For anyone who is new to my blog or my life, something about me is that I LOVE event planning! From Vision Board parties and Christmas Galas, to Birthday and Graduation celebrations and beyond. Most recently, I had the pleasure of working with one of my aunties, Janelle (click for access to her blog), and my sweet friend Tricey, to plan a beautiful and intimate wedding for 2 of our dear friends...in FIVE DAYS.
You absolutely read that right. We planned a wedding in five days and were able to share in the happy couple's special day in a very special way. I won't say that there wasn't any stress involved in these five days, but seeing it all come together was SO worth it.
I know we're living in some interesting times right now, but the truth is, love and celebration are and always will be a priority for so many. Even in the midst of a pandemic, people are desiring to find ways to commemorate their union in a memorable way! Unfortunately, a lot of people had to cancel the weddings they'd spent so long planning and aren't sure what to do since Miss Rona came through and messed up everyone's plans. So, my bomb team and I put together a few tips for anyone planning their wedding day on a strict timeline AND on a budget (if planning is not your forte, feel free to contact us and we would be honored to help you plan your special day). So, get your team together and let’s get to planning!
1. Create a Mood Board on Pinterest and create a plan for the next week -- A mood board is basically an electronic vision board! The purpose is to keep all of your thoughts, hopes and dreams organized as you plan. On Pinterest, you can create your board AND find inspo for your wedding. I've put together a Wedding Inspo board on Pinterest for you to use as an example! Make a checklist of the things you need to do so that you don't get overwhelmed or miss anything.
2. Use Amazon as much as possible, but also know that Amazon is not always the "cheapest" option -- I know, I know. Hearing that when you've received a new Amazon package everyday for the last 3 months is probably a shocker! But, for events such as a wedding, sometimes Amazon is not the most cost efficient. Don't count them out! We would just recommend that you do some comparison shopping, and look at places like Hobby Lobby for some of your DIY decor needs (*all of their wedding items are 50% off right now).
*Something I would suggest purchasing from Amazon is one of these super cute wedding favors.
3. If you need to find a suit, a wedding dress or a bridesmaids dress for the wedding, do not sleep on Amazon or local Consignment Shops! Windsor is also a great place to find affordable bridesmaids dresses (all of their formal dresses are 50% off right now).
4. Get your wedding cake from the grocery store. Listen, before you knock it...grocery stores like Publix have BOMB cakes, their bakery works with you to make sure you get what you envision, you pay a lot less than you would somewhere else AND the turn-around time is pretty quick. If you don't want an entire cake, a cupcake tower is also an option! Nothing Bundt Cakes is one of my personal faves (they have bundtinis - mini bundt cakes - 12 for $20).
5. Speaking of food! Trade in the full-course meal for hearty, filling appetizers and stationary hors d'oeuvres. Thanks to Chef Santos of Meez Market & Catering (who came through for us with less than a week's notice!), guests were able to indulge in a menu that included delicious crab cakes, addicting egg rolls and sweet chicken and waffle skewers...just to name a few! Despite not having a traditional, plated dinner, each guest (plus the bride and groom) left satisfied with bellies full. Create an appetizer menu with your favorites and find a chef who is able to make it happen - we definitely recommend Chef Santos if you're in the RTP area!
6. Chair covers and table cloths make any occasion more elegant and formal. You can find a good selection of tablecloths here. If you're in or near the RTP area, Capital Events is also a great place for these items -- chairs, chair covers, linens, etc. *Major tip: most chair covers that you order will only fit banquet chairs!
7. Be flexible with your venue -- The bride and groom at this wedding had recently purchased a home and since they hadn't moved any furniture into their living/dining room spaces, they decided to celebrate their union in their new home! Maybe you didn't just purchase a home, but maybe you or someone you know has a nice backyard or maybe your apartment clubhouse is available to rent for events. Be willing to see the possibilities of your Wedding Day vision in spaces you might not have considered if the circumstances were different.
8. Be flexible with your guest list -- many of us have always dreamed of having a wedding with 100+ guests; but, a lot of people are choosing to have more intimate weddings with 50 people or less. There are a couple reasons for this: 1. this ensures that only your closest friends and family (the people you can trust to pour into your union) are in the room to celebrate you and your partner, and 2. this cuts down on costs significantly. An alternative to inviting everyone to physically attend your wedding, is to have them attend virtually via platforms like Zoom and Skype. Everyone gets to celebrate and you only have to feed the people that are there with you!
I know this seems like a lot to consider in a week's time! But whether you're a couple planning your wedding together or a friend putting together a special, last minute event, I hope that these tips are helpful.
Cheers to a day of love and celebration. Happy planning!
*These tips can be used in planning ANY event.
