(From left to right) A multi-day wedding in Nantucket brings coastal flair. Photos courtesy Rebecca Love Photography; a small Colorado town sets the tone for this weekend mountain wedding. Photos courtesy Diana Coulter Photography; this multi-day wedding gathered loved ones close with beautiful beachy vibes. Photos courtesy Melani Lust Photography
communication among your team, vendors, and guests is imperative. “There are a lot of paid services, but I find a group chat on WhatsApp to be the best option, says Heslin. “This way, the wedding couple doesn’t need to answer every question. If someone wants to be reminded of the dinner start time, other people in the group can answer and also give suggestions.” Frias adds, “Using a welcome bag is a great touchpoint to ensure that everyone is informed of the chosen communication channel. A QR code or little infographic can be inserted in the welcome bag informing everyone of the resources they have access to, and to remind everyone to join the chosen communication channel. “Pro tip: Set a moderator for the chosen communication channel so the couple isn’t bombarded with messages, but rather a second party who is intimately connected with the plans and vision of the festivities and can communicate in the couple’s place. A best practice is for the moderator to send a welcome message every morning outlining the anchor event of the day, as well as the itinerary and options available to the guests.”
“Generally, every major event or activity would include all guests. However, having a few small group activities, whether that’s with just parents or immediate family or best friends, is nice as well, so that you can have quieter, more intimate moments,” says Chang. “But either way, perhaps the most important piece is to include some quiet/ restful time...away from everyone. Couples need some time to relax as well (especially introverts) to get recharged for the group events.” Budget Make sure to get clear about the wedding budget right away. Be explicit when talking about the
ceremony budget versus the overall wedding event budget. “While creating and keeping track of an overall budget is important, it’s crucial to think of each event (including the wedding) as its own budget,” says Chang. “It makes it easier to break it down and make sure you’re allocating your funds (and your time) to the right places. And this way, events don’t end up bleeding into each other and taking from each other, even if you may have some crossover expenses (like transportation, rentals, or decor).” On-site communication When it comes to an event with so many elements, excellent
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SPECIAL EVENTS SUMMER 2025
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