The ring is sparkling on your left hand, and now you can stop hiding your wedding magazines! Once you’ve torn out the magazine pages you like and pinned each image from every blog (don’t forget to check out colincowieweddings.com and the FSBridal Pinterest boards too!) it’s time to plan for the big day. But where do you start?
Planner to stars like Alyssa Milano, Holly Robinson Peete and Kim Kardashian, Colin knows what it takes to envision and organise a breathtaking wedding. His just-published book, Colin Cowie’s Wedding Planner & Keepsake Organizer, is packed with star-studded event secrets. The binder is also filled with inspirational images, lots of advice and wedding-planning worksheets, as well as folders and sheet protectors to keep everything in its place. We asked Colin to share his advice for the newly engaged. Here’s what he had to say:
What’s the first thing you do after updating your Facebook status?
You now have a massive party/event to produce. First, make your guest list—it will determine who, where, when and how many people could possibly attend the event. Next, decide on a wedding date, then confirm the venue and officiant. Now, tell your family and friends.
A wedding organiser can get thick quick. What items should be placed in it, and what should go in a storage box?
Keep it current. As soon as a new invoice or updated presentation comes in, edit! After all, great style comes from ruthless editing.
Even the most on-top-of-things bride can’t be both the star and planner on her wedding day. At what point should she hand over the reins?
A bride always needs someone to help the day of, even if she cannot pay for a coordinator. My advice would be to find a friend with good organisational skills, who on the day of the wedding can follow your schedule of events and keep the wedding moving forward and on time.
What are your top wedding planning tips?
1. Stay focused and on theme.
2. Be super organised.
3. Have fun and enjoy!
What are some common planning mistakes that couples make?
1. They strive for perfection—your best is more than good enough.
2. They spend too much on the dress, and not enough on the guests. Or they focus on small things instead of the big picture.
3. They don’t enjoy the journey and allow themselves to get stressed. This is the time to support one another in every respect.
I was married 25 years ago my parents were in chargeof everything and to say the least i did not even have table cloths nor flowers in the setting neither remembrance of the food they served . however i am always very greatful for their help they did their best .I feel that i was never part of the plan since i did not have much to contribute. Through out life i always feel something is missing. My husband never proposed to me , and that feeling of being less of a woman never left . Now , twenty five years into the making , i would love to be remarried,but the proper way,please i need your help; I am no celebrity but a normal human being dreaming of that big day. I am desperate for your help. thank you .
Stunning photography! Great advice for brides. As a luxury wedding planner, I wholeheartedly agree.