The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Planning

Weddings are meant to be these beautiful, fondly memorable events that carry a deep message of love and new beginnings.  For the wedding couple, and those helping to bring it all together, it’s sometimes hard to really get in touch with the deeper aspect of the ceremony due to the stressful nature of all of the planning leading up to it.  Most people manage to let all of that stress recede to the background on the big day, but it’s usually still there in some form, taking away from a higher level of bliss than could be experienced.  A wedding is a big deal, so it’s going to come with some form of stress or another, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cut down on the amount of stress you deal with.

In most instances, stressful situations in the planning process end up becoming those, “If I had known then what I know now,” type of things, so why not go ahead and get a jumpstart on this know-how and avoid the stress altogether?  The best way to enjoy smooth sailing throughout the wedding process is to do a little research and take notes regarding what to do and what not to do.  Luckily for you, that’s already been accomplished for you with this list of the top dos and don’ts for any wedding planning process.

Money, Money, Money:

Your budget is the key to everything, including your access to a less stressful wedding process.  Deciding upfront exactly what your budget is and how much you’re willing to wiggle with it can help you avoid unpleasant situations down the road.  Many couples face unnecessary stress leading up to the wedding because one or both parties keeps making plans and purchases that add up in costs, leading to conflict.  If you’re working with a rather limited budget, then you may decide that an engagement party and bridal shower are out of the question, coincidently freeing you from having to plan for these events.

Don’t Be That Person:

No matter if you’re the bride or the groom, don’t descend into control-freak status.  Yes, it’s your day and, of course, you’re going to have the chance to express your ideas, and, yes, you’ll have the final say, but relegate some of the planning to other people.  For bachelorette and bachelor parties, as well as bridal showers, let others do the planning for you.  Pick individuals that you know understand what it is you’re wanting to see, and just let them handle it.  It’s far too easy to get overwhelmed by trying to do everything yourself and be everywhere at once.

The DIYer:

Whether you’re the bride or the groom, if you’re talented/skilled in certain areas that you know will come in handy, and that you know will result in something that looks nice, then take advantage of these creative skills.  Arrange flowers, make your own decorations, build seating or special buffets – but do as much as you can well ahead of time.  You don’t want to be focusing on anything else other than the ceremony on your big day.  Don’t make your cake or handle the catering, as these are stress and accident prone areas that you can leave to someone else.  Even if you know you’d do a stellar job, remember that on the days leading up to the wedding, and then the big day itself, your time is going to be strapped, so take on only what you absolutely need to take on.

Summer and Beach Weddings:

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding during the summer, there are a few things you have to keep in mind that may not be an issue which pops up in typical wedding ceremonies.  For starters, keep in mind your own and your guests’ comfort in the heat.  Plan the ceremony either in the morning or late afternoon/early evening, away from the hotter part of the day.  Offer heat relief with mini water bottles and only serve lighter food – heavy foods and heat just don’t mix – and, as with any outdoor wedding, create a contingency plan in the event of foul weather.

Who’s Steering This Thing?

It’s important to include family and friends in the planning process, and all of the events leading up to and including your big day.  However, you have to have a firm hand with the decision-making process.  Don’t let others live too much through you by pressuring you into things you’re not interested in, and don’t let relatives attempt to relive their own weddings by commandeering yours.

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