8 dos and don’ts of wedding planning

We’ve spoken with brides new and old and they’ve shared with us their top eight dos – and don’ts! Here they are, in no particular order…

Do: Think twice before you DIY it

If you are a creative bride, you may think DIY is a great solution, not just to cut down on your wedding costs, also to allow your creative flair to bloom. But, be warned!

Professional photographers, florists and cake designers are there for a reason – and they’re experts at what they do. If you’ve got a friend or family member who fancies themselves as a bit of a photographer and has offered to take on your wedding photos, think again (unless, of course, they’re a professional wedding photographer themselves)!

The value of a professional wedding photographer cannot be underestimated and will become apparent once you see the results. Professionals also tend to have back-up processes in place should anything happen to your precious photos, flowers or cakes etc.

Besides, the wedding planning process can be so complex – and stressful at times, it’s unlikely you’re going to have time (or want to) be spending time in the kitchen, or out collecting flowers, or stitching up your dress.

There are, of course, exceptions, such as this bride who baked a most unique wedding cake for her big day, but then, she’s a professional baker!

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Don’t: Neglect to rehearse… everything!

A great way to settle nerves and to ensure there are no unwanted surprises on your big day is to go through your wedding day routine in advance.

Visit your venue in advance and familiarise yourself with it.

Try on your dress and walk around in it, perhaps not down the street but in the privacy of your home.

Do a hair and make-up trial and prepare yourself mentally for what will be one of the biggest days of your life.

Do: Keep track of your budget

No, don’t forget the budget! Keeping track of your expenses is one of the most challenging aspects of the wedding planning process, but it’s also essential.

Have you factored in all the costs? Have you thought about bomboniere or even invitation stamps? Here are nine wedding costs (most) couples forget!

If you manage your finances well, you’ll be able to accurately assign your budget to areas that you value the most.

A handy way to keep track of your wedding finances on the go is with a wedding budget calculator app. This one’s free and easy to use.

Do: Avoid blisters

Take every measure possible to ensure you are comfortable on your big day. One way is to wear in your shoes. Sore and blistered feet are not pleasant, especially on your wedding day.

So, walk around the house and, if need be, invest in a shoe-stretcher. Your feet will thank you!

Similarly, try on everything you’re wearing before your wedding, including your jewellery and underwear, just to get a feel for, well, how it will feel together on the big day. You don’t want to find out that your bra digs into your back thanks to the design of your wedding dress or that your earrings are so heavy, they hurt. If you do it early, you’ll have time to find replacements.

Do: Delegate your hen’s night

You’ve got enough on your plate to be involved in the planning of your hen’s night.

Let your Maid of Honour and your bridesmaids organise this event, as is tradition. That way, you can focus on the million other things you need to do and actually worry about.

Besides, it’ll be a welcome surprise not knowing what they are planning and this will probably make the event even more fun. If, however, there’s something you’re dead against or know you won’t enjoy, be sure to let your hen’s party organiser know before her planning beings.

If your Maid of Honour needs some guidance, she’ll find some great hen’s party suppliers here.

Don’t: Forget to learn your lines

Be sure to practise your vows regardless of whether you’ve written your own or you’re using traditional vows. Practise them again and again… and again!

That way, if nerves strike at the big moment, it’ll be easier to get back on track if you’re familiar with your material beforehand. It’ll also mean you’ll be calmer and able to speak from the heart more freely rather than nervous and forgetful.

And don’t worry. If you’re getting stuck writing your vows, your marriage celebrant will be able to guide you in the right direction

Do: Choose the bridal party you want

It can be tricky in choosing your bridal party. Should you choose relatives, friends or both? Some brides feel obliged or pressured to add people to the bridal party that they may not actually want.

There may be family pressure to add a cousin or sister and sometimes there is a pressure to return the favour if you’ve been a member of the bridal party in another wedding.

At the end of the day, the best choice is having who you actually want in your bridal party because they’ll be the ones standing beside you at one of the most important times in your life.

Admittedly, it can be difficult to avoid it, but try not to be (too) influenced by the wants of others. It’s your day, and it’ll make a difference having your nearest and dearest present in the bridal party with you.

Don’t: Forget to enjoy yourself!

If you only do one thing on your wedding day, make sure to enjoy yourself.

Stop. Breath. Have fun. Enjoy the experience!

Feel free to laugh and smile naturally – and often. There is such a build up to your wedding day and, often, it goes by like a flash.

It’s important to be in the moment and take the time to enjoy yourself – and spend time with your new spouse drinking in the day and all those special moments.