Our 10 Best Wedding Planning Tips

We know wedding planning can be a stressful and exhausting process, with a never ending list of things to do. But the good news is you aren't alone! You're joined by over 4 million other people each year in this journey, and we've rounded up the top 10 wedding planning tips from recently engaged and married couples, just like yourself, to help you out.

Tip #1: Create a Wedding Email Account

During the wedding planning process, you'll be communicating with hundreds of people and you don't want those emails to be lost in your inbox. So create a joint email specifically dedicated to wedding planning and easily manage all your wedding communications.

Tip #2: Set a Realistic Budget

One of the most stressful things about wedding planning is the finances so plan ahead and use real historical data and current market prices to set accurate expectations! Need help? We've got a whole blog series about it!

Tip #3: Avoid Expensive Wedding Dates

Did you know that some wedding dates are more expensive than others? You can avoid expensive dates by first avoiding peak season. 80% of all weddings take place between May and Oct. Unless you live in a place that's sunny and warm all year round, getting married outside of this window could save you thousands of dollars. Secondly, the most desirable time and date to get married is on Saturday evening. Picking a different day or even a Saturday morning wedding can save you thousands as well!

Tip #4: Change into Reception-Friendly Shoes

A lot of brides splurge on beautiful heels for their wedding shoes, but they're oftentimes a nightmare to stand in for more than a few hours, let alone the whole day including dancing. So prepare a reception-friendly pair of short heels, sandals, or even sneakers that you can dance the night away in!

Tip #5: Use Ezer to find Your Dream Vendors

The average couple spends over 520 hours planning their wedding and its estimated that over 300 of those are spent looking for vendors! Want some time back in your life? Join our beta now where we use mood boards and machine learning to make better vendor recommendations based on your style, budget, and location!

Tip #6: Check Your Newlywed Network

Your newlywed network is one of the most powerful resources for wedding planning! Not only did they just recently go through the process so they have insights into the current market trends and prices, but they may have local recommendations and tips for wedding location! Newlyweds oftentimes also have wedding decor that's just collecting dust in their basement that you could offer to buy or ask to borrow!

Tip #7: Save on Stationery by Incorporating Online Aspects

We love a good flat lay but we'll let you in on a secret - no one's gonna love the invitations more than you. So skip all the paper and go virtual! If you’re not ready to go fully online, you can still send your invitations but opt for online save the dates and have ppl RSVP online so no one has to worry about mailing them in.

Photo courtesy of Hey Karis Photography

Pro tip: Save hundreds on stationery by only ordering a full invitation suite for your flat lays. Some websites even have free sample invitations suites.

Tip #8: Prioritize Photography

Photography will be one of the longest lasting mementos from your wedding so it's worth the investment! Take your time shopping through vendors and finding out what your true style and aesthetic is - even if you think you already know what you want. You’d be surprised at what you end up liking!

Tip #9: Preserve your Wedding Bouquet

You'll be spending thousands of dollars on your florals. Rather than tossing them out in a few days, preserve them! There are a lot of options these days with pressed florals, resin blocks, and other creative alternatives. Some of our favorites are Designs by Andrea and Watershed Trends.

Photo courtesy of Shanni Saw Photography

Tip #10: Trust Your Gut!

Forget the rules. Forget the trends. You know yourself best when it comes to your vision for the wedding and what your personal vibes are. Surround yourself with people (friends, family, vendors) who have your best interest at heart and are for you not against you! You got this!

This is our round up of the top 10 wedding tips as you begin your wedding planning journey. Let us know what other tips you've loved in the comments below!