You’ve been dreaming of this day your whole life, and you’ve spent months planning out every detail meticulously. From the seating arrangements to the music, to the hors d’oeuvres served during cocktail hour – there’s a plan for it all. When your wedding day finally approaches, you should be able to enjoy and remember it for the right reasons, which means there should be no unexpected surprises to catch you off guard. But the reality is, even with careful planning, things can still go wrong. To see how you can prepare for any potential mishaps to ensure your big day goes as planned, here are our top 5 ways to avoid surprises on your wedding day.
Work With Industry Professionals
Though many couples rely on family and friends to help them get through the planning process, depending on your family on your wedding day can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a blessing. Whether it’s catering, photography or the floral arrangements, we recommend sticking with industry professionals who you can easily collaborate with, be honest with, and who know what’s expected of them.
Communicate Any Allergies and Dietary Needs Early On With the Caterer
Allergies and dietary restrictions are more common than ever these days. That’s why it’s imperative to be clear on who needs what and to communicate this clearly with your catering team so they know how to accommodate your guests. The last thing you want is to be unprepared with no alternative for anyone who can’t eat what you’re serving. To keep all of your guests happy and well fed, ask your attendees to outline any dietary needs when sending out your invitations, and ensure the staff and kitchen have an alternative menu.
Consider the Comfort of Your Guests
If you’re planning to host your wedding outdoors or in a non-traditional setting, be prepared for any factors that could cause discomfort to you and your guests. This could include intense winds, high humidity and heat, or even bugs if you’re going opting for a nature-filled setting. When you can anticipate what to expect, you can be better equipped – offering bug spray, umbrellas for shade or even blankets if it’s a winter scene.
Give a Copy of Your Vows to Your Maid of Honour
When the day finally arrives, there will be a flurry of activity from the moment you wake up, which can make it easy to forget some important things, like your vows, candles, rings or readings. Thankfully, this is where you Maid of Honour and Best Man can step in. Give them both a master copy of your vows just in case, along with any other items that could be forgotten amid all the chaos.
Book a Private Car and Arrive Ahead of Time to Breathe
Planning to host your wedding at a city-based venue? Don’t forget to plan for traffic. You don’t want to be late for your big day or have to rush and cause your stress levels to soar right before you hit the aisle. Plan a private car to pick you and your wedding party up, and map out the most direct route with your driver so you can arrive ahead of time to decompress and breathe.
Looking for a modern, spacious wedding venue in Ottawa? St. Elias Centre offers everything you need under one roof. From our large and flexible venue to our onsite parking, to our award-winning culinary team – we’re here to ensure your special day is remembered for the right reasons.