Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/

1. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 1/10

SEARCH

SUBSCRIBE
UP TO 83% OFF!
MENU
SPONSORED
Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning
 TWEET  SHARE
You’ve been dreaming about the perfect wedding day. But chances are your fantasies don’t
include the reality of potential issues that may pop up when the hustle and bustle of the big
day arrives.
Don’t panic! Your wedding can be worry free by hiring an event professional to ensure the day
is seamless.

2. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 2/10
“Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it shouldn’t be,” explains Tiffany Renee Balmer, the
owner of TheDCEventPlanner.com. “Hire someone who really cares about all the details and
the rest is easy.”
Having a certified event planner on your side means that everything has been thought of and
solutions have been brainstormed ahead of time. And although the most important part of
your wedding day is marrying the person you love, Balmer provided insight on the following
nuptial needs that should be addressed before your wedding:
Outdoor Weddings
Many couples prefer to get married outside because of their love of nature—and because the
unobstructed view of a gorgeous blue sky background can make for beautiful photos. The cost
and the obstruction of a tent can be a deterrent, but inclement weather and excessive heat

3. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 3/10
can make for a strong case to book one.
“No, you don’t have to use a tent for your outdoor wedding, but, yes, you do have to have one
on back up in case it rains that day,” Balmer shares.
Most tent rental companies require a 50% deposit to hold the date and the remainder of the
full fee after installation. Final decisions typically need to be made the week of (some
companies only require day of), and having this option in place is an investment in peace of
mind for the couple.
It’s also advised to alert guests ahead of time if the ceremony and/or reception will be held
outdoors so they can dress appropriately. Providing fans, water, and bug repellent is also a
nice gesture and will keep your guests more comfortable.
Traffic

4. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 4/10
If you have spent any time on Washington area roads, you know that traffic can be an issue.
The following are a few ideas provided by Balmer to keep guests on schedule and help you
avoid a late start:
•Host a pre-ceremony welcome mixer with refreshments and background music. This is
typically hosted a half hour before the ceremony starts which means guests are at the venue
and can get settled ahead of time.
•Offer transportation for your guests. Shuttles that leave at a set time from the host hotel or
other designated spot encourage guests to be ready in time to catch it. Make sure to schedule
the shuttle to leave early enough to include wiggle room for potential traffic and the slower
speeds at which buses already travel.
•Establish and share Uber, Lyft, or other ride share discount codes for any new riders to the
car-sharing service.

5. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 5/10
Late Guests
Inviting family members or friends who are notorious for being late, and want to avoid the
disruption of someone arriving at the ceremony after the start time? Balmer suggests you or
your representative having a pro-active conversation with those guests to stress the
importance of being on time. Also, speak with your planner or whoever will be monitoring
the entrance ahead of time to establish a late guest policy. A back row can be reserved for late
joiners, or you can opt to have the guests wait outside until the ceremony ends.
Playing the Wrong Song

6. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 6/10
Music and entertainment providers generally know what keeps a crowd going, but they can’t
be well versed in the tastes of each individual group. That’s where your feedback of creating a
recommended song list is essential in knowing how to please the diversity of your guests and
play (literally) to the tastes of the couple getting married. A few examples of
recommendations to give an event planner could be to avoid songs with foul language,
requesting 80s/90s R&B for dinner, and get the party started with Top 20 hits.
Missing a Shot

7. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 7/10
Similar to creating a song list, establishing a shot list for your photographer is also
encouraged, Balmer says. Most professionals have a great eye, but need direction as to what is
important to each couple. Request coverage for any special wardrobe piece, decor, or detail
present that day, as well as meaningful moments like reading a letter from your significant
other before the ceremony. Set which combination of family members or your bridal party
you’d like to capture, and alert your photographer to any potential conflict between attendees
ahead of time to avoid awkward moments.
Your wedding is an important project, and should be treated as such. Hiring a project
manager (i.e. an event planner in this case) can increase the enjoyment of your special day.
Given the importance of an event planner, it is imperative to read the reviews of local
planners and then meet with these providers to discuss how their services can fit into your
big day.

8. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 8/10
 SHARE  TWEET
Balmer’s award-winning wedding and event planning agency, TheDCEventPlanner.com, has
earned positive reviews from past couples due to her team’s responsiveness, thoroughness, and
ability to create unique and personalized events for each client. If you are in search of a planner
that specializes in details and organization and works to accommodate requests and exceed
expectations, contact TheDCEventPlanner.com at 540-860-0441 or info@eventsbytrb.com.
Share this!
More from Sponsored
8 Stories You Haven’t Heard About Titanic
Revealed at National Geographic Museum’s
“Titanic: The Untold Story” Exhibition
Vote Now for Your Favorite Belvedere Pure
Vodka Spritz

9. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 9/10
Washington, D.C., Loves Rosé—and Here’s
Why
Check Out This Suburban Oasis in Sought-
After Chevy Chase That Just Hit the Market
Spine surgery with just a 1 cm incision? 9 Free Things To Do in DC on the Fourth of
July
DC’s Houwzer Is Helping Home Buyers With
Pressure-Free, Salaried Realtors
The Search for Space in DC Metro

10. 7/14/2018 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning | Washingtonian
https://www.washingtonian.com/2018/06/27/tips-for-stress-free-wedding-planning/ 10/10
Most Popular
FOOD
DC Restaurants and Bars Close, Take Precautionary Measures During Water Emergency
FOOD | NEWS
Look at the Empty Bottled-Water Shelves at DC Grocery Stores
FOOD
Sweetgreen Will Convert Its First Shop in Georgetown Into a Market Called The Tavern
FOOD
Rockville’s Asian-Fusion Food Hall Is Open With Taiwanese Fried Chicken, Hong Kong
Bubble Waffles
FOOD
8 Exciting New Restaurants and Bars to Try Around DC