Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with numerous decisions to make and endless questions to answer. Thankfully, valuable advice often comes from couples who have experienced the process firsthand. We’ve gathered 25 top tips from real couples who have successfully navigated wedding planning and their big day. Let these insights guide you on your own journey to marital bliss.
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Prioritize quality suppliers.
“Choosing reliable suppliers makes a world of difference. Take the time to research, read reviews, and seek recommendations from friends. Our suppliers were absolutely incredible; they simplified the planning process, provided invaluable assistance, made us feel at ease, and ensured the smooth flow of the day.” – Sophie & Brad
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Keep meticulous records.
“We highly recommend proactive planning and making payments as you go. Maintain a detailed spreadsheet to keep track of everything, including costs, due dates, and contact information. Additionally, collect inspiration and save it in a folder. While it’s essential to find the best value for certain items, prioritize the aspects that truly matter to both of you. Don’t leave room for regret on such a special day in your lives.” – Stella & Arjun
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Book early!
“Don’t wait until the last minute to secure your preferred suppliers. Talented photographers, celebrants, and bands often have busy schedules, so it’s best to book them well in advance to avoid disappointment.” – Chloe & Chade
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Embrace the power of spreadsheets.
“We created a shared spreadsheet where we could both track progress and mark off completed tasks. This document included vendor details, costs, payment schedules, and contact information. It helped us stay organized and ensured timely payments as the wedding day approached.” – Grace & Tariq
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Utilize online marketplaces.
“Online marketplaces offer a treasure trove of resources! We found many fantastic items and even met incredible people through these platforms. Not only did we save money by purchasing items such as glassware and wishing wells at a fraction of the cost, but we also made valuable connections.” – Genevieve & Jacob
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Connect with suppliers via video calls.
“We didn’t realize that most vendors arrange Zoom meetings to ensure compatibility before finalizing bookings. It’s completely understandable since you want to spend your special day with people who understand your vision and with whom you get along. We were pleasantly surprised by this aspect of the process.” – Ava & Malik
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Stay true to yourselves.
“Ensure your wedding day reflects your unique personalities. Don’t be afraid to break away from traditional norms. While some relatives might be taken aback, on the actual day, everyone will be filled with genuine joy.” – Nikola & Tim
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Avoid negative talk.
“Whenever someone asked us if we were stressed as the big day approached, we made a conscious decision to respond positively, saying we were excited. This prevented any negative talk and contributed to a more relaxed mindset.” – Harper & Emeka
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Don’t try to do it all.
“Focus on a couple of elements that hold personal significance to you as a couple. Is it live music? A specific venue? Including your children or pets? Exceptional food? Avoid spreading yourselves too thin by trying to cover every aspect.” – Brianna & Lee
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Opt for cohesive suppliers.
“Some vendors, like photographers and celebrants, have trusted networks of suppliers. It’s advisable to stick to their recommendations. When everyone is familiar with each other, your wedding experience will be more seamless. Above all, enjoy the process!” – Lisa & Rory
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Plan your seating arrangement thoughtfully.
“Consider your seating plan carefully. We had many friends from different parts of our lives, so instead of randomly placing them, we thoughtfully considered shared interests and personalities. This resulted in lively dinner conversations, new friendships, and unforgettable stories. Putting effort into this aspect set the tone for the entire evening.” – Mia & Mateo
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If it causes stress, let it go!
“Our mantra was ‘if it feels stressful, ditch it.’ This approach helped us manage costs and prevented us from getting overwhelmed. Remember, it’s your special day, and it should be as enjoyable as possible.” – Jade & Mike
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Carve out private moments for yourselves.
“Make sure to set aside some time exclusively for you and your spouse on the wedding day. After our photo session, my husband and I took a moment alone in the cottage. It was a beautiful opportunity to relax and savor the significance of the day together.” – Therese & Blair
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Stick to your budget.
“Establish a realistic budget from the start and consistently refer back to it. Utilize spreadsheets or budget templates to track your actual expenses and stay on top of payments. Our budget spreadsheet became our guiding document, helping us make informed decisions and stay within our financial limits. It’s easy to get carried away, so vigilance is crucial.” – Nicole & Anthony
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Invest in a wedding coordinator.
“Having a dedicated coordinator, even if it’s only for a few hours, is invaluable, regardless of the type of wedding you’re planning. Ensure they work with you and are unaffiliated with the venue or other vendors. The assistance provided will be well worth it.” – Cherish & Matt
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Clearly communicate your vision.
“Effectively communicate your wedding vision to your suppliers. Create mood boards and share them, but also allow for some creative flexibility on their part. By balancing clarity and openness, you’ll achieve a result that exceeds your expectations.” – Sarah & Frederick
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Prepare for inclement weather.
“Don’t obsessively check the weather forecast; it can change unpredictably. Instead, have a backup plan in case of rain or adverse conditions.” – Kirsty & Michael
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Make a conscious effort to spend the day together.
“If I could offer one piece of advice to couples on their wedding day, it would be to actively choose to spend time together. It’s easy to get caught up in conversations with guests and unintentionally drift apart. While the day flies by, you don’t want to feel like you barely saw your partner. Prioritize being together whenever possible.” – Aisha & Jamal
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Embrace imperfections.
“Accept that some things may go awry on your wedding day, whether it’s weather-related, delayed stationery, or other minor issues. Laugh it off and remember that these hiccups will become cherished stories in the future.” – Amelia and Joshua
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Work as a team.
“Collaborating as a team and actively listening to each other’s ideas for the big day can make a world of difference. Delegate tasks and responsibilities, and remember that you’re in this together.” – Hannah & Tyler
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Get ready together.
“Consider getting ready together. We cherished the hours spent creating memories and connecting before walking down the aisle. This approach helped make the day feel more relaxed and unhurried. We wholeheartedly recommend it!” – Tori & Josh
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Don’t leave DIY projects until the last minute.
“If you’re planning a DIY wedding, there’s no such thing as starting too early. If you estimate a task will take a certain amount of time, add an extra 50% to account for unforeseen delays. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.” – Lily & Sanjay
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Embrace flexibility as plans evolve.
“Avoid mapping out every minute of your wedding day. Instead, go with the flow and rely on a fantastic venue, celebrant, or MC to coordinate the timing. This way, you can relax, enjoy drinks and conversations with your loved ones, and accept that plans may change throughout the day. Don’t stress—just go with it and have a blast!” – Tom & Simon
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Consider a first look for more guest time.
“If we could do it all over again, the only thing we would change is to have a first look photo session. It would have given us more time to spend with our guests, and that’s something we missed.” – Lauren & Mitch
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Simply enjoy the journey!
“My most important advice is not to be overwhelmed by the planning process. Take it step by step, and things will fall into place. Most importantly, relish every minute of this extraordinary and beautiful day—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” – Courtney & Richard
If you’re looking for a team of talented suppliers who are eager to assist with all of your wedding or event supply needs, be sure to check out our online store IN ANY EVENT. From Decor, Florals, Chairs and everything in between, we can help!
