03 Jan INSIDER’S ADVICE TO PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL WEDDING – PART 2
7 things to ensure ON the big day
1. Don’t let the MC get drunk or even tipsy.
Your MC should be your rock. Unless you are sure they can handle the pre dinner drinks without slurring, encourage them to stay sober at least until speeches are over. It can get messy, believe me.
2. Prime up the DJ with input and feedback.
If your DJ looks a little limp it’s because he feels like an afterthought. Make sure you give him an outline of the night, what kind of songs you want played, and any announcements you want made. Have your entrance song, first dance song and closing song at a minimum. If you want the dancefloor full, don’t leave it totally up to them or you might end up with the Macarena and Nutbush City Limits (unless you like that kind of thing). Also don’t forget to order them a meal! Give them the thumbs up every now and then to encourage them and make them feel a part of the action. A strong coffee never goes astray. DJs are human too!
3. Get the kids to leave early (like straight after dinner).
Children at wedding receptions can be a nightmare for the parents, the crying and tantrums can really spoil the night for everyone. I’ve seen kids cartwheeling on the dancefloor and almost kicking Aunty Janice in the teeth, and another time pulling on the fairy lights, almost electrocuting the musician. Other little angels got a hold of the colouring pencils in the kids packs and drew all over our newly painted walls. If they stay for dinner, give them a seat with mum and dad, so they can keep a careful eye out for naughty behaviour. Grandma even better, she’s probably stricter and past the days of heavy drinking. Kids tables work if there are decent activities but a dedicated babysitter is definitely needed. Yes, this is the time to bring out the I pads or movies on a laptop no matter how much you believe in “family time over screen time”. Weddings are all about the bride and groom after all.
4. Organize transport for drunk people early.
To save a bottleneck of taxi orders, line up the venue barman to start calling taxis well before the end of the night. Or ask your sensible friends to help organize lifts. Not many Ubers in country towns, so don’t rely on these. If walking back to accommodation, make sure people walk in groups. Be safe.
5. Eat before the ceremony
Unless you want a fainting bridesmaid or quickly inebriated groomsman, make sure the bridal party eat something substantial before leaving for the ceremony. No one will feel like it, but a cheese platter or even banana smoothies are a good idea. Whatever you do don’t start drinking now, it might seem like a good idea at the time, but honestly you have plenty of time to celebrate. Pacing yourself will make for a more enjoyable evening.
6. Avoid putting spirits on the bar tab.
Unless you want to see the party go downhill very rapidly, avoid putting spirits on the tab. Beer, wine, champagne and soft drinks are enough for most people. If you want a special cocktail, make it a welcome one only, or limit them to one per person.
7. To champagne toast or not to champagne toast?
Not many people have stuck with this tradition. Just use your existing drinks to save money and lots of wasted champagne. Perhaps back in the day it was a thing, but we aren’t sure why.