How to Prepare for Your Wedding Weekend

As your wedding grows closer, so does your excitement. It can be hard to focus when you’re thinking of everything that still has to be done. Set yourself up for a flawless wedding weekend by taking some time to plan ahead. Follow these tips and be fully prepared for your wedding weekend.

Wedding Weekend

Pack Early

Take some time to think about what you’ll need to pack in case you need to do some shopping. Thinking ahead will allow you to find the perfect outfits, shoes, jewelry and anything else you might need for the big weekend.

A wedding weekend typically involves a rehearsal dinner, a welcome reception, hair and makeup appointments, and a brunch the next morning.  Keep these events in mind as you’re packing to ensure you don’t forget anything. Create a list of any items you might need.  Give yourself enough time to purchase them prior to your wedding weekend.

Pro-tip: Find and pack all of the smaller, easy to overlook things that you’ll need as soon as you have them.

Wedding Weekend

Shop Savvy

Wedding weekends are a very special experience.  However the costs can really add up. While you’re shopping, finding any ways to save can be a big help.  This doesn’t mean you have to splurge on new items or pay full retail price.

  1. Shop Second-hand. By shopping secondhand, you don’t need to sacrifice the style or comfort of your favorite yoga pants.   Find discounted styles on an online consignment store and feel good in your new pants knowing how much money you saved!
  2. Another easy way to save money would be to take advantage of any rewards points you’ve been saving up and forgot to use.
  3. From any cosmetics you may need, or to booking the hotel for the weekend, check out the different savings programs to earn points on the stuff you were already going to buy.

Wedding Weekend

De-stress

Ahead of the wedding, things can start to get a bit hectic getting all your ducks in a row. It’s important to set aside some time to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Whether you take time to meditate or exercise, be sure you experiment with reliable ways of de-stressing to ensure you’re in a good place to enjoy the festivities. With a wedding weekend, you’re extending the amount of time you’ll be in the spotlight and how much time people will be wanting your attention. Self-care is a great preventative measure to ensure you’re able to be fully present and genuinely savor all the celebrations.

Wedding Weekend

Credits:

Photo: Christina Lilly Photography

Florals: WaterLily Designs

Venue: Navesink Country Club

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Jenny Yoo

Bride’s Dress: Francesca Miranda

Makeup: Make Me Up Eva

Hair: Evolution Salon

LOOKING FOR SUMMER & FALL WEDDING PLANNING INTERN

Gilded Lily Events is seeking an intern for our summer and fall wedding season!  I started my wedding design and planning business in 2010 (-ish) and I have learned through experience and hard work.  I would love to give someone the opportunity to have on-the-job training and share the knowledge that I have gained through my years as a creative business owner.  I know how difficult it can be to break into this industry. Not to mention, this would be a good opportunity to see if this is something you would actually like to pursue since it is not always as glamorous as Instagram makes it out to be!

The hours for this internship will be one to two days a week for 3-4 hours and weekend event days from July through October.  There may also be a need for hours outside of our regularly scheduled time if the project allows.  This is an unpaid internship, but college credit will be provided if applicable.

Role and Responsibilities (to name a few)

  • creating inspiration boards
  • wedding day details production
  • researching vendors
  • event execution shadowing
  • dreaming up and writing blog posts
  • creative community outreach
  • budget creation
  • editorial shoot “know how” and research

About You

  • flexible
  • detail-oriented
  • strong work ethic
  • organized
  • loves weddings & all things weddings
  • positive
  • professional
  • inquisitive
  • responsible
  • self-starter
  • team player
  • social media savvy
  • has an eye for styling & design
  • local to Red Bank, NJ
  • photographer skills a plus!

How to apply

  1. Please send a copy of your resume and/or portfolio of relevant experience to Paige at hello@gildedlilyevents
  2. Share photos, a link to your blog, link to your Instagram account
  3. In 500 words or less, let me know what you are excited about and what interests you about this internship
  4. Include your weekday availability, your school/major and requirements for receiving credit and the email of a personal or professional reference

I am looking forward to hearing from you! Deadline for application is Friday, July 6th. Phone or in-person interviews will be held on July 9th.

photography credit: Love & Light Photographs