How to Prep For Your Wedding Day

Wedding Day Timeline

A well-planned wedding schedule is key to ensuring a smooth day. A detailed timeline helps keep everyone on track, reducing stress for the couple, wedding party, and vendors. It also ensures no special moments are rushed or overlooked, allowing the day to unfold seamlessly. Whether it’s scheduling time for a quiet breakfast, capturing golden hour photos, or coordinating the last dance, a structured plan makes the day more enjoyable and memorable.

Staying Calm on your Wedding Day

Your wedding day should be enjoyable, not stressful. Start the day with a calm rountine, whether that’s meditation or playing your favorite music. Trust your timeline and delegate tasks to your wedding planner so you’re not overwhelmed by last minute details. Remember to eat, stay hydrated, and take moments to pause and soak in the experience. Most importantly, embrace the imperfections! If something doesn’t go as planned, laugh it off and focus on the love and celebration around you. This is your day, enjoy every moment!

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Duties: What to do and How to Help

Bridesmaids and groomsmen play a crucial role in ensuring the wedding day runs smoothly. Their duties include offering emotional support, keeping the couple calm, and assisting with last-minute details. Bridesmaids help with the bride’s dress, hair, and makeup touch-ups, while groomsmen ensure the groom is ready and on time. Both parties should assist in keeping the schedule on track, coordinate with vendors, and manage any unexpected issues. During the ceremony and reception, they may give speeches, encourage guests to dance, and help with cleanup or packing up gifts. Most importantly, they should be present, supportive, and ready to celebrate the couple’s special day.

How to Be the Best Wedding Guest Ever: Etiquette tips to make the couple’s day stress-free.

Being the best wedding guest starts with RSVPing on time and following the dress code. Arrive punctually, be present during key moments, and keep your phone on silent. Respect the couple’s wishes, whether it’s an unplugged ceremony or a specific seating arrangement. Participate in the festivities—dance, clap, and socialize without going overboard. Most importantly, bring positive energy and help make the day even more special for the couple!

Riding Tandem

Arizona Wedding Planners

A Simple Guide to Wedding Ceremony Order

There are many moving components involved in wedding planning, but the ceremony itself is one of the most significant events of the day. Whether you're mapping out your own timeline or just want to know what to expect, understanding the flow of a wedding ceremony helps everything run smoothly. Here is a basic explanation of how a traditional ceremony usually goes, from the first steps down the aisle to the last kiss.

Wedding Ceremony Flow

• Guest Arrival

  Guests usually begin arriving 20–30 minutes before the ceremony starts. Light background music helps set the tone as everyone gets seated.

• Processional

  The wedding party enters, ending with the bride being escorted down the aisle by her father or chosen person for the traditional giving away.

• Welcome

  Officiant greets guests and introduces the couple.

• Marriage Message or Special Readings

  The officiant shares a few words about the meaning of marriage, and sometimes includes a special reading, verse, or poem that reflects the couple’s values or love story.

• Exchange of Vows

  Personal or traditional vows

• Exchange of Rings

  Symbolic moment with brief words from officiant

• Pronouncement of Husband & Wife

  Followed by first kiss

• Recessional

  Couple walks back down the aisle, followed by the wedding party

Photo by | Brooklyn Photo

Every wedding ceremony is unique, but most follow a thoughtful, meaningful flow from the processional to the vows and the final “I do.” Knowing what to expect helps ease nerves, keep the day on track, and ensure every moment feels intentional. Whether you're planning your own ceremony or supporting someone else’s, understanding the order of events allows you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating love, connection, and the start of a new chapter.

Riding Tandem

Arizona Wedding Planners

Wedding Stationary and Signage

Why Wedding Stationery & Signage Matter More Than You Think

When it comes to wedding planning, it’s easy to get swept up in choosing your dress, venue, or florals—but don’t underestimate the power of beautiful wedding stationery and signage. These small details play a huge role in setting the tone for your day and guiding guests through every moment

Signage Keeps the Day Flowing

From welcome signs to seating charts, bar menus, and ceremony programs, signage keeps your guests informed and adds a polished touch to your event. Bonus? It’s also a great way to incorporate your wedding colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic in a way that feels cohesive and intentional.

Photo by | Andrew Jade Photography

Vendor Spotlight: Deco Ink Designs

The Riding Tandem team recently had the chance to connect with an incredibly talented local vendor who specializes in wedding stationery and signage: Deco Ink Designs. From custom, handcrafted builds to predesigned templates ready to be customized, Deco Ink Designs does it all! One thing that makes them unique is their a la carte packages. They require no minimum signs to be ordered and make everything with extreme precision and care.

Don’t Skip the Details

In the whirlwind of planning, it’s easy to overlook signage and stationery, but trust us—these elements can elevate your wedding from beautiful to unforgettable. They’re not just decorative but functional, meaningful, and photo-worthy. Connect with us below if you’re ready to take the first step towards planning the wedding of your dreams!

