Here is a different perspective on how to begin the planning of your wedding. Approach your wedding like you are creating a story for a movie; you are the lead, and your wedding party and family are the cast. There is the trailer, beginning, the middle, and the ending of the story.

My name is Jacqueline Vazquez and I am a 25-year wedding planner and expert, and I approach wedding planning with a similar style. I recommend that my couple’s consider the 6-A’s Wedding Experience Guide, a flow process used by many wedding planners and designers to help you create a smoother plan for the wedding you envision.

1. ANTICIPATION

Before you create, share, and showcase the details of your wedding, you first need to create excitement. This starts with the selection of your invitation. The invitation sets the formality, tone, and overall visual setting for your wedding. When selecting your invitation, think about it from the receiving end. How would you perceive the wedding you are invited to by the invitation. Is it casual? What will you wear? How far do you have to travel? What colors do you foresee will be highlighted at the wedding? The invitation showcases this and so much more. When considering stationery for your wedding, consider the entire suite, from the invite to the escort cards, place cards, table numbers, menus, thank you cards, etc.

2. ARRIVAL

Now take the expectations you have for your wedding and create momentum for the arrival of your wedding party, immediate family, and guests.

• How will they arrive?

• Are they staying at a hotel?

• Will they receive welcome bags?

• Will the welcome bags have a schedule of events?

• Will you be providing transportation to and from the hotel and event locations?

• Will guests be indoors or outdoors?

• Are there directional signs needed? Parking, entrance, etc?

• When your guests arrive, how will they be greeted and directed?

• Will there be a “WOW Factor” piece upon their arrival that will captivate them with awe?

• Will there be photo op or “selfie” moments?

For the arrival, consider all these questions and more. Also when selecting invitation, venue, and vendors.

3. ATMOSPHERE

Ok, now we are getting to the middle of the story – how do you want to feel when you first arrive and see your ceremony and reception spaces all decked out with everything you envisioned?

The atmosphere incorporates the five senses: Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, and Touch and are vital to the overall event experience.

Sight: Are there some visual pleasing “wow” moments you would like for your guests to experience? Is it an amazing centerpiece they see as they arrive and find their escort card? When they arrive at the ceremony, what will they see? Will there be a different experience as they enter the reception space?

Sound: We all know how important entertainment is to an event, so are you considering what type of musical entertainment will have all your guests on the dance floor? How many speeches will you have and will the speeches flow with your expectations? More information in the Amusement section.

Smell: What better way to add to the guest experience than by amazing floral fragrances or food selections that remind them of family gathering celebrations. For example, consider whether you want to avoid strong scented florals. If these types of florals are included in table centerpieces, it can cause guest discomfort or even allergic reactions for those seated at the table. Also make sure that things like strong floral scents impact the food experience.

Taste: Well, the next big experience at weddings, other than entertainment, is the menu. So, think about what will make your menu stand out. Will it be comfort food or a cultural food experience? (more about this in the Appetite section)

Touch: When guests are seated at a table with linen, will you consider the texture and the way the fabric feels? What about the dinnerware or décor?

4. APPETITE

What type of food and beverage experience will you be offering your guests? Will they be greeted with a glass of lemonade, water, or Prosecco at the start of the ceremony or cocktail hour?

Decide on the type of serving options: Sit down, Buffet or stations, or family style, just to name a few. What experience would you consider?

Will you consider different dietary restrictions and allergies?

There are two top priorities you can consider based on your guest experience and your expectations: 1. Provide food that can meet at least most of the basic dietary requirements, and 2. Make sure you have enough food. You don’t have to go out of your budget to accommodate each guest, so when reviewing the menu with the venue or chef, share everything from your concerns, expectations, and options for you to consider.

5. AMUSEMENT (ENTERTAINMENT)

As mentioned in Atmosphere, sound has a huge impact on the guest experience at a wedding. So how can you create an amazing experience?

Consider whether you are having a live band or a DJ; a performer or a performance at each part of your wedding: ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and/or after-party.

Consult with the bandleader or DJ for guidance on a flow that goes with your wedding style.

Will the entertainment be just music or will you have an array of different experiences? For instance, at the ceremony will you have a cellist or string quartet? At the reception will you open it with an aerialist serving champagne or end the reception with performers inviting guests to the dance floor for La Hora Loca?

All these ideas and more are all options you can consider based on your wedding style, expectations, and guest experience you are looking for.

6. APPRECIATION

This is the icing on the cake. This is the moment you show your guests the overall gratitude you feel for them taking time out to be a part of your special day. Create a special way to thank your guests that makes them feel appreciated.

Whether it’s a small token of appreciation, a thank you card or a parting goody bag treat on their way home or back to the hotel.

@LEBJV