Wedding planning is a combination of big ideas such as theme, venue, and guest list, and smaller details that make the biggest impact, think personalised favours and perfect entertainment!
Managing the big picture and seemingly endless details perfectly is a challenge in itself, especially if you're trying to do it all yourself. Luckily for you we've put together a list of essential wedding planning tips, tricks and hacks to help make the wedding planning process smoother and more fun!
Big picture wedding planning tips
1. Get started early
Now, we know you've probably heard this one a million times already, bit starting your wedding planning early and spreading the planning out over time helps alleviate some of the stress that comes with wedding planning. This way you'll get more done and also notice things that may have slipped through the cracks otherwise!
2. Get an idea of average timeline
When it comes to planning your wedding timeline it's important to understand how long you need to plan a wedding (on average) to make the process that bit easier. Need some inspiration to help kickstart your wedding timeline plan? Check out our blog on planning your wedding morning timeline, and planning your wedding day timeline!
3. Estimate your guest list
Naturally enough, planning a smaller wedding with 20 guests is a lot less demanding (and expensive) than planning a wedding for 300 people. Be sure to keep your budget in mind when drafting your guest list, and remember, not EVERYONE needs to be invited!
4. Put a lot of thought into your wedding venue
Choosing your wedding venue is as important as choosing your wedding dress or bridesmaids, so be sure to give it plenty of thought. While you may think you have found your dream wedding venue early on in your search, visit other venues before making your final decision. You can read our blog on different venue types here.
5. Make your life easier with wedding planning apps
Nowadays there are apps for everything, including wedding planning! Many of these apps are free to use and will help you plan and organise your big day. They can be fantastic sources of inspiration for dresses, suits, venues and even decor!
6. Make your wedding your own
If you've read our blog 'common mistakes when wedding planning' you'll know we're all about making your wedding your own! Don't feel the need to stick the normal wedding traditions if they're not very you.
7. Decide on your must haves as a couple
While all tips and tricks are important to keep in mind when planning your wedding day, this one is probably the most important if you want to avoid clashing with your partner along the way. Nail down your 'must-haves' before you begin the wedding planning journey, what are the most important things to you on your wedding day? What about your fiance? Hopefully you'll agree on 99% of things, but be prepared to compromise on some things!
8. Check out your supplier's digital footprint
Before you make your final decision and book your supplier, be sure to check out their social media channels and read the comments, follow their hashtags and check out their review sites where possible!
9. Read the fine print
Once you've made your decision on which supplier you're going to go with it's time to get booking to secure your date! As you communicate and discuss the details further with your supplier be sure to keep a record of everything, get all details in writing where possible and always, always read the fine print to avoid any unwanted surprises!
10. Get insurance
Just like you would when purchasing a new car or travelling abroad, be sure to get insurance for your wedding day! There’s a fire in the kitchen of your wedding venue right before your big day, your dressmaker makes your dress too small during alterations, the videographer loses the film of your wedding. Occurrences like these are unfortunate, but they do happen. Wedding insurance protects you financially from the unexpected. Your suppliers should have their own insurance (be sure to view their policies) however they generally don't cover everything.
11. Have your wedding supplier questions at the ready
It's so important to cover your bases when it comes to dealing with suppliers, as mentioned above we recommend you always read the fine print, but if you're unsure of something be sure to ask it before finalising your decision! If you're unsure what to ask you can always research supplier questions to help you out.