Tips & Tricks
Wedding Planning Like a Pro
10 Must-Know Tips and Tricks
Congratulations! You’re officially engaged and beginning the exciting adventure of wedding planning. Getting ready to say ‘I do’ is a thrilling yet overwhelming experience – but with the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to plan your wedding like a pro! To help you out, I’ve compiled my best advice on everything from managing your budget to picking the perfect dress. Whether you’re working with a small or large budget, I’m confident that this list of 10 must-know tips and tricks will ensure your special day is just as magical as you’ve always dreamed it would be. From creating a solid foundation for your planning strategy to finding the ultimate accessories for that perfect look, I promise that putting these tips into practice will make all the difference. So get ready to say ‘I do’ in style – let’s dive in!
#1
Set a Realistic Wedding Budget
As you start your wedding planning, the first and most important step is to set a realistic wedding budget. It’s the foundation for all major decisions about venues, decor, food, etc. To create a budget that works for you, begin by talking to your partner and other family members who might be contributing to the cost of your big day. Get an idea of what everyone is comfortable spending and add up all the numbers. This will give you an idea of how much you have to work with. Once you have an overall budget in mind, create individual budgets for each component of the wedding – such as the venue, catering, decorations and clothing. It’s helpful to allocate a certain percentage of your total budget towards each component so that nothing is overlooked or overspent on. Setting a realistic budget will keep you on track throughout your wedding planning process. Plus, it can help avoid any awkward confrontations over who pays for what down the line!
#3
Pick Your Wedding Party Wisely
Now that you have your venue, it's time to choose your wedding party! This is an exciting one: after all, what bride or groom wouldn't want their best friends and family by their side on the big day?
But remember, picking your wedding party wisely is key. Here are some things to consider when making your decisions Affordability Your bridesmaids and groomsmen should be able to afford housing for pre-wedding events and purchasing a dress/suit. Don’t leave anyone feeling pressured to splurge! Let's say you want to "walk" down the aisle with all of your bridesmaids. If they can't physically do it—whether it’s because of age, physical disability or another reason—then make sure they're not a part of that plan.
If you have someone in mind who you know won't be able to make it when called upon or show up on time, they might not be the best fit for a wedding party role. These are just a few things to consider when picking out your wedding party. Once you've narrowed down your selection of special people, it'll be time for the fun stuff—like dress/suit shopping and coming up with creative photo ideas!
#5
SELECT A VENUE THAT FITS YOUR VISION
It’s time to start planning for the venue of your dreams! Choosing the right place is an incredibly important part of wedding planning, and you just can’t afford to get it wrong. Here are some tips to help you make sure that you select the perfect venue: Research, Research, Research!
You should always do your due diligence when researching venues. Make sure to read reviews online, talk with friends and family who were married at a particular location, or even go and check out a few if possible. It's helpful to have an idea of what type of ceremony and reception space you'd like beforehand—that way, you're prepared when researching potential venues. Get Creative!
Don't limit yourself to traditional venues like banquet halls or hotels. You can always find unique spaces that reflect your own style—think libraries, museums, or even outdoor spaces like parks or even the beach! Just make sure that whatever venue you select fits both your vision and budget. Ask Questions Once you narrow down your choices, don't be afraid to ask questions about pricing, policies, availability and more. Ask about decorations allowed in the space and if there are any rules or regulations that might affect your wedding plans. Knowing exactly what each wedding venue offers will help you make a more informed decision.
#7
Take Time for Yourself: Reduce Stress and Enjoy the Process
As much as planning your wedding can be an exciting time, sometimes it can also be a stressful one. That's why it's important to make sure you take some time for yourself and make the most of this special moment. Here are a few easy ways to reduce stress and enjoy the process!
Unplug
Take breaks throughout your day and focus on something other than wedding planning. Clear your mind and take some time to spend with family, friends, or even alone. This will give you the energy you need to tackle any tasks or decisions with a fresh point of view.
