Written by Becci Clubb

Planning a wedding can feel completely daunting. More often than not, their own wedding will be the first (and probably last) large-scale event you will organise. For many, it feels like stepping into a whirlwind of excitement, decisions, and Pinterest boards. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little organisation, clear communication, and the right resources, you can tackle wedding planning without the stress that many fear comes with the territory. Here are our top wedding planning tips for a stress-free wedding planning period…

Create a Wedding Planning Timeline

First things first, create a timeline. Think of it as your wedding roadmap, breaking the big day into manageable milestones. Start with your wedding date and work backward. 

The first things you do will include booking your venue, setting the date, and locking in your must-have suppliers, like your photographer and caterer. Around 12 months before the wedding finalise your guest list, send out invitations, shop for your outfits, and book entertainment. As things start coming together, plan the décor and schedule tastings or hair and makeup trials. In the final months sort your seating plan, confirm final details, and tie up any loose ends with your suppliers.  

By breaking your tasks into smaller steps and setting clear deadlines, you’ll enjoy the process without feeling swamped by a never-ending to-do list.
Plus, you’ll avoid last-minute chaos!

Communicate with Your Partner

Before you dive into the nitty-gritty, have a heart-to-heart with your partner about what you both want. Do your research and find inspiration with MNT Magazine for fresh ideas, wedding planning tips and advice.

Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your wedding day. Talk about your shared vision, from the guest list to the vibe and make compromises where needed. This day is about the two of you, so stay true to what feels right for you, rather than what you feel is expected.

Set Your Budget

Money talk might not be the most romantic part of organising your big day, but if you want to enjoy wedding planning without stress, it’s one of the most crucial. Sit down with your partner and decide how much you’re willing to spend and be honest and realistic.

Once you’ve settled on a total, break it down by category. What are the important areas of the wedding to you? Maybe it’s the venue, the catering or the photography. Allocate more of your budget to the areas that are most important to you and cut back on things that matter less.

Once you start booking suppliers, use spreadsheets or wedding budget apps to track your spending. Remember, sticking to your budget doesn’t mean sacrificing style. The key to stress-free wedding planning is prioritising the things that are the most meaningful to you.

Trust the Experts

You’re not expected to know everything about wedding planning – that’s where the pros come in. When you hire experienced suppliers, trust them and take their advice. They will have worked countless weddings and events and will be on hand to ensure your planning process goes smoothly.

Start your supplier search with The Book of Love, a curated directory of the coolest, most creative wedding suppliers. From florists to photographers, this is your go-to for finding experts who get your vibe. Or head to The Un-Wedding Show, where you’ll find a treasure trove of unique suppliers offering endless inspo.

When you trust the experts, you free yourself to enjoy the fun stuff, like cake tastings and outfit shopping.

Manage Expectations For Stress-free Wedding Planning

Weddings come with plenty of expectations, whether from your family, guests, or even yourself. Manage these expectations with clarity and honesty.

Be clear with your loved ones about your plans. If your grandparents expect a church ceremony while you’re envisioning a rooftop celebration, have a polite but firm conversation early on to give them time to come around to your ideas. 

Set the tone with your invitations. Include key details like dress code, location, and any special requests. This keeps everyone on the same page and minimises unexpected surprises from your guests. 

Be kind to yourself. Perfection is overrated! Your wedding doesn’t have to look like an Instagram highlight reel. Focus on what makes you happy and let go of the rest.

Delegate Different Duties

You don’t have to do it all yourself. Enlist your friends and family to help lighten the load.

Got a crafty friend? Ask them to help with DIY décor. Know a spreadsheet whiz? Hand over the seating chart. Sharing the work not only reduces your stress but also makes your loved ones feel included in your planning. 

If your budget allows, consider hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator. They’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on celebrating.

Stay Mindful For Wedding Planning Without the Stress

Above all, stay grounded. Wedding planning has its stressful moments, but don’t let them overshadow what’s really important - the fact that you’re marrying the person you love.

When things get overwhelming, take a step back. Practice mindfulness, whether it’s through yoga, journaling or simply taking a walk surrounded by nature. Stay present and enjoy the journey, it’s supposed to be fun!

Remember, your wedding is just one day, a beautiful and memorable day, but what truly matters is the life you’re building together. Plan with confidence – your best day ever awaits!