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Wedding Planning Vendor Photographer

How To Reduce Wedding Planning Stress

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How To Reduce Wedding Planning Stress

Wedding planning is notoriously stressful. Despite this common truth, so little focus is put on how to reduce wedding planning stress. Wedding planning does not have to be stressful if you have the right strategies. Here are useful tips and strategies to reduce your wedding planning stress.

Just Make The Decision.

The longer you ruminate over your options, the more your angst will grow. Your wedding is one day in your life. That being said, lower the stakes! The world will not end if you choose garden roses over peonies. Just make the decision and it will lead to another decision. You will feel less stressed and more productive after every decision. Who doesn’t love that feeling of checking off an item on your to-do list? Just decide, and do it!

Narrow Down Your Options.

It is way easier to choose from three options than seven. Narrow down each vendor, or decision, to a maximum of three options. Again, remember it is one day. The most important part of your wedding is your marriage; not that one day. Choose your favorite two or three choices, compare costs or other factors, then choose the best option. When you narrow down your options, you gain some of your precious time back for fun; instead of agonizing over decisions.

Do Not Procrastinate!

The worst thing you can do while wedding planning is procrastinating. Wedding vendors book out far in advance. In fact, most wedding planning occurs a year in advance. Save yourself from the heartbreak of your favorite vendors being unavailable because you waited too long. The sooner you book your vendors the less stressed you will be. With each decision you make more decisions will fall into place, so start sooner. In short, the early bird gets the worm!

Communicate About Your Budget.

Find out what your wedding budget is and stick to it. Whether you are self-funding your wedding or going the tradition route with the help of family; you need to know what your budget is. It is incredibly important to have clear communication regarding the finances of your wedding. Once you determine your budget, make it clear to all parties the importance of sticking to that budget. This will determine the size of your wedding, the venue you choose and a variety of important factors. Also, this is not a one time conversation. It will require continuous adjusting and conversations. Sometimes the one vendor costs more than expected, so you’ll have to adjust the budget somewhere else. Communication is key! Everyone who is financially involved needs to be on the same page with updates and expectations.

Prioritize The Most Important Aspects Of Your Wedding.

Each person’s priorities for their wedding day are different. Because of this, it is important you communicate yours effectively to your partner. Some couples have multiple priorities, such as: venue, flowers, photography, & ceremony vows.  There are no rules as to what priorities have to be, or how many you have to have. Just choose one or a multiple that are important to you as a couple. Then, it will be easier to allocate your focus, and money from your budget, to your priorities. Do not get caught up in the little details , such as font or calligraphy style, if it is not your priority. Choose to focus on your attention on what matters most to you. Then you can let the little things fall into place. This greatly reduces your stress by focusing your time on the aspects of planning you enjoy.

When Something Goes Wrong; Let Yourself Feel It, Breathe, Then Problem Solve.

Notice I said when, not if. Unfortunately the world is not perfect, so things won’t always turn out as planned. When this happens it is okay to feel upset. It is okay to be mad. Let yourself be mad or sad for an hour, then breathe! Odds are after giving yourself time to feel you’ll realize it really wasn’t as big of a deal in the first place. Then, you can focus on what your other options are to remedy the problem. Once you get your emotions out; focus on solutions. There truly is a solution to every problem; even if it’s not your ideal solution.

Every wedding is bound to have some stress. But, use these tips and you will reduce your wedding planning stress. Don’t forget you only get to plan your wedding once. Be as productive and focused as possible. You got this! For more wedding planning advice and inspiration, check out the blog posts below!

Thank you’s to: Lisa Hufford Photography & Jen McCullough!

Why Hire A Wedding Planner?

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Why Hire A Wedding Planner?

You’re already strapped for cash as it is, so why hire a wedding planner?

We’re delving into this big question because The Knot found that 29% of brides in 2018 hired a planner. Reasons to hire a wedding planner run the gamut from “control freak” to “disorganized hot mess”. If you’re very strict and like to control every detail a planner can still be a good idea to help keep your wedding planning checklist on track. If you’re always late and never remember to feed the dog then a wedding planner will help organize and keep you calm.

