Writing for a bridal magazine has opened my eyes to the many tasks a bride-to-be has to undertake. Here at Her World Brides, we too, scramble at times to get the necessary items ready for a shoot. I can only imagine it must be ten times worse for brides who are on a tight schedule, and seeking to throw the biggest bash of their lives.
Having seen many a bride struggle through the planning process, here are my personal tips on how to get through this, unscathed.
See also: YOUR WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST: A 12 MONTHS COUNTDOWN
Once he’s put a ring on it and the excitement’s settled down, it’s time to get back to reality. One of the first things to confirm, is when you’ll actually be wed. Then, start spreading the word (to friends and other potential guests), and your boss. You heard me right.
If, like most of us, you’ve got a full-time job and deadlines to deal with, you should let your boss know. First, tell him or her when you’re intending to have the wedding, and that you’ll be requesting for time off on dates closer to the day of (this is especially important if you’re getting married within the current financial year).
A tip: If you’re not in a rush to tie the knot, it’s best if you can give yourself about a year and after to plan the wedding. A sales manager from a local hotel once told us that it’s best to book your venue through wedding shows (whether from external or in-house events), as they tend to offer more perks. You don’t get such privileges if you’re rushing to walk down the aisle, unless you get really lucky.
Having your wedding a year (or two later) can afford you some time to keep everything into perspective, and to space your projects out.
See also: AUSPICIOUS WEDDING DATES IN 2019!
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With all the pretty #weddinginspo pictures out there, it’s hard not to want the biggest, prettiest, most romantic wedding of the year. Instead, discuss your priorities with your fiance, and pick the ones that matter to you most. Once you’ve got a focus, it’s easier to proceed from there.
When it comes to deciding on your vendors, consider your budget on hand and manage your expectations. Never rush into a decision impulsively or be pressured into signing for something you aren’t completely sure of, no matter how good of a deal it may seem at the time.
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Be prepared for the busiest times, which tend to happen just after your engagement and the few days (or months) leading up to the wedding. And at times, you’ll find yourself having nothing to do in between. If possible, try not to take breaks that are too long, for you might find yourself scrambling to finish everything at the last minute.
See also: 10 OF OUR REAL COUPLES SHARE THEIR BEST WEDDING PLANNING TIPS!
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If you’ve never tried major projects, now’s not the time to begin. Whether you’re a serious crafter or not, doing things yourself will definitely take time. Instead, pick a few small projects to work on, and leave the rest to the professionals, or buy.
On a side note, I’ve seen many brides getting stressed over DIY-ing the perfect wedding invitation. My advice is, skip it, unless it really matters. Why? Guests will toss them out a few months after, so that’s your labour of love, in the bin. Plus, if you’re going for a wedding package at a local hotel, they offer pretty invitation options that look just as nice, too. Another way to go about it, is to DIY your save-the-dates, which can come in the form of pretty magnets or bookmarks that double as mementoes.
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Many hands make light work, and there’s no shame in asking for assistance. If your fiance’s not as involved as you’d like him to be, tell him. If he’s not sure where to begin, set him a few tasks (such as chasing for RSVPs, choosing the music, doing the seating plan, picking dishes from the menu and so on). Plus, rope in your loved ones for tasks such as addressing the invitations or other major projects. They’ll only be too happy to help, if you ask.
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If you’re the first bride amongst your friends and family to get married, just Google, or head to wedding forums to check what other brides have done. (See also: 9 things brides wish they knew before the wedding day) You’ll probably be able find a local community of brides-to-be (Budget Brides, Dayre Brides etc) who’ll provide support and be the listening ears to your wedding planning grievances, even when others don’t get what you’re going through!
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Keep all your wedding-related documents in one place – in a Google sheet, Pinterest board, notebook or a folder. What should go in: Your to-do lists, receipts, brochures, colour swatches, invitation samples, images, and so on.
It’ll be better if you can organise them in categories (for example, cake, venue, bridal gown, bridesmaids dress, groom’s suit, transport, guest list), so you’ll know where to find them should the need arise.
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While having a focus is good, don’t get too fixated on the things that may not work out according to plan. Instead, leave it and try to come up with something that fits. Prepare a 2nd, 3rd and even 4th option that will probably work out just as well in the end.
It saves you grief, and time, which you can spend on something else that needs your attention. Like going on a no-wedding talk date, or just a much needed nap.
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Related: TIRED OF QUARRELLING? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN MANAGE YOUR WEDDING PLANNING WOES