Set Goals
Setting goals can help keep you organized and on track with everything that needs to be done. Make sure they're realistic though—you don't want to overcommit and end up even more stressed out! Break down larger tasks into smaller ones, allowing yourself to build momentum throughout the process.
Make Time for Fun
Don't forget those little moments in between all the planning that make this experience truly special! Take a little time each day for something you enjoy doing, whether it's taking a yoga class, listening to music or going on a romantic date night with your partner. These moments will help keep things in perspective as you plan away!
#9
Register for Wedding Gifts You Actually Want
Planning a wedding is all about making sure you get what YOU want, and that includes the presents. If wedding gifts are on your list of to-dos, make sure you register for something that speaks to your style and lifestyle. There's no need to feel obliged to add items that don't ring true!
Here are a few tips to ensure you receive gifts you'll actually use:
Shop wisely—there's no point in registering for something that doesn't match your own taste and needs.
Research and read reviews online before selecting an item from a store.
Mix and match items from different stores to ensure variety, so your guests have plenty of options to choose from.
Consider adding more affordable items for those with tighter budgets.
Don’t forget experiences like tickets or trips that can be enjoyed together after the wedding; they make great wedding gifts, too!
Ask yourself this question—will I use it in a year? If not, consider taking it off the list!
Include your payment information so guests can easily purchase items without having to go through any hassle at all!
The best thing about registering for wedding gifts is that you can customize them to suit your own interests—and there are plenty of amazing products out there just waiting for you two lovebirds! So go ahead, have fun with it—and don't forget to add those items on your registry--you'll be glad you did!
#2
Choose a Wedding Planning Style: DIY or Hire a Planner
The style of wedding planning that works best for you will depend on your own preferences and available resources.
If you want to be in the driver's seat and have the latitude to handpick every detail, then DIY-style wedding planning is a perfect fit. With some great organizing tools, like electronic spreadsheets and lists, this is definitely doable and could be quite enjoyable. Plus, you'll have full control over every aspect of your big day - from the invitations to the cake.
On the other hand, if you're looking to offload much of the workload onto someone else, hiring a wedding planner might be more up your alley. Sure, there may be an associated cost—but it's not unheard of for a planner to save couples money in the long run with their industry contacts and access to discounts! Plus they can provide expert advice in areas like budgeting, timelines and logistics.
Before making your decision though, consider why each option might or might not work for you—get organized about what level of involvement makes sense for you. Make sure that whichever style you choose allows plenty of time for both fun and relaxation before the festivities kick off!
#4
Create A Wedding Guest List And Stick To It
Creating a wedding guest list and sticking to it is one of the essential tasks you should tackle as early as possible when it comes to wedding planning! Setting a clear number of guests from the get-go can help you stick to your budget. Doing this also makes setting your venue, seating arrangements, and determining the RSVPs much easier. So how do you get started? Here are some handy tips: Choose Your Number What kind of atmosphere do you want for your special day? If a big wedding is your thing, then by all means, go ahead and plan accordingly! But if a smaller celebration sounds better, then it's best to set that number as soon as possible.
Shortlist Your Guests
Once you have the number down, making a list of people to invite — or having them write their names on an old-school list—is a great option. This way, you’ll be able to control any additions and keep the list tight. Request Additions Wisely
Oftentimes couples will receive requests for additional guests from their friends or family members. Before saying yes, make sure that there is actually enough space in your budget and venue capacity to accommodate them. With these in mind, creating a wedding guest list should be easy! Just remember: once you've finalized your number - stick with it!
#6
Don't Forget the Details: Flowers, Catering, Entertainment
It's easy to overlook the little details when planning a wedding, but trust us—you don't want to! From flowers and catering to entertainment, these are the things that will make your big day special.
