You’re engaged – YAY! Pop some bubbly, throw some confetti, and blow some kisses, because you’re marrying the love of your life.
With an engagement comes planning a wedding. Sometimes this process can be super fun and full of joy, but sometimes it can be stressful. We wanted to share some tips that’ll help make your wedding planning journey as well as the wedding day, fun and not stressful. Check it out!

1. Choose your venue first!
   It can be difficult to know where to start when planning your wedding and the best place would be the venue. Finding a venue that can accommodate your date, fits your budget and is exactly what you are looking for is no small task, so choosing a gorgeous venue can actually dictate (or at least add some control) your other decisions.
2. Hire vendors that you can fully rely on and trust!
   This one is important. If there’s no connection with your vendors, how can you rely on and trust them? Inquire with and interview your favorite vendors and narrow it down based on a number of things; the connection you make, services offered, deliverables, budget, etc. When you have your dream team, you’ll be able to relax and feel at ease knowing that your team has got you covered in their areas of expertise.
   1. Hire a planner!
      If there’s room in your budget, a wedding planner will be well worth your investment. Most planners offer services that include planning (hence the name) and day-of coordination. We’ve had couples let their wedding planner have full range of the planning (from choosing décor to deciding on themes, etc.). If you’re looking for an awesome planner, we recommend Unique by Design Weddings & Events.
3. Assign your wedding party and family members duties throughout the planning!
   If you’re not in the wedding planning business, you can’t expect to do it all. Assign your Maid/Matron of Honor and bridesmaids certain tasks that you’ll need help with (creating centerpieces, choosing favors, helping with the seating chart, etc.). Trust us, they’ll be happy to help and honored that you asked! The same goes for the Best Man and groomsmen. Have them build you a beautiful arch for the ceremony or just have them do the heavy lifting on the day of. They’ll be happy to do anything for some free drinks.
4. Make decisions together!
   Most times the groom goes along with whatever the bride says or wants (HAPPY WIFE, HAPPY LIFE?), but fellas, she wants your input! Making decisions together during the planning process will ensure a smoother journey and an awesome result.
5. Less truly is more!
   Weddings are expensive, so it’s important for you to think about what is really important and what is not. Nobody remembers the centerpieces or the décor. They remember the celebration of your love! And for those that don’t remember the day because they may have had a bit too much to drink, they’ll at least have the photos to look through. Don’t spend the majority of your wedding budget on flowers, décor, or favors; you can have a stunning and stress-free wedding with a few simple and tasteful ideas.
6. Take a break from planning!
   Have one or two days during the week where you focus on ANYTHING BUT THE WEDDING. Have a date night, but don’t mention anything wedding related.
7. Follow the wedding day timeline provided by your planner/coordinator AND photographer!
   When couples first inquire with us, we like to share a sample timeline so that they can see what their wedding day would like like centered around photos. Having the timeline in the very beginning and sharing it with your other vendors helps everyone stay on track and know when to arrive on the day of.
8. Expect the unexpected! 
   There are just some things that you are not going to have any control over, like the weather, if the cake gets dropped, or if one of your bridesmaids is sick on the day. Be prepared to expect the unexpected and don’t panic! Be realistic enough to know there are going to be a few things that don’t go exactly as planned, but will end up being a part of your story that you can share for generations to come.
9. Don’t focus on or worry about the weather!
   We know this is easier said than done, but try to avoid constantly checking the weather before your wedding day. It can change in an instant or be totally wild like it was on Lauren & Levi’s wedding. When we arrived, it was sunny & warm. Soon after that the clouds and wind started rolling in. The rain started, so they made the decision to hold their ceremony indoors. It rained during portraits as well, but we had the porch of the farmhouse to shoot under, and their portraits turned out beautiful! They also had those handy little clear umbrellas to use. Make sure you have a least two of these on your wedding day just in case it is forecasted to rain.
10. Relax & enjoy!
    If you’re feeling on edge and stressed, your attitude will reflect on others around you. Set the stage for a relaxing, fun and stress-free wedding day by being kind during the planning process on on the day of.

If you’re engaged and planning your wedding day, be sure to follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook, and check out our website. We would love to see if we’d be a great fit for you and your wedding!