SETTING UP THE BIG DAY - THE SIT DOWN EDITION
How to create the perfect ‘Plan of Attack’
Almost ready for the big day but don’t know where to begin on the set-up plans?
Our team of stylists have put together a step by step guide to ensure your styling looks amazing & so you can sit back and enjoy your day, stress-free.
STEP 1 - IDENTIFY YOUR HELPERS
Your helpers are your “doers”. Think of them as your extra hands for the big day. As you’ll be busy (getting married, having photos etc), this gang will be taking care of the tasks you just won’t have time to do, like styling your event. If you don’t have any yet, start putting your feelers out! Friends and fam are always keen to be a part of your special day.
STEP 2 - LISTS ARE YOUR FRIEND
Print a list of your styling elements with notes on where each item will be located. We like tables, but whatever works for you!
Print copies of the above for your helpers.
Example of Styling checklist
STEP 3 - DELEGATING IS VITAL
Make a list of who your helpers are, with their respective allocated tasks. Be smart about this - e.g. If Auntie Jen works in a café, then ask her to take care of the place settings. If cousin Jamie is an electrician, they’re your perfect person to pop up the ladder & set up the festoons. Keep in mind, if you have several people helping on the day (and yay for you), this can also be overwhelming as EVERYONE will be asking you questions. So, come prepared - Put your helpers into little teams and make sure one person per team leads the others. *Insert sigh of relief already!
Example of Delegation checklist
STEP 4 - VISUAL AIDS ALWAYS HELP
Did you have a consultation with us? If so, print out the snaps you took of your setup and give these to your helpers - this way they are clear on how things should look.
If you don’t have photos then set up ONE table as an example. Set up your centrepieces, place settings etc, exactly as it should look and your gang can easily just copy it!
STEP 5 - COMPLETE A WALK-THROUGH
Once you have your helpers all in one place, take them for walk-through of the venue and the areas they’ll be setting up. Point out each area, important info they need to know, along with explaining what needs to be done. Now, you’re all on the same page & it gives your helpers a chance to ask any questions. Speak now, or forever hold your peace. ;)
STEP 6 - PREP, PREP, PREP
Minimise work and the rush! Unpack all boxes of product on arrival and store the packaging. So much easier to have everything unpacked before you start setting up.
Test all lights and battery-operated candles to make sure they work (we test before we pack, but you never know what may happen in transit).
Have a florist coming in? Place your vases where they’re meant to go and fill with water. This way your florist can just place your floral arrangements straight into the vases & they’re ready to go!
STEP 7 - DON’T GET TOO ‘YOLO’
Beware the common mistake & don’t drink too early! Although sometimes a fun celebratory motivator, alcohol can of course, affect your judgement. We suggest saving the celebrations to once you’re finished. It’s important to remain safe (people may be going up ladders etc) AND celebrate your gang’s help, too.
STEP 8 - LIGHT IT UP
Remember if you have candles and lighting, to ask your venue or caterer to light them or switch them on before your guests arrive. You want them to get the “full affect” when they walk in!
Helpful tip - If you’re using wax candles, add a layer of water to the bottom of the vessel. This will prevent the wax from dripping onto the vessel’s surface & will make clean-up super easy. The last thing you want is to spend the following day chipping wax off your vases or tealights!
STEP 9 - RAIN, HAIL OR SHINE
Ceremony or reception outdoors? Remember to have a back-up plan if it happens to be wet weather. Take your helper team through this option, too! You can never be too prepared.
STEP 10 - KEEP CALM & CARRY ON
Although you can plan everything down to the second, it’s important to remember that things WILL change on the day. Prepare yourself for these moments – just keep calm, it’s easy to remain flexible without having to compromise the look :) Remember… there’s always a solution.
Need helpers or further assistance?
No worries if you don’t have extra hands on the day. Our team are experienced stylists and can take care of it all for you. Get in touch now!
Or if you’re still not sure on where to begin with your styling, simply head to our consultations page for more info on how we can help you get started.
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