready to party. End with a delicious late night snack such as an ice cream cart or a smores bar!
Providing activities for your guests will keep their mind off of the heat and keep them entertained for cocktail hour. The Perfect Days offers a lawn game package that includes giant Jenga, corn hole, and connect four. It’s a fun way to get people to utilize the outdoor space. Beer Burros have also been extremely popular in 2022. It’s a great photo opportunity and guests love being served cold beer by the donkeys!
Perfect for a summer wedding, a handheld fan will help guests stay cool and can double as a wedding program. “Don’t be blinded by our love” sunglasses are fun and can be used as a photo prop. Treat your guests with a practical favor that can help relieve the heat.
When planning your wedding, take your guests’ comfort into consideration. Avoid the hottest part of the day and research when the sun will be at the highest. If your wedding takes place outside, think about starting around 6 o’clock when the sun begins to fall. Don’t forget to tell your guests it’s outdoors so they can dress appropriately.
Don’t let the summer weather discourage you from having your dream wedding. The Perfect Day can offer many solutions to beating the heat. My opinion is to take full advantage of your outdoor space. We’ll make sure your guests remember how beautiful the day was, not how hot it was. Contact The Perfect Day at (830) 632-5162 to learn more about our services.
Public speaking isn’t your forte, but you’ve been asked by your best friend to give a toast. “Palms are sweaty, weak knees, arms are heavy. You’re nervous.” What do I talk about? Do I make it funny? Will I sound cheesy? These are the questions you’re asking yourself. As a wedding coordinator, I’ve seen it all. From embarrassing long roasts to heartfelt toasts. These do’s and don’ts will help you ease your anxiety and nail your speech.
DO- Tell everyone who you are and how you know the bride and groom
DON’T- Bring up how nervous you are and that you’re not a great public speaker
The first thing you want to do is introduce yourself. People are curious about your relationship with the couple. Consider opening with a joke, but don’t lead with a joke about how nervous you are. Talk about how you met the bride/groom, how they met, first impressions, and why they’re perfect for each other.
DO- Say something to the bride, say something to the groom, and say something to them both as a couple.
DON’T- Address only the bride or only the groom
They are getting married, joining together as one. Don’t focus only on your friend, people want to hear about them both. Make it personal. Consider sharing a memory you have of each of them and then a memory you all have together. Explain why you think they’re a great couple, why you admire them together, and a piece of honest advice.
DO- Keep it short and sweet
DON’T- Exceed 5 mins MAX
It’s a toast, not a speech. It’s important to keep the guests engaged and after about 5 minutes guests start to lose interest. People are eager to get out on the dance floor!
DO- Be appropriate
DON’T- Include embarrassing moments
Save embarrassing moments for another time. As much fun as it can be to look back on all your crazy memories together, that’s not appropriate at a wedding. If you have to ask someone if you should include it, then you probably shouldn’t. It might be obvious but skip any stories about past significant others. Remember it’s a toast, not a roast.
DO- Write it down
DON’T- Wing it
I’ll scream it from the top of my lungs! WRITE IT DOWN! There is nothing worse than trying to say something heartfelt and memorable and you get in front of a room full of people and you blank and forget your speech. People start rambling and repeating themselves. You’re gonna tell me that that’s not going to be you and it won’t happen, but I promise you it will.
Don’t forget your ending. “So here’s to the happy couple! Prost!” or thank guests for coming. Now stop procrastinating and go write your speech and don’t forget to rehearse it! If you need extra help with writing a wedding toast, contact The Perfect Day!
It’s time to choose your wedding music! You’ve either been adding songs to your wedding playlist for years or you have no idea where to start. You want your songs to reflect both personalities, your relationship, and your journey together. Music sets the tone of your wedding day, so picking the right song is key. Here are some tips for choosing your wedding music.
There are many important moments of your wedding day and The Perfect Day can help you explore different kinds of music that will be played throughout your wedding. Here are some tips to help you choose the PERFECT songs.
