You've finally met the person of your dreams, fallen deeply in love and have pledged your commitment to spend the rest of your lives together. You may have been dreaming about your magical wedding day since you were little, right down to the very last tiny detail. But with all of the endless decor, food, dress and flower ideas out there, planning your big day may become really overwhelming and turn a fun process into a nightmare. To help alleviate this unnecessary (and unwelcome) wedding stress, we're revealing our top ways to simplify your planning straight from our team of wedding experts who have seen it all!
Pinterest can break your heart or make your day
Pinterest is a wonderful research tool for planning your big day. It's a double-edged sword that can either seem like a bottomless pit of ideas or a wedding lifesaver. Limit the number of boards you create to just a few per wedding category to avoid getting overwhelmed. Also, review each board frequently and remove the pins that don't inspire you or that you don't care for anymore. On the flip side, you can create a "Wedding VIP" board and keep your most favorite ideas separated from the rest for easy reference.
Stick to what you know
Every couple has their own set of strengths and talents. If you are handy and crafty, then feel free to tackle the customized centerpieces or handmade invitations. But keep in mind that you do not want to overcomplicate. Our team has seen too many couples and wedding parties on Friday night after the rehearsal dinner with a hot glue gun in hand, stressing the evening away! So stick with the mantra, "When in doubt, leave it out."
Have your wedding reflect you
Nobody likes a copycat and you're wedding style should be no exception. Only use TV programs and wedding magazines, such as Martha Stewart Weddings and Say Yes to the Dress, to serve as an inspiration for your big day, not as a set-up you can exactly duplicate. These types of wedding media are meant to razzle and dazzle their audiences with overly grandiose details and overproduced themes. No two couples are alike and your goal should have your wedding speak to who you are!
Find vendors you trust and trust them
Vendors and on-site wedding planners are experts in their field so they've seen and heard it all.Feel free to ask them for suggestions to help make your day spectacular. You can also bounce ideas off of them as well and, if they're great at what they do, they'll give you honest feedback as to whether it will be a hit or miss with your guests. Allowing them to do what they do best will be a huge advantage for you on your big day.
Seating is the hardest part
Does Great-Aunt Lois not get along with Uncle Sam? Are you worried that your college best friend won't care for your cousin Sally? Don't sweat it. It's only for an hour or two! And you never know. They could be swigging champagne and doing The Chicken Dance together like two old friends in no time.
Enjoy yourself
This is the most important tip we can offer. Forget the family drama, grumpy bridesmaids, and other mishaps that WILL happen on your wedding day. You can expect at least one hiccup in your day but don't let it get to you. Carve out some time for you and your new spouse to reflect, relax and enjoy this truly magical day in your lives!
Planning a wedding, no matter how large or small, is no easy task. We hope you'll take our expert suggestions to heart so you can savor your big day with a cheerful heart and create joyful memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. If you'd like more detailed advice, contact our wedding planning team and they'll be happy to answer any of your wedding questions!