18 Ways to Make Your Wedding Planning and Day Less Stressful

• Attend bridal shows and expos early on in your engagement.

It’s a great way to get inspired. You can meet with vendors face to face and see their work or get information and/or tips. Most shows have raffles or contests where you could win a free honeymoon, gown or more!

• Don't Procrastinate

Start planning pretty much right away. You don't want to take too much time then end up not getting your venue or photographer because they were already booked. Don't waste any time at all especially if you want your wedding on a Saturday in a peak month (May-September and near holidays) because companies will book FAST during those times. 

1. Pick your date then book your ceremony and reception locations asap.
2. Book your Photographer, videographer and DJ/Band.
3. Then book the rest of your vendors.

• Don’t do it ALL yourself

Hire a professional wedding planner or a day-of coordinator. They can help you stay on budget and tie up loose ends that day.

• Delegate!

Download a planning checklist and recruit the help of your mother and soon- to- be mother in-law and your bridesmaids. Give each one a task for them to take care of.  That will take some stuff off your plate and it’s a great way for your mom to feel helpful.

• Don’t take the Budget Lightly

Sticking to the budget is hard. Sometimes adding even a few more guests can creep into your checkbook a big way. For example, adding even 10 more guests means one more table at the venue, one more centerpiece and 10 more meals.

• But Leave Room for Additional Costs

Always factor in gratuity and taxes on your budget. Get the full price cost in writing from every vendor before you book them.

• Consider choosing a singular location.

A venue that offers hotel accommodations, as well as ceremony and reception capabilities, makes it easier on your guests and your budget.

• Make sure you have a bad weather backup plan.

Ask to see how your ceremony and/or reception site will be set up in the event of inclement weather. If you need to rent a tent in case of rain, make sure it is reserved before hand and make the decision to use it with plenty of time for set up.  Your guest won’t mind a tent on a sunny day but will not be happy with out one in the rain.

• Research your vendors.

Checking their reviews and testimonials is just not enough. Meet with each vendor and talk with them about your vision and see if they are on the same page with you. Also it’s important to get along with your vendors and that they get along with other vendors that you hired like your photographer, videographer and DJ.

• Have An Emergency Kit: 

 Make a emergency kit in case you need something. Some good things for the kit to contain are stain removal (‘Tide To-Go’ pens are awesome), tampons, small scissors, mini sewing kit, hairspray, safety pins, bobby pins, energy bars, gum, q-tips, band aids, deodorant, makeup remover and Advil.  Appoint someone to carry the kit with them who is not in the bridal party, like a close friend. 

• Think about the Small Things

Help your photographer out by trying your best to be mindful of the setting of your photos. A good photographer can make any space look beautiful, but help them out by removing as many obstacles as possible. Here are three really easy ways to do that:

1.  When getting ready, have your bridesmaids put all their stuff in a condensed corner of the room in a big bag. This way there aren’t any bras and food wrappers in the background of your beautiful photos.
2. Bring a non-plastic hanger for your dress shot. A new trend is having a wire hanger personalized with your name or date bent in the wire.  It makes the photo of your dress look nice instead of  an ugly plastic hanger taking all the attention.
3. When you and your bridesmaids walk down the aisle, keep the bouquet around your belly button. I know it can be nerve-wracking to have all eyes on you, but don’t block your pretty faces with your bouquet.

• Don’t Ignore the Needs of your Guests

Your wedding day is about you, but your guests have expectations too. Pamper your guests through small gestures. Things like per-arranged transportation to and from the reception, bathroom caddies and children’s fun kits at tables. Also, make sure to spend a few minutes of quality time at each table.

• Ask the officiant to request no guest photo-taking during the wedding.

No one wants a dozen bright screens of cell phones in their face or an iPad or two leaning into the aisle to snap that personal photo for Instagram . These screens will not only be an ugly distraction in the photo and will make the photo look dated in the coming years, but most importantly, it takes away from the special intimate moment. If you say that the couple or planner requested this, no one will listen, but guests tend to adhere to rules better if someone more official makes the request. That way the photographer you hired can get the shots you want.

• Give the photographer your full attention during the formal portraits.

Tell everyone that the process will go a whole lot faster if they give the photographer their full and undivided attention.  Your time in between the ceremony and reception is limited, and if people are all over the place, like someone is missing because they walked off to get a drink, the less time you have for the photos you want.

• Don’t Forget To Eat And Drink.

When we’re stressed and/or busy, we forget to eat.  Make sure you are at least snacking and drinking water all day, or else it’ll catch up to you.  Especially if you are having your ceremony outside in the warm sun on a hot day. You don't want to faint or be dizzy. If you’re worried about missing out on special moments or not getting the chance to see everyone at your reception, keep in mind, that you’ll be fed first, and that when you’re done eating, the guests will still be sitting at their table and you and your husband can visit each table and greet all of your guests. Don’t rush! Enjoy your meal! You certainly paid enough for it.

• Feed the Band & Photographer at the same time that guests are eating.

You don't want to kill the vibe by making your guests wait for them to finish. Dinner time is a down time for everyone. It’s the best time for the band to put on some recorded music so there is no awkward silence or very loud music when people are trying to talk and eat.  Also your photographer needs to be ready to go when dinner is over for the dancing and other activates after you eat. You don’t want him/or her to miss photographing the fun on the dance floor.

• Let The Pros Do Their Jobs

At the end of the day, you chose the vendors you did for a reason. They are professionals – trust them. They know what’s in style and what will look good.  You may not be able to get that Pintrist thing exact, but they can make it all yours and nobody will be the wiser. Who knows, maybe you will start a new trend on Pintrist!

• If you're having a bus pickup at the end of the night, schedule it to come a half-hour after the wedding is over.

 This is enough time for guests to finish their drinks, say their goodbyes, locate their jackets and other discarded items, and make their way out. You don't want to have to pay overtime for the bus as it waits on guests.