For those of you that don’t know, I married my amazing husband this March. I really enjoy event planning, so I was actually pretty excited to get started! I won’t lie, it was difficult balancing a full-time job, school, a social life, oh and me making the decision to get a NEW job… but of course worth it. Also, as much as he does not want to admit it, I was dealing with a slight Groomzilla. But don’t get me wrong! I would rather him be that way than not be involved at all… so I did not complain (much). Aside from all the stress, I enjoyed the entire process! We tried to really embrace everything and have little celebrations along the way.
Here are just a few tips that I hope will make your process a little less stressful! And remember, this should be fun! It’s the happiest time of your life, a day to celebrate your love!
1- Hire a planner
This is actually one thing my now husband and I went back and forth on, A LOT. He was not interested in spending the money to have someone “plan” our wedding, especially with my personal educational background being in Event Management. Yes, I am sure I could have pulled off the wedding on my own, but I explained to him that the day of our wedding I did NOT want to work… nor did I want any of my family/friends working. After MUCH convincing, we agreed to hire a Day Of Planner (which is all I personally needed or wanted).
Let me tell you, this was the BEST decision we could have ever made! Our planner was absolutely phenomenal! Although she was just the “Day Of” planner, she was there for us throughout the entire process leading up to the big day. Any question I had, she was always right there to answer. She was extremely punctual and responsive and made me feel even more confident in all my decisions. She also provided tons of recommendations, including specific vendors she frequently works with. A week or so leading up to our wedding we even had a slight chair crisis (another expense my husband would not budge on) and she not only explained her concerns but came up with a PERFECT solution which turned out completely beautiful. Come the Big Day, I had not a stress in the world. I knew our planner had everything under control, I felt at ease. Everything turned out better than I expected, and she was even there throughout the night to fix the train on my dress 😊
<— Amazing planner giving me a pep talk before my BIG moment 👰
All in all, I HIGHLY recommend hiring a wedding planner. Look at your budget, think about what you truly need, and interview a couple different options. Like I stated, day of planning was perfect for me, but there are many different options. Find a planner that works for you. I interviewed a handful, but our final selection came down to how she handled my crazy family details (which by the way she was completely ok with everything) and how her personality meshed with mine. If I had to do it all again, this is by far the first thing I would do!
The Details!! ❤
2- Have an open mind/allow some compromise
This is definitely not saying “don’t follow your dreams”, it is simply saying sometimes there are different ways to achieve those dreams. Don’t just shut out an idea because it doesn’t follow your plan exactly. Hear it out, give it a chance, ask questions… who knows, it may turn out better than expected. This tip is also extremely helpful if you don’t have an exact vision in mind. Try something crazy! Break tradition! You never know if you truly will like something until you give it a chance.
Also talk with your partner! They may have some thing that are important to them as well- family traditions, visions/dreams, favorite color or food, etc. Remember this is a day for BOTH of you. This is really where compromise comes in (and of course with your budget). Your partner may feel really strongly about something that you just don’t agree with. Don’t shut them down, try to find a way that will work for both of you.
This came in handy a lot for me with my florist. I really did not want to spend a ton of money on flowers, but I also had a specific look in my head that I wanted to achieve. My amazing florist was so helpful and gave me multiple options to help with cost/budget. At first, I was completely against some of her ideas, but after hearing her out and really thinking about it… it was a no brainer. Not only did keeping an open mind save us money, but it also produced some amazing arrangements that exceeded my visions.
Pro Tip: Trying to cut the budget? Re-use your flowers! Move ceremony pieces in to the reception, use your arch décor for your sweetheart table, re-use your bridesmaids’ bouquets as table centerpieces- the options are endless!
3- Follow your heart/vision
Have an idea you have been dreaming about since you were little? DO IT! This is your day! All your dreams get to come true. If something “feels right” to you, it probably is. Don’t let anyone talk you out of something that you really want. Especially if its not “normal” or “breaks tradition” … who cares!! There is no right or wrong to wedding planning, it’s whatever YOU want… not what “tradition” or people tell you that you should have.
Make sure to keep your partners ideas and visions in mind as well. The day is just as much theirs as it is yours (for the most part 🙂 ). But other than that, you cannot please everyone! Yes, you may offend some people… but unfortunately that may be something you just have to deal with. In the end, if they really care about you they will understand.
