The Realities of Wedding Planning: Insights from a Recently Married Bride
Planning a wedding is an exciting and joyous time. Most couples go into the process of planning their wedding thinking it will be easy. However the truth is, putting all the pieces of your wedding together can be overwhelming and stressful. So we thought what better way to give you, our engaged listeners, real wedding planning insights by chatting with a real bride. And we are not talking about brides you hear who wed in Italy under the Tuscan sun at the same venue George and Amal Clooney did. We’re talking about real couples, just like you!
In this article, we will delve into the experiences of a recently married bride, Kirrilly Knaggs, as she shares her insights and reflections on the wedding planning process. We will explore the challenges she faced, the surprises she encountered, and the lessons she learned along the way. Through her first-hand account, we hope to provide valuable advice and guidance for couples embarking on their own wedding planning journey.
Setting the Stage: The Journey to "I Do"
Kirrilly and her partner, Blake, have known each other for over a decade. They met as teenagers and have been together for almost nine years. When they decided to tie the knot, they chose the picturesque Tindarra Resort in Moama, New South Wales, as their wedding venue. Their goal was simple: to create a day filled with fun and laughter, where everyone would walk away saying, "That was so much fun!"
The Rollercoaster of Wedding Planning
The wedding planning process can be both exciting and overwhelming. Kirrilly describes feeling a mix of emotions as she navigated the various decisions and details. She acknowledges that having a connection with a wedding planner, in her case, her cousin, Mel, was a significant advantage. Mel's expertise and guidance helped alleviate some of the stress and provided valuable insights throughout the planning process.
Kirrilly emphasizes the importance of starting with a clear understanding of your non-negotiables. These are the elements that are most important to you as a couple and should be prioritized in the planning process. For Kirrilly and Blake, their non-negotiables included having their loved ones present and ensuring that everyone had a great time. By identifying these priorities early on, they were able to make decisions that aligned with their vision for the day.
According to Kirrilly, effective communication with vendors is crucial. She recommends setting up a separate email address dedicated to wedding planning to streamline communication and keep everything organized. She also highlights the importance of reviewing the terms and conditions of contracts and asking for full inclusions when negotiating wedding packages. One unexpected cost that Kirrilly encountered was the additional chairs that the venue required. This experience served as a reminder to carefully review contracts and clarify expectations to avoid any surprises.
The Surprises and Challenges
Despite the careful planning and preparation, Kirrilly encountered a few surprises and challenges along the way. One challenge she faced was the limited options for customizing certain aspects of the wedding, such as the wine selection. While the venue had pre-determined options, Kirrilly and Blake had specific preferences that they were unable to accommodate. This experience taught them the importance of asking detailed questions and clarifying expectations before finalizing contracts.
Another challenge Kirrilly faced was the back-and-forth communication with vendors, which she found to be time-consuming and overwhelming. She recommends setting up a separate email address dedicated to wedding planning to streamline communication and keep everything organized. This simple step can make a significant difference in managing the planning process.
The Joyful Moments
Despite the challenges, Kirrilly and Blake's wedding day was filled with joyful moments that they will cherish forever. One of Kirrilly's favorite memories was walking into the reception and seeing all their loved ones with big smiles on their faces, ready to celebrate. This moment encapsulated their goal of creating a fun and memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
Kirrilly also treasures the special moments shared with her father, such as when he turned around and saw her for the first time. These emotional moments remind her of the love and support she has from her family and the significance of the day.
Regrets and Lessons Learned
When reflecting on their wedding day, Kirrilly does have a few regrets. One of the main ones is not hiring a videographer. While they had stunning photos to capture the day, Kirrilly wishes they had a moving picture to relive the live moments and see the emotions unfold. She advises couples to seriously consider investing in a videographer to capture the essence of the day.
Another regret Kirrilly mentions is the lack of coordination during the family and group photos after the ceremony. Without a designated person to manage the process, valuable time was wasted, and they missed out on spending more time with their bridal party and guests. She recommends having a written list of who needs to be in the group photos and designating someone to help coordinate and ensure everyone is present.
The Wedding Come Down
After the wedding day, Kirrilly and Blake experienced what is commonly known as the wedding come down. They found themselves reminiscing and looking through photos and videos, wishing they could relive the day. This feeling of nostalgia and longing for the special moments is a common experience for many couples. Kirrilly suggests planning something special for each anniversary to commemorate the day and keep the memories alive.
The Value of a Wedding Planner
Kirrilly acknowledges the invaluable role that a wedding planner played in their wedding journey. Having a professional to guide them, provide insights, and alleviate stress was worth every penny. She recommends that couples seriously consider hiring a wedding planner, even if they are organized individuals. A wedding planner's expertise, industry connections, and attention to detail can make a significant difference in the planning process and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Kirrilly also highlights the importance of understanding the role of a wedding coordinator at a venue. While venue coordinators can be helpful on the day of the wedding, they may not provide the same level of planning and coordination as a dedicated wedding planner. It is essential to clarify the responsibilities and services provided by the venue coordinator to avoid any misunderstandings.
Conclusion: A Journey to Remember
Planning a wedding is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and surprises. Kirrilly's insights provide a glimpse into the realities of wedding planning and the lessons learned along the way. From prioritizing non-negotiables to effective communication with vendors, her experiences offer valuable advice for couples embarking on their own wedding planning journey. The wedding come down is a real phenomenon, but by planning special moments and commemorating the day each year, couples can keep the memories alive. And finally, the value of a wedding planner cannot be overstated. Their expertise and guidance can make a world of difference in creating a memorable and stress-free wedding day.
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