Best Wedding Planning Tips for a fantastic and stress-free wedding
So, you're engaged and you have set a date. It’s all incredibly exciting and then bam – the planning stage hits you!
I’ve heard many stories and talked to many couples about the overwhelming feeling that can come with planning a wedding. Where should we hold our wedding? Who should I invite? Will I upset my mum if I don’t invite so and so? Which vendor should I hire first? How much should we spend? How many guest should we have?
I have put together some wedding planing tips to help you with planning your wedding.
Having been in the wedding industry a while and having been a part of couples journeys I’ve picked up a thing or two about the planning process and whilst it can seem scary and overwhelming at times, planning your wedding is a really enjoyable time especially armed with a few tips and handy bits of advice. Here are a few top tips for help that you have a stress free time planning your wedding and an amazing day.
Set your budget early (and be realistic)
Once you have this set it will determine a lot of the day such as what kind of venue you would like, how many people you can invite, what vendors you will use, decorations, and etc. From here, you can then start to plan all of the other fun things and the things that will make your wedding unique.
Be yourself and decide what’s important to you
Yes, you read that right. If you have always dreamed of having a certain aspect to your wedding, whether it’s an orchestra or a sports car bringing you to the church or you’ve fallen in love with a particular venue then go for it – and if you need to – make savings elsewhere. Also do not feel that you need to have a particular element on your wedding day – just because it’s the norm. It’s your day, do things your way!
Trust your gut!
I speak to couples all of the time that get caught up in what someone in their family or friends groups wants them to do. Whether that’s a well-meaning parent or a best friend. The day is about YOU and your partner and not about them and you should have the wedding you want! Trusting your gut also applies to the people you hire for your day. If something sticks out to you as a red flag – don’t be afraid to ask more questions, do some more research or walk away. You will always be able to find someone else who will make you feel at ease and comfortable with the vision of your day. It's your day and your vision is the most important part. You don't want to look back in a year, 5 years, etc and have regrets.
Hire vendors that understand your vision and are excited to be a part of it
When looking for vendors to hire for your wedding day be guided by their work and their style as to whether they are right for you and your day. You’ll usually get a feel of their work from their website, Instagram feeds or Pinterest but you’ll get an even better understanding of them, their business and ideas for your day if you have a coffee. Whether that’s over the phone, video call or in-person, no wedding supplier I know will turn down a coffee and the chance to talk through plans for your day and how they can enhance that experience. Picking a supplier that compliments the ideas you have for your own wedding will mean you get to work on something exceptional together.
Try not to get too bogged down with the detail
The quicker you are able to make decisions related to your wedding through the planning process, the easier it is and the more fun it will be. There are so many big and small decisions you’ll have to make, so as a couple, go with your gut. Don’t stress on the small things. Go with what is best for you, your vision and make the decision. Then stick with it.
6. Don’t sweat the small stuff
When photographing a wedding I can see brides starting to stress out sometimes as something is not where she had planned it to be! Weddings don’t have to be the model of perfection. No matter how planned out your day is things can go a little wrong sometimes, for example, rain when you’ve been expecting blazing sunshine. Your bridesmaid spills a bit of prosecco on her dress before leaving the room. However, it’s how you react to little hiccups that will make or break your day. Make up your mind that you are going to have a great wedding day – no matter what – and you will. Let's have fun, chill out and laugh with friends and family all day. It's these moments of fun and laughter you will look back at in years to come and remember with joy.
You don’t have to stress too much to pull off the wedding you have dreamed of. When you start your planning process communicate as a couple about your priorities for your day. When you have a theme and budget in mind other decisions come much easier. Next, ensure that you do your research before hiring or signing contracts. If you are considering asking a friend or family member to tackle one of the wedding jobs, ensure that they are fully happy to help and that they are qualified to do the task.
Don’t forget to take a wedding planning break when things get too overwhelming. A simple romantic date night, coffee date, or trip to the cinema can help bring your focus back on what truly matters and the bigger picture.
Finally, relax and laugh and enjoy your hard work. Don’t worry about things that you can’t control…. such as the weather! Focus instead on the reason why you’re celebrating – your marriage to your partner and the start of the rest of your lives together.
To help you with your planning I have put together a 64-page wedding day Checklist & Planning tools. Click on the image below to get your FREE download now
