Seven Things You Deserve
You've booked a quality reception site, taken great care selecting your caterer, dutifully followed up with your vendors and have provided them with all of the input they've requested. There are things you may be taking for granted that are frighteningly overlooked or botched on a too-regular basis. These are seven things that you deserve:
1. Pressed linens.
They may have folding lines, and they may not be military crisp, but they should NOT be visibly wrinkled. And no, no matter what they tell you "once they put all the plates and centerpieces and stuff" on the table it doesn't make the wrinkles "disappear". Don't assume that your ultra-ritzy resort does this automatically, either. Make it clear to your salesperson that you expect that this basic request will be honored.
2. Linens placed evenly on the tables.
Some are a little irregular, but for the most part linens should be evenly placed, not askew. If they're way off, make them reset the table. It stinks, but it's basic and someone should have noticed.
3. Enough food.
A caterer running out of food is like a photographer showing up with one roll of film (or one memory thingy-ma-bob). As long as you have given accurate guest numbers and haven't intentionally under-ordered to try and save a buck (don't), your caterer should provide your guests with enough food. Do your part and tell them if you just happen to have all football players attending, otherwise make it clear that your want your guests happy and fed and that you're willing to pay fairly for it.
4. Your first dance.
Along the same lines as the "enough food" and "enough film", this is one of your DJ/musician's most important jobs. If you've communicated it to them in time, they should have it, no ifs, ands, or buts.
5. The right cake.
Before the baker leaves, have someone double-check that the flavors are correct (since you can't cut it open to find out yourself).
6. To hear your names and to marry the right guy.
Take extra care to respectfully review your names and their pronunciations with your emcee and with your officiant. Have a healthy sense of humor at your rehearsal if your officiant tries to pronounce you Mrs. Best Man, but have someone politely and discretely bring any such blunders to his or her attention post-rehearsal and again on the wedding day. It's less funny at the actual wedding (or when you previously dated your best man...).
7. To keep your secrets secret.
Be very clear to your best man or maid of honor if there are "humorous" events from your past you do not want discussed in your toast. If you're really worried, hold the toasts early in the evening before they have the chance to over-imbibe. Also warn your DJ who may be able to "subtly" cut off mic power and turn on the dance music if anything goes awry.
Lots of things go wrong on wedding days, and the best trait to cultivate is a healthy sense of humor. You can prepare for some situations, however, and you should if you plan to get what you deserve.
Happy planning.
Shayna Walker
As a bride-to-be, thanks for this post!!
Posted by: Jessica | September 13, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Thank you for the "wrinkle" comment. It's a pet peeve of mine...you validated my craziness :)
Posted by: Missy | October 05, 2008 at 08:19 AM