Your wedding day is an exciting occasion that you will treasure forever. However, once you go into planning mode, it’s common to feel a bit overwhelmed, which can take some of the joy out of your big day—and no one wants that! As a recent bride myself, I don’t want you to feel burned out before your big day! To keep the excitement up and the nerves down, I have a list of wedding planning tips for less stress and much more fun! 

7 Stress-Free Wedding Planning Tips

Give Yourself Time

Planning out your dream wedding should not feel rushed. Give yourselves time to achieve the wedding YOU have always dreamed of! Start by listing all the significant components you would like to have on your wedding day, such as music, food, a venue, wedding attire, photography, invitations, etc. Next, develop a budget to help you achieve your dream wedding without going overboard. And finally, put together a planning schedule. Remember, you don’t have to have it all planned out in one day (I know, once you start, it’s tempting to get lost down the rabbit hole). Divide the planning into a schedule that you and your fiancé can realistically complete. 

Hire a Planner

Another option for stress-free planning is to hire a wedding planner, designer, or coordinator! These people are experts in the wedding field, and they can take a ton of the stressful planning off your plate. Click here for an excellent article explaining the differences between these three wedding professionals. 

Look for All-Inclusive Venues or Wedding Packages

Look for all-inclusive venues, vendors, and packages whenever possible. The venue’s event team will help with the planning and check more items off of your list! With reputable venues, you can still achieve a personalized wedding with an all-inclusive package. 

Delegate Tasks

Remember, just because it is your wedding day doesn’t mean that the two of you have to plan everything yourselves. Your friends and family are likely willing to help out, which will help them feel included! Vendors are also incredibly knowledgeable and can often take on several tasks at once. As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer and recent bride, I’ve worked with so many fabulous Pittsburgh wedding professionals. I’m happy to pass along some recommendations and steer you in the right direction based on your personality, wedding size, and wedding aesthetic.

Use Wedding Planning Spreadsheets, Tools, & Apps

Spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets are an easy way to keep track of all your wedding day information. Make them shareable so that family and friends can mark off tasks once they are completed. Spreadsheets are a fantastic way to keep everyone on the same page and organized. 

Or, if the idea of cells and formulas makes you cringe, you could try digital wedding planners and tools. The Knot has a Budget Tool, Wedding Checklist, Style Quiz, Wedding Website, Vendor Manager, and more in their All-In-One Wedding Planner. There are plenty more to check out, such as Zola, WeddingHappy (wedding app), and more.

Go on Fun & Romantic Dates

Make it a priority to take some time off from wedding planning for romantic dates. There is just one rule: you can’t talk about any wedding plans! Simply enjoy your time together, and remember why you both fell in love in the first place. 

Book a Vacation

Like writer’s block, I’m pretty sure planner’s block is also a thing. If you’re running out of inspiration and want a fresh start, go on vacation! Time off will allow the two of you to relax, take a breath, and feel refreshed. Then you can return home with a fresh perspective, ready to tackle the tasks on your list. 

I hope these seven wedding planning tips help bring a sense of organization, motivation, and joy to the wedding planning process! Congratulations to you both, and I can’t wait to document this monumental chapter in your lives.

But first….

Book your engagement session! You need photos for save the dates, your wedding website, home and wedding décor and more! Plus, I can share some wedding planning wisdom with you during the shoot. (Megan and Tyler’s simply beautiful engagement photos strolling around the historic War Streets and Mellon Park may provide a bit of inspo for you!)