Many couples want to ensure their wedding planning process is easy—and avoid things shifting from dream to nightmare. What if a family member oversteps your boundaries and provides unsolicited advice? How do you decide your guest list or break the news that someone’s not invited?  

While planning a celebration involves many moving parts, we want to pull back the curtain and highlight some common issues engaged couples encounter. Keep reading to learn what you and your fiancé(e) can avoid to ensure smooth sailing!

Photography: Julia Rose Photography

Budgeting Wisely

When the sky’s the limit, you want to do everything you can to achieve your vision. Only issue? Overspending can lead to financial stress. Rather than beginning your new chapter in debt, consider creating a wedding budget and sticking to it. 

Categorize your priorities and get clear on costs by:

• Researching market prices 
• Determining your must-haves, like your dream wedding venue and catering 
• Recording your expenses on a spreadsheet or budgeting app 
• Updating your spending plan as costs change 
• Reviewing your budget regularly

To reduce costs, you can host your wedding during an off-season, use DIY décor, book a non-conventional venue, and reduce your guest list. In addition, all-inclusive wedding packages may be a cost-effective solution. Crunch the numbers with your partner to see what works best for your budget and vision.    

Consider using apps like The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner to keep track of your spending. You can also read our splurge vs. save post for more budgeting tips.  

Managing Guest Lists and RSVPs

The guest list is often a cause for headaches. Who qualifies for an invite? Hurting feelings is a valid concern while finalizing your list, so we compiled some tips to help you navigate the process:

• Start by writing down every person that comes to mind, like family, friends, relatives, colleagues, etc. 
• From there, highlight your VIPs, aka the non-negotiable attendees.
• Revisit your spending plan and determine how many guests you can comfortably host without overextending your budget.  
• Ask for your parents’ opinions. While this isn’t necessary, it may help clarify your list. 

Need help managing your RSVPs? Use tools like Zola and Minted to send pretty invites and keep track of responses. Some wedding apps also provide resources, such as planning tips and website designs.

To avoid last-minute changes, send your save-the-dates months in advance and be specific on your RSVP cards. For instance, if you don’t want children at your ceremony, write your request on your invites.  

Navigating Family Dynamics 

Opinionated loved ones can be overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about compromising your vision to accommodate their preferences. Consider areas where you may encounter barriers and brainstorm ways to handle them. 

It’s important to set boundaries and communicate them. You can do this by:

• Outlining your vision with your partner
• Identifying your must-haves
• Organizing a comprehensive planning timeline
• Communicating your plan and expectations
• Staying firm yet fair
• Having a friend or wedding planner mediate discussions

If you know certain people will weigh in regardless of what you say, you can have them contribute to smaller areas of your celebration. Still, it’s helpful to remain flexible and listen to concerns along the way.   

Selecting and Coordinating Vendors 

Before hiring wedding pros for your special day, research potential vendors. Ask for recommendations from family, read online reviews, and interview candidates. You can also explore their past work on social media and check their references. 

As you build your team, be sure to communicate your unique vision to ensure everyone is on the same page. Determine your main communication channels, like email or calls. Then, organize your vendors’ details and continue updating your spreadsheet.

At this point, contracts will be in full swing. Use the following tips to make informed decisions before finalizing any agreements:

• Research market prices and standard terms of services
• Review essential parts of the contract, like pricing and packages
• Inquire about custom services 
• Negotiate prices, payment schedules, and cancellation policies
• Read every line of the fine print

Coordinating wedding pros may seem challenging. However, you can simplify the process by designating a central point of contact, like your wedding planner. Provide a step-by-step timeline to your vendors and schedule meetings and venue walkthroughs. 

Handling Last-Minute Changes and Emergencies

Everyone wants the perfect day, but sometimes unforeseen issues occur. If and when they do, you’ll want to mentally prepare yourself. Here are simple ways to manage unpredictable circumstances: 

• Remain flexible: Realize that some factors are out of your control and be ready to adapt. Try having a positive attitude and focus on why you’re celebrating in the first place.
• Create a wedding emergency kit: Gather useful materials for your big day. For instance, you may pack a sewing kit, snacks, water, phone chargers, stain remover, and more.
• Practice self-care: Counter your stress with self-care. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy, and engage in relaxing activities.  
• Make a backup plan: A plan B can be a lifesaver during a storm. Consider various scenarios and develop strategies for managing each issue. For example, if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, discuss indoor alternatives with your venue coordinator if the weather changes.
• Ask for support: Delegate tasks to your wedding party and planner. You can specify who’s in charge of what if emergencies occur.
• Keep calm and adapt: Breathe and take breaks to approach challenges with fresh eyes. 
• Allow yourself to feel: Meet yourself in the middle and express your feelings. Whether you laugh or cry, validating your feelings can help diffuse tension.

Balancing Work, Life, and Wedding Planning

Looking at the next 12 months, you may wonder how you will balance work, planning, and your social life. Time management is your best friend here. Try the following tips to move forward with intention: 

• Establish a planning timeline with key milestones and downtime
• Use a wedding checklist, like this spreadsheet from The Knot
• Schedule time slots each week for wedding tasks and important decisions
• Be realistic about your expectations and bandwidth
• Ask for support and delegate minor tasks
• Prioritize breaks with your partner, friends, and family

Easing Into Wedding Planning

If you’re running into any challenges, you’re not alone. Planning a full-scale celebration requires time, dedication, and resources. Speaking of resources, you can browse our library of blog posts to guide your planning journey.

Take it one day at a time, and remember to ask for help. Whether you receive support from your wedding planner or fiancé(e), welcome it with open arms and enjoy your engagement!

Are you looking for an event team to support your celebration in Livermore Valley? Share your wedding details with us today!