Ceremony music has evolved tremendously over the years. From the traditional Wedding March to A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. They’re both classic songs but don’t be afraid to step outside the box. Dreams by The Cranberries is a fun unique song to walk down the aisle to. Explore your options and if you’re stumped, speak with your wedding DJ or planner. They have heard it all and can likely recommend a wide variety of songs. Don’t forget to pick a song to walk out to too! A light-hearted upbeat song like Everlasting Love by Natalie Cole should do the trick.
SET THE TONE. Choose a fun song to get the party started, YOU JUST GOT MARRIED! Bring Em Out by T.I. is a go to or keep the vibe fun and romantic with At Last by Etta James. Consider having your wedding party pick their own entrance song, whatever gets everyone pumped and ready to party!
The first dance is kind of a big deal, it’s your debut as newlyweds! Pick a song that will reflect the two of you as a couple. Picking a fun upbeat song would lessen the nerves but you also don’t want to take away from the beautiful moment. If you can’t pick between a slow meaningful song and a fun dance song, ask your DJ to create a mashup. You can have the best of both worlds and it’ll leave your guests excited about what’s to come.
Remember that every song doesn’t have to be meaningful. It’s fun to be able to just dance with your guests. Make sure to find the right balance. A skilled DJ usually knows what gets people on the dance floor and is good at reading the crowd. Don’t forget to create a do not playlist for your DJ of songs that make you cringe. WAP by Cardi B might be a banger but let’s keep it appropriate for grandma!
Private last dances have become more and more popular within the last couple of years. This gives you another chance to use a special song that maybe didn’t fit in your timeline. Pick a slow romantic song for this one. Have your coordinator turn the lights down and soak in the last few moments of your wedding day.
Planning all the details for your wedding day can be overwhelming, but The Perfect Day is here to help. We assist with choosing the right DJ or band for your wedding, give unique song suggestions, and provide recommendations for various vendors including mariachi bands, string quartets, and harpists. Contact The Perfect Day to set up a free consultation!
Rain on your wedding day is supposed to be lucky, right? But your vision is set, you have all your details planned out for your big day and it doesn’t include bad weather. Living in Texas, we never know what the weather will do, from rain to snow to extreme heat, it’s best to have a plan b ready for any challenges that might come your way. Rain or shine the show must go on. Here are some tips to keep in mind while planning your wedding.
Before you set a date, consider the seasonal weather. March and April are notorious for rain and flooding. July and August are sweltering hot. Think of the comfort for your guests, your outside decor, and vendor equipment. Most DJs, bands, and videographers will not set up in bad weather because they don’t want their gear damaged. At a recent corporate event, The Perfect Day executed a plan B by moving the band inside, due to rain when it was supposed to be outside during cocktail hour. The band was still visible to the guests below and it made the event even more unforgettable.
Couples tend to gravitate towards venues with outdoor ceremony sites and indoor reception areas and we don’t blame them! It’s the best of both worlds. But it is important to keep an open mind and consider a venue with a great indoor or covered option as well. If there is no inside ceremony area and a plan b was initiated, a room flip may have to take place. There are many things to consider when planning for a room flip- How long will it take? Where will your guests be during the room flip? Your vision of an outdoor wedding might have to be sacrificed to accommodate mother nature. My advice, be flexible and listen to your vendors.
As wedding and event professionals who deal with these situations on a normal basis, we will have some of the best knowledge and ideas on how to create the perfect plan b for your wedding or event. Have your plan set and ready to go 30 days in advance or sooner. Talk with your vendors about their protocol for a plan b and their needs ahead of time. This prevents scrambling and stress close to or on your wedding date. Talk through different options, communicate with them, and assign duties. It is important to have a well-laid out plan for all of your vendors so they can know what to expect and what to do if plan b needs to take place. Wedding planners can offer different options to you and communicate with vendors. At The Perfect Day, we have a team ready to initiate and carry out a plan. We didn’t let a little rain ruin this bride’s wedding day. We executed our plan b and had the ceremony inside the reception area with some guests seated at tables and family seated in rows.
My last piece of advice to you is to trust your vendors. As wedding and event professionals, our number one goal is to make sure your day is PERFECT! At The Perfect Day, our team is dedicated to making your wedding or event stress-free. So, stay positive, trust your team, and know that your wedding will be amazing no matter what. Need help with wedding or event planning? Contact The Perfect Day today to learn more about our packages and services.
