Hi everyone! I hope you all are enjoying some sunshine, or if it is raining where you are, a cozy blanket and cup of hot cocoa. Sit back and relax if you are reading this, because we have some awesome tips for you from a former bride turned wedding planner that pertain to planning your dream wedding 🙂

I spoke with Meghan, an SEG bride who became a planner with the Simply Elegant Group after her wedding (this is one of the groups I work with ALL the time because they’re amazing for real!) Meghan is now married to the love of her life. After going through the wedding experience and planning weddings for other couples, she has some tips and tricks for the planning process that we have shared here.

1. Couples should talk about logistics of the wedding as early as possible. When planning your wedding, as early as you two get engaged and feel comfortable, it’s a good idea to discuss guest count, expectations for the theme of the wedding, who will take what planning role, and even discuss with parents the expectations for the wedding day. This can diffuse so many potential tensions, and make sure that everyone feels included in the planning process. It is also important to set boundaries with loved ones so things don’t get out of hand. This avoids scuffles with loved ones, and the “pressure cooker” effect of stress while in the planning stages.
2. HIRE A PLANNER!
   Ok, so Meghan did not yell this through the screen at me, but I can not emphasize this enough. 😉 At the very least, you will need a day of coordinator to take stress off your plate and enjoy the wedding. If a family member is involved in executing the planning, stress naturally gets higher for them. When a planner is involved, they can diffuse situations with parents, uncles, guests, etc. You won’t have to worry about the flowers arriving on time, and little things that can go wrong along the way.
3. Advice to partners: Get involved
   If you and your partner are planning your wedding, ensure the two of you are involved in the steps of the planning process most important to you. This can be making sure you vibe with your photographer, your officiant, and your planner. You and your love are so good together, and your day is going to be amazing! So making sure that you have a dream team of vendors will allow you to sit back and enjoy your day.
4. Trust your professionals
   You are hiring these amazing vendors, and we care about you so deeply! Your wedding day is super important to us, and we want to make sure it’s everything you have dreamed of.
   
   If you would like to learn more about working with me as your photographer, please shoot me an email at hello@mandelettephoto.com, and I will be in touch to learn more about you two as a couple and your wedding dreams 🙂

With love and virtual hugs,

Rachel Mandel, Mandelette Photography