10 Things Your Wedding Planner Wants You to Prioritize
When it comes to wedding aesthetics, once you start planning, you'll quickly notice just how many details start popping up. Stationery, florals, menus, oh my! Where can you even begin when it feels like every single decision makes a huge impact on your overall design?
Don’t worry - we have you covered! We asked top wedding planners to narrow it down to 10 things you should prioritize when it comes to your wedding design; scroll down to see just what you need to push to the top of your list!
1. Personalization
The magic is truly in the details. Imagine walking into a space that feels uniquely 'you.' That's the power of personalization. In a world where Pinterest and Instagram flood us with picture-perfect weddings, it's easy to get lost in trends and forget what truly matters – your unique story.
So, your wedding is like a blank canvas. This is your opportunity to infuse every element, from the grandest to the most minute detail, with your personality and love story.
This could mean incorporating family traditions into your ceremony, selecting a menu that features your favorite cuisines, or even making playlists that resonate with your shared memories. It’s these personal touches that transform a beautiful event into a unique, unforgettable experience.
“
"Personalization first and foremost! Don't just replicate what you see online and in magazines. Prioritize creating a wedding day design that reflects you and your betrothed and all of the people you are celebrating with. From your menu to your floral design to the music played - all of it should tell your personal story."
- Mandy Connor, Founder & Owner, Hummingbird Events & Design”
2. Venue Selection
The venue you select speaks volumes about the style and tone of your big day. It's the first taste your guests will have on that special day.
Whether it's a sun-kissed beachfront, a serene countryside estate, or an elegant urban ballroom, your venue should resonate with your personal aesthetic. Also, think about how the architecture, the natural surroundings, and even the lighting will complement your décor, theme, and color palette.
You can use
Loverly's Vendor Manager to find local vendors, contact them, and check availability! If you already have some vendors in mind, you can add them to your Vendor Manager tool. Easily create your vendors' to-dos, and track costs and payments with just a few clicks.
“
"Your venue sets the stage for your entire wedding. Your guests will be looking it up as soon as they receive your invitations, so be sure to select a venue that aligns with your vision and offers opportunities for creative design and layouts."
- Raquel Bickford, Founder, ROQUE Events”
3. Menu
The culinary journey of your wedding is an adventure in itself. And everyone knows food is a true expression of celebration, love, and joy.
You can consider the flavors and dishes that hold special meaning for you and your partner. Whether it's a family recipe, a reminder of your first date, or a cuisine from your favorite travel destination, these choices can add a deeply personal touch to your celebration.
The style of service is equally important. It sets the tempo of the evening and influences the overall ambiance. A sit-down dinner can create an elegant and intimate atmosphere, while interactive stations or a buffet can foster a more relaxed and social vibe. You might even consider a fusion of styles to keep the energy dynamic and engaging throughout the evening.
“
"After selecting your venue, start discussing the menu design, like cocktails and the type of food you’re wanting to serve (it makes a difference!). Think about your service style – are you picturing a sit-down dinner, stations, a party atmosphere, etc.?"
- Ariel Becker, Executive Planner, Becker and The Co.”
4. Flow and Layout
The flow and layout of your wedding are the real heroes of a seamless celebration. And mastering this aspect means creating an environment where everything feels natural, intuitive, and effortless for your guests.
Think about the journeys your guests will take from the moment they arrive. The transition from the ceremony to the reception should be smooth and welcoming, guiding them through the festivities without confusion or delay.
Moreover, think about how you can utilize space to create intimate gatherings within the more significant event. Cozy seating areas, well-positioned bars, and strategic dance floor placement can all contribute to an atmosphere that encourages interaction and celebration. Avoiding bottlenecks and congestion is key, so that your guests can move freely and enjoy every aspect of your wedding without any hindrance.
“
“Plan the flow of the event, from the ceremony to the reception. Ensure that the layout allows for smooth transitions and minimizes congestion.”
- Raquel Bickford, Founder, ROQUE Events”
5. Guest Comfort
When organizing your special day, the comfort of your guests is another important aspect. It's the thoughtful details in the setup and environment that make your loved ones feel truly cared for and able to fully immerse themselves in the celebration.
Start by considering the seating arrangements. Well-placed seating is not just about having enough chairs but positioning them in a way that everyone feels included and can easily engage with the event. Think about different seating options too, like lounge areas for more casual conversations, which can add an extra layer of comfort.
Lighting plays another big role here. It sets the mood and ambiance but also has its own practical purpose. It should be adequate for different times of the day and activities, so whether it's a sunny outdoor ceremony or a dimly lit evening dance, your guests can navigate and enjoy the space comfortably.
Don't forget the importance of climate control, especially if you're hosting an outdoor event. Providing shade on a sunny day, heaters for a cool evening, or even hand fans or blankets can make a huge difference in how your guests experience the day.
“
"Prioritize guest comfort with well-placed seating, appropriate lighting, and climate control. This ensures your loved ones can enjoy the celebration without any discomfort."
- Raquel Bickford, Founder, ROQUE Events”
6. Invitations and Stationery
Invitations and stationery are much more than mere formalities, as they are the heralds of your wedding day, setting the stage for what's to come. Their design, texture, and style are not just details but integral parts of the narrative you're creating.
