There are a thousand and one details to think about when planning your Lake Chelan wedding. Trust us, we get it! There are even smaller details that we often see couples forget, which is why we thought we would round up eight details right here to take note for your upcoming wedding.

1. CEREMONY SOUND

This is by far the number one detail that gets missed. Whether you are planning an indoor or outdoor ceremony, ensuring your DJ is booked to provide your ceremony sound, meaning a microphone, speakers and music are essential. Guests cannot hear you without a mic and speakers, in addition to needing music for both the ceremony processional and recessional. A professional DJ can handle all of these musts. If you opt for an alternative string quartet or pianist, check with your venue if they offer in-house audio services to provide a microphone and speaker for during the ceremony.

2. INCLUDING YOUR BRIDAL PARTY + VENDORS IN YOUR FINAL GUEST COUNT

In the final weeks leading up to your wedding, you will need to send in your final guarantee or guest count to your caterer. Ensure that this final guest count includes you as a couple, your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any vendors who will be on-site during your dinner. This may include your DJ, photographer, videographer, wedding planner, and any of their assistants.

3. MARRIAGE LICENSE

Applying for your marriage license is a must for you to be legally married. In Washiongton, it is not necessary to purchase your marriage license from the same county in which you will be married. A marriage license purchased in any Washington county will be valid for ceremonies performed anywhere within Washington State.

4. PAYING + TIPPING VENDORS

Vendors typically require you pay your balance in full before your wedding. Most require a deposit at the time of booking and then the final balance is due 60 days or less leading up to the final weeks of your day. However, in some cases, for example, if your bar services is a charge on consumption, your final bar tab will be charged after your wedding is closed out the next day or the following business day. While tipping is completely up to your discretion if you feel your vendors went above and beyond your expectations, they will always appreciate a tip. Caterers or in-house venue food + beverage staff already charge you a 20% (on average) gratuity so that is already accounted for. Think DJ’s, parking, photographers or any vendors ensuring your day is running smoothly throughout.

5. VIDEOGRAPHER

Videography: After Hours Photography

As a Lake Chelan wedding planner, this is the number one regret I hear couples mention after their wedding wishing they had hired a videographer. In this day and digital age, video captures priceless moments in both audio and visual unlike any other. Videographers can overlap speeches, music, and slides all into one giving you a highlight video that will bring you to tears. Videographers are worth their weight in gold and you will not regret it! You can never get back your wedding day and video you can re-live over and over for your entire life to come.

6. WATER SERVICE OR STATION

Always ensure your guests are staying hydrated on top of the tasty signature cocktails, local Lake Chelan wine, or other beverages on tap. Check with your caterer to see if they offer water service at the table or in the very least, set up a self-serve water dispenser station by the bar.

7. FLOWERS FOR PARENTS + GRANDPARENTS

It is always a special touch providing your parents and grandparents a floral piece to wear. Think boutonnieres for the Dads and a wrist corsage or floral hairpiece for the Moms. Ask them if they have a preference to pair with their attire and then chat with your florist about the details adding it to your floral list.

8. THANK YOU SPEECH

Always ensure you as a couple say a special thank you to all of your guests for traveling and being part of your special day. It can be short and sweet and done at the very beginning or the very end of the speeches during dinner.