Congratulations—the big day is soon! All that’s left to do is think about the cake, attire, venue, food, bartender, guest list, florist, photographer…wait, where were we? Wedding planning can be a serious pain without the right tools, so we’re here to help with 20 tips that make the entire process much easier.
1. Start Early
Wedding planning is stressful enough without a time crunch looming overhead. Online planners and thorough lists can help you zero in on where to focus and which areas need more attention.
2. Set a Budget
Sit down with your partner and allocate funds accordingly—which elements would you like to splurge on and which do you think need less attention? Remember just how much goes into a wedding: the venue, clothing, food and drinks, rehearsal dinner, cake, rentals, etc.
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3. Consider a Planner
Wedding planners cost a pretty penny, but they also help you navigate the more stressful aspects of planning. They’ll adhere to your vision by finding the right vendors and work alongside you to make that dream a reality.
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4. Stay Organized
Spreadsheets, binders, checklists, and Google Drive folders are your best friends throughout the planning process. It’s best to keep track of absolutely everything so you have all the records you need and can monitor your budget.
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5. Figure Out the List
Your guest list is one of the first things to establish. A finalized list affects everything from the budget to the venue, so sit down with your partner and work on who to invite. If you’re struggling to keep numbers low, you can also write out two lists: one for official guests and another for those you’re less sure about.
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6. Ask Questions
Whether it’s your vendors or your planner, those around you should be people you trust to help you. Never be afraid to ask clarifying questions or inquire about any hiccups.
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7. Remember Your Health
Wedding planning is demanding for even the most organized of people. Amid all the chaos, it’s easy to put your health on the back burner, but it’s crucial to take care of yourself! You won’t make it very far in the planning process if you’re constantly stressed.
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8. Make a Separate Email Account
Between the vendors, wedding planner, and RSVP list, your personal email will fill up quickly. Stay organized with a separate email account for all things wedding.
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9. Find Good Vendors
It’s easier said than done, but don’t settle for vendors. You’ll be working with them the whole time, so don’t sign any dotted lines you’re unsure about, and don’t work with someone just because you want flowers over and done with.
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10. Keep Records
A good rule of thumb is to keep a paper trail of every receipt and email. Should something get lost in translation, you can refer back to your records to get things moving again.
11. Add Personal Touches
The best additions to weddings are the more personal touches that make the day your own. Look into DIY projects or draw inspiration from your relationship’s milestones.
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12. Don’t Neglect the Ceremony
Wedding planning extends to the ceremony, too! Don’t get so lost in the reception that you neglect everything else—a proper ceremony requires everything from an officiant and vows to opening and closing remarks.
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13. Communicate Thoroughly
Now isn’t the time to pull away from your partner. Work together to bring your vision to life and stay on budget. If at any time you feel overwhelmed or have questions, you should be able to turn to the person you plan to spend your life with.
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14. Don’t Get the Dress First
In all the excitement of a wedding comes saying yes to the dress. While the dress is obviously important, don’t dive into the first gown you see. Based on your colors and venue, you may change your mind, so settle big ticket items first.
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15. Put an Emergency Kit Together
As with life, who knows what will happen on your wedding day? Have an emergency kit on hand to tackle some of the last-minute obstacles. Toiletries and makeup are a must, but so are items like lint rollers, steamers, and stain-removing pens.
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16. Aim to Finish Early
The last thing you want is a throbbing headache before the wedding. The earlier you start planning, ideally, the earlier you’ll be done. Aim to finish at least two to three weeks before the big day so you can kick your feet up until then.
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17. Invest in Good Photography
A good photographer will capture all the special moments, so you want to hire a good one. Go through portfolios to see who best matches your style, and meet with them beforehand to ensure they’re the right fit.
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18. Get Multiple Bartenders
If you have a big guest list, or plan on cocktail hour, investing in multiple bartenders can save you a few grey hairs. Several bartenders guarantee no one waits in line and everyone has a good time.
19. Make It Your Own
Literally nowhere does it say you have to follow “traditional rules.” This is your day, so make it your own! Regardless of how that looks, don’t feel pressured to adhere to someone else’s idea.
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20. Accept Imperfections
Plan as much as you want, life will laugh in the face of them. At the end of the day, accept that something (big or small) is likely to go wrong. It can be disheartening in the moment, but there’s only so much you can do. Whatever happens, the most important thing is tying the knot.
