Pre-Wedding Parties... be careful on how many you have!

The time leading up to your wedding is likely going to be a very exciting, amazing time in your life, and chances are, the wedding will take up most of your brain space. This is why it may be difficult for some to understand that their wedding is not the most important thing in their families and friends lives. As happy as your loved ones may be for you, you have to be sure that you do not overload them with wedding duties. 

There is a long list of pre-wedding events that you can indulge in hosting, but limiting yourself to a few celebratory events is generally best... they can end up costing your peers a lot of time and money that they may not have. If you choose to host a large amount of wedding related events, be sure that the invited guests don't feel pressured to attend or bring gifts to each and every one of them. Mention in your invitations that you HOPE they can make it, but don't add the formality by requesting R.S.V.P.'s when it's not necessary. Formality is not as stressed at these gatherings - they are supposed to be a fun way to celebrate. Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are great for announcing these more relaxed events.

Lastly, be sure not to stress out when people cannot make it to some of your events - remember, it doesn't mean that someone cares about you any less when they R.S.V.P. a "no".

Some of the wedding related events are listed below...you can see how it can get a little out of hand sometimes, I am sure. I have not included the wedding in my list of Pre-wedding events, because if there is one event that you hope people attend, it is the wedding.

-Engagement Party
-Stag & Doe
-Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties (sometimes these are weekends away!)
-Wedding Shower (sometimes there can be multiple showers)
-Rehearsal Dinner
-Post-wedding brunch
-The Bridesmaids Party
-Dress Fittings/Shopping/Tux Shopping *only for the wedding party

Quick Introduction to Wedding Planners

Planning your own wedding can be stressful.

The more money you can put into it, the more help you have along the way, but a higher budget wedding also means more details and higher expectations. No matter what size of budget you have in mind, a wedding planner can help you make your special day stress free.

If you are a D-I-Y Bride, and you insist on planning your wedding yourself, a day of planner may be the right answer for you. Wedding planners are available for "day-of-coordination", a service with which the planner only steps in 4-6 weeks before your big day to take care of the more stressful details. ex: supervising set-up to ensure that it is up to your standards, timelines, floor plans, confirming with vendors, trouble shooting for when things don't go as planned, calling in for back-ups if any vendors have to cancel last minute... the list goes on!

Wedding planners can even help you get better rates on your vendors!

In this busy society, both partners will often have one or more full time jobs, so a planner can prevent you from taking on more than you may be able to handle!

Planning your own wedding? Have a question on etiquette, planning, or anything wedding related? Ask away!

Tara Lynn