Planning a wedding can be as challenging as it is exciting. For couples who are just starting out on their journey of putting their big day together, the whole process can seem extremely daunting. One of the best things to do to narrow things down and get a good starting point is to hear advice from people who are either experts or have done it before. To help out, we have made a list of some Do’s and Don’ts to consider for your wedding day, as well as an explanation on why. So continue reading to find out more about these things from some of the experts here at The Pines.

The Do’s of Wedding Planning

Do Finalize Your Budget Early

Your budget is the foundation of your wedding planning – and everything else will end up building on it. Take the time before getting into a plan or vision to sit down together and set realistic priorities. Maybe one of you care more about an amazing venue and their food, or maybe photography and entertainment are your top priorities. Knowing where you want your money to go will save you stress (and tough decisions) later.

Do Start a Pinterest Board

Visuals are everything when it comes to communicating your vision. Starting a Pinterest board makes it easy to collect inspiration for flowers, colors, tablescapes, dresses, and even photo poses. It also helps your vendors see exactly what you’re dreaming of, making it a lot easier to pull out your phone and show them rather than attempt to explain what is on your mind and have it be misinterpreted. Pro tip: Create separate boards for different parts of the day (ceremony, reception, bridal party, etc.) so everything stays organized.

Do Arrange Guest Transportation

It may not seem like the most glamorous part of planning, but guest transportation can make a huge difference. If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, or you have guests flying in from out of town, having a shuttle or ride-share plan takes the pressure off them – and makes sure everyone gets where they need to be on time. This is a great consideration even when it comes to timing, this avoids the likelihood of people showing up late and missing a crucial moment they originally had traveled there for. 

The Pines has a discounted partnership with Party Pros Fargo Shuttle Services, making it easier to get your guests together and on time!

Do Consider a Venue That Offers More Than A Building

Planning gets so much easier when your venue covers more than just the space. That’s one of the reasons couples love The Pines – we provide the tables, chairs, setup, bar services, and even clean up (outside of decor) so you don’t have to juggle a dozen vendors. The more you can get out of the venue, the smoother your planning process will be. The weight in wedding planning that the right venue can take off of your shoulder is big.

The Don’ts of Wedding Planning

Don’t Try to Handle Everything Yourself

It’s so tempting to want to control every detail, but trying to take it all on alone can leave you stressed and burnt out. Let your wedding party, family, or even a professional planner help. This isn’t just your wedding to plan – it’s your day to enjoy, too. If you are the type of person who likes to know all the details in be in control, then the Pines option for unlimited consultations will be of great use to you! Plan as deeply as you need, and be in full confidence come your wedding day.

Don’t Forget About Guests with Dietary Needs

Whether it’s gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-friendly meals, accommodating guests with special dietary needs shows thoughtfulness. Make sure to ask about this on your RSVPs so you’re not scrambling last-minute with your caterer. This is one that is common to forget about or gloss over, but this is important and extremely considerate of the couple to their guests. It is a great way to ensure everyone feels like they were invited with intentionality, and that their seat at the table and experience is special to you.

Don’t Go Over 3 Minutes During Toasts

We all love a good story or heartfelt memory, but when speeches run too long, the energy in the room can dip. Encourage your speakers to keep it sweet, personal, and no longer than 3 minutes. That way, everyone stays engaged and ready to hit the dance floor.

Don’t Be Afraid to Go Against Tradition

Some of the best weddings we’ve hosted are the ones where couples did things their way.Want to skip the bouquet toss? Go for it. Thinking about a private first look or private last dance? Do it. Traditions are great if they’re meaningful to you, but don’t feel pressure to follow ones that aren’t. Your wedding is your wedding and no one else’s, there should be nothing that is obligating you to include a tradition that you aren’t fond of. Don’t be afraid to say “no”, you said “yes” to the most important question which is why you’re planning in the first place!

Wedding planning doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending checklist. If you focus on your priorities, get clear about your budget, and give yourself permission to let go of what doesn’t matter to you, your day will already be a success.

And remember – the venue you choose plays a huge role in how simple (or stressful) planning can be. That’s why we love helping couples at The Pines. From multiple ceremony options to having flat-rate pricing, we’re here to make the process smoother, so you can focus on celebrating the start of your forever.