Tips for Planning a Military Wedding

Tips for Planning a Military Wedding

Military Wedding

Even the simplest wedding involves a good deal of detailed work in preparation for the big day. When one or both of the people getting married are currently or soon-to-be deployed, the task may seem overwhelming. In this scenario, and more than ever, planning is the name of the game. A couple might think of the experience not only as one of the most special days of their lives, but also as preparation for the adventure that lies ahead. The following are a few tips to create the perfect strategy for a low-stress military wedding.

Get Support for you Military Wedding

If you are going to be deployed during the time you would otherwise be tasting wedding cake and renting a reception space, make certain there is someone at home you can trust to carry out your wishes. Often the best option is a professional wedding planner, with whom you can communicate during your absence. With a professional you trust, you are free to leave the preliminaries to someone else while you concentrate on the important job at hand.

Set Up a Communication Plan

Your ideal planner will be very comfortable communicating via email and video call. In order for you to feel confident about doing business from a distance, your planner needs to be able to get back to you quickly, on your schedule. In your position, it may not be possible to check and respond to email daily, so flexibility from the home base is key.

Make Sure the Contract Language Is Inclusive

A “government intervention” clause is the part of the contract you make with the planner that allows you to change your date in the event of an act of “God or Congress.” Do not let an unexpected transfer cause you to lose your deposit or be liable for the planning business’ losses. Most companies include this clause in their contracts. Double check to see that the business you choose is one of them.

Make Time for Some Super Intense Planning

The reality is, no matter what kind of crack team you put together, when you arrive home on leave there will be considerable work to do. This is where real strategy will save the day. Over the course of a couple of days, schedule as many vendors as possible to arrive at a single location where you can meet everyone and chat comfortably. It is a great idea to have your questions organized and ready. You may have covered a good deal of ground over email and Skype, but this is your chance to make the personal connections that will inspire the best from your crew. This is the time to discuss:

  • Music with the DJ or musicians
  • Food and cake. Sample!
  • Floral arrangements
  • Ceremony details with your officiant

Practice Teamwork

Any wedding planner that has worked in a situation in which one or both parties are deployed can attest to the advantages of great communication between fiancés. It may be that one of you has taken the greater share of the planning load, but odds are, the day may come when the other person must step in and make a call. You may be temporarily separated, but you can still work together. One idea is to create a shared online document. It is an extremely effective tool for keeping everyone on the same page. It is also a great place to prioritize. If one of you feels strongly about tulips versus dahlias, this is the place to specify that preference.

Remember to Relax

Yes, some of the above advice urges a couple of days of head-down, marathon wedding work, but try to limit it to a couple of days. Your time home is precious, and should be spent relaxing and enjoying friends and loved ones. Again, if you hired well, you can trust your team to make your special day everything you dream it will be.

Tips for Planning a Military Wedding

Military Wedding

Even the simplest wedding involves a good deal of detailed work in preparation for the big day. When one or both of the people getting married are currently or soon-to-be deployed, the task may seem overwhelming. In this scenario, and more than ever, planning is the name of the game. A couple might think of the experience not only as one of the most special days of their lives, but also as preparation for the adventure that lies ahead. The following are a few tips to create the perfect strategy for a low-stress military wedding.

Get Support for you Military Wedding

If you are going to be deployed during the time you would otherwise be tasting wedding cake and renting a reception space, make certain there is someone at home you can trust to carry out your wishes. Often the best option is a professional wedding planner, with whom you can communicate during your absence. With a professional you trust, you are free to leave the preliminaries to someone else while you concentrate on the important job at hand.

Set Up a Communication Plan

Your ideal planner will be very comfortable communicating via email and video call. In order for you to feel confident about doing business from a distance, your planner needs to be able to get back to you quickly, on your schedule. In your position, it may not be possible to check and respond to email daily, so flexibility from the home base is key.

Make Sure the Contract Language Is Inclusive

A “government intervention” clause is the part of the contract you make with the planner that allows you to change your date in the event of an act of “God or Congress.” Do not let an unexpected transfer cause you to lose your deposit or be liable for the planning business’ losses. Most companies include this clause in their contracts. Double check to see that the business you choose is one of them.

Make Time for Some Super Intense Planning

The reality is, no matter what kind of crack team you put together, when you arrive home on leave there will be considerable work to do. This is where real strategy will save the day. Over the course of a couple of days, schedule as many vendors as possible to arrive at a single location where you can meet everyone and chat comfortably. It is a great idea to have your questions organized and ready. You may have covered a good deal of ground over email and Skype, but this is your chance to make the personal connections that will inspire the best from your crew. This is the time to discuss:

  • Music with the DJ or musicians
  • Food and cake. Sample!
  • Floral arrangements
  • Ceremony details with your officiant

Practice Teamwork

Any wedding planner that has worked in a situation in which one or both parties are deployed can attest to the advantages of great communication between fiancés. It may be that one of you has taken the greater share of the planning load, but odds are, the day may come when the other person must step in and make a call. You may be temporarily separated, but you can still work together. One idea is to create a shared online document. It is an extremely effective tool for keeping everyone on the same page. It is also a great place to prioritize. If one of you feels strongly about tulips versus dahlias, this is the place to specify that preference.

Remember to Relax

Yes, some of the above advice urges a couple of days of head-down, marathon wedding work, but try to limit it to a couple of days. Your time home is precious, and should be spent relaxing and enjoying friends and loved ones. Again, if you hired well, you can trust your team to make your special day everything you dream it will be.

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