Let's start with flowers. You don't have to go for over-the-top bouquets—see if your florist can recommend something simple but elegant. Plus, some of the smaller touches like a ‘tossing bouquet’ or boutonnieres for the men in your wedding party will tie everything together nicely. Then, don't forget about food! Whether you're opting for a sit-down affair or going the buffet route, ask your caterer what they suggest. They'll be able to provide you with suggestions that fit into your budget and still impress your guests—win-win! Finally, entertainment is key if you want a wedding that guests will remember. What kind of music are you looking for during dinner? How about a DJ afterwards? Try to leave time for impromptu requests from your guests as well—this will keep the party going all night long. When it comes to weddings, those small details can make all the difference. So no matter what size budget you have or how big the guest list is—don’t forget those special touches and make sure each one feels special!
#8
Plan a Memorable Honeymoon
Your honeymoon is the icing on the cake after you've gone through months of wedding planning. So why not make it a trip to remember? Here are some tips and tricks to plan an unforgettable honeymoon:
Start small
If your budget or schedule doesn't allow for an extended trip, don't worry - you can still make the most of a quick weekend getaway. Whether it's visiting a nearby city or going out of town for a romantic beach escape, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy quality time away with your partner.
Think outside the box
It's easy to get overwhelmed when searching for the perfect honeymoon destination. To narrow down your options, simply focus on activities that you and your partner would find fun and exciting. Consider going on a safari adventure or taking an exotic cooking class - there’s always something new to explore!
Research together
Planning your honeymoon can also be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Take time to research different locations together, read reviews about hotels and attractions, and find out what other couples have enjoyed about their own trips. You'll be amazed at all the amazing possibilities!
#10
Take a Wedding Planning Course or Read Wedding Planning Books
Nobody said planning a wedding was easy, but there are a few tricks that could help make it smoother. One of them is to take a wedding planning course or read up on wedding planning books. Even if you don't think you need advice from the pros, having a second opinion could make all the difference.
Take a Course
Taking an in-person or online course is one of the best ways to get help with wedding planning. Not only will you learn about topics like budgeting and menu selection, but you'll also find out about things like etiquette, traditions and timelines - all of which are essential for a successful event.
Read Books
Wedding planning books can also be incredibly helpful. You'll find information on everything from finding vendors and venues to creating your own custom décor - plus lots of other helpful tidbits that could make your day go off without a hitch.
At the end of the day, it's important to remember that even if you've taken courses or read books - they can't necessarily predict every issue you may face along the way. So be sure to arm yourself with as much information as possible before beginning your journey - it will make the process much easier in the long run!
#1
Set a Realistic Wedding Budget
As you start your wedding planning, the first and most important step is to set a realistic wedding budget. It’s the foundation for all major decisions about venues, decor, food, etc. To create a budget that works for you, begin by talking to your partner and other family members who might be contributing to the cost of your big day. Get an idea of what everyone is comfortable spending and add up all the numbers. This will give you an idea of how much you have to work with. Once you have an overall budget in mind, create individual budgets for each component of the wedding – such as the venue, catering, decorations and clothing. It’s helpful to allocate a certain percentage of your total budget towards each component so that nothing is overlooked or overspent on. Setting a realistic budget will keep you on track throughout your wedding planning process. Plus, it can help avoid any awkward confrontations over who pays for what down the line!
#2
Choose a Wedding Planning Style: DIY or Hire a Planner
The style of wedding planning that works best for you will depend on your own preferences and available resources.
If you want to be in the driver's seat and have the latitude to handpick every detail, then DIY-style wedding planning is a perfect fit. With some great organizing tools, like electronic spreadsheets and lists, this is definitely doable and could be quite enjoyable. Plus, you'll have full control over every aspect of your big day - from the invitations to the cake.
On the other hand, if you're looking to offload much of the workload onto someone else, hiring a wedding planner might be more up your alley. Sure, there may be an associated cost—but it's not unheard of for a planner to save couples money in the long run with their industry contacts and access to discounts! Plus they can provide expert advice in areas like budgeting, timelines and logistics.
Before making your decision though, consider why each option might or might not work for you—get organized about what level of involvement makes sense for you. Make sure that whichever style you choose allows plenty of time for both fun and relaxation before the festivities kick off!
