Between reschedules, cancellations, big events turned tiny and cancelled events being reimagined and back on, I’m using all of my resources to stay on top of this pandemic inspired event action. One thing I love that has come out of all of this, is the return to what’s really important to the couple - getting married and having a fun party to celebrate! Don’t get me wrong, I love details, and I’m good at waving a magic wand of calm over an event when those details need managing, But, there have been times in my career when obsessions over details have taken over the whole event, and put a damper on what should be a sweet, meaningful and fun celebration of love! Like the time the bride’s mom was sure the venue had the wrong centerpieces out, so she missed her hair appointment to remove them all herself, only to find out they were correct, and now were all damaged, and her hair was not getting done. Or the time the bride insisted that the caterer include multiple kids meals, and lamented over the offerings, and how they should be served, and where the kids would sit, only to forget all of that when she decided to not invite kids to the wedding at all! What I’ve noticed this year is lots of low key decor, bigger food and drink budgets, smaller guest lists in general, more full service planning, and what I would call a feeling of “casual stress” from most bridal couples - just glad to be getting married, and so thrilled that anyone could come and celebrate with them, in whatever way they can, and they just aren’t sweating the small stuff. As event professionals, it’s our job to sweat the small stuff, and I think more than ever, it just makes sense to have a planner to handle those details so your Mom isn’t sad, sweaty and looking like she just rolled out of bed in your photos, and you and your new spouse aren’t choking down 30 kids meals for weeks after the wedding. And, everyone agrees that the photos are soooooo much better when the couple and guests are relaxed and enjoying themselves. I think that’s a good thought for all of us to remember when we are stressed by this pandemic, or life in general, or the little details of our big day - if our lives were caught on camera, wouldn’t we want the photos of us to show us relaxed and enjoying our lives, in spite of imperfect details? Remember, real life has no filter so don’t sweat the small stuff, and remember, it’s all small stuff!