Planning a wedding can feel like juggling confetti in a windstorm—beautiful, chaotic, and a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, you’ve got this! Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, here are some tried-and-true wedding planning tips to help keep you organized and (relatively) stress-free.

1. Set a Realistic Budget First

Before you fall in love with a venue or book that dreamy photographer, figure out your budget. Decide who’s contributing what and stick to your numbers. It’ll help guide every other decision and prevent surprise expenses later.

Pro tip: Always leave room in the budget for unexpected costs—because they will pop up.

2. Create a Wedding Planning Timeline

Give yourself enough time to plan—ideally 12–18 months. Prioritize the big-ticket items first (venue, catering, photographer), then work your way down to the details (favors, signage, accessories).

Use a checklist or planning app to stay on top of tasks month by month.

3. Lock Down Your Guest List Early

Your guest list affects your venue size, catering costs, seating chart, and more. Finalize your guest count early to avoid needing to make big changes down the road.

Bonus tip: Have a “must-invite” and a “nice-to-have” list to help with trimming, if needed.

4. Book Key Vendors ASAP

The best vendors get booked up fast—especially during peak wedding season. Once you’ve got your date and venue, don’t wait to secure:

• Photographer/videographer
• Caterer
• DJ or band
• Florist
• Officiant

5. Choose What Matters Most to You

Not every part of your wedding has to be a huge production. If you’re not into a formal cake cutting or dancing for hours, skip it! Focus on the elements that mean the most to you and your partner.

Think about: What do you want guests to remember most about your wedding?

6. Plan for the Weather (and Have a Plan B)

If you’re going for an outdoor ceremony or reception, always have a backup plan. Rent a tent or secure an indoor space just in case. Rain on your wedding day might be “good luck,” but a soggy dance floor isn’t.

7. Don’t Forget About You

Schedule some downtime in the days leading up to the wedding. Sleep, eat well, and take breaks. The best weddings are the ones where the couple actually enjoys themselves!

8. Hire a Day-of Coordinator !!!

Even if you’re handling most of the planning, having someone manage the logistics on the big day is a huge stress reliever. You’ll thank yourself when you’re sipping champagne instead of managing table placements.

9. Communicate with Your Partner

It’s your day—as in the two of you. Check in regularly, divide tasks fairly, and make decisions together. Wedding planning is great practice for team communication in married life!

10. Embrace the Unexpected

No wedding is 100% perfect. If something doesn’t go as planned, try to laugh it off. The little quirks often make the best stories later on.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love with the people who matter most. So take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and don’t sweat the small stuff. You’re creating memories that will last a lifetime.