5 top tips for a stress-free wedding

1. Create a timeline

When you begin planning, set a timeline. Start by making a list of all the things you need to do, from buying a dress to ordering stationery.

Be thorough and take some time to ensure you’ve thought of everything. Then, set a timeline by deciding how close to the wedding these need to be done. For example, you may want to book a venue 12-24 months ahead, look for a wedding photographer and videographer soon after, send invites 4 months ahead and have flowers ordered 2 months ahead.

Be sure to research these time frames. With this plan set, you won’t need to stress about running out of time.

Hitched have a checklist which can help you plan for a stress-free wedding.

2. Set a Budget

One of the main causes of wedding stress is money. It’s easy to overspend, but you don’t want to start your married life struggling financially, or realising you spent a fortune on things you didn’t need.

Set a budget early on, and do everything you can to stick to it. There’s a satisfying sense of achievement in keeping to your budget, and it means there will be no unnecessary financial stress.

How to set a wedding budget.

3. Consider an ‘all-in-one’ venue

There are a number of venues, particularly hotels or stately houses, that offer an all-in-one package.

This requires less organising as everything is under one roof. Be sure to ask for a complete list of what’s included, so you know what extra bits you need to do.

It’s also fairly common for these venues to have a wedding coordinator, meaning you have a designated person to take control of the smooth running of your wedding day, and the months leading up to it. This leaves you free to work on the personal touches, while the bigger picture is taken care of. Leaving you with the stress-free wedding you can enjoy and take in.

4. Accept help

You don’t have to do this all on your own. As a couple, you likely have a lovely family and great friends, and if they want to help, don’t turn it down. Those who love you will be more than happy to get involved in your day, and they’ll be touched at the chance to help.

The more people you have on your side, the quicker and easier it’ll be to get everything done, leading to a stress-free wedding.

5. Remember, it’s your day

It’s really important to remember it’s your day. You and your partner should always have the final decision so that your wedding day is perfect for the two of you and your tastes and preferences.

You can’t please everybody – not everyone will love the menu choice, or the colours, decor and music. But that’s okay. As long as it’s what you want, you’ll enjoy a day of pure happiness. Getting caught up worrying about pleasing every individual guest will ramp up the unnecessary stress, so relax. The day is yours and with that in mind you can have a stress-free wedding day.