15 Sep 15 Tips to Help with Wedding Planning

Wedding planning is such an exciting process, but we know it can also feel daunting and overwhelming at times. Hopefully our wedding planning tips below help make both your special day and the ride along the way be the well planned and wonderful experience we know you want it to be.

1. Take it one step at a time

While not everyone likes lists, when it comes to planning your wedding, they will help keep everything on track.
Create a schedule or list and work through it in a logical order. This will help avoid that feeling of it all snowballing around you. Being organised, having lists and following a schedule can help reduce stress. It’s a happy and exciting time, so let’s avoid stress where we can!

2. Set Goals

Often when being consumed by wedding plans, it is easy to forget and to go off-track. By setting goals you can remain on target. Get a bridal calendar and make a note of important dates and milestones.

3. Lists, lists and more lists!

An obvious one we know, but sometimes the level of detail needed on wedding planning lists is overlooked.
Create a master checklist, have more detailed lists for the key tasks and make sure you list the steps needed. For example, it’s not just ‘get the bonbonnieres’ on a list, it’s… decide what to do for bonbonnieres, shop around online for what’s needed, order, make/create them (if you have components you have to do yourselves), drop off at the venue, etc.  This will ensure you don’t forget anything and keep on track with the goals you set.
This can also help you realise how much is really left to do, and where you need to focus your effort and energy next. Plus, who doesn’t like crossing things off their to-do-list? It’s a satisfying sense of accomplishment!

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you have family or friends that have offered to help, and you trust them, then take them up on the offer! You don’t have to do it all yourself.

5. Finalise your guest list early

Finalising your guest list early will help you to work out your budget and leads to time well spent looking for the perfect venue, as you’ll also avoid the disappointment of finding a venue you love and then realising later that it’s too small.

6. Make the most of wedding expos in your area

Wedding planning can become overwhelming. Trying to keep track of budgets, suppliers, what you really need and don’t and when you’re supposed to be doing what can all become a blur. And once this is combined with hours of Googling and reading wedding blogs, magazines and advice from friends, family and even strangers it can be hard to keep your head clear. A great place to start is at a wedding expo. Ask industry professionals all your questions and speak to them about the different packages they offer to help you decide if it’s what you want or need. Expos provide a variety of experienced wedding suppliers; from celebrants, photographers, gown designers, venues, florists, DJs, and more. You could plan your entire wedding in the one place or have all your questions answered in the one day!

7. Test any DIY ideas first

If you’re going to DIY some of the wedding décor and make it personal, once you’ve formulated your vision buy one or two of the items needed and create your masterpiece. Only after you’ve got it looking the way you envisioned, is it best to order the rest of the items you’ll need. This will save $$ if your DIY vision doesn’t look like you’d hoped (think Pinterest vs Reality). If you need to try different materials, you will have avoided buying bulk materials of the first batch that they you don’t end up using.

8. Create a run sheet for the big day

Write a wedding day schedule and run sheet to ensure everyone involved is on the same page and is across the timing and location of the day’s events. Include a run sheet for the reception, for your MC, photographer, DJ or band, venue and the bridal party. With everyone on the same page, it will help ensure the day runs smoothly.

9. Set expectations for roles

When selecting the bridal party, people who will do speeches, the MC, etc, don’t overlook the need to ensure they know what is expected of them when you ask them to be involved. Be clear on what you will need them to do and when they’ll need to do it, especially if they need to prepare something before the wedding.

10. Take the time to find the right wedding photographer

One of your most treasured keepsakes from your special day will no doubt be your wedding photos. Deciding on the perfect wedding photographer can seem like a daunting task as it is an important decision to make, so take the time to find the right one. You’ll want to find someone that aligns with the vision for your wedding and can capture those special moments with style. To make the process less daunting, take a look at our tips on how to choose the perfect wedding photographer.

11. Don’t forget what’s important

If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious during your wedding planning take a step back, take a deep breath and remind yourself exactly what your wedding is all about… you and your partner, and marrying the love of your life.

12. Destination wedding activities

If you’re having a destination wedding, consider organising some optional group activities the day before and the day after the wedding. It will give your guests some additional activities to do and opportunity to spend time with others.

13. Allow enough time to write your vows

If you’ve opted to personalise your wedding ceremony, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to write your vows and avoid last minute stress! Read our tips that aim to help and inspire you to write your wedding vows.

14. Take a little break

If you can, take a night or two away in the months leading up to the wedding, just the two of you. No wedding planning, just quality time. It’ll give you a chance to catch your breath, switch off, relax, and give your brain and sanity a little rest.

15. Remember to have fun!

Cake tastings, visiting venues, dress shopping, DIY sessions around the kitchen table, dancing up a storm to Beyonce on the dancefloor… don’t forget to have some laughs and fun along the way.  Yes, wedding planning can feel stressful at times, but it doesn’t have to be like that the whole time, especially on the big day.

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