You’re engaged! While this is a time to celebrate, it also marks the start of wedding planning. But how do couples balance planning a wedding with having full-time jobs? If you’re planning your wedding on your own, it can feel like there’s too much to do. But there’s no need to worry. Here at The Wedding Duo, we’ve helped hundreds of couples plan their wedding day. Follow our tips below for a smooth, no-stress wedding planning process. 

Create a New Email Address

The first step we recommend to newly engaged couples is to create a wedding email address. This should be an email that you both have access to that you will use only for wedding planning purposes. As you begin planning, you will be inundated with lots of emails. Nobody wants those crowding up their primary email address, and it’s good to have a place where both partners can access them. We also love that this provides somewhere for wedding emails to live out of sight, so you don’t constantly have them on your mind. 

Hire a Virtual Wedding Planner 

If a full-service planner isn’t in your budget, consider virtual planning services! Virtual planning is an affordable option for getting the expert guidance you need without the hefty price tag. This service allows you to meet virtually with a planner to ask questions, discuss budget restraints, and get valuable tips. Having a planner in your corner, even virtually, is a great way to reduce stress during the wedding planning process. 

Set Specific Times

One of the most difficult parts about wedding planning is not being able to “turn it off.” If you’re planning your wedding without professional help, it can feel like it takes over your entire life. We recommend setting a certain time each week to sit down with your partner and plan the wedding. This guarantees that you’ll have your partner’s attention during this time – and that you won’t discuss it outside of these times. 

Use a Checklist 

There are so many fantastic tools available online to help keep you organized during the planning process. Our Wedding Planning Bundle offers 42 pages of content, including budget trackers, contact lists, and a day-of checklist. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to wedding planning: take advantage of all the incredible, affordable resources out there! 

Start With the Most Important Items 

So, you’ve got your checklists – now what? We always recommend that couples start with the most important wedding items, like a Venue, Photographer, and Caterer. These are the items that will book up the fastest and will probably take the longest for you to decide on. However, if having a specific 10-piece band is your #1 priority? Book that early! Everyone’s priorities are different, so make sure you’re focusing on what’s important to you as a couple. 

Ask for Vendor Recommendations

Once you have your highest-priority vendors booked, ask them for their recommendations! Your vendors have likely been in the wedding industry for a while and have built relationships with other reputable professionals. This can make hiring your last few wedding vendors a breeze. 

Take Breaks! 

And finally, our most important tip – take breaks! It’s ok not to spend every day worrying about your wedding. If you need a day, a week, or even a few weeks off, then take it. Once you’ve rested, you’ll have a clear head to jump back in. Planning your wedding should be enjoyable, not a burden. 

Wedding Planning with The Wedding Duo 

Wedding planning can be an incredibly enjoyable, relaxing process if done correctly. After all, thousands of couples do it every year! If you’re looking for a community of other engaged couples plus educational resources to help you throughout the process, check out The Wedding Duo Membership!