We’ve curated sage advice on everything weddings — hair and makeup, transportation, DJs and live music, photography and videography, outdoor options, lighting, flowers, men’s and women’s attire, how to pick the date, managing stress, how to get the most from your venue, incorporating pets plus more food content and trends than we could possibly tag here!
What’s left? How about advice from those who’ve been through it — and who have come out delighted! We chose two couples who got married in 2021 because their advice is timeless, even if they did get married about a year-and-a-half into a pandemic. Their happy results show that everyone can have the day of their dreams, even in unprecedented circumstances.
Revel in these eight tips from the Marchettis and the McCreerys.
Kathleen and Billy Marchetti
Married July 2021
Photo of Kathleen and Billy Marchetti by Kate Leigh
- Our biggest piece of advice: remove any idea of “perfection” that you’ve built in your head around the big day or accompanying details. The quicker that we let go of the notion that everything had to go according to exact plan — and that was definitely a process over the course of two pandemic-forced reschedules — the quicker we were able to accept the planning process for what it was and maybe even enjoy it.
- Make a small list of “must haves” and determine what’s most important to you as a couple. Then, if you have to drop a few supplemental things, it’s easier to handle.
- It’s cliche, but don’t stress the small stuff. No one’s going to remember your cake’s second-tier filling or if your bridesmaids’ earrings were rose gold or silver. What they will remember is the awesome time they had celebrating your love for each other — and a few cocktails along the way.
- Looking back, as stressed as we were planning, it now all feels like a blip compared to the happy life and marriage that we’ve established with each other. Regardless of when it happened or how each detail worked out, we got to marry our best friend.
Photo by Kate Leigh
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Ashlee and Mike McCreery
Married October 2021
Photo of Ashlee and Mike McCreery by Grace and Ardor Co.
- Ashlee was definitely one of those stressful brides because of the pandemic, wanting to know what’s going to happen? Would it be canceled? Would we have to limit the amount of people? Luckily, none of that happened! When you’re feeling stressed, take a breath and remember to look for ways that work for you to manage your stress.
- Don’t overthink it as much as you want to — as hard as that sounds. Like the pandemic, some things are unfortunately out of your control. But, many things are, so work with your event planner to manage those details.
- Focus on the why. Your day will be amazing whether it went exactly how you envisioned it — or a little differently. Your day is all about celebrating you and your love, and that’s what truly matters!
- Enjoy the day! Make sure to put some time aside for just you and your partner. Slow it down and take everything in.
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Robert Ryan Catering and Design plans and executes over 400 events each year, boasts a five-star rating on WeddingWire and has received WeddingWire’s Couple’s Choice/Bride’s Choice Award seven years in a row. Learn more about Robert Ryan Catering & Design and tour our venues. Subscribe to our e-newsletter for exclusive offers, up-to-date news and recipes from our executive chef.
Featured photo of Ashlee and Mike McCreery by Grace and Ardor Co.
