We've been around the block and seen our fair share of 'definitely do' and 'oh no, please don't' ideas for your wedding! With coordinators and general managers who have been in the industry for many many years, our team would like to share what we believe are the best things you can do when organizing your wedding, as well as what we believe you should avoid.

1. Enjoy The Process

Keep in mind what your wedding day is all about. There are a lot of 'wedding customs' that you don't have to participate in. There is no right or wrong way to plan a wedding, so avoid traditions and trends that don't mean anything to you. Make it your own and don't be shy about it.

2. Customize Your Celebration

Personalize your wedding décor to the nth degree to reflect your personalities. It's a wonderful approach for your guests to learn about both sides of the story. Pay attention to the small elements that will make your guests smile and show them that your wedding is truly unique to you.

3. Embrace Your Family

If you have children (whether together or as a mixed family), consider incorporating them in wedding vows. This is the day you make pledges to each other about your future life together, as well as commitments to your children about the family you are building. It's a momentous day for them too!

4. Make a Ceremony Seating Chart

While seating charts are frequent at wedding receptions, they are less common for wedding ceremonies. Guests adore them since it ensures that they will have a space reserved for them and that they will be with persons they care about!

5. Hire a Videographer

There's nothing quite like a wedding video! While photos are magical and long-lasting, a video really brings the memory back to life in an instant. Perfect Cadence Events is here to help you remember your day for years to come.

6. Get Creative With Gifts

While some couples enjoy traditional wedding presents and registries, others may not want tangible stuff. Consider what you truly desire as wedding gifts — a honeymoon fund, a backyard renovation budget, or matching mountain bikes. If you honestly don't want any wedding gifts, choose a charity.

7. Have a 'First Look'

The first look is our favorite of all the bridal rituals that have graced modern-day weddings. There are a plethora of reasons to like the first look, not least of which are the incredible photo memories you'll have for the rest of your lives. Plan one with your soon-to-be spouse, then one with your parents and wedding party.

8. Invite Your Pet

Why not bring your pets to your wedding if you love them so much that you consider them family members? It's a great way to personalize your wedding while also providing great photo possibilities!

9. Hire a Babysitter

A child-free wedding is great for many couples who want a break from daily life and children, but it can be difficult to arrange childcare. Hiring a babysitter is a great option to enjoy a child-free wedding while also giving parents the peace of mind of having childcare scheduled ahead of time.

10. Don't Forget to Say Thank You

Thank those you care about the most! While the wedding day is all about the happy couple, your family and friends are likely to have assisted you along the journey. A simple thank you note or gesture can go a long way toward demonstrating your gratitude.

11. Plan a Sweet Surprise

Anything you can think of to make your new spouse smile even wider is always fun! For your initial look, how about a dinosaur costume? A flash mob of groomsmen? A serenade? There's an opportunity to add a laugh at every turn!

12. Don't Stress the Small Stuff

We guarantee that you won't recall the color of your napkins or the stones in your centerpiece in 5, or even 10 years. And don't forget: we're here to help you and are experts in our field so you don't have to be!

13. Choose Your Venue First

We usually suggest selecting your wedding venue first, followed by your wedding date! It may seem counterintuitive, but it's the most cost-effective way to have the wedding of your dreams.

14. Don't DIY Too Much

A DIY wedding from start to finish may be ideal for you if you DIY everything in your life. However, DIY wedding tasks are usually more expensive and stressful for most couples than hiring a professional to do it for them.

15. Re-Think Those Wedding Favors

On your wedding day, there are no rules, and that includes presenting wedding favors! While favors can be a lot of fun and meaningful, if you don't have an original idea, skip them.

16. Invest in Your Photographer

There are many places in your wedding budget where you may save money, but you should always invest in the elements of the wedding that will last a lifetime: photography. Find out how Perfect Cadence Events can help your memories live on forever!

17. Skip the Aisle Runner

While aisle runners are attractive, they are rarely useful. Choose a wedding ceremony location that has a natural aisle, which many venues do. These are equally lovely and far safer for the bridal party.

18. Don't DIY Chair Covers and Sashes

This is, believe it or not, one of the most time-consuming setup and tear-down activities. You want the chair decor to be flawless because the chairs are a focal point of your wedding day. Invest in a professional!

19. Create a Schedule, But Keep It Flexible

A wedding's truth is that timing will never be perfect, and that's fine! The idea is to leave room in your schedule for unexpected events.