Hello!
I've just got back from a whirlwind wedding and Honeymoon. I thought i'd put together some thoughts about my experience:
Get your hair and makeup done early - I planned my hair and makeup artists to arrive 3 hours before I was to leave. Makeup took way longer than expected due to mascara damage. I ended up rushing out the door with little to no breathing room
Have effective communication with your DJ and your Wedding Party - My DJ was great but, he forgot some of what I had asked of him with regards to music choices and announcements. I should have had a secondary meeting with him right before the wedding. My wedding party was all over the place in regards to where they were supposed to stand during the ceremony. Be sure to go specifically go over with your officiant where everyone will stand BEFORE you do the rehearsal that way everyone will be on the same page.
Have one event that will give you time with your guests - I had a Dollar Dance and everyone came up to dance with me and I am so THANKFUL that I did it. I loved being able to spend one on one time with everyone. So have an event in the middle of your reception where you can spend time with your guests. Do a line dance, do a Dollar Dance, have a competition...something that will get everyone involved!
Your timeline needs a 10 minute bumper - my ceremony went over and I had ZERO time to do formal pictures other than the wedding party pictures. Luckily my photographer had the bright idea to take pictures in front of the reception building and came up with some creative portraits on the fly. Give yourself 10 to 20 minutes of bumper time.
Go over the introductions with your DJ and wedding party - thankfully my DJ lined everyone up but no one really knew what to do when they got out there. Make sure someone informs them of there they are to go and if they're posing for pictures after being introduced.
My wedding was fun but way more stressful than I thought it would be. Give yourself way more time than you think you need and you'll be grateful that you did.
