Professional Wedding Planning Advice

Have a great attitude going in. Be inclusive. Be respectful of any family traditions (religious and non-religious). Create opportunities for families to get together and have some fun BEFORE the wedding day. A rehearsal dinner is a great place to start, but it can be anything that puts everyone in the same room together. It doesn’t have to be fancy. In fact, casual is usually better. Some couples plan a whole “wedding weekend” of events for their guests so everyone can get to know everyone else. A little familiarity goes a long way at the actual ceremony and reception.
One of the latest trends is to allow open seating and not choose a side for the ceremony. This sends a great message about inclusivity and openness.
Alternately seat members of your two families at the same table (or tables) at the reception to encourage communication.
Serve dinner buffet style so guests aren’t stuck to their table all night.
Hiring the right professionals for your team is an excellent step in the right direction. A great wedding planner will alleviate the stress and anxiety so you can enjoy your big day. They will also have ides and suggestions to fit you and your families, and make the whole experience more memorable, and more fun.

Bringing two families together for a wedding can be very stressful on a couple. There are a few ways to help reduce the stress.
If you are doing a plated dinner you can always separate families at different tables ahead of time. This ensures that people who may or may not like each other are not seated together.
You can also do a chalk board sign at the ceremony telling guest to pick a seat not a side your loved by both the groom and the bride. This sets the tone from the beginning of the ceremony that this is about two families becoming one and it is about the bride and groom. Additionally, it is always good to leave your phones off starting the morning of your wedding.
Lastly, hire a planner or a day-of coordinator. Nothing takes the stress off more than having someone to try and resolve issues, mediate problems, and keep the stress away from you.

Weddings are about the bride and the groom so whether it’s the mother in laws not getting along or divorced parents, I keep them away from the couple. When doing the seating arrangements, keep guests that don’t get along furthest away from each other so they don’t have to interact.