Let's be honest...in 2024 wedding planning is A LOT. It's a process and a half. You're not alone though. Here are my top wedding planning tips from a wedding photographer. I started my business in 2016 and have worked with my fair number of couples.
Tip 1 - Create a wedding-specific email address
Almost all vendors communicate with clients by email so this is the number 1 way to keep everything easily in one place. It is also a great way to have a central place for everything that both you and your partner have equal access to. Organization is your best friend.
Tip 2 - Don't be afraid to share tasks (aka. delegate)
As a type-A planner myself, I 100% feel you when you feel like 'if you don't do it yourself, it won't get done right'. Sharing certain tasks can be the most freeing part of wedding planning at times.
Smaller tasks that don't mean as much to you can be great ones to give to those that want to help. An example would be getting your bridesmaids to put together emergency bathroom boxes (if that's something you want to have) because most women will be able to think what other women might need in case of emergency. This isn't something super specific to the plans for your specific wedding.
Tip 3 - Have a backup plan for bad weather
This is for all the couples out there that want to have an outdoor portion of their day. If you are planning any part of the day to be outside, you need a backup plan. No matter what the weather says, there is always chance of rain when it comes to weddings. Where will you move your outdoor ceremony if it does suddenly rain? Make sure to have this conversation with your chosen venue. They can normally help make plans for your day that can easily transition if the weather changes. They know their venue and they are used to working with plan A through Z.
Tip 4 - Use your vendor team to support the process
All of your wedding vendors have been around for their fair share of time. They have seen so many different circumstances happen regarding all areas of weddings and planning. They have seen things that have worked really well and things that have gone horribly wrong. Take advantage of the team you have built for your BIG DAY and use their experiences. Never be afraid to ask your vendors questions about what they have seen in the past. It's okay if you don't have all the answers yourself. No one teaches you how to plan a wedding before you plan a wedding.
Tip 5 - Remember what's important and to trust yourself
It is so easy to get wrapped up in all the stress of wedding planning, but it's so important to stay true to what you and your partner want from the day. Don't loose sight of what's important to the two of you. Ultimately the day is all about the love you two have for each other. 20 years from now, you might not remember the table cloth colour, but you will remember things like the butterflies you has in your stomach as you saw your partner walking up the aisle.