By Brianna Bowman, Associate Planner + Coordinator
Like most people, I was used to being a wedding guest, but never knew what went on behind the scenes to turn the magical day that family and close friends get to experience into what it was. As the newest member of A & L, I got full exposure to what exactly goes into working a wedding. So, I want to share my insights with other newbies and professionals in the wedding industry on what it’s really like to work a wedding day...
Your feet are going to hurt. I learned this lesson the hard way at my first wedding. While wedding days for most people start at ceremony time, wedding days for a wedding coordinator start bright early. While our wedding day start time varies per wedding I can usually expect a solid 12+ hour day on my feet. A & L dawns a classic all black, professional look on wedding days and I thought no better way to add a pop to my all black attire than with a pair of cute animal print ballet flats. BAD IDEA. After running up and down flights of stairs, including moving a chuppa from the second to first floor, my cute shoes with barely any support showed me that investing in a great pair of comfortable shoes is key to making it all day without complaints.
As a wedding coordinator, I have seen numerous variations and takes on a couple’s perfect wedding and as someone newly engaged, this has created the opportunity to look at all of my options for my own big day. With that in mind I have written a list of my ten must haves and must nots for me and Alex’s wedding day. Now remember, this is just my personal preference, we’re all entitled to our own opinions and this is what suits us best as a couple!
CHURCH WEDDING VS VENUE WEDDING
Alex and I are a very casual, informal couple and working weddings has shown me that venue ceremonies allow you to have more fun and be more candid with your vows, so we have decided on a venue ceremony. While we still haven’t settled on all of the logistics like venue, indoor or outdoor, we are certain that this route fits our personalities and relationship best.
2. SEATED DINNER VS BUFFET
I am someone who loves options and a seated dinner in my opinion can limit the experience and freedom of choice for the guests. Think of it as this, if you choose the chicken you are stuck with the sides that come with the chicken. A buffet is perfect for us because it allows me to taste everything or pick and choose what I do and don’t want on my plate. (I also think it let’s you get to the party quicker and I plan to spend all night on the dance floor).
3. SPEECHES
Speeches are a key part to most people’s weddings. I always get to hear intimate details about the B + G’s relationship from the people nearest and dearest to them through the toasts. While I love hearing other people’s stories, I hate for people to hear mine. If it were up to me I would cut toasts out and get straight to the music, but a bride has to compromise on some things! ;)
4. BAND VS DJ
Both of these options are sure to get the party started and I’ve seen great bands and great DJs at weddings. In all honesty, I would love to have both at my wedding to give a good mix. I am a big fan of a local Pittsburgh band called the Bill Henry Band and all of our friends and family love them. I know they would make our night unforgettable, but there is just something about a DJ and classic renditions of your favorite songs that a band could never do.
5. FIRST DANCE
Yes, yes and more yes. This is my all time favorite part of every wedding I have worked, attended (and watched on TV).Getting to see the love and intimacy between a newly married couple is something that always brings a tear to my eye. The hard choice, however, is what will be our first song? While we both have our favorites, it is hard to settle on one that hasn’t been used by close friends, overplayed by other couples, or that we both like. I will be sure to keep everyone posted on our final selection as we get closer to our big day!
6. FLORAL
Wedding flowers are a must in my opinion. I have seen some of the most beautiful floral arrangements from amazing florists all over the city, but there is one thing I know for sure...I DO NOT WANT ANY GREENERY. Gasp! I know. While greenery is very on trend and a needed element to most people in floral arrangements I am not the biggest fan. There’s nothing I love more than a classic arrangement filled 100% with flowers.
7. BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Some brides take the responsibility to select one bridesmaid dress that each bridesmaid will wear. This looks great in photos and is very aesthetically pleasing, but when I envision my big day I see my sister and all of my best friends in a dress that they feel most comfortable in and makes them feel 100% like themselves. But, I still get to pick the color they all wear!
8. RENTALS: CHAIRS, LINENS, ETC.
As I am still in the early stage of the planning process, I have researched and only gone to see a few venues, but after working numerous weddings one thing I know for certain is that chair rentals are absolutely worth it! Nothing ruins a wedding for me like a covered banquet chair with a satin ribbon... sorry, not sorry! You can easily transform a venue with a chiavari chair and a beautiful linen to really create the wedding you always envisioned.
9. TABLE ASSIGNMENTS
I have seen some of the most beautiful escort cards, and hand drawn calligraphy at the numerous weddings I have worked. Escort cards are pertinent when you plan to have assigned seating at your wedding, but this may be one element that I forgo. My fiance’s family and friends are all from out of town and haven’t gotten the chance to meet and mingle with my family. By forgoing assigned seating it will give everyone the chance to meet one another and truly combine our newly formed family!
10. FAVORS
No. Just no. As a wedding coordinator, I spend most of the evening picking up favors and collecting them to give back to the B + G. Instead of a physical favor, Alex and I plan to have an amazing cookie table, courtesy of his Mawmaw, who is an amazing baker, and other family members, with plenty of to-go boxes to go around… it’s what we want, while also giving the people what they want!
11. BONUS: SQUARES VS ROUNDS...OR BOTH?
The weddings I’ve worked have had all rounds, all rectangles or mix of both. I really like the look of a room with a mix. It gives the space some dimension and allows for tables for larger groups that will want to sit together. It also gives you the opportunity to use different linens and centerpieces to fit the different shapes.
For me, as Bri the Bride, the planning process has only begun and I can’t wait to share my journey and final decisions with you all. First up, the venue!
Xo,