If you are planning a wedding, it's stressful. You may not know what to do, how to do it and what actually makes a wedding "fun." As someone who has been to a lot of weddings as an Idaho Wedding Photographer I am going to share with you what makes a wedding awesome. 

Everyone wants the "perfect" wedding and that looks different for everyone so let's start there. If you want to do these ideas, great, if you don't that's okay too. Some of these things work for some and they don't. 

Your wedding day itself is going to fly by, and to be honest the best part of the day is probably going to be after the ceremony when the stress and pressure is off. Really. You will see so many people that day, so much is going on, often bombarded with questions and when you look back and remember the day, what are you going to remember?

Hopefully you will remember all the great things like the wonderful food, the great music and dancing and thankfully for your photographer you can re-live the day through photographs. 

So what makes a wedding great, fun, awesome and everything in between? 

How to have a fun wedding

• Having a DJ and Music 

When I think about "fun" weddings they usually had great music and/or entertainment. One thing that will MAKE the party happen is a DJ, really. They are worth the investment for the day if you are wanting to have a fun party and dance. 

Now I have been to weddings that didn't have a DJ but had great music I will be honest, this is rare. If you don't have a DJ you no longer are getting the easy flow of music. DJs just don't play the music though, they also help with moving your timeline along and announcing. If you are debating a DJ, then you should get one for your big day. 

IDEA: Take song requests from your wedding guests. Ask them to write their favorite song on the RSVP card or have them email it to you. Once you compile the songs and put them into your playlist for your DJ and your guests will be able to hear song they enjoy. 

Want to elevate your party? Get fun dance party lights, glasses, fun dance floor accessories. 

If you are planning an Idaho wedding I have some DJs in my wedding planning guide that lists some of my favorites. Also Here is a link to FIVE THINGS YOU should talk to your DJ about before the wedding day

• An Enthusiastic Celebrant

What’s better than adding a dose of personality to your ceremony? Hiring an outgoing celebrant will bring your sweet union to life! It’s always refreshing to see a celebrant that isn’t staring at their script the whole ceremony. Not only will this capture the attention of friends and family, but it will also keep them from counting down the minutes until the next event and be fully present in the moment.

When choosing a marriage celebrant, always make sure you’ve read their reviews and spoken to them on the phone first to ensure they understand the vision you have for your ceremony, and that their personality matches the vibe you want to go with. 

So many couples have chosen a celebrant they are familiar with and often know and/or related too. This can help the ceremony as well, they often have stories or sweet sentiments of the couple. As a wedding photographer, short and sweet is the best, depending on the type of ceremony are having.

• Custom Drink Menu

Instead of buying a ton of different drinks for your guests, make a custom drink menu. Offering signature cocktails at your wedding adds a personalized touch and elevates the guest experience by providing unique and memorable drink options.

 Not only will this help you stand out and give your guests' a unique experience there are other benefits. With limited number of drink options this will help ordering be more efficient.  Guests won't need to waste a lot of time choosing what to order, they simply order one of the limited drinks available. 

Whether you choose a signature drink or custom menu for the wedding you can expect to save money. When planning the wedding and offering too many options chances are you will overbuy and have leftover after the wedding. A signature drink/menu allows for purchasing efficiency, saving time and money. 

You can save on your signature drink and menu signage at BasicInvite.com. They have so many options for coasters stickers and all. 

• Change up Dessert

Guess what, you don't have to get cake anymore. Tiered cakes are out, well unless your really want it, get it, but wedding desserts are evolving. So if you don't like cake, you don't have to have it. 

I have seen pies, cream puffs, snow cone truck, cheesecake, so many different desserts can make a fun twist on your wedding day. I have photographed many couples who get a cake just themselves and then have a separate dessert for their guests. Mini cheesecakes, donuts are both on the list of fun things I have seen in at a wedding. I have even seen custom picture cookies, those were so much fun. 

• Reception Entrance

Instead of trying to time your newlywed entrance just right with the DJ, spark the beginning of the celebration in a fun way! Gather your bridal party and form a parade leading inside the reception. This will be a great way to take the guests by surprise and get them on their feet. 

This sets the tone for the reception. Now if you are entering your reception and all your guests have to sit it wait for dinner, utilize this time for your first dance. All your guests are sitting and waiting, save time and do them here while guests are getting food and/or eating. 

• Reception Games

During the party it can be easy to get wrapped up making sure your guests are enjoying the evening, that you as a newlywed couple may not get to fully enjoy the moment. Take time during the reception to stop the festivity and entertain your guests with the reason they are all here- you!

You can play a game like the Newlywed Game or have fun yard games available for the guests. This is often great for guests to play games, mingle, dance and really enjoy the reception. When the reception isn't just drinking and dancing, the night is kind of broken up and more enjoyable encouraging guests to stay longer and celebrate. 

I have seen so many yard games in addition to water jump houses for kids during the summer months.

• Timeline. Timeline. Timeline.

I saved the "best" for last. For me, as an Idaho wedding photographer, this is the most important thing on your wedding day for it to go seamlessly and have a good day. This is something I personally work on with clients who book me for their wedding day. I want to not only make sure it's clear of times I will be there but also I know from experience this important. 

Having a timeline is so crucial on your wedding day. This is a playbook for the day. This is going to tell who, what, where, and when. But the most important thing it does, answer as many questions as it can prior to the wedding day. 

There is nothing more stressful than 500 questions in one day about things you thought you already told someone, am I right? So this helps answers some of those questions, makes sure vendors are on the same page and its incredibly beneficial.