Wedding planning can be a daunting task. It takes time, effort, and patience to ensure that everything goes according to plan. It’s not just about picking your colors and flowers. You also need to make sure that everything is on track for the big day. If you want your big day to be perfect for both you and your guests, one of the most important things you can do is organize all the details in advance so it doesn’t become too overwhelming on your big day. These 20 tips will help ensure that your wedding goes off without a hitch.
1) Set a Budget and Stick to It!
Do not go over your set budget. Make sure you are flexible with your spending limits but try to not spend more than what was originally planned.
2) Hire a Wedding Coordinator
If you are having a destination wedding, hiring an outside coordinator will free up time for the other members of your bridal party. This person can help with all aspects of planning and ensure that everything goes according to plan on the big day!
3) Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to decide on a date. Book your venue as soon as possible and take into consideration any holidays, religious customs, or family traditions that may affect when you choose for your special day. Planning ahead will help ensure that there are no hiccups along the way!
4) Create a Budget
Make a spreadsheet of all the things you need to get for your wedding and what they will cost. By planning ahead, it can help prevent any overspending on things that are not necessary due to unforeseen circumstances!
5) Stay Organized
Technology is a great way to stay organized. Create folders and spreadsheets using Microsoft OneNote, G Suite for Work (formerly Google Apps), or Microsoft Office 365 so you can access them from anywhere!
6) Hire a Wedding Planner
More and more couples are hiring wedding planners to help organize their wedding so they can enjoy the day. It is a great idea if you know that your free time will be limited due to work, travel, or other engagements prior to the big day!
7) Make Sure There Is Enough Time to Prepare
Being prepared is everything. Make sure that you have enough time in advance to prepare for your wedding day so there are no unnecessary stressors when the big day comes!
8) Organize Decor in Advance
Organize your decor in advance so you can be sure that everything looks perfect on the big day!
If there are any decorations, favors, or centerpieces that need to be shipped out ahead of time, make sure they arrive early enough. Ask friends and family members if they have items you could borrow if they suit.
9) Create a Timetable for the Big Day
Create a timetable for the big day so everyone is on schedule. Whether you are having an intimate elopement or hosting hundreds of guests, it will help to ensure that everything runs smoothly!
10) Make Lists and Check Things off When They Get Done!
It helps to stay focused and motivated throughout the process! Keeping a list of things you still need to do (i.e., send invitations, make the seating chart, pickup the wedding dress) will help keep your eye on the prize!
11) Make Sure Everyone Knows the Address
Make sure everyone knows where they need to go. Write everything down ahead of time so you don’t forget!
12) Create a Guest List Ahead of Time
Create your guest list well in advance, including addresses and phone numbers for each person if necessary. This will save you much-needed time on the big day as it is important that all members are able to find their way with ease!
13) Make Sure All Vendors Have Your Information/Contact Details
If any vendors have not received information about the wedding (i.e., location, times), make sure to give them this before leaving drinks at drinks receptions so there aren’t any hiccups later on during the night.
14) Do Your Research
Do your research by browsing through reviews of various wedding vendors in advance. This will help you avoid potential pitfalls (i.e., hidden fees; poor service quality), while also ensuring that the vendors who are chosen provide an excellent product and service! It is important to feel confident when working with any member on your big day so they can ensure everything goes smoothly and according to plan!
15) Ask for References
Ask for references from friends or family members who have hired specific vendors before, especially if it’s a new vendor that no one knows about yet. Requesting referrals ahead of time helps save time during this busy part of planning as well as ensures everyone does their best work since anything less could reflect poorly upon them!
16) Ask for a Contract/Estimate
If you plan to hire any vendors (i.e., venues, photographers), ask if they provide an estimate and contract before booking. The last thing anyone needs is the final payment due on the big day because something was missed or forgotten about ahead of time. It can be quite stressful trying to track down this information after invitations have gone out already! It is much easier (and less stress-inducing) when all members are clear about what things will cost upfront instead of expecting someone else’s work without having anything in writing beforehand.
17) Save Time by Hiring Professionals
Save yourself some time by hiring professionals you know can do their job well; don’t pick a DJ who doesn’t have any reviews or friends to recommend him/her. It is important that you feel confident in the work being done so everything goes smoothly for everyone!
18) Save Time by Making a List of Specifics
Save yourself time when creating your wedding day timeline (i.e., how long an event will last; what songs should be played during dinner, etc.) and make sure there’s enough downtime between each section to allow guests to transition from one place to another without feeling too rushed. A little breathing room can go a long way on such a busy night! Also, make sure not to forget about timing when it comes down to coordinating with vendors regarding their arrival times and departure times at different venues throughout the course of the day/night.
19) Save Time (and Money) by Getting Organized Ahead of Time
Remember that time is money when it comes down to any aspect of wedding planning so being organized ahead of time can save you both! Don’t forget about allocating enough time for each task, especially if they are big ones since there’s no point spending too much on something without having the proper amount of funds allotted in advance.
It might be helpful to spread out these purchases throughout different months instead of trying to do them all at once just because gifts have been gifted already! This also helps avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety while ensuring everything gets done properly with plenty of time left over before your special day arrives.
20) Check Your Emails
Check your email regularly throughout the planning process so you aren’t missing any important information about upcoming events/meetings.
Final Takeaways
Organize yourself and all members of your bridal party so everyone knows what they are responsible for doing well ahead of time. This includes who needs to bring what where, when certain events should take place, and what songs or speeches may be involved during different parts of the day/night. Lastly, it is important that you have fun planning for this special occasion as stress can play a big part in how everything unfolds! Stay positive throughout the process and enjoy every second leading up to your wedding because there’s no turning back once you say “I Do!”