Tiffany Cook Wedding Talk: Planning Your Wedding from Afar

Because a majority of our brides aren't local and end up planning their weddings with Tiffany from afar, here is a little perspective on what it takes to be plan a destination wedding if you can't have a planner. 

First and foremost, don’t let your expectations get you down. Because you end up planning from across the country or the other side of the globe, planning isn't exactly like what you've seen on TV or in the movies. By throwing out your expectations, you get to really focus on what planning is and enjoy being a bride. Look into Skyping with your family for the tough conversations like budget or to show off your latest DIY triumph. And when you are in town at your wedding location, you get to have jam-packed weekends and do what Tiffany likes to call "power planning." 

Speaking of power planning... Be prepared! Come with lists of what you want/need to get accomplished that way you can get as much out of those visits as possible. These power plannign trips will become something you look forward to, and a fond memory to look back on.

This one's a tough one for many brides, but learn to let go. Your bridal party and family are going to ask 'what can they do' and you’re not going to want to relinquish things but for your sanity (and theirs) learn to let go of some of the little details – it will be hard but in the end you're going to be so happy you didn't have to worry about picking up welcome bag items or your brother's tux. (Trust me, we've been there before.)

Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. There are so many brides and grooms who do the cross country/destination wedding planning, and you just have to brace yourself for it!  The more you can do to let go, the better your sanity will be. You won’t be missing out on anything you don’t set yourself up to miss.

Tiffany Cook Wedding Talk: Wedding DIYs

A simple wedding DIY NFL wedding planner Tiffany Cook gave St. Louis Rams' TE Jared Cook's bride, Lana Colston, an OK for.

We know how tempting it is to DIY it all (thanks, Pinterest) so one question we get from our brides a lot is 'should I make that?' and sometimes the answer is no. We have brides who want to attempt to make 300 invitations while they're in the middle of moving and we have to remind them about what's going on in their lives..

You may feel the pressure to do it all yourself or find it hard to let others help you but please know that it’s ok to ditch the DIY sometimes. The easy route may be the less expensive alternative but think about your peace of mind and just be a bride! 

Tiffany Cook Wedding Talk: Hair & Make Up Trials

Dream Design Weddings by Tiffany Cook  bride getting her wedding make-up trial done

Today’s Wedding Talk tip is simple – if you don’t like it at your trial try, try again! You want to look your best on your wedding day so don’t be afraid to tell your stylist or make-up artist that you don’t like what you see. Even if you don't like confrontation, this is one of those times when you need to speak up! 

Easier said than done, but trust us on this one. You may need a few trials before you find "the look,"and in the end, you’ll feel even more comfortable and confident on your wedding day when you’re happy with how you look!

Photo courtesy Unique Design Studios