It’s true—when it comes to celebrity weddings there are often plenty of professionals orchestrating their day. One of the biggest behind-the-scenes players: wedding planner Andrea Freeman, who has several celebrity clients (like Nikki reed and Ian Somerhalder) on her roster. Here’s what she says celebs are doing as they plan their big-day—and how you can get married like an A-lister.
Envision your perfect day
With all of my clients, even celebrities, I start by sitting down with them to build the foundation for a smooth planning process. So I can’t stress enough the importance of taking some time for the happy couple to pause, totally alone, to imagine their perfect day. Imagine the perfect setting – where do you see yourself exchanging your I Do’s? What does the exact décor you envision look like? What music that you can’t live without that’s playing in the background? The answers to these questions will inform the rest of the journey so I recommend that each couple come up with a list of their top priorities – five non-negotiables that will be the foundation of their vision.
Location is everything
Celebrities like to be ahead of trends when it comes to wedding locations, but they also like to keep the location personal. Since the wedding location sets the tone for the entire event make sure you select a spot that’s important to you as a couple. Private estates, floral gardens, rustic ranches, vineyards and destination venues with breath-taking ocean views are all good options to consider.
Guest favours
Celebrities often spare no expense when it comes to leaving their wedding guests with a lasting memory of their celebration. The key to favours is to make sure that they’re personal and reflect you as a couple, not that they’re extravagant. If you’re into nature individual seed packs with planting instructions printed on a small tag. Foodie couples might want to package grandma’s home-made cookies with the recipe included.
Highlight your personal style
Celebrities spare no expense creating personalised touches that infuse their personal entertaining style throughout their event. His and her’s signature drinks for cocktail hour, monogramed napkins, compostable plates or fine china, and custom gifts/favours, all leave a lasting impression and help your guests connect with you as a couple.
Musical entertainment
Live music is the height of luxury and celebrities often have full bands including well known singers like John Legend and Diana Ross for their weddings. The musical entertainment generally compliments the wedding ceremony and extends through the cocktail hour into the reception. If hiring an act like this isn’t in your budget consider hiring a solo harpist or piano player for your ceremony and cocktail hour and then switch to a DJ for the reception.
Tents
With some dramatic lighting, gorgeous draping and décor an empty space can be magically transformed into your dream venue. You might even want to use multiple sections to create a few different spaces. Consider how amazing it could be to give your guests the option to visit an open-air lounge filled with sofas and chairs.
Keep your look fresh
Celebrities love to change looks for their weddings and often have more than one designer gown on hand to keep their look fresh and fun. If you want to wow with fashion, like an A-lister, but don’t want to buy multiple gowns a great option is to go with a designer that does a convertible dress. Try a sleek strapless dress with a removable overskirt. After your ceremony remove the skirt, bustle your train, and let down your hair and magically have a new look. Just remember it’s not about designer labels or the latest trends. It’s about you, your body, and what feels best so have fun with this!
Spend on what’s important to you
Unless you have a truly unlimited budget you will have to make choices. This makes it possible to have a wedding that really highlights what’s important to you and your partner. If you’re foodies – splurge there. If you want stunning images that you’ll cherish forever, a sizeable portion of your budget will go toward photography. Of course, if you want exquisite photos, I do suggest making décor your focus. This is something celebrities understand incredibly well and so their receptions are always filled with beautiful floral arrangements and specialty lighting. Grad weddings usually include tall arrangements and create “wow!” factor, while more intimate celebrations tend to embrace low centrepieces and warm candle light.
Never lose sight of the real reason for your wedding celebration
to celebrate with treasured family and friends. Sure it will be fun to be in the spotlight but don’t forget to step away from the crowd for a moment and savour a private and special moment together. Celebrities often plan an elaborate spread for cocktail hour so that their guests are well taken care of while they slip away to capture their first precious moments as a happily wedded couple on camera. These are images you’ll treasure for a lifetime!
For more info on Andrea check out her website, or follow her on Twitter and Instagram for some serious big-day inspiration.
Looking for more wedding tips and tricks? Here’s 10 great wedding ideas that won’t cost a thing and if you’re not sure which bubbles to pick for your big-day follow this easy guide on how to choose your wedding wine and bubbly.
