…in the words of Kimmy Gainer, Executive Director.
Planning a wedding can be an exciting but overwhelming task. From setting a budget to finalizing your guest list, there are many big and little details to consider. And trust me, I know this from daily life working on weddings for over ten years but also from planning my own wedding last year.
However, with the right mindset (and a little help from the pros), you can make planning your special day a piece of cake.
After thousands of hours planning weddings, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. And in this post, we’re sharing our biggest tips on how you can do the same.
This is an exciting time in your life so take a deep breath, stay calm and keep that new ring shining like new
Because, as we see it, planning should be fun!.
Enjoy Being Engaged Before Making Any Decisions
First thing first – take it all in! Take at least a week to enjoy being engaged before starting to plan. We know how exciting this time is and how challenging it can be to hold off, especially if you’ve been dreaming about your wedding day forever.
But, you’ll never get this “just engaged” moment back. So take time to share it with your loved ones. Go to dinner with your friends and pop the Champagne!
Give yourself time and wait for the moment to settle before shifting full speed into planning mode. The more time you give yourself, the less likely you are to make hasty decisions in the excitement of it all.
It’s also important to give your partner a moment to enjoy the engagement. Remember, they may have been planning the proposal for months. So allow them to take a breath (you said yes!) and savor this time.
You Do You – But Be Mindful Too
Remember, you don’t have to incorporate certain things into your wedding just because your family or friends think you should.
For example, maybe the cake cutting isn’t on your high-priority list. Honestly, you could do without it. But your parents are focused on seeing that moment. Or you’d love to start your wedding morning with a yoga session to clear your head and ground your energy. But your sister is begging you to do brunch – with all the mimosas. What should you do?
At the end of the day, it’s your wedding, and you should consider doing what’s best for you.
At the same time, you must also remember that you’re hosting guests and must put on that hospitality cape for a moment. Yes, some things are worth fighting for if it brings you peace of mind (like starting the morning with yoga). But other things aren’t worth the argument.
It’s all about finding the balance and creating joyful memories. If your parents really want to include a cake cutting, sit down with them and ask about having a cake at the rehearsal dinner instead.
These are perfect examples of when having a professional wedding planner by your side makes things easier. Instead of staying up all night trying to figure out how to handle sticky situations, just turn to your planner. We’re here to act as buffers and peacemakers and can give you advice or take it up with the other person.
But whether or not you have a planner, just keep in mind that this is only a small slice of the rest of your life. Do what feels core to you, but keep feathers unruffled when it makes sense to do so.
Put Your Focus on What’s Important
Rather than getting stuck on a specific date, time of year, or venue, go into planning with this mindset: It’s not about the wedding; it’s about the marriage.
For some, the whole focus becomes, “I have to book such and such place at such and such time. That’s the only way.” But what if that plan falls through? It might not be what you envisioned since you were five years old, but will it matter five years later?
Focusing on the big picture makes planning much easier. When you remember what this whole party you’re planning is actually about, it doesn’t matter where you get married. Besides that, a good planner and designer can turn any space into the one you want. Then throw in some delicious food and an amazing band, and everyone has the time of their lives.
Lean On Your Vendors
Touching on the last point, hiring the right vendors is more important than booking the perfect date. This is one day in your entire life, but your vendors make successful events happen ALL.THE.TIME.
They are there to help you and act as a middle ground. Reach out to them, call on their support, and listen to their advice. You pay your vendors to work on your behalf, so allow them to do so.
So when your sister is trying to sell you on the mimosa-filled wedding brunch idea (because wouldn’t that be fun?!), remember what your planner said. Book that morning yoga session and relax before the day gets started.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
When you’re in the thick of wedding planning, you might have inner freak-out moments. Like when it’s time to create your registry. You get to the store, but all of a sudden, you’re completely overwhelmed by all of the options. Why are there so many types of bowls?!
Even if these moments happen, enjoy the process. Take each step knowing you’ll have fun no matter what because you only get to do this once. And if you need a little glass of champagne before heading to Crate & Barrel to celebrate and toast to your future glassware, go for it! Life’s too short not to pop the champagne.
You don’t have to make a perfect choice. The bowls you love now may make you cringe later, anyway. These aren’t life-or-death decisions.
And again, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s the registry consultant or your wedding planner, seek their advice. That’s why we’re here!
We’ve covered quite a bit of ground, but there’s still so much more to know! And we’re not just talking about the glamorous side of trying on dresses and picking out flowers. There are foundations you must build before you get to the good stuff.
From our perspective, everyone deserves to have a stress-free wedding day. And a stress-free planning experience. We’re happy to give you both!
