The Couple
blocks? Handle it. Is your son over whelmed by the bar packages or band options? Help him!
• Be kind to their vendors— that means never raising your voice, especially the day of the wedding. All you are doing is creating an anxious and chaotic environment. Nobody wants sad / scared / grumpy vendors serving their wedding day.
• The very best thing you can do for your child is hire a planner who manages all of these items, and I am not saying that just because I am one. I often joke that playing family psychologist is part of my package, but it’ s a little bit true. Having a neutral third party balance these delicate matters can alleviate so much stress during the planning process. That said, I understand that not every budget can support a planner, and that is ok, too! The best thing you can do is listen and support.
The Couple
“ Comparison is the thief of joy,” a wise man( Teddy Roosevelt) once said. Maybe you are that bride who ' s been dreaming of her wedding since she was a little girl. Maybe you have never given it a single thought. Then you open Instagram and start scrolling …. The next thing I know, I have an inquiry stacked with inspo photos of aerial shots taken at a $ 2 million wedding on the Amalfi Coast. Here’ s the thing: Weddings ultimately come down to what’ s most important to you and your fiancé. Once you lose sight of that, things become unnecessarily complex and stressful, even with a planner. Follow along and learn how to have your dream weddingwithout having a nervous breakdown along the way.
• Stay off Instagram and Pinterest. Alright, these platforms are useful when coming up with your design inspiration, but once you have that nailed down, put them away. Please don’ t add in a last-minute flashmob because you saw it trending on TikTok.
• Work with your family to determine your budget and use that as your guide when reaching out to venues and vendors. You will only break your own heart inquiring at Taylor Swift’ s wedding venue, although it’ s good for a chuckle.
• Follow vendor recommendations. Vendors know the industry inside and out. They are only going to suggest colleagues who provide top-notch service which makes things run smoothly not only for you, but for them as well. A cohesive vendor team means an unforgettable wedding.
• Cheaper doesn’ t mean better. You get what you pay for. Google and choosing them based on price rarely works out like you think it will. Selecting vendors vetted by other vendors is the best way to ensure excellent service.
• Do not DIY. I know you think it will reduce your stress— but it most likely won’ t. Ok, if there is one DIY activity that will bring you joy, go for it, but
WEDDINGS AT JIMINY PEAK
Photo by Hitlin Photography
jiminypeak. com / weddings
299 North St., Pittsfield, MA | 413-770-3679 www. doryandginger. com
62 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday 2023 2025