This is the final part of a 20-day long series. If you’ve missed any of it, you can find all of the tips in the category: Do it Yourself Wedding Plans.
These are all of the steps you need to schedule your time and budget for when you’re planning a DIY Wedding. The who’s, what’s, where’s as well as the when’s and how’s.
The End… or The Beginning?
The wedding was beautiful and your reception was a blast, but how do you know you pulled off the perfect DIY wedding?
Was everything what you expected it to be?
The main thing to remember is you and your guests.
Did you guys have fun?
Was there a lot of mingling and talking between the tables?
What about the music?
Was everyone up dancing and having a great time?
Did your parents dance?
What about your bridal party?
If the dancing slows down, ask them to get up and hit the dancefloor to inspire the other guests to do the same.
The guests are there to celebrate and have fun, so if everyone was sitting at the tables, staring at their phones, I would be worried that no one enjoyed the party.
If you want to start getting everyone on the dance floor, ask the DJ to play songs like Locomotion or a line dance that will get everyone on their feet.
How about the food?
Did everyone comment how delicious the chicken was or were they complaining that the green beans were too undercooked?
Was the wedding cake delicious?
How was the lighting?
Was it too bright or were people struggling to see the person next to them?
During the wedding reception, check with the DJ or the reception hall to see if they can fix it either way.
Was the wedding ceremony and reception beautiful?
Check out the pictures after or glance around the hall before everyone arrives to make sure it all looks perfect.
Be sure the microphone is on for anyone who may want to give a speech, like your father, best man, or maid of honor.
If they’re going to take the time to write a thoughtful message about you and your groom, they deserve to be heard.
What about your bridal party?
Where they laughing and having a great time or were there last minute spats and arguments that could have waited until after the wedding day?
If the girls are getting stressed out, talk calmly to them and try to get them to take care of the issue on their own.
You have enough to worry about without having to play referee.
These are things that you can keep an eye on before and during the ceremony and wedding reception.
Let the DJ, caterers, or anyone else involved know what problems you’ve noticed and ask them nicely to rectify them.
Most importantly, how did you do with your wedding budget?
Did you spend way too much or did you come out under your estimated expenses?
Whether you spent $7,000 or $70,000, in the end, you and your groom are married and ready to spend the rest of your lives together.
Remember, your wedding is one day, but your marriage lasts a lifetime.
Stop as often as you can during the whole day and take a deep breath, look around you, and remember what a wonderful day you’re all having together in honor of your love.
Then, once you return from your honeymoon, don’t forget to send out all those thank you cards!
