It’s that time of year again! Love is in the air, and wedding season is upon us. Congratulations if you’re lucky enough to have been invited to a nuptial or two this spring or summer! Attending a wedding is such a joyous and special occasion. But it also comes with some logistics that you’ll need to take care of ahead of time to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. So to help you out, we’ve coordinated with Daniel Neucom Photography, a team of photographers specializing in wedding photography, to put together a list of things you need to do to get ready for the big day.
1. Save the Date and the Invitation
The initial thing you need to do when you receive a wedding invitation in the mail is to save the date in your calendar. It may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how easily the date can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Once you’ve got the date penciled in, look at the invitation closely. Is there anything special you need to do to RSVP? For example, some couples ask that guests RSVP via their wedding website rather than through the mail. Others request that guests bring their response cards back to the ceremony so they can drop them in a box on their way out. Make sure you know the expectations so that you can RSVP accordingly!
2. Choose Your Outfit Wisely
Unless the invitation specifies otherwise, it’s generally safe to assume that weddings are semi-formal. You’ll want to steer clear of jeans and sneakers and opt for something a bit more put-together. However, that doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy a brand-new outfit for the occasion. Chances are you already have something suitable hanging in your closet; it just might take a little digging to find it. If all else fails, remember that black always looks chic!
3. Get Your Gift Ahead of Time
One of the most stressful things about attending weddings is figuring out what gift to give the happy couple. Will they prefer something practical like cash or a gift card? Or would they prefer a more sentimental present like an engraved picture frame? If you’re struggling to decide, consider taking a peek at the couple’s registry online (if they have one). That should give you some ideas about what sorts of things they’re hoping to receive. And if all else fails, you can always go with a classic like champagne flutes or serving ware.
4. Help Out If You Can
If you’re close or family with the bride or groom, chances are they could use an extra set of hands leading up to their big day—and maybe even on the day itself! Ask them if there’s anything you can do to help out, whether it’s running errands, addressing envelopes, or helping set up decorations at the venue. They’ll definitely appreciate having someone they trust by their side during such a busy and exciting time!
5. Enjoy Yourself!
Last but not least, don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourself once the big day finally arrives! Weddings are supposed to be fun, so ensure you take time to celebrate with the happy couple. Dance your heart out on the dance floor, indulge in some delicious cake, and snap plenty of photos so you can look back on this special day for years to come. Moreover, the photographers will be there to capture all the big moments, so you can just sit back and enjoy the show!
Wedding Gift Ideas
If you’re still stuck on what gift to give the happy couple, we’ve got a few ideas to help get you started. Here are a few of our favorite wedding gifts that are sure to please any bride and groom:
- A gift card to their favorite restaurant
- A custom-made photo book
- A trip to the spa
- A new kitchen appliance
- A year’s subscription to their favorite magazine
- A gift certificate to a local wine shop
- A set of personalized wine glasses
- A custom-made cake
- A weekend getaway at a local bed & amp; Breakfast
- A donation to their favorite charity in their name
Final Words
With wedding season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how best to prepare for all those upcoming weddings! From saving the date in your calendar to choosing the perfect outfit, use this guide as your go-to resource for everything wedding-related this season. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun celebrating love—after all, that’s what weddings are all about!