DOs

1. Do book your venue at least 12 months before your wedding. Especially if you are getting married into high season, or at a popular location, be wise enough to book as earlier in advance as possible to have the necessary time to design and plan your dream wedding.

2. Do ask for a signed contract from all your vendors. Mouth to mouth deals do not work anymore, especially when it comes to destination weddings. Ask for a signed contract of everything you have discussed. Even if the vendor really liked you and you got all friendly and promised services, one may change their mind anytime and destroy your plans. Make sure to secure your deals always and everywhere.

3. Do invest more money on the photographer and videographer. We know décor is important for you and you want to see an eye-catching set up, but a non-suitable photographer, might ruin your story telling from your wedding day. Photos will last forever as a memento of your special day, so having a photographer that suits your style will rock your wedding and offer you an editorial-like gallery.

4. Do spend money on catering services. The gastronomic experience is critical to a wedding celebration. After all it is half the reception session. Skimping the caterer is a poor decision, as taste is something your guests will remember. We are sure you don’t want unhappy guests who will always remember your wedding as the one with the mediocre food.

5. Do get a second dress. While your wedding gown is of outmost importance, and yes, we know you’ve spent months of searching and rehearsing it, you should be able to be comfy! Make the most out of it and keep it on for as long as you need, but when it comes to dancing and having fun, you don’t want to feel tighten up and unable to move.

6. Do check the weather statistics of the wedding location, for at least a year in advance. No one wants to plan a wedding for so long and when the day arrives, having to face bad weather conditions. Believe us, we’ve experienced this a lot! Just because we are located in Greece, it doesn’t mean it never rains! So, please, check the forecast statistics of your selected date, for at least a year ago, in order to know what to expect. As weather can always be unpredictable though, ensure your venue can equally host a Plan B.

7. Do add something personal. From wedding favors and gifts to signature cocktails, a personal touch is always a nice idea. After all this day is for you! Gift your guests with something personal that you love, like your favorite liquor, candy, a piece of art, or anything that screams “you”!

8. Do make sure to take a moment to yourself. As everything runs so fast, the whole day can be overwhelming. Do not walk down the aisle, stressed or emotional. Take a moment to yourself, relax, and think of the rest of your life with your loved-one. Choose to be surrounded by people who make you feel good, especially during your preparation. And if you can’t handle the stress of managing everything on your own, you don’t have to worry. Hiring a wedding planner will ease you for sure and let the burden off your shoulders.

DON’Ts

1. Don’t do virtual invitations. While we walk into the virtual world many will disagree. However, we hold important arguments on why you shouldn’t go all virtual. Firstly, you need to think about people, who do not understand how to use technology properly. Secondly, we love to keep some things traditional and romantic. Wedding stationery is important for us, as it is something you, and your guests, will have as a keepsake. The feeling of receiving an envelope, holding the card and feeling its texture is irreplaceable, and also transfers the energy and the aura of your upcoming journey to your guests.

2. Don’t include registry information on the invitation. It is considered rude, and your guests might think that getting a gift is equally important with their asked presence. Show that you care about them celebrating with you and not about the gifts you might receive. Asking for a gift before they even confirm their presence, is definitely something insignificant and impolite.

3. Don’t forget to consider your guests’ comfort. Try to avoid huge time gap between ceremony and reception. Consider that your guests come all the way to honor you, they are standing, if it’s summer they are sweating, and after a long time they will be hungry. If you cannot avoid the gap though, find a comfortable place, offer them drinks and maybe some local appetizers, while they are waiting.

4. Don’t ignore lightning of the venue. Lightning is important – even if you consider it as a detail – and is not always a package deal with the venue. Poor lightning might ruin the whole reception. Having intense light while guests arrive, or during the party is not a wise choice, as it destroys the rapport and creates tense feelings. On the other hand, darker lightning during dinner is inadequate, as guests must see clearly to dine comfortably. In any case, make sure to have a lightning rehearsal the day before.

5. Don’t forget your guests’ dietary specialties. If you have vegetarians, vegans, or pescatarians on your RSVP, it is ill-mannered to only offer one meal choice. Having a skilled wedding planning team with you, makes it a lot easier to accommodate all dinning issues and show respect to all your guests. Incorporate on your wedding website a section that allows guests to provide allergies and food specialties information.

6. Don’t forget people with children. Parents want to have fun too, and so do the kids! If your guests have young children, make sure to arrange something for them. Hire an animator and arrange a kid’s area with activities. It is unpleasant, watching bored kids and stressed parents on your wedding reception. Try to include a safe yet fun area for the little ones, while parents will be able to enjoy the party too!

7. Don’t choose your wedding planner depending only on price. While receiving offers and watching numbers may confuse you, the process of organizing a wedding is demanding and stressful. Find a wedding planner that matches your style, that listens to you, inspires and is trustworthy. Moreover, wedding planners have experience of the industry, and they can book better deals and make sure no mistakes occur.

8. Don’t forget to have fun! It is not all about planning and coordinating and stressing. Enjoy your special day without any distractions. Hire a capable wedding planning team to have your back at all times!

xoxo,

MAZI Team