Planning your wedding is a journey filled with excitement, creativity, and (let’s be honest) a fair share of stress. As a groom who plans events for a living, I learned a lot during the wedding process—and I’m here to share what worked for us, some of our wedding planning strategy, and hot takes to help you manage the madness.
1.) Get Organized from Day One
Create a Joint Google Email and Drive
The first thing we did was set up a dedicated Google account for all things wedding. Using a shared email and drive kept everything from vendor contracts to guest lists organized and accessible. Create subfolders for vendors, budgets, and timelines, and keep the email post-wedding for shared communications.
2.) Budget Like a Pro
Weddings are expensive—there’s no sugarcoating it. Start with an open conversation about the budget. Are parents contributing? Are you footing the bill? Use a detailed budget template to track expenses and stay on top of payment schedules.
Pro Tips:
The number of guests and catering will likely be your biggest expenses. Don’t forget to account for service fees, gratuities, and last-minute surprises.
Manage your payment schedule to ensure smooth cash flow.
3.) Choose the Perfect Venue
Location Matters
Decide early on the style and vibe you want for your wedding. Pinterest can be a great tool for inspiration, but remember this: it’s more cost-effective to choose a venue that matches your vision than to transform a space. For example, if you’re dreaming of a black-tie wedding, skip the rustic barn. Empty venues or blank spaces can offer flexibility but often require additional decor, so plan accordingly.
4.) Invitations, RSVPs, and Your Wedding Website
The Invitation Process
Your wedding’s branding starts with the save-the-dates and invitations. From color palettes to typography, these elements set the tone for your big day. We learned the hard way that mailing invitations can be stressful. Some arrived within days, others took weeks, and a few were lost in postal purgatory.
Solution: Leave extra time or consider digital RSVPs or invitations. They’re cost-effective and eliminate mailing headaches, but follow best practices to avoid spam filters.
Wedding Website
We skipped the cookie-cutter templates and created a custom wedding website with a unique domain. It gave us control, felt more luxurious, and avoided the risk of it lingering online forever. Platforms like Wix make it easy to create a personalized site with details like the schedule, dress code, hotel blocks, and FAQs.
5.) To Hire a Planner or Not?
We didn’t hire a planner, but we both have experience in producing events. If you go this route, be prepared to manage everything vendors, budgets, and a detailed run of show yourself. At the very least, ensure someone is responsible for day-of coordination.
Pro Tips:
Schedule a pre-event meeting with vendors and your venue a week or two before the wedding to finalize logistics and timing.
Coordinate timing with your photographer, Band/DJ, and caterer to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Plan the rehearsal. Don’t wing it. Figure out the processional order, music timing, and seating arrangements in advance.
6.) Trends to Embrace (and Skip)
Out: Wedding Hashtags
Let your photographer and guests tag you directly or share photos privately. Better yet, consider a no-phone policy for a more present experience.
Out: Traditional Wedding Parties
Skip ranking your friends. Incorporate special people as ushers, readers, or in other meaningful roles. Surround yourself with those you truly want close on your big day.
In: Creative Seating Arrangements
Consider curvy aisles, getting married in the round, or unique layouts that feel personal and immersive.
In: First Looks
I highly recommend a first look. It saves time, allows for more photos earlier in the day, and lets you enjoy the cocktail hour and reception with your guests.
Final Thoughts
Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to create a day that reflects your love story. Stay organized, focus on what matters most, and don’t forget to enjoy the process. You’re not just planning a wedding—you’re crafting memories that will last a lifetime.
Comments