As you choose your invitations, think of them as a preview of your wedding's theme and style. They should resonate with the overall design, color scheme, and mood of your event. Consistency is key - from the save-the-dates to the thank-you cards, each piece of stationery should feel like a chapter of the same story.
Embrace creativity in these elements. Play with textures and patterns that echo elements of your wedding decor, like the lace of your dress or the motif of your venue's architecture. These details can be subtly mirrored in your day-of stationery like menus, place cards, and even custom napkins or linens.
“
"Your invitations are the first glimpse into your wedding aesthetic. Invitations, menus, place cards, and other stationery items should match your theme and be cohesive with the rest of your design. Think of incorporating a custom logo or crest. Be creative with specific patterns and textures that your guests can find in your invitations, bar menu, custom napkins, and linen."
- Raquel Bickford, Founder, ROQUE Events”
7. Florals
Florals can be both decorative elements and storytellers because they can bring memories and emotions to your wedding day. Their power lies in the ability to evoke feelings, reminisce special moments, and add a deeply personal touch to your celebration. So, you can go for the blooms that have a special place in your heart and history.
Perhaps there's a type of flower your mother adored, or a particular bloom that grew in your grandparents' garden, evoking fond childhood memories. Incorporating these meaningful choices into your wedding florals can transform your décor into a narrative of your heritage and personal journey.
If you're unsure which flowers to pick, check out
Loverly's Wedding Florist guide. You'll find useful guides that will help you with the entire process—from which flowers to choose, to how to hire the right wedding florist, and even budget-saving tips!
“
"When it comes to florals, everyone wants beautiful flowers but consider selections that inspire your happiest memories. Did your mother have a favorite flower growing up? Did your grandparents have special types of flowers growing in their yard when you were a child? These are all wonderful ways to inspire storytelling and beautiful memories throughout your wedding day."
- Mandy Connor, Founder & Owner, Hummingbird Events & Design”
8. Tablescapes
This is where the elegance, theme, and personal touches of your wedding converge, creating an intimate space for your guests to dine and celebrate. The tablescape is where you can express your wedding's aesthetic and attention to detail.
Every component, from the table settings and centerpieces to the linens, plays a role in creating this experience. Custom napkins, for example, can add a unique touch, while charger plates elevate the sophistication of the setting. Integrating a personalized menu or place card not only guides your guests but also makes them feel specially considered and part of your celebration.
Think about how these elements interact to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. The choice of glassware, the style of the water glasses, and the texture of the linens—all contribute to the overall impression and experience of your guests.
“
"Pay attention to table settings, centerpieces, and linens. These details contribute to the overall aesthetic and can make a significant impact on the guest experience. Consider adding custom napkins, charger plates for a more elevated feel, a menu/place card combo so that guests feel like they were well thought of – things like this make a difference. It is more likely that they take their menu home with them as well! Upgrade your glassware or water glass as this will give each place setting a more elevated feel."
- Raquel Bickford, Founder, ROQUE Events”
9. Seating Charts + Seating Arrangements
Thoughtfully planned seating arrangements can significantly enhance the enjoyment and interaction among your guests, turning your celebration into a memorable gathering of friends and family.
If you place guests with shared interests or backgrounds together they'll surely connect. On the other hand, you can mix groups to encourage new friendships! The layout should also support the flow of the celebration, allowing for easy movement between tables, to the dance floor, buffet, or restrooms.
The seating chart itself can also be a creative element of your wedding decor. Whether displayed on an elegantly framed board, a creatively designed wall, or individual cards, it can be both functional and a beautiful addition to your wedding aesthetic.
“
"Thoughtful seating charts can greatly enhance your guests' experience. Consider creating a seating chart that encourages guest interaction. Remember that the seating chart structure you choose should align with your overall wedding theme and the atmosphere you want to create. It's a good idea to consider the comfort of your guests, the flow of the event, and the interaction you hope to encourage among your friends and family."
Raquel Bickford, Founder, ROQUE Events”
10. Transportation
The final flourish to your wedding celebration is often the moment you make your grand exit, marking the beginning of your new journey together. The choice of your getaway vehicle is not just about transportation; it's a symbolic and memorable part of your special day.
Perhaps you'll go for a vintage car that harks back to a bygone era, a sleek modern vehicle for a touch of luxury, or even something quirky and fun that reflects your playful side? The vehicle becomes an extension of your wedding narrative, a final, moving vignette of your celebration.
The decoration of your getaway vehicle is equally important. It’s a chance to creatively repurpose elements from your wedding, like flowers or ribbons, adding continuity and sustainability to your event.
“
"Don't forget about the getaway vehicle! If you plan to do a grand send-off, choose a vehicle that has importance to you and plan your getaway vehicle decor carefully (I love to repurpose flowers from the day!)"
- Mandy Connor, Founder & Owner, Hummingbird Events & Design”
You can use
Loverly's Mood Boards and save your wedding ideas! See real-life wedding albums and save your favorite wedding galleries, inspiration, and vendors. This is the easiest way to discover your style, make vision boards and find your dream team.
