A stress-free wedding is all about planning ahead, staying organized, and keeping a positive mindset. Here are some tips to help make your big day as calm and enjoyable as possible.
1. Start Early and Plan Ahead
- Set a timeline: The sooner you start, the less rushed you’ll feel. Most couples book their venue within one week of getting engaged. Create a wedding timeline that includes all the tasks leading up to the event, like booking venues, choosing vendors, and sending out invitations. Here at L&L Farm, we give you a timeline checklist in our welcome document (the first email that goes out after a couple books the venue).
- Budget carefully: Have a clear budget and stick to it. Unexpected expenses can be stressful, but if you set a limit and prioritize the categories that are most important to you, you’ll be able to keep things under control. Most couples tend to get a little tight on money as they reach the end of their vendor bookings – so book the most important to you first!
2. Delegate Tasks
- Trust your team: Whether it’s a wedding planner or coordinator, family, or friends, delegate responsibilities so you don’t have to do everything yourself. Let others handle tasks like decor, transportation, or communication with vendors.
- Hire professionals: From photographers to caterers to a day-of coordinator, hiring experienced professionals can take a lot of the pressure off you and ensure things run smoothly. See our post about why hiring a professional DJ is so important! Also helpful, check out DIY Weddings? 6 things you should never DIY.
3. Choose a Supportive Wedding Planner or Coordinator
We do require that you hire a planner or coordinator for your wedding day. I first hand learned the value they bring when my own daughter got married. We have had a few brides that hired relatives or friends and in that case, they just need to purchase a one day insurance policy in order to work onsite. I will say weddings with a planner/coordinator run so much smoother and every vendor has the proper communication necessary for the timeline to run on time. Our recommendation is to find one who is calm, organized, and reliable. They can ensure a smooth, memorable wedding day by leveraging their expertise, vendor connections, and organizational skills. Let them help you with every detail, from managing your schedule to dealing with any issues that arise.
4. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
- Expect the unexpected: It’s very likely that something won’t go according to plan. Instead of panicking, take a deep breath and adjust as needed. Most guests won’t even notice if something minor goes wrong.
- Simplify the details: Instead of stressing over every tiny detail, focus on what really matters to you and your partner. For example, your love, the ceremony, and the celebration with loved ones. Remember there is no bad question. Feel free to ask us our opinion of what works well or how someone else did something.
5. Focus on Your Relationship
- Take time to breathe: Wedding planning can consume a lot of your time and energy. Make sure to have “date nights” or quiet moments together without talking about the wedding. This helps keep the joy and excitement alive.
- Be intentional with your partner: Communicate openly about your expectations and support each other throughout the wedding planning process. This may sound obvious, but your partner cannot read your mind and sometimes hears a different message than what you meant to say. I know, that sounds a little like marriage advice, but a good one.
6. Protect Your Well-being
- Self-care: Be sure to take breaks, getting enough sleep, eating well, and doing things that relax you during the wedding planning. A relaxed and well-rested couple is a happy couple!
- Exercise: Light exercise, like walking or yoga, can help you stay calm and energized during the planning process. Once you feel emotions rise, go outside and walk. This is known to regulate your emotions.
7. Be Mindful of Your Guests
- Clear instructions: Provide your guests with clear details on the wedding schedule, transportation, and anything they need to know in advance. This way, you won’t get bombarded with questions on the big day. Be sure to read Venue Policies Your Guests Need to Know.
- Delegate delegate delegate: Ask your wedding planner or coordinator or at the least, trusted friends or family members to handle guest-related questions or issues during the event.
8. Have a “Wedding Day Kit”
- Prepare for the what ifs: Pack a bag to be ready with things like extra makeup, tissues, safety pins, a mini sewing kit, and any other necessities that might come in handy during the day. This will keep you prepared for little hiccups. Another good reason to hire a planner/coordinator! They typically have all of these items on hand for your wedding day.
9. EnjoyYour Big Day
- Be present: On your wedding day, take little moments to pause and soak it all in. It’s okay to take a few minutes alone during the day to ground yourself, breathe, and reconnect with the joy of the occasion. Try not to focus too much on minor details or things that might go wrong. Focus on the love, celebration, and the joy of marrying your partner. After all, you’re getting married!!!
By staying organized, asking for help when needed, and embracing the imperfections of the day, you’ll likely have a much more enjoyable and stress-free wedding experience!
At L&L Farm, we know all about what it takes to plan a stress free wedding. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to tour the property so we can show you around and hear all about your dream wedding.