Even if you’re on a tight wedding budget, hiring a wedding planner doesn’t have to be a huge expense.

In fact, if you choose wisely, you could end up saving money in the long run! A planner will go over your budget and the legal contracts for venues, live entertainment, etc. They can see holes where money is going down before you do. A lot of wedding planners also have contacts in the industry and can possibly get you discounts. Vendors would sometimes rather bother a planner rather than you since you’re already stressed. A wedding planner is the middleman who takes the emotion out of a stressful situation.

Another great reason to hire a wedding planner is that they are in your corner 100%, they will fight for your dream wedding!

You definitely need to vibe with your planner because they are the ones who can make your vision a reality. The venues and vendors go through several weddings a month, but a wedding planner is solely focused on what you want.

Lastly, hiring a wedding planner is genius because they can coordinate your entire day. If you’re switching between ceremony and reception venues a planner will make sure the transition is smooth. They are worrying about the little details while you enjoy your special day! Even if you can’t afford a planner for the whole day, having one for part of it will make a lot less hassle for you.

Wedding Budget

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Wedding Budget
Here are more wedding budget tips for you! Remember, your wedding day is just ONE DAY but you could be paying for it for many days after. It should be beautiful, memorable, and most of all suit your style and taste. However, brides (and grooms) can go overboard if not kept within budget. To continue on
with our wedding budget strategies, here are five ways to keep you in check.
1) Wedding Attire
Would your groom feel more comfortable in a custom suit versus a tux? He could end up paying less and will have a suit to last him a lifetime(or at least until his waist band expands!) Do you require your wedding dress to be couture, or would you consider buying a dress off a site such as Pre-owned wedding dresses. Many people sell their dresses, veils, shoes, and other accessories after the big day because they feel like they could help out another bride-on-a-budget and could probably use the cash too!
2) Flowers & Other Décor
Some brides opt to use alternatives to fresh flowers for a unique twist on wedding décor. You can find great options through rental companies such as candelabras, votives, frames,vases with floating candles, and much more. However, let’s say you do want to use flowers in your wedding – using silk flowers gives you the same result, but also won’t wilt or die on you. Some flowers are very fragile
and cannot withstand harsh elements. You could end up saving a lot of loot if you choose silk versus fresh flowers in centerpieces.
3) Invites
In this modern day and age, a majority of people have access to the Internet, smartphones, etc.
Some couples will opt to go paper-free for their wedding and send their invites online using such services like Evite. Sending things electronically also means you do not have to pay for postage!
4) Music
DJs and bands can cost a fortune. With iTunes and other music sources, people can opt to create their own party list and simply press play. If you think you might miss out on the lasers, fog, and up lighting your reception hall may have this option as an up charge. Otherwise, there are vendors who simply offer services such as this and give good deals.
5) Pictures / Video
Pictures last a lifetime. However, they can sometimes be on the pricey side. If you have a friend whom is an amateur photographer, ask if they would be willing to photograph your wedding. Other small business photography businesses tend to give better discounts rather than the“cookie cutter”big-name companies. Sometimes you can negotiate and strike up a deal!
We hope these tips give you a better idea on how to prioritize, strategize, and budget your big day. Wedding budget doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan a head a few steps.
Bride On A Budget

Bride On A Budget

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Bride or not, finding chic outfit choices at amazing prices is ALWAYS an appealing headline. Here are our picks for great resources when it comes to summer dressing for the Guest and Bride that will make you and your wedding budget very, very happy for years ( or seasons) to come.

 

Bride On A Budget

Photo Credit: Old Navy

Old Navy: If you are a big blog reader, you know that pairing affordable items from Old Navy with your closet staples is a no-brainer especially for summer. And when they rolled out their summer dress collection full of crisp whites perfect for pre-wedding events, we just about fell over. Whether you are packing maxi dresses for your Honeymoon or simple white minis, they have you covered. Plus, their online summer sales are no joke. Most days of the week you can checkout with a code for 35% off your entire order!

