How to Hang on to the Magic when Planning your own #Wedding

Weddings aren’t cheap. Can you really put a price tag on your dreams? Pffft.

Image / Grooms Advice

For a lot of engaged couples, hiring a wedding planner just isn’t in the budget. And that’s OK because the modern-day DIY brides or grooms are a force to be reckoned with. Just a word of warning, planning your own wedding won’t always be fun. 

The reality is, you’re planning a major event with a plethora of moving parts. It can be one of the most stressful things you can ever do. There will be fights, tears, tantrums, and the occasional hair-pulling. From sourcing out good vendors, to location viewings, timelines, gifts, favours, food, wardrobe, rings, invitations, table seating, and then the stress of having family and friends all giving their advice, ideas, and the always helpful, unsolicited commentaries on family opinions. You no longer feel like it’s a magical day and it becomes more of a full-time job than anything else.

Photo Courtesy of Genesis Master of Events

And let us not forget the actual day. The culmination of all your careful planning. You’ll be dealing with unforseen issues and problems like late vendors, traffic problems, schedules, timing and missing or incorrect items. 

A wedding is supposed to be a beautiful and magical day for you to enjoy. But any tiny error or over-looked item and your magnificent day could snowball into utter chaos.

Assigning a family member or friend to coordinate certain matters on the day-of is great, but remember that they are technically still a guest. After three glasses of wine they may forget to do the only task you asked of them.

Image / Popgoesdad

All of that aside, many couples do everything themselves and still manage to enjoy the best day of their lives and throw one hell of a party. That can be you too. Here’s a bit of upfront advice for planning your own wedding:

1. Start planning early!  At least a year, two is better. This will give you enough time to make sure ever aspect is covered.
2. Thoroughly research your vendors.  Don’t just jump on the lowest price. You get what you pay for and you don’t want to be disappointed. Be sure to read all negative reviews online in order to find any common issues. 
3. Put everything in writing. Whether it’s a friend offering you something, or a professional service, put everything in a contract. Have a lawyer look it over. Be protected.
4. Ask all suppliers, vendors and even your local municipality about any permits or licences you may need to get.
5. Be organized. Make sure every delivery, schedule, supplier and contact number is all organized way ahead of schedule. Double-check and triple check your delivery dates and times.
6. After you’ve finalized your guest list, get to preparing the centers and favours. Don’t leave anything to the last minute.
7. Make sure whoever you have doing your “day-of ” is fully aware of the entire schedule. From the delivery times, to what items are being delivered, where it goes, etc.  Also make it very clear what their responsibilities are and what you expect of them.

In a nutshell, allow enough time, stay organized and most importantly… don’t try to do absolutely everything yourself.  Sometimes, it’s worth it to pay someone to mind the schedule.