Before I do
IN THIS AGE OF TECHNOLOGY- WITH SO MUCH INFORMATION
literally at your fingertips - it's no surprise that more and more brides and grooms like you are going online (www.wellwed.com) to start their wedding planning process. This is great - especially if you live far from where you're getting married. But no matter how thoroughly you investigate details or options online, there's still no substitute for real-world footwork. Photoshop and a fancy website can make anything look and sound amazing - but after seeing a venue in person, you'll know for sure whether it's the right choice. You'll also have a better understanding of any logistical challenges - or fun opportunities - your chosen site might present. Talking with caterers is great - but why not have them cook for you, too? From florists to cake makers to photographers - the best way to ensure that you're working with true professionals that "get you" is to sit down and meet with them - the old-fashioned way - face-to-face. And let's not forget to mention that it's actually fun to get away with your fiance for a weekend - enjoying great food, exploring beautiful places, and reconnecting. Here, some tips from the wedding pros on planning a productive wedding field trip.
Plan it out. Besides meeting with wedding professionals, leave yourselves time to shop, eat, and check out places and activities that might appeal to your guests. If you don't have the luxury of a long weekend, streamline your schedule by setting up meetings at your hotel or bed-and-breakfast and having the professionals come to you.
Network. The best wedding professionals will know one another. If you've found a top-notch caterer, ask them about floral designers or cake bakers that they would recommend. Don't rely on a single opinion, though; seek a variety of input to avoid getting caught up in the "insider trading" of people who work with only one or two other pros. If four or five different people tell you that a florist is great, by all means give them a call!
Check it twice. Always make a list when meeting with professionals - of the colors you like when looking at flowers, the foods you enjoy at your menu-planning meeting, or the number of steps it will take you to get from the chuppah to the reception area across the hayfield.
Taste the cake. No one eats the wedding cake? Think again. We believe that wedding cakes should taste as good as they look. Before deciding on a cake maker on the basis of photos in their portfolio, have them whip something up for you, even if there's an extra charge involved. And ask questions: Do they use real ingredients or pre-made fillings and frostings? Are cakes made from scratch? Do they use shortening, or real butter? Make sure to choose a bakery that uses the best ingredients you can afford.
Meet your photographer. Even if you've fallen in love with a photographer's style, make sure you also like the actual photographer. You'll be spending a lot of time together on your wedding day, after all! Also, go over the list of shots you definitely want - your grandparents together, your dog - to help your photographer work efficiently on your big day.
Flex your menu muscle. Most couples want the ability to personalize their menu, so talk with the event planner or chef from the venues you are considering to get a sense of how much flexibility you will have in creating your menu, and how various options may affect your budget.
Smell the roses. Before your visit, ask florists to create a "menu" showing what flowers are in season (in your chosen colors) and which aren't. This will help you plan your floral budget. For your meeting, ask them to mock up a couple of designs using the flowers and palette you've suggested. Some flowers are prettier on paper then they are in person - and you want to make sure that their scent is what you want for the tables and your bouquet.
Walk the line. Prior to visiting your reception location, let your host know what's most important to you - "the food is what matters to me - I want my guests to have an exceptional meal," or "the entertainment has to be great - our family loves to dance." This will help your host to personalize the site tour.
