Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, but I promise in the end this will all be worth it. I have been to more weddings than I can count, both attending and working. I have also helped many brides prepare for their wedding as well as planning mine completely on my own. So I feel I have a pretty good understanding and a pretty good list of advice of what to do.

Here I have listed 20 tips to help you stay organized and enjoy the process:

1. Start Early: Begin the planning process as soon as possible to allow enough time for decision-making and to secure your preferred vendors.
2. Set a Budget: Determine your budget early on and stick to it. Allocate funds to each aspect of the wedding, such as venue, catering, attire, etc.
3. Create a Timeline: Develop a timeline or wedding planning checklist to keep track of important dates and tasks.
4. Prioritize: Identify your top priorities for the wedding day and focus on those elements first.
5. Make a Guest List: Create a guest list in collaboration with your partner to ensure you don’t forget anyone important.
6. Choose the Right Venue: Select a venue that aligns with your vision, budget, and guest count.
7. Book Vendors Wisely: Research and book reputable vendors such as photographers, caterers, florists, and musicians early to secure their availability.
8. Personal Touches: Incorporate personal touches that reflect your and your partner’s personalities into the wedding details.
9. Delegate Tasks: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to friends and family to alleviate some of the stress.
10. Stay Organized: Use digital tools or a wedding planning binder to keep all your contracts, contacts, and important information in one place.
11. Take Breaks: Wedding planning can be overwhelming, so take regular breaks to relax and rejuvenate.
12. Be Open to Compromise: Be prepared to compromise on some aspects to accommodate your partner’s preferences and make decisions together.
13. Stay Calm: If things don’t go as planned, stay calm, and remember that the most important thing is your commitment to each other.
14. Dress Shopping Early: Start shopping for your wedding dress early to allow time for fittings and alterations.
15. Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials: Plan hair and makeup trials to ensure you’re happy with your chosen look for the big day.
16. Plan a Backup: If you’re having an outdoor wedding or in a location with unpredictable weather, plan a backup option.
17. Involve Your Partner: Include your partner in the planning process and make decisions together.
18. Send Invitations Early: Mail out invitations well in advance to give guests enough time to RSVP.
19. Plan for Relaxation: Schedule some time for relaxation and self-care leading up to the wedding to reduce stress.
20. Enjoy the Day: On your wedding day, take a moment with your partner to step back and savor the special moments together.

Remember, a wedding is a celebration of love, so have fun, cherish the memories, and focus on the joy of marrying the person you love!