5 Key Wedding Planning Tips from UE's Event Professionals

Planning a wedding can be fun, exciting, and let's be honest – overwhelming! Over the past two decades, we've had the privilege of planning and catering weddings for many special couples. We've seen trends come and go, developed partnerships with top-quality partners and suppliers, and collected creative and practical ideas along the way.

 

1. COMMUNICATION

It seems simple, but we can’t stress it enough – communication is key. Developing an open, frequent dialogue with your wedding coordinator is so important to ensure that everyone is on the same page, and that information is freely and easily shared throughout your planning journey. The specific details of your wedding can evolve, even right up to the wedding day. Staying in touch with your wedding coordinator builds trust both ways and helps you stay flexible if plans need to change or be adapted. And, with strong communication, your coordinator will better understand your likes, dislikes, and values, all of which are essential for them to advocate on your behalf successfully and make decisions on-site while the event is underway.

2. BYOB

If you’re hosting your wedding at home or choosing a venue that allows it, you can save money and treat your guests by providing your own alcohol. If you choose to BYOB, our team has the experience and knowledge to properly guide you when it comes to quantities, brands, NA and zero-proof options, and signature cocktail recipes!

3. SPACE YOUR SPEECHES BETWEEN COURSES

Speeches can be one of the most heartwarming and memorable aspects of a wedding reception, but they can also take time. We recommend spacing your speeches between courses, with some after the first course, some after the main course, and final speeches after dessert and before you hit the dance floor! Timing your speeches this way helps keep them brief (as the next course is on the way), keeps things fun and entertaining between courses, and makes for a smoother dinner service without time gaps. Not to mention, speakers with stage fright can be scheduled early, so they can go first and relax for the remainder of the evening.

4. TAKE A BREAK + TAKE A BITE

One thing we love to do is remind our wedding couples to take a break…and eat! We delight in preparing a special platter of hors d’ouevres for just the two of you to enjoy after the ceremony while you’re having a private celebratory toast, or preparing for a special photoshoot before joining your guests for the reception. Don’t worry – we’ll always make sure you have an opportunity to eat amid all of the excitement and activity of your wedding day!

5. EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED

You don’t have to be a professional wedding coordinator to know that sometimes, not everything goes as planned at a wedding. With this in mind, our wedding coordinator will work closely with you to come up with a plan B, and even a plan C, just in case you need it. We also recommend you delegate day-of details not only to your coordinator, but also to trusted members of your family or wedding party, so you won’t have to sweat the small stuff, and you can focus on celebrating, connecting with your guests, and of course, enjoying delicious food and drink!

We look forward to more urban element weddings to come! Drop us a line to start bringing your wedding day vision to life: emily@theurbanelement.ca

P.S. Take a look at the lovely wedding venues we work with!