4 things your wedding planning checklist may have missed

March 22, 2017

There are hundreds of great wedding planning checklists out there.  Most of them are pretty useful, so we don’t need to reinvent the wheel.  We are lucky to have a team of incredibly dedicated and experienced wedding planners who know how to create exclusive elegant country weddings.  We asked our wedding team for some of the things those checklists can miss.

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Photo: Sabin Gratz

One – What will your guests be doing when you’re busy?

If you’re planning a destination wedding you’ve researched lodging and meals,  you’ve planned your ceremony and your reception, even a rehearsal dinner and day after brunch.  But what about those times that you and the wedding party are busy getting prepared?  What will your guests be doing all day?  We suggest you do some research into the activities available in the area, then provide your guests with recommendations.
You can keep it as simple as a pre-event email with activities and addresses, step it up with an online form and make group reservations, or have a custom card printed with a menu of activities that greets guests when they arrive.

Here at Riverside Farm, we make it easy.  On site we have 50 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, a gorgeous hand built stone staircase up the mountain, pristine rivers and streams for swimming and tubing.  Just a few minutes down the road guests can enjoy golf or the summer activities at Killington Mountain Resort.  Even if you love the Vermont outdoors, maybe that’s not for all your guests.  Some will be happy sitting on the Amee Lodge wrap around porch taking in the view and a fresh cup of coffee or hanging out at Pittsfield’s Original General Store, others might like to visit the quaint New England town of Woodstock with gift shops, art galleries, bookstores, and cafes. Head out a little further to Quechee and visit Simon Pearce glass to watch artisans creating unique blown glass creations, or stop at Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock to watch some incredible potters at work.

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photo: JL Photography

Two – Work with nature

From one day to another nature can bring the unexpected, but there are some patterns worth researching. When planning an outdoor wedding check the average temperature for your wedding date.  It will help you choose outfits for yourself and the wedding party and advise your guests.

Many couples love the idea of sunset photos, check what time it will be on your chosen date, then keep that in mind when you schedule toasts, dances, and meals.

Once all that research is done, expect the unexpected.  Be sure your venue has a rain or weather plan.

Three – Everyone needs to eat

One cost that catches some couples by surprise is vendor meals. Your photographer, videographer, band and DJ will need to eat during the wedding reception.  Don’t forget to work with your caterer to include them in the plan.

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Four – How do you feel about kids?

No, we’re not getting personal, we’re asking about kids at your wedding event.  With a destination wedding, some guests will want to include children.  A little advanced planning can avoid a lot of family stress.  First, make some decisions.  Will kids be welcome at the ceremony or reception?  If they are is there an area they can let loose? If not is there a plan for child care?

Many couples have fun putting something special on a kids table like coloring books or games.

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Want more wedding planning advice? We suggest  “Congratulations! You’re engaged, what next?”