Shannon's Best Wedding Planning Advice

Ever since we read this article on The Knot, we’ve been wanting to do a blog post on this topic (Oh, and we also wanted to share a few more of Shannon’s wedding pictures from Cristina G!). We wanted to create a post for our Brides with great advice, but not advice from a planner – advice from another Bride. Even though Shannon has been planning weddings for nearly 10 years, there were still a few surprises that she ran into on her own big day. Here are a few of Shannon’s best tips…

Skip the DIY & favors.

Do not let Pinterest convince you that you need 40 additional photo props, picture frames, and DIY favors. You don’t. For every decision you make, that means you have to pack it, tell someone where to put it, and I can promise you on that day those small additions are NOT what you think about or even notice. You can also put that money toward “experiences” at your wedding – a cigar bar, photo-booth, etc. will go just as far!

Invest in your venue.

Simplify everything you can, starting with the decor. We picked a venue that fit our style perfectly, and had so many amazing elements going on before we added a single thing. We were married on a rooftop overlooking our gorgeous city, so even though we splurged on the venue, we absolutely saved everywhere else by not having to transform one thing in to another.

Choose 1-2 photo locations – TOPS.

You may think you really want to stop at 3 different locations for photos, but trust me, you don’t. Choose your favorite location and then see what’s within walking distance in that area. The whole day feels like you’re on fast forward, and the less you try to cram in, the better you will feel. Simplify the planning process for yourself and you will thank yourself (and this post) come your wedding week.

Trust.

The key here is to hire a team of vendors that you have complete confidence in. Do your homework, trust your gut, ask your planner, and potentially spend a bit more on putting together an amazing team. We instilled so much trust in our team’s talent, that we didn’t worry about a darn thing on wedding day.

Be confident.

Whether it’s finding the perfect dress, booking the BEST hair and makeup team, or eating clean and working out daily, it’s SO important to be confident and feel great the day of the wedding.