Living in such a tech-obsessed society, it’s hard to believe that an entire wedding, right down to the table favours, could be planned with just a browse of the internet and a click of a button. But certain tech decisions should be avoided to ensure a fool-proof big white wedding, and we have just the tips on how.
Pinning vs planning
Some women haven’t fantasised about their wedding day since they were a little girl and so, sites such as Pinterest are a fantastic platform on which to gain inspiration for your big day and create a mood boards to clarify things in your mind. For the brides who have been fantisising about their wedding day, Pinterest is just another fabulous place for them to enjoy inspiration galore. However, don’t confuse pinning with planning! Putting the hours in online does not equate to actually leaving the house and meeting with the wedding pros. Brides are in danger of getting caught up in searching for ideas rather than actually setting ideas in motion. Set aside some time to browse online, set up various meetings with florists, venues etc, and then take action so that your dream comes to life.
Don’t tell the groom
We’re all guilty of taking a selfie or 12, so surely a quick picture on your mobile phone of you in your gown, pre wedding day is a must! Not only would this be a fantastic motivator if you’re planning on losing a few pounds in the run-up to your big day, but having this photo is a beautiful reminder of the planning process in the months before your nuptials that you can cherish in a memory book for years to come. Yet, leaving such an image on your phone could fall into the wrong hands, aka, your fiancé's! If you’re adamant on upholding the tradition of keeping your dress a mystery until your wedding, then it’s probably the safest option to snap the picture of you in your dress on a trusted bridesmaid’s phone and keeping it in her safe hands! This way, you will stun guests, and most importantly your husband-to-be on your wedding day as you glide down the aisle. It's best to lay off the Snapchat too.
Don’t put it all on Facebook
Being an active Facebook user and planning your wedding is like walking a tightrope at times. While it’s fine to share bits and pieces of the wedding planning process, it’s best not to give your Facebook friends a play-by-play. For a start, they’ll get sick of hearing about your wedding plans fast. But aside from that, your Facebook friends are not all going to be invited to your wedding and too many updates might mean you’re rubbing it in their faces, especially for the few friends and relatives that might have expected an invite that aren’t getting one. Cool it with the constant updates. Check out our guide about sharing your your wedding on Facebook.
Hire a professional
Most folks these days think that by downloading Instagram onto their phones and choosing the perfect filter, this instantly qualifies them as actual photographers. By taking the easy route of shunning a professional photographer in favour of delegating the all-important duty to a tech-friendly attendee at the wedding is a major no-no. This task is so much more than just commanding a smile and pressing the capture button; these photographs will be such precious memories for the happy couple in years to come and the hazy amateur shots of an iPhone (however stunning they make you look in a quick selfie at two in the morning) will never rival the skill and precision that a professional photographer possesses.
Avoid unknown sites
Weddings are notorious for being pretty pricey occasions and no-one could blame a bride for bargain-hunting when it comes to certain aspects of the big day, just make sure it’s not your dress! Seeing your dream gown online for a steal at €50 seems too good to be true… meaning it probably is, no matter how good the image is on the website. What seems to be a chiffon dream could arrive at your door looking like the leftover Quality Street wrappers in the tin have been sewn together and classed as a ‘dress’! For peace of mind, comfort, expert knowledge, the perfect fit and ultimately, your happiness on the most important day of your life, wear your most comfortable pair of walking shoes and raid every dress boutique you can find. Not that there aren't gorgeous gowns to be found safety online, but there are some safe guards to remember.
- Michelle Storey
Image credits: Bride and groom: Tara H. Photography | Dress: Carlie Statsky via Style Me Pretty