Are you planning a wedding? Like, a big wedding? No, like a really big wedding? If so, you may be panicking a little about how to handle it. But don’t worry too much, it is possible. You can do this! Take it from someone with an enormous family (18 sets of aunts and uncles and more cousins than I can remember), this is possible. Despite a gigantic guest list, my own sister’s wedding went off without a hitch last summer.
So how do you do it? If you and/or your partner have giant families and/or a whole bunch of friends, then read on for some great tips on planning your wedding.
Have a Plan
The first part of the plan is, of course, to have a plan. It seems obvious, but if you’re just starting out your wedding planning then you don’t truly understand yet just how busy and crazy the whole process is going to get. It will be easy to lose sight of your plan when you’re in the weeds of what type of place settings to have and such. Establish a big plan early and do your best to stick to it. All plans should be flexible because the unforeseeable will inevitably come up, but do your best to consider how every decision slots into your vision for a big, beautiful wedding.
Choose a Big Venue
This should be another obvious one, but when you start looking at locations to host your wedding, it will be tempting to hone in on the best-looking places. Don’t do that without considering size. You need to go visit every venue you’re considering in person: online pictures may not do it justice, because they can be intentionally deceiving to oversell the place. Besides, you need to know more than just how all those tables and chairs will fit in. You also need to get a sense for how comfortable the space is going to be for a large crowd. Are they going to feel stuffy? How is the air conditioning/heating? Do sweat the details.
Try to Spend Time With Everyone
There are going to be a lot of people at your wedding, and each and every one of them is going to be there to see you. That means you need to see them. Having 200 or so people at your wedding makes that a challenge. Definitely plan to attend your own cocktail hour and give as many guests as possible some face time there. A pre-wedding rehearsal dinner/welcome party is a great way to get some time in with the out-of-towners who’ve made the trip in. Finally, consider making your way around to each table so you can see groups of people at once rather than having them get in a long line to try and see you.
Guests Should Still Get Up
Don’t think that means everyone should spend the whole evening at their tables. Photo booths, food stations and other interactive pieces will encourage people to get up and enjoy the wedding rather than sitting around waiting for you to see them the entire time. It’s also tough to feed that many people their main course in a hurry, so keep them distracted.
Remember – Five Years or Five Minutes
More guests equal more costs. It may not be fun to think of things in those terms, but it’s reality. You have to assume up front that everyone you invite will show up, so you’re going to have to cut some people. If you haven’t seen someone in five years and/or you can’t see yourself wanting to talk to them for five minutes on your big day, cut ‘em.
Rethink Those DIY Stations
The more people you have, the messier make-your-own whatever bars are going to get. DIY sundae, macaroni and cheese, salad, mashed potatoes, etc. bars are fun concepts – in moderation. If you have a large guest list, though, consider pre-made snacks/treats/sides that are creatively arranged instead of ones that people are going to have to make themselves.
Consider Travel Times
The more people you have on the guest list, the more likely it is that a large number will be coming in from out of town. Try to keep your ceremony and reception venues (if they’re separate) relatively close to each other and make sure transportation is either provided or everyone has access to directions, maps and parking information, especially if they’re not from the area.
Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
If you’re planning a big wedding, best of wishes on all your planning and (extra) big day from everyone at Birkat! Even if you’re not quite at that stage yet, it’s never too early to think ahead. If you’re talking about getting engaged, consider cubic zirconia jewelry for your engagement ring. Why? It’s affordable, and it looks fantastic – practically indiscernible from the “real” thing – which means you can get a bigger rock!