9 top tips for a stress-free wedding planning journey and a successful wedding day

 

Your wedding day is the culmination of months of meticulous planning. Celebration of love, commitment, wedding dreams coming true, and lifelong memories being made. Few of us have ever planned an event as big as our wedding before getting married, so orchestrating such an event can be overwhelming. With numerous details to manage and emotions running high, where do you even start? To ensure your wedding day is a resounding success, here are some essential tips to guide you through the planning process and, eventually, an unforgettable wedding day:

 

1. Start planning early and create a detailed timeline

The key to a stress-free wedding planning journey is an early start. This will give you time to make arrangements, find the right suppliers, and attend to every detail without feeling rushed. To ensure that things go smoothly, come up with a detailed timeline containing deadlines for all the tasks, such as booking suppliers and sending out invitations, that need to be completed leading up to the wedding day.

 

2. Form a clear vision and do your research

Begin by envisioning what you want your wedding day vibe to be. What is it going to look and feel like for you and your fiance, and for your guests and suppliers? Whether it's a grand affair or an intimate gathering, having a clear vision will serve as a roadmap throughout the planning process. Head over to Pinterest or Instagram to do some research on venues, photographers, wedding dresses, florists, cake makers, caterers, makeup artists, hair stylists etc. A few places we would recommend starting with are Rock My Wedding and Love My Dress. For something a bit more alternative, check out Rock n Roll Bride.

 

3. Set a realistic budget and stick with it

Before you dive headfirst into wedding planning, sit down with your partner and decide on a wedding budget you both are comfortable with. Base it on what matters most to you as a couple. Make a list of priorities and extras you can have if the budget allows after the big aspects of your wedding are secured. Be sure to factor in all expenses, including the venue, photography, catering, attire for both of you, décor, entertainment, makeup, hair and accessories, while also setting aside funds for unexpected costs that are more common than you think. 

 

4. Choose the right suppliers

Research wedding suppliers carefully. Go through their website to see what’s included in their service and what their price range is. Read reviews, and schedule meetings to discuss your vision and expectations. You want to work with suppliers who understand your vision, whether it's the photographer who will capture the precious moments throughout your wedding day or the florist bringing your floral dreams to life. Start with booking the venue, as that determines your wedding date and sets the vibe of your wedding. Make sure that the venue can accommodate everyone you want to invite to your wedding. You can’t book other suppliers, such as a photographer, without a secured wedding day. Understand that wedding suppliers are mostly small businesses or self employed people who do their all to make brides’ wedding dreams come true. They love what they do. Trust your gut when choosing your suppliers and then trust the suppliers you’ve carefully chosen; they know what they’re doing.

 

 

5. Focus on making it a day that reflects you as a couple

Infuse your personalities and unique love story into different aspects of your wedding day. From personalised vows to signature cocktails and DIY décor elements, adding personal touches will make your celebration truly memorable and reflective of your relationship.

 

6. Stay organised and communicate effectively

Utilise tools such as spreadsheets, checklists, and wedding planning websites and apps to stay organised, keep track of all the details and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Delegate responsibilities to trusted friends, family members, or wedding planners to help alleviate the stress and overwhelm. Clear communication is crucial throughout the planning process. Keep lines of communication open with your partner, families, friends and suppliers to ensure everyone is on the same page and any concerns or issues are addressed promptly. Create a WhatsApp or Facebook group for everyone involved in the planning of your wedding. In this way, you make sure that everyone knows what has been decided and what you wish to achieve by assigning different tasks to different people. Create a wedding folder in your email to keep all the emails containing important wedding related information in one place.  

 

7. Expect the unexpected and be prepared

Despite careful planning, unexpected issues may arise on the wedding day. Be prepared to adapt and stay flexible in the face of unforeseen challenges. Having a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies in case of ruthless weather, or supplier emergencies will help minimise stress and keep the day running smoothly.

 

8. Take care of yourselves

Amidst the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, don't forget to prioritise self-care. Get plenty of rest, eat well, and take breaks when needed to recharge. Plan dinners together with your fiance to recuperate and remind you why you’re planning the wedding in the first place.

 

9. Embrace every moment

Lastly, when the day finally arrives, remember to savour every moment of your wedding day. Take time to soak up the atmosphere that you have created for your wedding day, share special moments with your partner, and create memories that will last a lifetime. To help you relax and enjoy your wedding day, you might want to consider having a wedding day coordinator to make sure everything runs smoothly and that if problems occur, you don’t have to be the one to solve them.

 

Planning a wedding can be daunting, but following these tips will help ensure your wedding day is a success. By staying organised, communicating effectively with everyone involved, and infusing personal touches into your celebration, you'll create a magical day that reflects your love story and leaves a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Remember, no matter how well you plan, there are always things that might not go as planned. And that’s okay.  It'll be a day you'll cherish forever regardless, filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the journey, and get ready to celebrate the start of your happily ever after.

 

 - Miina -

 

Styled photo shoot credits:

Venue @haynehouseweddingvenuekent 

Styling & concept @novamemories 

Photography @emmacollyerphotography 

Jewellery @weddingsbyfj 

Flowers @louiserootsflorist 

Bride @emilyfermoruk 

Bridesmaids Mya & Alex 

Car @quirkycars 

Stationary & signage @signedbycharlotte 

Crockery @blacksaucerstableware 

MUA @samiandrewsbridal 

Hair @Luxe_hair_makeup 

Cake @bluebirdsbakehouse 

Parasol @sundownparasol 

Desserts @scottandersoncatering 

Napkins @theembroiderednapkincompany 

Garden games @vintagecharmkent 

Illustration drawings @meganmetcalfstudio