Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/582166
realweddings.ca 17 Learn how to say no (nicely) If your aunt is ƒxated on making your centrepieces when you already have a plan in mind, make it clear that you appreciate her love, but stand your ground and redirect her enthusiasm gently. "Say something like, 'I love how helpful you are, I love that you want to be involved. I've got that task under control, but would be so happy to get your help on another task,' " recommends Keats. Split things up œe maid of honour doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting – share the tasks among the wedding party if they're keen to be involved. One bridesmaid could take charge of coordinating the bachelorette party, while another could organize the dress shopping. "Everyone gets involved, and it's not one person taking the whole burden," says Keats. œe same goes for cleanup when the party's over. "At 1 a.m., which drunk relative is getting up on a ladder and taking everything down?" points out McNally. Remember to assemble a tear-down dream team – but make sure it's a di‡erent crew than the decorators. Leave some things to the pros "Anything that's important to a bride should be delegated to a professional, not a family member or friend. I've seen friendships and wedding days ruined because the cake doesn't look like the cake in Martha Stewart," McNally laughs. If you're letting your cousin put together the «oral arrangements, for example, do a test run ƒrst. Photography is another element that's best left to a pro. "I hear horror stories all the time about uncles taking pictures and cutting o‡ everyone's feet, or not getting the ƒrst kiss," adds McNally. Respect boundaries "Make sure that whoever you're delegating to really wants to do it," advises McNally. "œe last thing you want is to ask someone to do something if their heart isn't into it – then nobody's happy." œe reality is, people have other things in their life to worry about besides your wedding, no matter how much they love you. "Have a clear conversation about what the time and ƒnancial commitments are going to be," recommends Keats. And if the answer is no, accept that gracefully and move on. rw Dushan Floral.indd 1 14-09-22 9:19 AM CascadesCasino.indd 1 15-04-08 12:50 PM