Wedding Planning Woes? 7 Easy Tips For Big Day Bliss
The question was popped and the engagement is on. However, while you’re basking in the afterglow, the looming reality is that you now have the biggest event of your life to plan. Like most couples,
you probably want this to be the perfect wedding and reception — something that reflects you as a pair yet wows your family and guests. So where do you start? Even more important, how do you avoid common pitfalls and budget dilemmas? Is there really an easier way to plan the happiest day of your life?
1) Don’t sweat the small stuff. Not yet, at least.
When you’re planning one of the most important events of your life, it’s easy to get stressed out about the table decorations, the fact that you can’t seem to order flowers in the correct shade or that you’ve had a complete fail on DJ duty. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to talk it out. According to Brides.com, research has found that those who chatted about their worries with friends and loved ones experienced significant lower levels of stress than those who didn’t. Plus, sharing your fears and problems allows those who love you to help you sort out those little problems.
2) Book your venues as soon as possible.
Getting your venues for your wedding and reception has a huge impact on pretty much everything your planning. Don’t forget, you’re not the only couple getting married that year! Decide on where you’d like to have your wedding and reception and approach these venues as soon as possible. It’s also important to have a back-up plan for 2nd choices just in case.
3) Get your fashion in check.
You know your style and what you’d like to have, but be prepared to put in the time to find that perfect dress or suit. One of the best ways to do this, particularly for the groom and his groomsmen, is to utilize online services such as Savvi Formalwear. The latest tuxes, suits and styles — including accessories to match the bridal party color scheme — can easily be booked in just a few clicks. As for the bride, online is a great place to start to narrow down what you’re looking for, as well as discovering the latest trends.
4) Get organized.
It may feel somewhat unromantic to run a relentless calendar of events for your wedding, but it’s also essential. Buy a monthly planner and include all the dates you have for reservations, fittings, rehearsals and anything else to do with your wedding. Knowing what’s coming up can help enormously. If you’re a bride or groom who loves their tech, there are also several apps and online sites that can help you do this. Try visiting TheKnot.com for a variety of apps and local helpers to get your event on track.
5) Use the internet to your advantage.
Whether you’re a eco-friendly couple or you just hate the idea of writing out hundreds of invitations and envelopes, save the date and invitations can all be moved online. Not only will this help you to track who’s coming and who’s not, you can even set up a great website just for your wedding that helps your guests RSVP, find registration information, book their hotels or even simply get directions. You can even use it to send out thank you notes afterwards, saving you time, money and horrible hand cramps.
6) Think outside the box on the reception.
One of the most expensive elements of your wedding is the reception, and more and more couples are turning to more creative ideas than the traditional 3-course sit-down meal. Many couples are instead looking to creative hors d’oeuvres and finger foods for their guests to nibble on, while offering a cash bar, or complimentary champagne on arrival. Stick to your guns on your budget with your reception. After all, your friends and family are there to celebrate your nuptials, not judge your cuisine.
7) Crowd source your honeymoon.
No matter how hard you scrimp and save, funding your honeymoon can be difficult. If you’ve already been living together for awhile, then getting another blender may not be top of your list. If you’ve got dreams of lying on a beach without a pocketbook to match, try asking your guests to donate to a honeymoon fund instead of purchasing a gift. You can turn to either setting up a special bank account, or even PayPal is great for this sort of fund.
No matter what your wedding woe, it’s important to remember the most important aspect of your big day — getting married! Don’t allow all the minutia of the day to get in the way of enjoying it. After all, you’ll be remembering this day for years to come. Keep your cool and you’ll enjoy it more.