Trying to organise a wedding might be exciting for some, but there are many people for whom it’s an abject lesson on why professional event planners exist. Feeding and entertaining more than a handful of people is surprisingly complex. However, complex problems are often best approached with simple rules and solutions. When it comes to wedding prep, these are the dos and don’ts that will keep you sane and make your special day extra special.
Do: Set Your Budget Early
Money is probably the single largest cause of wedding-preparation stress, so it’s worth dealing with right away by setting your budget early. Sit down with your significant other and figure out how much you’ve got to work with, and remember that there might be contributions from family too. However, don’t assume that the total figure is a target.
You’ll want to have a buffer in case unexpected costs arise or you overlook something important. After subtracting that from the total, you can then start allocating your funds to different areas, like food, decorations, DJ, etc.
Don’t: Procrastinate over Bookings
In-demand caterers, photographers, venues, florists and wedding bands aren’t just sitting around waiting for somebody to call. They’re working every day and are often booked up months in advance. Letting even a day pass between deciding that you want them and making the booking could mean they won’t be available on your wedding day.
Get confirmation as soon as you can. Not only does this give you a greater chance of getting all your first choices, but it also gives you the time and flexibility to make new arrangements if there are any hiccups.
Do: Consider Custom-Made Wedding Suits
There’s a lot of focus on the bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses during wedding planning, but less so on the groom and groomsmen. They often end up with an off-the-hanger suit with some minor alterations, but this doesn’t leave them looking their best. Custom made wedding suits are the more stylish choice and a good long-term investment.
That’s because custom-made wedding suits perfectly fit the wearer’s measurements, allowing them to look their best. They can also be worn to future occasions, unlike the bride’s dress. However, getting things custom made takes longer, so if you are going to do this, remember to arrange it early.
Don’t: Forget About Self Care
For some people, wedding planning really takes a toll in terms of stress and sleepless nights. When you’re not engaged in wedding-related tasks, it’s important to maintain a healthy routine. Ensure that you are taking time to relax and exercise, as this will help the organisation process seem a lot less overwhelming and more manageable. It will also help you to look and feel your best on your big day.
You also shouldn’t be tempted by too many sweet treats or takeaways. These provide a quick boost when you’ve been making a lot of decisions, but the effect is only temporary. You’ll feel worse in the long run.
Do: Personalise Your Ceremony
Few modern weddings are strictly traditional. Personalisation is now seen as much more important, and this is a good thing because it can help make your wedding much more unique and memorable. Plus, guests often appreciate the authenticity. Sticking too rigidly to wedding tropes doesn’t always feel genuine.
However, you don’t have to try and adapt everything. The best approach is often to choose a few areas to sprinkle your personal touch. Perhaps you could personalise the wedding playlist, the vows or the table decorations.
Don’t: Micromanage Your Vendors
You will rely on the expertise of many professionals to help make your wedding how you imagined it. However, while they should understand and respect your vision, it’s also important that you trust their expertise and give them some breathing room to work in.
Trying to micromanage their every move creates more work for you and more stress for them, often leading to frustration on both sides. It’s a lot more effective to choose your vendors widely, make sure they understand your vision, and then let them get on with it. Only step in if they stray too far from your original idea.
Do: Create a Bad-Weather Backup Plan
Outdoor weddings are very popular now, but they also come with some obvious risks. Popular wedding venues nearly always have a backup plan in case the weather is bad, but if you’ve chosen somewhere unusual, make sure you’ve prepared one too.
Don’t: View It As One “Big Day”
The best way to approach wedding planning is to do it in a structured way. Write down what tasks need doing, then set dedicated time aside to tackle them one by one. Thinking about the wedding in its totality will leave you overwhelmed. Focus on only one task at a time.
Conclusion
A few simple rules can take a lot of the stress out of planning a wedding and make getting married fun again. Use this list as a foundation, then work with your partner to add your own ideas.