Riding Tandem

Arizona Wedding Planners

What is the difference between a DJ and a band or a musician?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding is choosing the right entertainment. Should you go with a high-energy DJ who keeps the dance floor packed? Or do you prefer the elegance and charm of a live musician or band? Both options offer unique experiences, but they serve different purposes when it comes to creating the atmosphere you envision.

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The Role of a Wedding DJ

A DJ is more than just someone who plays music—they are the master of ceremonies for your reception. Here’s why a DJ might be the best fit for your wedding:

🎤 Keeps the Energy Up

A DJ doesn’t just play music; they interact with your guests, read the crowd, and adjust the playlist to keep people dancing. They can transition seamlessly from one song to the next, keeping the momentum going all night.

🎙 Makes All the Announcements

From introducing the wedding party to announcing the first dance and cake cutting, a DJ handles all of the important moments with a microphone in hand. They ensure guests stay informed and engaged throughout the evening.

🔄 Plays Any Genre or Song You Want

A DJ has access to an extensive library of music, so whether you want the latest chart-toppers, classic hits, or a mix of everything, they can tailor the playlist exactly to your taste.

💃 Engages with Guests

A great DJ will hype up the crowd, encourage participation, and even lead group dances if that’s the vibe you’re going for. They know how to build excitement and keep the party going.

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The Role of a Live Musician or Band

Live music creates a unique and elegant atmosphere, perfect for couples who want a more personal and intimate experience. Here’s what you can expect from a musician or band at your wedding:

🎻 Focuses on Live Performance

Unlike a DJ, a musician or band might not interact with guests through a microphone. Their focus is purely on performing and creating a beautiful sound for your event.

🎼 Adds a Sophisticated and Romantic Feel

Live instruments bring a level of elegance and emotion that recorded music can’t always match. A solo guitarist, pianist, or string quartet can create an incredible ambiance during your ceremony or cocktail hour.

🎵 Limited Song Selection

Bands typically have a setlist, and while they can learn a few special requests, they won’t have the same variety as a DJ. If you want specific songs, make sure to discuss their repertoire in advance.

🕺 Lower Crowd Interaction

A band plays the music, but they don’t act as a hype person or emcee. If you choose a band, you may need a separate person (like a wedding coordinator or designated friend) to handle announcements.

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by Dreys Photography

Which One is Right for Your Wedding?

• Choose a DJ if: You want an interactive experience, seamless transitions, a wide range of music, and someone to guide the reception with announcements.

• Choose a Musician or Band if: You want a live, intimate, and elegant ambiance with a focus on performance rather than interaction.

No matter which option you choose, the right entertainment will make your wedding unforgettable. 🎶✨

Riding Tandem

Arizona Wedding Planners

Why Hiring a Videographer is a Wedding Essential

While planning your dream wedding, you’ve probably already considered all the essentials: the venue, the dress, and the photographer. One thing that often gets overlooked is the importance of hiring a videographer for your special day. While your wedding photos will capture all of the special moments, a wedding video brings those moments to life in a whole new way.

The Difference Between a Photographer and a Videographer

We recommend hiring both a photographer and a videographer for your special day because they each offer something unique. Photographers will capture your day and tell your story through still images, whereas a videographer makes it possible to relive your wedding day exactly as it happens. Your wedding video gives you the ability to hear your vows again, relive your first dance, see your loved ones laugh, and hear all the special songs from your wedding day.

Why a Wedding Video is a Must-Have

A wedding video gives you the chance to relive special moments from your wedding day over and over again, making it a timeless keepsake for generations to come. You can experience the energy, the laughter, and the full emotion of your wedding day as many times as you want. When the flowers have faded and the dress is packed away, your video will be a living, breathing memory of your wedding day.

How to Find the Right Videographer

Look for someone whose style matches the vibe you want for your wedding. Do you prefer a cinematic, dramatic feel or something more documentary-style and laid-back? Do you want your videographer to include Super8 film formatting? Watch through their previous work, and make sure their editing style aligns with your vision.

It’s also important to meet in person (or virtually) before booking. You’ll want someone who listens to your needs, understands your vision, and makes you feel comfortable on the big day. You’ll be spending hours with your videographer, so it’s crucial to ensure you connect and can communicate easily.

Your Wedding, Forever

At the end of the day, your wedding video will be a treasure that lasts forever. In 10, 20, or even 50 years, you’ll be able to watch it and feel like you’re stepping back into the best day of your life. 

If you want to experience your wedding in a way that captures the full magic and emotion, adding a videographer to your budget is a decision you won’t regret. Your future self will thank you!

Riding Tandem

Arizona Wedding Planners

Skills of a Wedding Planner

The Essential Skills Every Wedding Planner Needs to Master

A wedding planner is the backbone of a couple’s big day, ensuring that everything flows seamlessly and that the bride and groom (as well as their guests) enjoy a stress-free experience. But what does it truly take to be a successful wedding planner? It requires a mix of relational, occupational, mental, and physical skills. Let's dive into the four main skill sets every wedding planner must master.