#3
Pick Your Wedding Party Wisely
Now that you have your venue, it's time to choose your wedding party! This is an exciting one: after all, what bride or groom wouldn't want their best friends and family by their side on the big day?
But remember, picking your wedding party wisely is key. Here are some things to consider when making your decisions Affordability Your bridesmaids and groomsmen should be able to afford housing for pre-wedding events and purchasing a dress/suit. Don’t leave anyone feeling pressured to splurge! Let's say you want to "walk" down the aisle with all of your bridesmaids. If they can't physically do it—whether it’s because of age, physical disability or another reason—then make sure they're not a part of that plan.
If you have someone in mind who you know won't be able to make it when called upon or show up on time, they might not be the best fit for a wedding party role. These are just a few things to consider when picking out your wedding party. Once you've narrowed down your selection of special people, it'll be time for the fun stuff—like dress/suit shopping and coming up with creative photo ideas!
#4
Create A Wedding Guest List And Stick To It
Creating a wedding guest list and sticking to it is one of the essential tasks you should tackle as early as possible when it comes to wedding planning! Setting a clear number of guests from the get-go can help you stick to your budget. Doing this also makes setting your venue, seating arrangements, and determining the RSVPs much easier. So how do you get started? Here are some handy tips: Choose Your Number What kind of atmosphere do you want for your special day? If a big wedding is your thing, then by all means, go ahead and plan accordingly! But if a smaller celebration sounds better, then it's best to set that number as soon as possible.
Shortlist Your Guests
Once you have the number down, making a list of people to invite — or having them write their names on an old-school list—is a great option. This way, you’ll be able to control any additions and keep the list tight. Request Additions Wisely
Oftentimes couples will receive requests for additional guests from their friends or family members. Before saying yes, make sure that there is actually enough space in your budget and venue capacity to accommodate them. With these in mind, creating a wedding guest list should be easy! Just remember: once you've finalized your number - stick with it!
#5
SELECT A VENUE THAT FITS YOUR VISION
It’s time to start planning for the venue of your dreams! Choosing the right place is an incredibly important part of wedding planning, and you just can’t afford to get it wrong. Here are some tips to help you make sure that you select the perfect venue: Research, Research, Research!
You should always do your due diligence when researching venues. Make sure to read reviews online, talk with friends and family who were married at a particular location, or even go and check out a few if possible. It's helpful to have an idea of what type of ceremony and reception space you'd like beforehand—that way, you're prepared when researching potential venues. Get Creative!
Don't limit yourself to traditional venues like banquet halls or hotels. You can always find unique spaces that reflect your own style—think libraries, museums, or even outdoor spaces like parks or even the beach! Just make sure that whatever venue you select fits both your vision and budget. Ask Questions Once you narrow down your choices, don't be afraid to ask questions about pricing, policies, availability and more. Ask about decorations allowed in the space and if there are any rules or regulations that might affect your wedding plans. Knowing exactly what each wedding venue offers will help you make a more informed decision.
#6
Don't Forget the Details: Flowers, Catering, Entertainment
It's easy to overlook the little details when planning a wedding, but trust us—you don't want to! From flowers and catering to entertainment, these are the things that will make your big day special.
Let's start with flowers. You don't have to go for over-the-top bouquets—see if your florist can recommend something simple but elegant. Plus, some of the smaller touches like a ‘tossing bouquet’ or boutonnieres for the men in your wedding party will tie everything together nicely. Then, don't forget about food! Whether you're opting for a sit-down affair or going the buffet route, ask your caterer what they suggest. They'll be able to provide you with suggestions that fit into your budget and still impress your guests—win-win! Finally, entertainment is key if you want a wedding that guests will remember. What kind of music are you looking for during dinner? How about a DJ afterwards? Try to leave time for impromptu requests from your guests as well—this will keep the party going all night long. When it comes to weddings, those small details can make all the difference. So no matter what size budget you have or how big the guest list is—don’t forget those special touches and make sure each one feels special!
