Happy 2018 brides and gents! I can't believe this year is finally here. For many of you, that means your wedding is around the corner. And like any bride, you may be struggling to stay above the stressful waters that come with wedding planning. But don't worry, I got your back!
1. Don't let that To-Do list pile up!
I get it—you're juggling plenty of to-do lists at once! Let's try to combine them all in one place. I suggest you use an app like Google Keep to keep track of all your lists. This way, you can tackle them more aggressively. If they're really long lists, set days to focus on one at a time. This is how I "batch" tackle my lists since I'm allergic to having to-do lists. Just thought I'd keep it real and through you a lifeline my friend!
2. Communicate with your vendors on a monthly basis.
You might think this is overkill but, so much can change during the planning stages of a wedding and you want to make sure everyone is on the same page. If your wedding date is around the corner, make sure to touch base weekly to make sure there's nothing else they might need from you. Oh, and if there's a difficult situation in the family like, let's say the sudden passing of a family member or how grandma can't be in the same room with step-grandma, let the vendors know, especially your photographer. This is a must if you want to avoid an awkward situation. Trust your vendor team but keep 'em in the loop.
3. Make a list of the small details you don't want to forget.
I ask all my brides to gather all the items I will photograph and put them in a bag or a box that I can quickly take when I first arrive. I suggest they make a list of the small details they want photographed so they can keep track of what they are putting in the bag. Items like the invitations suite, jewelry, rings, shoes and any other details you might want photographed need to be together for your photographer to access. The pin that belonged to your grandpa that is being used on your bouquet? Throw it in there. The gift you're giving your groom before you exchanged vows? You bet it has to be included! If you want something specific photographed, don't wait until the last minute to get everything together. You'd be surprised at how often the details get lost and misplaced before the Big Day! Don't wait until then and keep track of the list & items.
4. Delegate, delegate, delegate!
Have to touch base with the venue? Pick up your wedding dress? Shop for the perfect wedding shoes? You have a bridal squad that's there for you! Don't take for granted their support and ask them if there are tasks they'd be willing to help you with. Chances are, they've been waiting for that 9-11 text from you.
5. Deliver the Wedding Day Timeline ASAP
Wedding Timelines are worth gold. They are the maps to the wedding experience you dream of and want your guests to be a part of. You may be a bride that likes to stick to the hourly schedule or you may be the bride (like I was) that enjoys the event order even when the time is slightly off. Regardless of what kind of bride you are, you need a timeline. It's not as overwhelming as you might think it is. In fact, I have a Wedding Timeline builder available for free in this post. Just skip the next 3 tips and the link to get your freebie will appear. There's a helpful checklist included because I'm awesome like that. You can get started on that today!
6. Pay off your vendors before the big day!
Weddings are expensive, am I right? The investment for your happily ever after is not taken lightly but try to pay your vendors in full before the big day. I know it's hard but you want to be able to enjoy your wedding day, not have vendors trying to ask for payment while you're doing the first dance... or cutting the cake... or waiting for you as you do your sparkling exit... and yes I've seen this happen way too many times. If it takes getting on a payment plan to enjoy your day without worrying about money, do it.
7. Take time to show appreciation to your team.
Has your florist gone above and beyond to create the bouquet you wanted? And the coordinator too? Showing appreciation goes a long, long way! Leave them a review on their business page or tip them a little extra. It doesn't have to be anything crazy, treat them to dinner with a gift card + a handwritten note and give it to them the day of. It takes a lot of work to bring what you envision to life so, find a way to say Thank You. Anne Frank said it best, "No one has ever become poor by giving".
8. Have a Spa Day and a Date Night.
Yes, you read that right! After handling the to-do lists, navigating through stressful family dynamics, and still trying to stay on top of every little thing, you deserve to pamper yourself and have a little time away with your groom. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, sometimes getting your nails done and Netflix movie date will do the trick.
Getting married this year and you don't have a wedding photographer yet? Look no further!
Contact me for pricing details.
If this resource was helpful to you, let me know in the comments below.
