Top Wedding Tips from the Experts

For the most part, weddings, by their nature, are synonymous with planning.

The bride has to find a gown and all the accoutrements, the couple must book a reception hall, determine what food and drinks will be provided. Then there's the cake. The entertainment. The photographer ...

The list of to-dos, before couples say "I do," can seem never-ending. But, wedding and event planning experts from Hatboro-based Trilogy Event Design shared some of the top tips to consider when planning a wedding.

Trilogy Chief Event Planner Randi Martin said some of the first to-dos after the proposal and acceptance of marriage,  are to determine a budget and how much will be spent per-person.

Trilogy Creative Director Francesca Staffieri said couples must "be realistic" when setting budgets because only you know your financial limits and constraints. 

Once a budget has been ironed out, next up is to choose a venue before doing any other shopping, Martin said. 

"You don't want the styles of the place and your gown to clash," Martin said.

Trilogy General Manager Michael Magro said the planning should begin "as soon as you get engaged."

"You can't set your date until you book your venue," Magro said. 

And speaking of the wedding day, Martin said allowing "at least" a year to plan the wedding is important.

In terms of the ceremony and reception, Martin said there are certain things she will not allow in weddings she is coordinating. Nothing "cheesy," like plastic table cloths, or family members cooking the reception food, she said. 

"You can do that," Martin said. "But, you shouldn't hire somebody to coordinate it."