Bride On A Budget

Photo Credit: The Loft

Loft: Best known for their smart wear-to-work pieces, Loft is upping their game for incredibly priced summer wear. Thanks in part to their partnership with the ultra chi line, Lou& Grey, their fun skirts, jumpsuits, and crazy chic beachwear will take your from rehearsal to sipping cocktails oceanside for your Honeymoon.

 

Bride On A Budget

Photo Credit: Chicwish

Chicwish: A newbie, but a goodie. Chicwish has also become a major name in blogger favorites. Mostly because of their CRAZY good prices and trendy pieces. Full midi skirts in fun florals, and bright prints for wedding guests, they have pretty much every aspect covered. For lace detail that would cost you hundreds at Neiman Marcus, Chicwish lets you explore trends that are within budget and gives you options for all of your upcoming events. Join their email list and get 25% off your order too!

Friday Bride-day

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Friday Bride-day

When setting a wedding date, couples tend to automatically begin by looking at Saturday afternoons. While there are certainly many advantages to having a Saturday wedding, an alternative that has become increasingly popular is the Friday wedding.

If you decide to have your wedding on a Friday, you’ll reap several rewards: both financial and otherwise. You’ll save time, you’ll probably save a significant amount of money, and you’ll find that your guests may appreciate having a Saturday free to spend time with you and the other guests they know.

Before discounting this option for the sake of tradition, consider the following five benefits of hosting your wedding on a Friday.

Maximize Your Dollar

For Friday weddings, the majority of banquet facilities, photographers, video producers, musicians/entertainers, and limousine services are much more willing to negotiate in order to reach a price that suits your budget. Vendors tend to see Friday as a bonus day, a time when they can earn income. Savings on these services can really add up, making this option a great way to save money without having to sacrifice the quality of your wedding.

Save TimeFriday Bride-day

On a Friday, you’ll probably have your wedding in the evening, which means that the ceremony is followed immediately by dinner. This means that you will avoid the extra cost and hassle of a one-to-two-hour interim reception or cocktail party. Having the ceremony and reception back to back may ensure more people at the church ceremony.Friday Bride-day

Ambiance

Friday wedding ceremonies offer the opportunity of creating a dramatic, romantic ambiance that starkly contrasts that of a bright spring afternoon. If you’ve dreamed of a candlelit wedding ceremony, dancing under the stars, or elegant evening gowns for your bridesmaids, a Friday wedding might be for you. If you live in a particularly warm climate, an evening ceremony can also help your guests to escape the uncomfortable heat and sun.

Time with Guests

When out-of-town guests come in for a Saturday wedding, they usually have to leave early the next day in order to make it back for work and school on Monday. With a Friday wedding, you have the option to take the whole day on Saturday to spend with out-of-town friends and family. Though it is probably less convenient for guests to come in to town for a Friday wedding, they may welcome the opportuFriday Bride-daynity to take a long weekend and make a mini-vacation out of your special occasion.

As with all aspects of wedding planning, it’s important to remember to consider a variety of options and to think outside the box before making final decisions. As long as your wedding party and out-of-town guests don’t mind taking a little extra time off, the benefits of a Friday wedding might just outweigh those of the traditional Saturday afternoon!

Bang for your Buck

Bang for your Buck

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Bang for your Buck: Bridesmaids Dresses

No matter what any bride says there is a universal truth about bridesmaid’s dresses: you’ll only wear the dress once. “You’ll wear it again, right?” the bride asks, perhaps to make they feel better about asking you to shell out hundreds of dollars for it. Nope, you won’t. You’ll never wear that floor length, one-shouldered aubergine satin dress with the weird unflattering ruffles ever again.Bang for your Buck

It seemed like a lost cause, just part of the deal of being a bridesmaid–suck it up and buy the ugly dress, right? Wrong. Enter Rent the Runway and Little Borrowed Dress, maids can opt to rent a dress for the big day versus getting stuck with a frock they truly are not in love with.

