Lets be honest! Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful things you take on. As a wedding photographer and former bride I see it first hand. Really, planning your wedding is like jumping head first into the planning world and your supposed to know how to plan what should be the happiest day of your life. I know that before I got married id never chosen a menu or designed an invitation!
Getting married is one of the happiest day of your life, your finally married to the love of your life, your worlds are joined and all your favourite friends and family and there to celebrate so I want to give you a few tips on how to make this day a little less stressful!
1. Remember you are planning a marriage not a wedding. After the big day you actually become a wife, getting a fresh perspective is one of the fastest ways to check yourself before you wreck yourself. This is the best way to remember that although this will be the best day, there are also thousands of days after this one that you will spend together.
2. Prioritise your budget. Let me tell you a little secret, wedding’s are not cheap. Its important that you decide early- what vendors are the most important to you and prioritise investing into those early on. For us we knew photography was number one but wedding favours were not. We splurged on our photographer and made our favours ourselves.
3. Showcase YOU! Team up a couple and decide what you want your day to look like and then let your closest family and friends know how they can help you make this happen. This is your day, not your mums! Its so easy to get caught up people pleasing but if you do you will always lose. Of course we want our family and friends to have a wonderful day and also your first day as a married couple, your chance to showcase what you love, what makes you unique and to have one heck of a party!
4. Take time out for you! Self care is not overrated. Sometimes we need to switch off from the planning and just enjoy being engaged. Be present, go for a picnic, beach date or coffee with your betrothed and just enjoy your time together without thinking about the planning.
5. Choose vendors you trust! This is a big one- choose people you know and trust. Have your friends used these vendors and was their experience a positive one? On my wedding day I didnt want my friends to have to do too much, so I hired one of my Perth industry favourites The Cake & I, Jo set up my afternoon tea and cake for all my guests and I was fully confident she would make it look beautiful and I wouldn’t have too think about it!
Wedding planning can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be! Take time to enjoy this wonderful season of your life while you plan the start of your married life together. Make the planning process fun, keep it light hearted, remember things won’t always go to plan but it will still be wonderful. When it gets too stressful, take a step back. I sincerely hope you plan a marriage more beautiful than your wedding day. Happy planning
