There’s nothing quite like the post-engagement feeling right before you start to plan your wedding – the celebrations and popping of champagne bottles are aplenty… it’s a high you never want to come down from!

Getting engaged is such an exciting new step into the next chapter of your life, so when the dust settles and the reality of actually planning a wedding hits, it can become overwhelming fast, especially if you aren’t sure where exactly the starting line is.

When newly engaged couples come to The Stylist’s Guide, we like to go through the process of what to expect, our top tips, and how to keep your stress levels down – so we thought we’d take a moment to share these with you!

Wedding Planning Top Tips

Team-work makes the dream (wedding) work

Before anything, be in the mindset that your wedding is about the two of you and it’s going to be a team effort with your partner. From setting the date, choosing a theme, and talking openly about finances and budgets, this is the time to set a foundation for open and honest communication! This is a priority not just at the start, but throughout the whole process.

Get organised

You might think a physical wedding guide and pretty pens will help, but it’s an illusion of productivity and will actually make you feel more overwhelmed. Our advice? Get friendly with spreadsheets! They’re editable, digital and shareable; plus the tabs will keep your brain de-cluttered and ideal for sharing with suppliers, venues and your bridal party.

This is the stage you engage with a wedding planner *wink wink*. In all seriousness, this is your moment to bounce ideas around and talk to a professional who has the right supplier contacts and knows the ins and outs of the industry average folks wouldn’t know about (having someone on the inside is always helpful and can save you $$$ in the long run)!

Prepare for self care

The lead up to your wedding is simultaneously one of the most thrilling and stressful times in your life – and our self care can quickly slip away. Have you ever heard someone tell you planning your wedding is a full-time job? It’s true, and you’ll have to juggle that time plus your existing career, family, kids, life, commitments, other events, and your partner, the list is endless.

This is why planning your wedding with a support team like your partner and a planner is crucial; you have limits, so take the pressure off (no, you do not need to do it all on your own)! Check in with your mental health constantly and stay organised to lessen the overwhelm, plus having support is a great way to vent and delegate jobs.

Party people

Let’s talk about the bride tribe! This isn’t just about the bridal party, but the suppliers and planners that will create a tribe vibe that stays high alongside your awesome bridal party. Choosing these people that will forever be cemented in history as being part of your wedding is vital, so choose wisely.

This also applies to your wedding guests; create a guest list that fits your dream venue and ensure the capacity also fits your ‘wedding vibe’ and what you can afford too! No point in having 350 people at your wedding if you dreamt of a long-table intimate affair and a small outdoor venue.

Sound bound

This might sound silly, but it’s actually part of the whole wedding experience for yourself and guests – your wedding ‘sound’. What atmosphere and theme goes with your wedding? Will it be fun and energetic from the get-go, or are you going for a boho, ethereal and soothing experience?

Think of your processional and recessional song, your reception entry, first dance, and reception-exit music – this also plays into your budget! Weigh up your costs and preferences for a DJ, a big band, or singer and one-piece ensemble.

Day jobs

Your wedding day is going to fly by, but there will be the smallest of fires you need to put out that you wouldn’t have even thought about before – such as where the heck you’ll put your phone on the day! Have jobs for everyone such as picking up the suits, paying the suppliers, who’s picking up Nonna, if you’ll have a spare pair of shoes, or anything else that needs to be done on the day.

Things to remember

↠ This is YOUR wedding day, our rule is ‘your day, your way’. It’s about encompassing your style, who you want to spend the day with, and keep comparisons at bay. Ignore people that say things like “I went to a wedding recently and they did ___”... you don’t need that energy around you!

↠ Plan, plan, and plan some more: this is your best defence against stressing the F out leading up to your wedding day, remember it needs to be fun not frustrating!

↠ Don’t be afraid to hire experts, they know what they’re doing and will do it well. Efficiency is better than doing trial and error yourself, potentially wasting even more money and time!

↠ Appreciate everyone around you who is helping out, especially your bridal tribe, family, friends, suppliers, and of course your partner. You’re so lucky to be marrying them, at the end of the day that’s all that matters!

Want to bring us aboard the bride tribe? Flick us a message and let’s have a coffee in our new studio!

How To Plan A Wedding With The Stylist’s Guide