Rent the Runway Weddings, an expansion of Rent the Runway, and a beacon of hope for future bridesmaids everywhere. Rent the Runway Weddings launched in 2011. It focuses on bridesmaids dresses. Badgley Mischka, Robert Rodriguez and Nicole Miller have designed bridesmaid collections that come in up to four styles in up to four seasonal colors exclusively for the site. Whereas Rent the Runway only allows users to rent dresses for a few days at a time, Rent the Runway Weddings offers 8-day rental periods. But the best part? The price. A Badgley Mischka bridesmaid dress averages at over $300. At Rent the Runway Weddings it’s $65.

Little Borrowed Dress does not have the big names like RTR does, but has very cute and simple options for your girls. With LBD, every style we carry was specifically designed to fit and flatter a variety of shapes and sizes. They are determined to design the ultimate bridesmaid dresses, so we use multiple fit models with varied body types to ensure the dresses will fit with no alterations required! Lastly, if you would like to try on before committing to the rental, that’s OK too. Why have an ill-fitting dress the day of the big day and a bridesmaid breakdown.

Another nice feature about LBD is that the process is simple, you can order color swatches beforehand, and if you’re girls DO want the option to buy a new dress…they can!Bang for your Buck

Say Yes to Engagement Ring Insurance

Say Yes to Engagement Ring Insurance

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Say Yes to Engagement Ring Insurance

Bling, bling you got the ring. YAY! Well, I’m sure that pretty piece of jewelry was no small price. You have home owners or renter’s insurance as well as car insurance; so why wouldn’t you insure such a valuable asset that you will be wearing for rest of your life?

When budgeting for bling and your wedding day, newly engaged couples often times forget to budget in the cost of wedding and engagement ring insurance. Word of the wise: do not make that mistake!

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Say Yes to Engagement Ring Insurance

When considering a policy here are some pointers to ask potential policy providers:

  • If you travel often, you will want to purchase worldwide wedding ring coverage that only a jewelry policy can provide.
  • Is the ring covered if you lose it accidentally, or only if it’s stolen?
  • How will the company replace the ring — with a check? Or will they require you to purchase a replacement through a specified jeweler?
  • What if it’s a vintage ring or other unique piece? How will the quality and size of your diamond — and that of a replacement if needed — be documented?
  • Is the ring insured to full cost or a fraction of it?
  • How will you need to prove the ring vanished if you make a claim?

If you only remember one thing, make sure to read the fine print: A good policy will cover every potentially ring-threatening situation from theft to damage to accidentally dropping it in the garbage disposal.

The cost of gold and other precious metals are soaring. On average, ring insurance typically costs $1 to $2 for every $100 it would cost to replace per year (depending on where you live and the size of your rock of course), but be sure to shop around for the policy that best fits your needs, and remember to ask about deductible costs in case your ring actually does have to be replaced or repaired.

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Say Yes to Engagement Ring Insurance

Wedding Budget Strategies

Wedding Budget Strategies

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Wedding Budget Strategies

Time is of the essence after getting engaged. That is, unless you plan on hiring someone to take care of all the details i.e. a wedding planner, which by the way runs on an average of $2,500 to $4,000. To help guide you, here are 5 ways to help maximize your wedding budget and plan accordingly.

1) Prioritize – Right away, you will want to prioritize your most important aspects of the wedding to your fiancé and you. Will the groom just die if you do not have a Hummer limo? Or, are photos more important to you?

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Wedding Budget StrategiesChicago Hummer Limo

2) In-season / Off-season – Having your wedding during the most popular wedding months are a key indicator that your costs will reflect this as well.

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Wedding Budget StrategiesJill Thomas Photography

3) Day of the Week- Saturdays typically tend to be the most popular day to host a wedding. However, many vendors will give deep discounts for choosing a Friday night or Sunday afternoon. If you really like a venue, but the Saturday prices are too steep, consider having the event on an “off” day.

