ANSWERS #002
Q: How can I make things easier for my wedding coordinator when I have a lot of purchased and DIY items?
A: For those of you who are going with the wedding coordinator route, here’s how to keep things organized and stress-free:
Unwrap Everything — If you've ordered 200 candles, remove all packaging and stickers beforehand. This saves time and reduces unnecessary trash at the venue.
Label by Section — Organize items into boxes labeled by location (e.g., “Ceremony Decor," "Reception Table Numbers"). List the contents on the outside to make unpacking easy.
Communicate Your Vision — Share your setup expectations in advance. Whether it's a drawn-out plan, a mock-up, or photos, let your coordinator know how flexible you are with adjustments.
Photos by For the PhotoQ. Should I give my DJ a curated playlist?
A. Give them guidance, not a strict setlist.
You’re hiring a DJ for their expertise, not just to hit play on a playlist. Here’s how to get the best results without micromanaging:
Choose Your DJ Wisely – Don’t book based on price alone. Listen to their mixes, understand their style, and make sure you like how they transition between songs. Some DJs do quick cuts, others let songs play longer—know what you prefer.
Give a Vibe, Not a Setlist – Share favorite genres, artists, and must-play songs as inspiration. Just don’t expect them to follow an exact order.
Make Your ‘Do Not Play’ List Clear – If there are songs or genres you can’t stand, tell them upfront.
Trust Their Expertise – A good DJ reads the room and keeps the energy flowing. Let them have the creative freedom to mix in a way that works for your crowd.
And if your uncle wants to request a song that isn’t on the list? Let the DJ handle it—chances are, they know what will work better than your guests do.
Photos by Annie McElwain and For the PhotoQ. Who traditionally gives the welcome toast at a wedding?
A. Usually the father of the bride, but there’s flexibility.
While tradition says the bride’s father gives the welcome toast, there’s no set rule. Here’s how to decide:
Bride’s Parents First – Typically, the father or mother of the bride speaks first. If parents are divorced, both can say something.
Groom’s Parents Next – Even though the rehearsal dinner is often their moment, they may want to give a toast at the reception as well.
Other Family Members – In some cases, an aunt, uncle, or another close relative can step in.
The Couple Themselves – If there’s family estrangement or another reason, the couple can do the welcome toast.
The toast usually happens after the grand entrance and first dance, just before dinner. There’s no wrong answer—choose what feels best for your family dynamic.
Photos by Love Me Do PhotographyQ. At what point should I remove my wedding veil?
A. It depends on the photos and look you want.
There’s no strict rule, but here’s how to decide:
Most brides wear their veil down the aisle and remove it after the ceremony.
If you love the veil, keep it on for golden hour portraits, then remove it before cocktail hour.
Consider how you want to look in family and bridal party photos—some with the veil, some without gives you variety.
Work with your beauty team on when they’ll place the veil to fit your timeline.
Think about the overall aesthetic you want and plan accordingly. You can always take photos with and without for more options.
Photos by Raya Carlisle