When we began hosting weddings in 2016, the thought of reaching the 200-wedding mark never even crossed our minds. We originally thought we would host just a few weddings a year as a fun hobby. Little did we know, this would turn into a full-time (and then some!) business.

In honor of reaching our 200th wedding in August 2025, we thought it would be fun to reflect on some of the things we’ve learned along the way. While we probably have 200 tips we could share, we thought 10 would be much more appropriate for a blog.

Ceremony & Reception in One Location

Each year, about 95% of our weddings also hold their ceremony here. Couples find that having everything in one location makes the day easier on guests—especially those traveling from out of town. It also allows for a later ceremony time, rather than having a large gap between the ceremony and reception.

If you choose to get married offsite, be sure to clearly specify what time the reception begins so guests don’t arrive too early.

Photos Before the Ceremony

Many couples choose to do a first look before the ceremony. Not only does this give you private time with your fiancé, but it also allows more group photos to be taken beforehand—giving you more time to enjoy your reception.

If you choose not to see each other until walking down the aisle, try to get separate bridal party and family photos done in advance. This can significantly cut down on photo time after the ceremony.

Stick to Your Schedule

We work with every couple to create a timeline for their big day—arrival for hair and makeup, ceremony, grand march, dinner, dancing, and late-night food. It’s also helpful to designate someone to keep track of time, whether that’s a wedding planner, a trusted friend, or even us.

Starting your ceremony and meal on time is extremely important. If the ceremony runs late, it can push back the entire day. If dinner is served later than expected, it can affect food quality and leave guests feeling hungry (and cranky!).

Plan for Extra Time

While having a timeline is essential, be sure to build in buffer time in case something takes longer than expected. This extra time also allows you to pause, breathe, and refresh.

If you have a larger bridal party, plan for additional time—photos and the grand march naturally take longer with more people involved.

Let Your Guests Know the Itinerary

Your wedding invitation and website are the best places to share details about the day. If you’re sending save-the-dates, direct guests to your website for additional information.

Even small details—like having appetizers or late-night snacks—get guests excited. This is especially helpful if kids are attending. The more guests know what to expect, the more they can relax and enjoy the day.

Have Appetizers

With most of our wedding ceremonies held onsite, we highly recommend offering appetizers immediately following the ceremony. This gives guests a chance to grab a drink, snack, and mingle while you finish photos before dinner.

Some couples choose catered appetizers, while others keep it simple with meat, cheese, and crackers—both options are always well received.

Have Late-Night Food

Still on the food topic—because people love to eat at weddings! Late-night food truly makes a difference in how the night ends. Offering food around 9:00 p.m. tends to refresh the crowd and brings guests back to the dance floor, helping you close out your big day strong.

Pizza is the most common choice since it can be delivered right to the venue, but DIY options like nachos or “tacos in a bag” are always a hit too.

Speeches

Most weddings include speeches either before or after dinner. Decide who will speak and in what order ahead of time. Be sure to gently remind speakers that 2–3 minutes is plenty, as longer speeches can cause guests to lose attention.

Also, don’t forget to thank your guests. Whether it’s during speeches or while mingling throughout the evening, expressing your gratitude is always meaningful.

Reining in Helpful Family & Friends

Many people want to help on your wedding day—they just may not know how. To reduce stress, assign them small but important tasks, such as setting out appetizers/late-night food if they aren’t catered or helping with set-up the day before.

These little jobs can take things off your plate and help loved ones feel included and appreciated.

Choose Your Color(s), but Let Bridesmaids Pick Their Dress Style

Letting bridesmaids choose their own dress style has become a major trend—and for good reason. The idea of “you can wear it again” may actually apply here!

This approach allows each person to choose a dress they feel comfortable and confident in. Some brides opt for different shades of the same color, while others mix complementary colors from their palette for a cohesive but personalized look

Conclusion

While each of these topics could easily be a blog of its own (stay tuned—we have more coming this year!), we hope these insights give you helpful snippets to guide your wedding planning. After 200 weddings, we’ve learned that thoughtful planning, clear communication, and flexibility go a long way in creating a day that feels smooth, joyful, and truly memorable.

At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love with the people who matter most—everything else is just icing on the cake.