#7
Take Time for Yourself: Reduce Stress and Enjoy the Process
As much as planning your wedding can be an exciting time, sometimes it can also be a stressful one. That's why it's important to make sure you take some time for yourself and make the most of this special moment. Here are a few easy ways to reduce stress and enjoy the process!
Unplug
Take breaks throughout your day and focus on something other than wedding planning. Clear your mind and take some time to spend with family, friends, or even alone. This will give you the energy you need to tackle any tasks or decisions with a fresh point of view.
Set Goals
Setting goals can help keep you organized and on track with everything that needs to be done. Make sure they're realistic though—you don't want to overcommit and end up even more stressed out! Break down larger tasks into smaller ones, allowing yourself to build momentum throughout the process.
Make Time for Fun
Don't forget those little moments in between all the planning that make this experience truly special! Take a little time each day for something you enjoy doing, whether it's taking a yoga class, listening to music or going on a romantic date night with your partner. These moments will help keep things in perspective as you plan away!
#8
Plan a Memorable Honeymoon
Your honeymoon is the icing on the cake after you've gone through months of wedding planning. So why not make it a trip to remember? Here are some tips and tricks to plan an unforgettable honeymoon:
Start small
If your budget or schedule doesn't allow for an extended trip, don't worry - you can still make the most of a quick weekend getaway. Whether it's visiting a nearby city or going out of town for a romantic beach escape, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy quality time away with your partner.
Think outside the box
It's easy to get overwhelmed when searching for the perfect honeymoon destination. To narrow down your options, simply focus on activities that you and your partner would find fun and exciting. Consider going on a safari adventure or taking an exotic cooking class - there’s always something new to explore!
Research together
Planning your honeymoon can also be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Take time to research different locations together, read reviews about hotels and attractions, and find out what other couples have enjoyed about their own trips. You'll be amazed at all the amazing possibilities!
#9
Register for Wedding Gifts You Actually Want
Planning a wedding is all about making sure you get what YOU want, and that includes the presents. If wedding gifts are on your list of to-dos, make sure you register for something that speaks to your style and lifestyle. There's no need to feel obliged to add items that don't ring true!
Here are a few tips to ensure you receive gifts you'll actually use:
Shop wisely—there's no point in registering for something that doesn't match your own taste and needs.
Research and read reviews online before selecting an item from a store.
Mix and match items from different stores to ensure variety, so your guests have plenty of options to choose from.
Consider adding more affordable items for those with tighter budgets.
Don’t forget experiences like tickets or trips that can be enjoyed together after the wedding; they make great wedding gifts, too!
Ask yourself this question—will I use it in a year? If not, consider taking it off the list!
Include your payment information so guests can easily purchase items without having to go through any hassle at all!
The best thing about registering for wedding gifts is that you can customize them to suit your own interests—and there are plenty of amazing products out there just waiting for you two lovebirds! So go ahead, have fun with it—and don't forget to add those items on your registry--you'll be glad you did!
#10
Take a Wedding Planning Course or Read Wedding Planning Books
Nobody said planning a wedding was easy, but there are a few tricks that could help make it smoother. One of them is to take a wedding planning course or read up on wedding planning books. Even if you don't think you need advice from the pros, having a second opinion could make all the difference.
Take a Course
Taking an in-person or online course is one of the best ways to get help with wedding planning. Not only will you learn about topics like budgeting and menu selection, but you'll also find out about things like etiquette, traditions and timelines - all of which are essential for a successful event.
Read Books
Wedding planning books can also be incredibly helpful. You'll find information on everything from finding vendors and venues to creating your own custom décor - plus lots of other helpful tidbits that could make your day go off without a hitch.
At the end of the day, it's important to remember that even if you've taken courses or read books - they can't necessarily predict every issue you may face along the way. So be sure to arm yourself with as much information as possible before beginning your journey - it will make the process much easier in the long run!
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