Best Wedding Advice With CEO Stephanie Ridgely
Whether you’ve just gotten engaged or are merely a few days away from officially tying the knot, sometimes a good piece of advice is all you need before the big day finally arrives. Fortunately, for couples everywhere, The Elliot founder and CEO, Stephanie Ridgely, is a wedding pro who has a wealth of industry knowledge to share. After all, “My job is party,” she loves to say!
From her best wedding budgeting tips, to how to cope with wedding-day nerves, all the way to what family members should know ahead of the wedding…these notes are exactly what you need for your season of engagement.
Photo via Lauren Kwan
Favorite pieces of budgeting advice for couples?
Start by writing down everything you want, and assign priority levels to each. For example, if your priority is convenience for your guests, then you should opt to hire a shuttle service from the hotel to the venue, instead of picking the most expensive table linen.
Confirm how much you can or are willing to spend. Give yourself buffer room for items, services, and experiences you didn’t include in your initial plan.
If you are receiving financial support from family or otherwise, confirm how much and discuss expectations. Does the support come with strings attached? Are you expected to invite friends of the family? Who is in charge of decisions?
Assume everyone you invite will show up.
Hiring “cheap” vendors that “don’t cost an arm and a leg” may cost you more in the long run. If a vendor quotes you much lower than average in your region, ask why. The value of a reputable and trusted vendor will outweigh the cost.
And most importantly, make sure you and your partner are aligned on each financial decision and can compromise where needed.
Advice for wedding planning fatigue?
Set a plan at the beginning of your planning journey that outlines hard deadlines, as well as a rough timeline of what details to work on and when. Plus, include breaks! Treat the planning process like a full-time job and set reasonable boundaries and schedules, especially if you already have a job and other responsibilities. You cannot clone yourself or add hours to the day—even though that sounds incredible—so make sure your expectations of the planning process are reasonable. Or, hire a planner!
Photo above and header photo via Amanda Celis Photography.
Advice for wedding day-of jitters?
Trust your vendors! Choose a vendor team that you trust because they are there to execute your vision and ensure you have a stress-free experience. Their job is to make sure you can focus on being in the moment and enjoying celebrating and spending time with the people around you.
Also, remember that not all stress is bad stress. These jitters don’t mean you’re getting cold feet. You’re just excited and nervous all at once for a big, emotional day…and that’s completely normal.
Any more pieces of advice you think couples or families need to know?
Your wedding is not a family reunion. I've spoken with so many couples who feel pressured to invite every family member—even those they aren't close to or have never met. It’s okay to keep your guest list to those you truly want to be there.
And always remember…No is a complete sentence!
