Hitching Up Without Hitching: 25 Wedding Must-Do’s (and a Few “Don’t!”).
So you’re getting married! Congratulations! Now, before you get swept away in a Pinterest-fueled frenzy (trust me, it happens), let’s take a deep breath and plan this thing like champions. Because let’s face it, weddings are amazing… but the planning? Not always a walk down aisle white carpet.
Fear not, fellow lovebirds! I’ve compiled 25 essential wedding planning reminders to keep you sane (or at least mostly sane) as you navigate this joyous rollercoaster.
The Biggies:
1. Budget: Like that delicious slice of cake you shouldn’t have had? This needs to be decided first. Be honest, then add a buffer. Because weddings.
2. Guest List: Aunt Mildred who pinches your cheeks and Uncle Steve who tells questionable jokes? Up to you, but be prepared to explain your choices to Grandma.
3. The Venue: Beach bash, barn bonanza, or classy ballroom? Pick something that reflects you as a couple (and has decent air conditioning).
4. The Dress (or Attire): Don’t let “Say Yes to the Dress” pressure you. Find something that makes you feel like a million bucks, not a million wrinkles.
5. The Suit: Guys, you get a say too! Just avoid looking like you raided your grandpa’s closet.
Beyond the Basics:
6. Save the Dates: Get those out early, especially if your guests need to travel across continents (or just Aunt Mildred who needs extra planning time).
7. Photography: These are your memories, so find a photographer whose style you love (and who doesn’t make weird bird poses mandatory).
8. Food: People come for the love, they stay for the cake (and maybe the open bar). Make sure the food is yummy, not something your grandma would call “chicken surprise.”
9. Music: Get a DJ who can read the room and keep the party going. Unless your grandma loves heavy metal, maybe skip that death growl band.
10. Flowers: Pretty blooms are a must, but don’t go overboard. You don’t want your guests needing oxygen tanks.
The Sometimes Forgotten:
11. Officiant: Find someone who can make the ceremony heartfelt and meaningful (and hopefully pronounce your names correctly).
12. Rings: They should be beautiful, but also something you can wear every day without fear of losing a diamond the size of a walnut in the sink.
13. Transportation: Ensure your guests get to and from the venue safely. Unless your wedding is “Lord of the Rings” themed, maybe skip the giant eagles.
14. Decorations: Create a lovely ambiance, but avoid anything that looks like it came straight out of a discount party store.
15. Wedding Favors: A small token of appreciation is nice, but avoid leaving your guests with keychains that will immediately end up in a donation pile.
Pro-Tips and Panic-Reducers:
16. Delegate: Don’t try to be a superhero. Recruit friends and family to help with tasks.
17. Schedule Breaks: Wedding planning is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time for yourselves to avoid hangry meltdowns.
18. Be Flexible: Things will go wrong. Embrace the chaos, take a deep breath, and remember, most people won’t even notice that Uncle Steve spilled punch on the tablecloth.
19. Focus on What Matters: It’s about celebrating your love, not having the most Instagrammable wedding ever.
20. Enjoy the Process: This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (hopefully). Savor the excitement and make memories together!
Bonus Round: A Few “Don’ts” to Keep in Mind:
21. Don’t feel pressured to invite everyone and their goldfish.
22. Don’t break the bank trying to impress people.
23. Don’t sweat the small stuff (like the exact shade of the bridesmaid dresses).
24. Don’t get into arguments with your fiancé(e) over napkin colors.
25. Don’t forget to eat on your wedding day (hanger is not a good accessory).
There you have it! With these 25 tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to planning a wedding that’s both beautiful and stress-free (well, mostly stress-free). Remember