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Wedding Budget Strategies

4) Limit Guest List– This might not make you the most favored person, but friends and family whom understand that budget is a big factor should understand. Be choosy about whom you invite. Don’t feel obligated to invite people that aren’t very important to you or you have lost touch with. Just because you were invited to your friend from college’s wedding five years ago does not mean you must invite her to your event.

5) Location, Location, Location – Your location definitely impacts tax, gratuity, and other factors. If you choose a ritzy hotel in the city versus a banquet hall in a rural area you are likely to pay less just because of location alone. Take into consideration that these places also may charge for parking, valet, etc.

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Wedding Budget StrategiesOlivia Leigh Photography at The Newberry Library

There are many decisions to consider and finding what is most important is the best way to help figure out where to splurge and where to be conservative. Please stay tuned for Part Two of Wedding Budget Strategies for the last five ways to help save you some moolah!

7 Wedding Mistakes to Avoid

7 Wedding Mistakes to Avoid

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7 Wedding Mistakes to Avoid

Even the smartest, most on-top-of-things couple can make mistakes during wedding planning. Here are the things you should keep an eye on before saying I do.

1. Budget, what budget?
If you have started planning your wedding, you know it can cost a lot of money. Many excited brides start booking wedding professionals and making purchases without having a real budget, and then they’re shocked to discover they’ve spent all of their money (or their parents’ money) and still don’t have half the things they need. Planning a wedding is serious business. Make a wedding budget and keep track of your expenses.

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7 Wedding Mistakes to Avoid

2. Ordering the bridesmaid or wedding dress too late
If you are not going to buy your wedding dress “off the rack,” then you need to place your gown order six to eight months prior to your wedding. Most gowns are made to order. If you wait too long before your wedding date to make your selection, you may risk the gown not arriving on time. Bridesmaid dresses should also be decided upon during the same time period, but only after your gown has been selected. You want to make sure your ladies have enough time to get measured and find accessories.

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7 Wedding Mistakes to Avoidvia Wedding Dress Blog

3. Booking hotel rooms too late
Reserve rooms as early as possible for your out of town guests. Begin your research up to a year in advance, and make sure your block is booked at the eight-month mark. Be sure to include hotel information in your save-the-date cards or invitations.

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7 Wedding Mistakes to Avoid

4. Inviting too many wedding guests
Make sure your guest list and your reception site capacity match up numbers-wise. You can’t invite 500 people assuming only 350 will accept. Analyze your guest list from the get-go, assume 80% will respond yes, and limit your guest list accordingly.

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7 Wedding Mistakes to Avoid

5. Not hiring wedding professionals.
Would you have a friend fix a plumbing problem? Of course not. You would want a professional plumber to come in and do the job right. Same goes for your wedding. You want professionals who do this for a living – wedding photographers, DJs, videographers, florists, wedding coordinators, etc. They have the experience and skills to help you have the wedding of your dreams. There are wedding professionals that fit every style and budget. Rely on them to keep you stress-free.

7 Wedding Mistakes to AvoidThe Smitten Bride – Personal Wedding Coordination

6. Rain or shine? Don’t ignore weather warnings.
Brides marrying outdoors often test fate and just wish for the best when it comes to bad weather. Always have a backup plan, or else you may not have a place to marry at all — or your guests (and you) may be in misery at the hands of Mother Nature. A hurricane, flashflood, or gale force winds may visit on your wedding day; make sure you have an interior alternative or a tent as a back-up location.

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7 Wedding Mistakes to AvoidLoudbyte Cinematography

7. Forgetting to focus on what’s important.
Keep in mind that you are getting married and starting a life together, not just planning a wedding. Brides, be good to your grooms. And grooms, be good to your brides! Some tension between the two of you (and among members of your family) is inevitable due to the sticky topics that weddings stir up, but don’t ever let things get out of control. Remember why you decided to take this leap in the first place!

7 Wedding Mistakes to AvoidYazy Jo Photography