Planning a wedding? Want to ensure that it goes off without a hitch (well apart from the two of you actually getting hitched, that is)? There are a few things you are going to want to take care of that can either make or break your wedding…

1. Location, Location, Vacation?

If you get your wedding venue wrong, your big daymay go from a fairytale to a frustrating getaway. Sure, that barn on a cliffside in Montana looks gorgeous in the photos, but will everyone (including grandma with her walker) be able to get there? Maybe…maybe not. While “destination weddings” sound glamorous, keep it real about how far people are willing to travel and whether they’ll want to speak to you afterward if you’ve put them through a transportation nightmare. Pro tip: check for actual bathrooms, and consider the acoustics. A DJ might sound like a live rock band in one venue, and like an off-key karaoke attempt in another.

2. Feed Them Well or Face the Wrath

Look, people can get over a mediocre speech or a slightly wilted flower arrangement, but no one forgets a wedding with bad food. Ever. Skimp on the catering, and you might just end up with an uprising on your hands. Yes, that vegan, gluten-free, raw bar sounds “interesting,” but maybe mix in something hearty to keep people on their feet. And whatever you do, don’t go stingy on the cake. This is not the day for portion control. A cake that leaves people dreaming about its chocolate ganache for days afterward? That’s a win.

3. The Guest List: Friend or Frenemy?

Creating a guest list is a delicate operation. Invite too many people, and you’ll feel like the party’s been hijacked by every “plus-one” and fifth cousin twice removed. Invite too few, and your wedding will feel like an exclusive club everyone’s just a bit too embarrassed to be at. Strike a balance, and don’t be afraid to put your foot down. This is your day, not a community mixer.

4. The Schedule: Dancing or Dullsville?

Yes, timelines are important. But there’s a fine line between keeping things moving and turning your wedding into a never-ending schedule of speeches, toasts, and perfectly timed dances. Build in time for some fun! Guests didn’t show up just to sit there nodding politely – they’re here to party. Don’t trap people in endless formalities. Create a little room for spontaneity – you’ll love the memories you make.

5. Bring the Party or Watch People Doze Off

People come to weddings to celebrate, and good music is key to making that happen. If you want people on the dance floor, don’t let your cousin “DJ” with their playlist from 2012. Get a band, hire a DJ who knows how to read the room, or even throw in some unexpected entertainment like a photobooth or live karaoke. You want people talking about how much fun they had for years, not whispering about how they “called it a night early.”

Remember, it’s your day – not a reality show!