Expert Advice from a Professional Wedding Planner

As an event planner, I find that the entire process of planning and executing a wedding can easily get out of hand. So much time and attention is focused on the budget, the decorations, the food, the attire, the transportation, the registry or the gifts. During the planning stages, the people involved in the wedding ceremony itself sometimes don’t take the time to prepare for the true ceremony. In fact, some don’t take it to heart until they reach the altar at the ceremony. Yes, they go over the words and maybe even write their own vows, but do they really prepare themselves for marriage?

So many Christians buy into the need for the perfect wedding. We all imagine that perfect day, but what makes it perfect? The food needs to be appealing and delicious. The flowers need to be seasonal and gorgeous. The dress needs to be one of a kind. The venues must be remarkable and make the statement to the world, “This is my wedding.” But is Jesus Christ not the purpose of the wedding itself? Did He not bring these two people together to begin with? Are we not merely celebrating His union and the joining of two families?

Does the groom truly understand what God says about his role in the marriage? Does the bride understand what God says about her role? It’s a task all its own bringing the information to the couple, but to ask them to set their path in life with no similar experiences to draw from, that is when the Word is most important. When mistakes are made, each Christian couple should look to Him for guidance, patience and resolve.

It truly is easier, more calming and generally a happier time when Christ is the focus of the wedding. The atmosphere from rehearsal to reception is happy and thankful. The wedding feels more like a gift and less like a circus. The honeymoon feels more like a reward and a time for reflection at the beginning of a marriage. When He is your focus, the wedding is perfect no matter what the budget. From castle to courthouse, He should be the driving force behind all that you do.

So how does one go about applying this focus? The following are some suggestions
you can take:

• Be upfront with your family, partner and wedding party and let them know what your focus is. They will be the people who help you achieve this when the pressure is on.
• Talk to your wedding vendors and let them know a bit about you and your focus on Christ. They will feel like you are more than just another wedding
  but also a member of their faith family.
• Hire a professional event planner, someone who can alleviate the stress and headaches. His/her job
  is to take care of the negotiations, contracts, budgeting
  and micromanage the details so you don’t
  have to. Your memories are the most important
  thing that you take with you when all of the
  guests, flowers and food are gone.

Additional Advice for the Bride

Many people believe that they need “everything” when it comes to their wedding. Yes, little girls dream of the day when they will meet their Prince Charming, get married and live happily ever after. I did. However, with that dream comes reality and a price tag. As a young couple, is the cost of lavishness worth the debt if you ultimately can’t afford it? I’m not saying that you can’t have your dream wedding; just remember that perspective is everything.

You, your finance and your families should create a budget and stick with it. Find an event planner who is knowledgeable about design and knows how to save you money. Ask yourself if what you are about to buy is going to help or hurt you when it’s all over. The bridal industry is a beautiful place – the magnificent work that people do and the incredible designs that you see, taste and smell are truly unforgettable. The fact is that if you put Christ first and maintain a perspective through Him and His Word, you will ultimately have the perfect wedding.

— Erin Hunter

Erin Hunter is a professional wedding planner with Impress The Guest Event Planning and Design. For more information, visit www.impresstheguest.us or call (205) 410-0717.