Photo | Briquelle Kayanne

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Relational Skills: The Heart of Wedding Planning

A wedding planner is a relationship manager, energy setter, and a strong yet compassionate leader. You must be able to communicate assertively while maintaining a positive and uplifting attitude. Assertive communication is key—you need to be direct yet kind in dealing with clients, vendors, and your team. Clear instructions and expectations prevent confusion and ensure efficiency. Energy also sets the tone; from calming the bride’s nerves to encouraging vendors to stay on track, your enthusiasm is contagious. Strong leadership is necessary when coordinating multiple people at once, including the bridal party, family, vendors, and venue staff, helping to keep everyone aligned. Additionally, mindfulness is crucial as weddings are highly emotional. Being attuned to the needs of the couple, their families, and guests ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.

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Occupational Skills: The Art of Execution

A wedding planner’s job is highly detailed, requiring creativity, organization, and problem-solving. Attention to detail is essential, from ensuring the napkins match the color scheme to making sure the rings are where they need to be. Creativity helps bring a couple’s vision to life with innovative ideas for florals, decor, and venue setup. Problem-solving skills allow you to handle unexpected challenges like weather changes, missing vendors, and timeline shifts quickly and effectively. Since there’s always something that needs to be done, a sense of urgency is necessary to move with purpose and stay proactive. Delegation is another critical skill—identifying tasks, assigning them to capable team members, and ensuring that no more than two people are working on the same task at a time prevents confusion. Multi-tasking keeps things running smoothly as you execute tasks while mentally running through checklists. Flexibility is also important since things don’t always go as planned, and adaptability is key. Finally, public speaking skills are useful when running rehearsals, ensuring that directions are clear and everyone understands their role.

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Mental Skills: The Inner Strength

Beyond logistics, wedding planning is mentally demanding. You need the right mindset to navigate challenges and remain composed under pressure. Confidence is essential—believing in yourself and your ability to handle anything that comes your way will set the tone for everyone involved. Emotional regulation is crucial, as weddings can bring high emotions from all parties. Being able to recognize and manage not only your own emotions but also those of your clients and their families helps maintain a calm atmosphere. Boundary setting ensures that while you’re helpful, you also maintain professionalism and prevent burnout. Time management and prioritization help keep the schedule on track, ensuring that immediate needs are addressed first while staying ahead of the next steps.

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Physical Skills: The Unseen Labor

Wedding planning is far from a desk job—it’s physically demanding. Strength is necessary for moving tables, setting up decor, and carrying heavy boxes. Endurance is required, as you’ll be on your feet for long hours, often in unpredictable weather conditions. Regardless of stress or exhaustion, maintaining a smile and positive demeanor is essential for setting the mood. Having a posture of readiness keeps you alert and prepared to jump in at any moment. Lastly, a poker face is crucial—no matter what goes wrong, staying composed reassures everyone around you and keeps the event running smoothly.

Riding Tandem

Arizona Wedding Planners

Spring Wedding Tip

Finding the Perfect Month for your Spring Wedding 

When selecting the perfect month for your spring wedding, there are a few key factors to consider. Spring is generally a busy season for weddings in Arizona compared to summer. 

If you're planning a wedding in Arizona, you have the advantage of minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine. March offers the most classic spring weather, with mild temperatures and very little chance of rain, making it an ideal choice. April brings slightly warmer but still comfortable temperatures, perfect for an outdoor celebration. By May, temperatures can climb into the high 90s to low 60s, making it the warmest of the spring months.

For a true springtime feel, March or April would be the best choices for an Arizona spring wedding, ensuring pleasant weather and a beautiful seasonal backdrop.

Selecting the Perfect Color Palette

The most common spring wedding color palette includes soft, romantic hues that reflect the freshness of the season. Pastels like blush pink, baby blue, lavender, and mint green are popular choices, along with nature inspired tones such as sage green, peach, buttercream yellow, and lilac. Soft neutrals like ivory, champagne, and dove gray can complement these shades beautifully, adding a timeless elegance.

Embracing the Season: How to Plan Your Wedding with In-Season Blooms & Ingredients

As warmer weather approaches, spring offers fresh, vibrant ingredients to elevate your wedding menu. In-season fruits like strawberries, citrus, cherries, and peaches are perfect for desserts, cocktails, and garnishes. Use strawberries and peaches in tarts and salads, while citrus adds brightness to drinks and sorbets. Cherries enhance pies and cocktails with natural sweetness. For flowers, consider peonies, baby’s breath, tulips, lilies, and garden roses to complete your perfect spring wedding look.

Choosing the Perfect Venue to Showcase Spring’s Beauty

Spring is all about blooming flowers, fresh greenery, and mild weather, making it essential to choose a venue that highlights the season’s natural beauty. Botanical gardens provide a breathtaking backdrop with lush flowers, vibrant plants, and even desert cacti, perfect for an authentic Arizona wedding. Vineyards, like the Windmill Winery in Florence, AZ, offer a romantic, Italian-inspired ambiance, featuring rolling hills, budding grapevines, and rustic charm. Choosing a winery also allows you to pair your wedding menu with seasonal wines, enhancing the dining experience. A golf club resort like McCormick Ranch, provides stunning views and tranquil springtime vibes, perfect for an outdoor ceremony.  

Riding Tandem

Arizona Wedding Planners