Are you counting down the days until your wedding? There’s no question that this is an exciting time, full of things to do and details to plan. And while everybody will have different experiences with wedding planning, there’s one thing many have in common. It can become overwhelming, sometimes to the point where you become frustrated.
However, there are some things you can do to make your wedding planning process easier. Here are five to consider.
1. Set Your Budget and Be Realistic
While it might seem obvious, your budget should be at the forefront of your planning. This will ensure you stay on track throughout the entire process, ideally reducing your financial stress along the way.
Set aside time before jumping in and create a realistic budget, making sure to build a little flexibility in as well. Remember to include things such as wedding bands as line items. While it might be tempting to factor in the larger expenses first, remember that your wedding budget should reflect everything wedding-related.
It will be helpful to have a ballpark figure of what you can afford before holding meetings with vendors. Being upfront is important and will also help make the planning process an efficient one. Doing your homework before contacting various locations will give you an idea of what to expect (and if their services fit into your budget), so don’t skip that part.
2. Choose Some Dates and a Location
Another big part of the planning is choosing when and where you’ll exchange “I Do’s.” And even if you don’t have your heart set on a date or venue, narrow it down to a few before meeting with your vendors.
A lot will depend on where you plan to get married, from both a climate and popularity perspective (and your budget). A destination wedding might present more flexibility, especially if escaping to a sunny getaway in the middle of the winter sounds good to you. A local establishment might have availability year-round in their indoor venue space but if outdoors is more your style, spend time searching for that instead.
Then all that’s left to do is choose your location, jot down some dates and go from there.
3. Reduce Guest List Stress
The guest list is often one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning, but one of the most important too. Since you’re going to need to have an accurate estimate of your guest count early on in the process, be sure to prioritize this part.
Once you have your estimate, start jotting down names. If you’re going to have input from parents or in-laws, be prepared to set boundaries when necessary. Utilizing a guest list management app might also come in handy to keep you organized.
4. Find and Honor Your True Vision
Your wedding is a big deal. It’s one of the most important days you’ll ever experience, and that’s why it should be everything you both want it to be. However, it’s also easy to lose sight of that and become wishy-washy during the planning phase.
Have you ever heard of a vision board? This is a great time to use one. Spend time collecting ideas and photos and gather them all in one place. Focus on what your style is and what you like, even if it’s not in line with the latest and greatest wedding trends.
You’ll be a lot happier and a lot more confident in your choices if you know you’re staying true to yourself.
5. Step Back When You Need To
Wedding planning has a reputation for bringing out the stressful side of what should be a joyous occasion. There’s no surprise there, considering how many details are involved and how many are tied to stressful things, such as finances and family dynamics.
That’s why it’s incredibly important to center yourselves often when you’re on this journey. There’s no reason to let wedding planning take over your lives. Let it become part of it, but don’t let it consume you.
If you’re feeling wedding burnout, try some tips for de-stressing. Once you’re feeling better, get back to it. Remember why you’re getting married and let that lead the way.
Planning a wedding is indeed a big task. But if you are smart in your choices and organized, are focused on what’s truly important and know when to take a breath, you’ll find the process is a more pleasant one.
