Tips for having fun while wedding planning
While many people consider their wedding day one of the best days of their lives, it’s not all sunshine and roses. The financial considerations, varying opinions, and family drama can put a damper on this special event and make planning the big day a challenge.
So how can couples have fun while planning their wedding? By planning a few special surprises and approaching the process with the right mindset, couples can enjoy this special time. Here are the top ten tips for having fun while wedding planning.
Get Custom Swag for Your Bridal Party
Consider it a treat to be able to show your appreciation for the people you’ve chosen to stand with you on this important day. Small tokens of appreciation can go a long way, and create some fantastic Instagrammable moments during the planning process.
One of the best ways to create a sense of togetherness with your bridal party is to buy some custom swag. Get some handy insulated beer or wine glasses with their names printed on the side for a practical gift to use during the celebrations. Alternatively, take a look at what Vivid Customs has to offer and get matching shirts that say Bride Tribe or Squad Goals.
Schedule a Wedding-Free Getaway
It’s essential to take breaks during the wedding planning process. This doesn’t just apply to the happy couple – your bridal party and family will want a break as well.
Consider scheduling a little getaway or a night on the town for your nearest and dearest. Put a moratorium on wedding talk, so that the conversation can stay on other topics. This is a great way to unwind and disconnect from the stress of wedding planning. Make it even more fun by having playful punishments for anyone who says the “W” word.
Hire a Wedding Planner
The purpose of a wedding planner is to take on all the stressful elements for you so that you can enjoy the planning process. They’ll find venues and vet vendors, then present their recommendations to you. A skilled wedding planner knows how to navigate tricky family situations and keep your focus where it should be: on the fun.
If a full wedding coordination package doesn’t fit the budget, consider hiring a day-of coordinator to handle things for the actual wedding. This is a huge stress relief and creates the ultimate gatekeeper between you and the to-do list so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Think Outside the Box
Make your wedding planning more fun by getting creative and thinking outside the box. Don’t follow traditions just because you feel you have to; personalize your day with unique events and elements that capture who you are.
For example, you may decide to replace your first dance with a choreographed lightsaber battle. Maybe you’ll throw caution to the wind and have a lip sync battle between the bridesmaids and groomsmen. These fun surprises are a great way to shake up planning and delight your guests.
Take Your Time
The more time you give yourself to plan, the more fun you will have. The less time you have to plan, the higher the stress. Ideally, you’ll give yourself 12 to 18 months to plan your wedding. This approach allows you to book the venues and suppliers you want without feeling rushed to make a decision.
As one of the main stressors in wedding planning is the financials, having more time allows you to break up your expenses into more manageable bites. It also gives you time to deal-shop rather than facing last-minute expenses.
Choose the Right Tribe
One of the biggest influences on your mood during wedding planning will be the people with whom you choose to surround yourself. Say goodbye to Negative Nancy and set boundaries with the naysayers in your life. Surround yourself with the people who genuinely want you to have a great wedding.
This consideration is especially vital when arranging for the dress shopping experience. Finding the right dress can be a sensitive experience; choose people you know will be a positive influence and make your day great.
Attend the Events
Sure, there are millions of other engaged couples in the world. However, you should still take advantage of the occasion and allow yourself to indulge in some extra attention. Embrace your engagement experience and attend all the events associated with wedding planning.
Bridal shows can be a lot of fun and a great way to connect with vendors. They can also be a great way to find deals and reduce the financial burden of your big day. Let people plan the engagement parties, the showers, and all those other events celebrating you and your beloved.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Some things will go wrong – it’s inevitable. Being intentional and deciding that the little things don’t matter in the long run is a mindset shift that will do wonders for your wedding planning experience.
Find a coping method to deal with stress. When things go wrong, learn to breathe through it and let them go. The less you fret, the more fun you will have as you plan your big day.
Delegate Like a Boss
It can be hard to hand over the reins, especially when you have a vision about your perfect day. However, learning to delegate and assign tasks to other people will make the planning process a lot more fun.
For example, outlining the kind of venue you’re looking for and putting a bridesmaid on the case. Alternatively, having the groom be in charge of finding a DJ or band and narrowing down the options. The more tasks you can put a name on, the more relaxed your planning process will be.
Create Friendly Competition
Wedding planning may not be all fun and games, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a playful spin on things. Find ways to make monotonous tasks more enjoyable with a little friendly competition. For example, have a race to see who can stuff the most envelopes in ten minutes or who can assemble a centerpiece the fastest.
Turning the planning process into a series of special events will make the overall experience more fun for everyone. Maybe dress shopping is paired with a nice dinner on the town. Put together the seating chart while having a marathon of your favorite show. Get creative and turn even the most tedious tasks into a celebration.
By approaching the wedding planning process with a celebratory spirit, you’ll have fun the whole way through.