4- Use your bridal party
You chose these ladies (or men) for a reason, they are there for you. Your bridesmaids are your lifeline throughout this process. You selected this group to stand by your side on one of the biggest days of your life, you love them…. And they love you! Of course, you need to make sure to treat them well, even though most people understand there is bound to be a bridezilla moment, but make sure to take their help. A lot of brides don’t want to burden their maids, but good bridesmaids understand that their help is needed. Give them tasks, ask for help, take their advice, vent to them about the horrible cake you tried! Nothing is off limits. Just remember to also be mindful, appreciate and respect them.
This was one of the hardest parts for me to actually do. Not that I did not trust my bridesmaids, but yes because I did not want to burden them. I also may have a slight control issue (oops) and because only one of my bridesmaids were local. But, they were always there for me when I needed them. They all threw me a PERFECT bridal shower, and all were actually able to attend. They were there for me at the rehearsal dinner, the night before the wedding, and the day of. They made sure I had everything I needed, and they made sure I felt beautiful and special on my big day.
LOVE my Ladies!!
So, word of advice, if you selected the right group… they want to help! And you definitely should let them! Don’t be afraid to ask for the help, or to give small tasks leading up to the big day. They will appreciate actually being involved in the process and not just there to look pretty 😊
5- HAVE FUN (Most Important)
This should be the happiest time of your life! Although yes, it will be stressful at times… you need to also remember to brush it off. This should be a fun process, not one that’s keeping you awake at night. Try to counter the stress with something fun. For example, like we did… when you accomplish something significant (complete save the dates, hire a vendor, pick a cake, send out invites, etc.) have a little celebration! Make it special, something you both really enjoy. Go out to a special dinner, make your favorite meal, get some ice cream, drink that bottle of wine… but most of all, enjoy each other!
Another important thing to remember is that you cannot control everything. No matter how hard you plan, something will go wrong/astray. Just breathe. Relax. Things happen. Try to have as many back-up plans as possible and just go with it. Everything will fall into place, just remember to roll with the punches and enjoy this amazing time!
And NEVER forget… the day of your wedding is for YOU and your significant other. Nobody else. Have fun! Enjoy the night!
Bonus Tips:
Photographer- when looking for a photographer, remember this person will be with you the most on the day of. Make sure you are comfortable with them and that they understand you and see your vision. Show them examples of what you have in mind. Get a session done before hand- a lot of photographers will offer “Engagement Shoots”- take advantage of this!! Really look at the photos and make sure you like what you see. If you don’t, communicate that to the photographer. If it is something minor, they should understand and be able to make the adjustments that are needed. However, if it is something major (you really do not like the photos, you don’t “mesh” with the photographer’s personality, you have concerns) you should really consider a different photographer. To me, this is one of the MOST important vendors. Take your time, do your research and really make sure you are satisfied. Also, makes sure to ask questions and see if they will be providing additional shooters for coverage.
Videographer- if you can fit a videographer into your budget… DO IT! This is something that we discussed A LOT. I knew it was something I wanted, but my husband really couldn’t justify the cost in his head. We talked to tons of people, all with different opinions, but ultimately, we decided it was something we really wanted. We booked ours pretty last minute, but still made sure to do our research. We met with our videographer (lots of photographers offer both- look for packages!) and we knew he would be perfect for us. He did not disappoint! He was absolutely amazing and captured everything for us! He even sent us our teaser film while on our honeymoon and it literally brought tears to our eyes. Having a film of our ceremony, speeches, and clips of the entire night is something that we will cherish forever. I highly recommend it but know it can be pricey. If you have a planner, ask them for recommendations, do some comparing, weigh out the different packages that are offered… but most importantly do what feels right to you!
FOOD- This is something that we continuously get compliments on. Everyone LOVED our food! Food is something that most people remember… if you have bad food, people will remember. Makes sure to really do your research on this. Go to events that caterers are hosting, schedule tastings, even grab a business card if you’re at an event and really like the food. Also really think about your budget and if you want a plated dinner or a buffet. Options truly are endless!
Oh and USE YOUR PUP!! Because well….
Does it get any CUTER?!?
Although I am not a pro, and there are a lot of other important aspects to keep in mind… I hope these tips helped! Even just a little. I love weddings and now truly respect every aspect.
Congratulations! Cheers to your Happily Ever After’s!!
If in Orlando, FL, check out my amazing group of vendors here!
