Planning Your Wedding with Peace of Mind: 10 Essential Tips

Planning a wedding can feel like a whirlwind, but with some helpful tips and strategies, you can keep the stress at bay and enjoy the experience. Here’s what you need to know:

First, take it one step at a time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you think about all the decisions at once—like the venue, the dress, the catering—but you don’t have to tackle everything in a day. Break it down into manageable tasks and give yourself time to breathe.

Next, be intentional about your planning. Focus on the things that truly matter to you and your partner, like the overall vibe of the day or the key moments you want to remember. Don’t sweat the tiny details that might not even be noticeable.

And don’t forget to ask for help! You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s delegating tasks to your wedding party or hiring a wedding planner, letting others share the load will make things much easier. Plus, it frees you up to focus on the parts of planning that you actually enjoy.

Lastly, stay mindful and flexible. Things might not always go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. If you stay focused on what really matters—the celebration of your love—then the rest will fall into place. Enjoy the process, and remember, it’s about creating special memories, not perfection.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll stay organized, stress-free, and ready to truly enjoy the journey to your big day.

1.Start Early

The earlier you start, the more flexibility you’ll have to make thoughtful decisions. Begin by locking in your venue and key vendors as soon as possible. A longer timeline allows you to space out tasks and avoid the last-minute rush, giving you room to breathe and make adjustments as needed.

2. Prioritize Your Must-Haves

Sit down with your partner and decide what elements of the wedding are non-negotiable for both of you. Whether it's an unforgettable meal, stunning photos, or live entertainment, allocate a significant portion of your budget to these priorities. Let go of things that aren’t as important, which will reduce stress and help you make clearer decisions.

3. set your Budget

A well-planned budget can save you a lot of stress. Take the time to understand the average costs in your area for venues, food, attire, and other essentials. Make sure to include extra funds for unforeseen expenses, such as alterations or last-minute décor changes. Having a financial cushion will prevent budget panic down the line. Consult with your wedding planner or stylist, if you have one, on elements that will bring the most impact on the day.

4. Delegate Tasks

You don’t need to carry the weight of planning a wedding on your shoulders alone. Enlist the help of family, your bridal party, or hire a wedding planner or stylist to share the workload. Delegating tasks like addressing invitations, managing RSVPs, or coordinating with vendors can ease your stress, leaving you more time to focus on the fun aspects of planning.

5. Give Yourself Moments

Everyone says a wedding day goes by super quickly, and as someone who has been to a lot of weddings at this point… that couldn’t be more true. The way I help my couples slow down, is by putting small bits of time throughout the day to stop, reflect and just take it all in. That can be through taking an extra moment while you get ready with your friends, doing a first look or sneaking away during the reception to watch the sunset together for the first time as a married couple. The most important thing is that you can give yourselves is time to be together, to look at everything you’ve created and to just love what’s happening.

6. Trust Your Vendors

We always joke about how weddings don’t come with a manual. The closest manual you’ll get are tips and advice from wedding industry vendors who have live and breathe weddings. Once you’ve hired your team, trust them and let them do their magic. Think of them as your extended bridal party. They will give you the best options and recommendations based from real life experiences and/or past weddings.

7. Plan for Downtime

In the weeks leading up to your wedding, make sure to schedule some time for yourself. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a spa day, or even just quiet evenings at home, giving yourself moments to recharge will help you stay grounded and reduce pre-wedding jitters.

8. Hire A Planner & Stylist

I personally can’t think of anything worse than having to organise all the small details like cutlery and linen, put up the seating chart, or do any other details that you don’t want to be worrying about when you’re meant to be enjoying one of the biggest parities of your life. A stylist and planner can be there with you through the whole wedding planning experience or a lot of them have the option of jumping on three months out to help you with any loose ends or logistics that need to be tied up.

A stylist is also someone you can get to help you achieve your vision. I think we’ve all had that moment where we’ve had a great idea, but in the end the idea was better than the execution… I know I have! A stylist takes that risk completely off the table and can help you create a day that has every little detail figured out and looking gorgeous. They can also help you save heaps of money, time and stress, as they’ll have connections with vendor you don’t, they’ll be able to co-ordinate with all of your other vendors on the day and they can be an advocate for you when you’re trying to make decisions that are true to your heart.

9. Stay Flexible

No wedding is without a few minor hiccups. It’s important to remain flexible and adapt when things don’t go exactly according to plan. Whether it’s a change in weather or a small delay, remember to focus on the bigger picture—marrying the love of your life—and embrace the day as it unfolds.

Another reason to hire a planner/stylist is knowing that they will be able to take care of your plan B (or even plan C) if need be. This gives you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy every moment of your big day.

10. Enjoy the Moment

Finally, and most importantly, remember to savor every moment. Your wedding day will fly by, so take time to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy your guests, and celebrate with your partner. Pause for a quiet moment together during the day to appreciate the significance of what’s happening—it’s a day filled with love and joy.

By following these tips, you’ll not only minimize stress but also create a wedding experience that’s as enjoyable and meaningful as possible. After all, your wedding is about celebrating the love you share, so make sure to keep that at the heart of your planning!

Keep safe and be kind

Ruffles and Bells Team xx