Whatever stage you’ve reached in planning your wedding, you’ve likely already found out that it can be a lot more complicated than it looks. Because wedding planning and the engagement period are often sold as a magical time full of dreams coming true, the realities involved in figuring out all the small logistical details of a wedding can sometimes sharply bring soon-to-be spouses back down to earth. As every bride knows, there are countless little details that need to be figured out before the big day, from securing marriage licenses to figuring out the colors for the venue napkins and just about everything in between. If you’re in the midst of putting together your dream day and you’re feeling overwhelmed, make sure to take these tips to heart to make your planning process so much easier.
1. Get Legalities Straightened Out as Early as Possible
Although your wedding day is a special and beautiful time, it’s important to remember that it’s also a change in legal status. For that reason, make sure you get all the relevant legalities straightened out as early as possible. Find your civil marriage notary, apply for a marriage license and check the laws in the locality you plan to hold the wedding.
2. Delegate Important Tasks to Qualified People Early On
Too many brides make the fatal error of trying to take on all the major wedding planning tasks alone. Although it can sometimes feel like it’s the bride’s responsibility to coordinate every detail, this method is sure to lead to burnout, fatigue and unnecessary stress. Rather than put all the weight of planning on your shoulders alone, delegate certain tasks to others early on. This is one area where some items can be delegated to family members, and others may require the hiring of qualified professionals. For instance, if you work with a professional wedding planner, you won’t have to worry all day about the logistics not lining up.
3. Don’t Worry About Minor Details Until Your Major Checklist Items Are Covered
After you get engaged, it’s only natural to start dreaming about all the small details of your wedding and how to make it look like you’ve always pictured. Unfortunately, too many brides get caught up stressing over minor details before some of the major to-do items have been crossed off the list. Before you start picking out tablecloth colors and reception centerpieces, be sure you’ve covered the critical items for the day of. This includes booking your venue, booking your main vendors, purchasing your outfit for the day and figuring out logistics, like the general timeframe for the day.
4. Keep All Your Critical Wedding Notes in One Shareable Spreadsheet
If you’re trying to coordinate details with your future spouse or other family members, you know that communicating those details piecemeal in texts or email can quickly become a headache. Those methods unfortunately can make it easy for certain details to get lost, forgotten or overlooked. Rather than having information scattered all over the place, consider putting important details in one shareable spreadsheet. That way, you can share the link with everyone who’s helping you plan the big day, and anyone can make edits as needed. Additionally, you’ll be able to go back and check your own previous ideas so nothing is forgotten! Though making the spreadsheet may take some effort now, you’ll be thanking yourself for it later.
5. If in Doubt, Simply Go With Your Gut Instincts
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget that it’s normal to feel conflicted over wedding decisions. Sometimes decision fatigue alone can lead to second-guessing your choices. In these scenarios, it may be best to simply ignore the noise and go with your gut instincts. After all, it’s your big day, and it should be a reflection of your relationship and your personality!
There’s no sugarcoating it – wedding planning involves a lot more complexity than you might have expected. From picking out venue theme colors to coordinating outfits with the bridesmaids to getting all the little legalities straightened out early and more, your engagement period can quickly become a logistical headache. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can simplify the wedding planning process. By following these creative tips, you’ll put yourself in the best possible position to get the to-do list done quickly so you can relax and enjoy the big day.