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5 Tips to Take the Stress Out of Wedding Planning
Whether your other half has just popped the question, you're thinking of getting down on one knee yourself, or if you're just thinking about the future, there's a lot to think about when it comes to planning your big day. Even if you've been preparing in your head (and your Pinterest account) for years, when you're doing everything for real it suddenly becomes quite a daunting task! Don't let it become stressful, these five simple tips can make it so much less complicated & so much more fun!
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| Craigadam Country House Hotel, Dumfries & Galloway |
Create a separate account for wedding-related emails.
Make this the absolute first thing you do! Your life will be so much easier having everything in one place without emails from your mum, your boss or your favourite pizza delivery place mixed up in between. It also means that you & your partner can both have access to the account while keeping your own emails private. As your wedding gets closer, you can ask your guests to RSVP by email - much easier than waiting for the postman!
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| Knockderry, Cove, Helensburgh, Argyll |
Plan a budget (and stick to it!).
Yes, it's very boring & it's the part that nobody wants to do, but it is very important. Sit down with your partner & work out exactly what you want to spend. Trust us, it's better to do this bit first than to go & view venues or try on outfits that are way out of your price limit. Think about when you would like to get married; venues & suppliers charge more in the busy summer months so consider a wedding out of season, or even midweek if you're looking to bring the cost down. You can find lots of budget planners online, and even spreadsheet templates too for keeping everything super organised - much easier than pen & paper!
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| Hatherley Manor Hotel, Gloucester, The Cotswolds |
Prioritise what's important to you both.
Everyone needs a venue, and you'll need to feed your guests, but do you want a live band? Do you really need a horse-drawn cart? By focussing on the things you do & don't want on your wedding day, you can establish exactly what you need. For example, if you're not too fussed about flowers you can save hundreds of pounds by choosing silk ones instead of fresh. Remember that it's about you as a couple, so don't let tradition dictate your day & spend a fortune on things just to keep others happy! Choose pizzas instead of a formal meal, a DJ instead of a string quartet, be sure to let your own personalities shine through!
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| Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, Co Roscommon |
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Even for smaller weddings, there are lots of jobs to do - some little, some big. We can't all afford the luxury of a wedding planner, and sometimes it can seem like a full-time job in itself! Close friends & family members would often love to be more involved but can be afraid of seeming pushy, so ask them for help & advice! They'll be flattered that you'd like their input & usually be happy to get stuck in. You may also know someone who's a fabulous baker or a brilliant DJ - so get in touch with these people & see if they can help you out at a discounted rate! Having your friends involved in other aspects of the wedding can make the whole day more personal to you, so it's always worth asking.
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| Dalston Hall Hotel, Dalston, Carlisle, Cumbria |
Enjoy it!
Planning any sort of event can be stressful to the point that you might start to wonder if it'll be worth it... but it will be worth it and so much more! Yes, it can be hard sometimes but remember that it's supposed to be fun, so enjoy it! Take a step back & make sure you're taking everything in. Whether it's your best friend's face when you're trying on wedding dresses or seeing your partner's eyes light up when you know a venue is 'The One', the memories you're making are priceless. Even if there are things that don't go to plan, while they might not seem so funny now, those Save the Dates for the wrong date will make you laugh eventually! The big day will go by in a flash, so savour the build-up to it too. It's all part of the wedding process, so think of it as quality time with your future husband or wife & practice for all of the ups & downs that are ahead of you as a married couple.
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