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Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

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Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

During the time of the pandemic, couples made the best of smaller weddings out of necessity. Then, extravagant weddings filled with entertainment, experiences, and desserts galore came next. While both of those weddings can be equally meaningful and special, we propose another option: simplicity. Here are the main areas of wedding planning you can simplify to keep your wedding planning stress-free.

Bachelorette/Bachelor Party

While elaborate vacations are fun, they are not necessary to have a great time. The most important element is not the location; it’s the people you are with! As a result, you should put extra thought into the guest list. Only invite those who you enjoy spending time with! Inviting people you don’t enjoy being around is a recipe for a bachelor/bachelorette party disaster. Once you determine the list, it’s important to choose a date on which you know they can come. Send a survey to your closest and best with two or three date ideas. Then spend the decided date having fun with your friends locally. You could go to your favorite restaurants or bars or hang out all day at your house watching Netflix. Whatever you do, do it with your favorite people and it’s sure to be a special day you’ll never forget.

Guest List

The guest list is easily the most stressful aspect of planning a wedding. That being said, your marriage is still valid whether you have ten people or 300. Once you have your allotted guest number that fits your budget, focus on ease. If going through and cutting people you are close to off the guest list stresses you out, then have a bigger wedding. Remember, we are focusing on simplicity, therefore less stress. Simple doesn’t have to mean small. However; if having a huge party stresses you out, have a small wedding. There is nothing wrong with keeping such a special day more intimate if that’s what feels best to you. People will have dissenting opinions no matter what you do, so take the stress out of it and stick with what simple means to you.

Guest list simple

Photo: MBD Wedding Photography, Venue: Heritage Prairie Farm, Wedding: Fatima and Nolan

Décor

We all can recognize the beauty of elaborate candelabras and giant floral arches everywhere, but there is also so much beauty in simplicity. The easiest way to simplify your wedding décor is to go to the venue and take a mental list of their existing décor, lighting, and color schemes first before you start buying décor. You may not have to decorate much if they already have a beautiful, standard setup. Instead of having details everywhere, think about where you want people’s eyes to go. Do you want them looking at each other at their tables? Choose lower, simple centerpieces. Do you want their eyes on you the whole night? Dress up the sweetheart table while keeping the rest of the venue more simple. If your venue has a bold color scheme already, use soft, simple colors and less ornate décor.

Simple wedding decor

Photo: MBD Wedding Photography, Venue: Riverside Receptions, Wedding: Missy and Dan

We hope these ideas will help you simplify your wedding planning and take the focus from the details and put it back on to getting married. The more you can simplify, the less stressful your wedding planning will be and the more meaningful your wedding can be. Happy Planning! Share this blog post with a friend who is beginning their wedding planning. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Engaged Do's and Dont's Couple

Wedding Planning Do’s and Don’ts

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Wedding Planning Do’s And Don’ts

Congratulations on your recent engagement! In the age of the internet you have endless options for wedding planning advice. That being said, before you search all over for different topics; we’ll make it simple for you. While wedding planning can be undoubtedly stressful, we can help with some wedding planning do’s and don’ts to avoid common unnecessary bumps in the road.

Do’s

1.) Get your engagement ring insured.

Could you imagine losing the most treasured, expensive piece of jewelry you’ve ever owned? You would be heartbroken, your fiance may puke. Let’s avoid that by ensuring your engagement ring is covered by an insurance policy just in case something happens to it. Better safe than sorry with such a meaningful piece of jewelry.

2.) Take time to enjoy your engagement before rushing into wedding planning.

It is so stereotypical to say this, but it’s true. “Slow down and soak this time in. It goes by so fast!” Soak in your engaged bliss by sharing the story with your loved ones. Or you could have a Zoom or in person celebration. Go on celebratory, “We’re engaged!” dates. As long as you give yourself a year to plan your wedding you are just fine. Remember you choose the date anyway, so enjoy it!

3.) Day dream and gather ideas and inspiration early.

Without putting pressure on yourself (because, remember, we are not rushing) look up different wedding colors, venues, and attire. Gather pretty ideas of inspiration so when you get planning you already have a starting point. Colors and photos of inspiration from bridal magazines or online blogs are great places to start. The options are endless, so best to narrow it down early.

Don’ts

1,) Ask for too many opinions.

This one always ends up becoming an issue for everyone. It’s great to talk about your plans with your loved ones, but remember the more opinions you open the door for, the more you will receive. Well-meaning relatives and friends often share their excitement for you by giving you wedding opinions and advice. Even then, you do not have to take that advice. Remember, it is your wedding. Trust you gut! At at the end of the day, those who matter will be so happy for you and the details will be forgotten.

2.) Plan a wedding you can’t afford.

We all love looking at dreamy online wedding photos. However, what you cannot tell by looking at the photos is the cost of that extravagant wedding. Some wedding dress photos on Pinterest, for example, will say they cost $900, when they actually costs over $3,000. Remember, don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Photos are great for inspiration, not always your budget. Even so, there are ways to achieve the same aesthetic in a budget friendly way. Websites like Oriental Trading and Amazon are great for inexpensive wedding decorations.

3.) Forget to keep your wedding day in perspective.

Your wedding day is sure to be one of the most memorable, exciting days of your lives! Nevertheless, don’t forget a wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime. Continue dating each other just as you did before you were engaged. The wedding planning process can bring ups and downs. Hold close to each other, supportive friends, and family to help you keep small inconveniences and stresses in perspective. At the end of the day, you get to marry the love of your life. And, truly, The Beatles had it right when they said, “All You Need Is Love.”

We hope these quick and easy wedding planning do’s and don’ts help you avoid wedding planning mishaps. There are so many positive experiences you have while planning your wedding. Apply these great tips and it’ll be easier to focus on the good and lessen your wedding planning stress. Happy Planning!

wedding planning self-care

Wedding Planning Self Care

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Wedding Planning Self-Care

Some weddings go as planned. Other wedding planning processes have several bumps on the way. While we cannot change whether storms come your way, we can learn to handle them in a healthier way. Here are three wedding planning self-care tips.

The first self-care gift you can give yourself is perspective.

A wedding is an incredibly special event in life. That is why when things go awry, or not as planned, couples get upset. That being said, it is incredibly important to be aware that having a beautiful wedding is a privilege many people do not get to have. So when things go wrong, give yourself a moment to feel your feelings. We all have those moments.

Then, put it in perspective! There are people who do not have anyone to love them. There are people who do not have a home, or food to eat. When you put your wedding planning problems in perspective you will realize how small those things really are. We all can get stuck in our feelings. But we need to remember there is a difference between a disaster and a mild inconvenience. Remember, words are powerful. It’s like your mom told you when you were little swimming at the pool. Don’t yell, “Help!” unless you need it. The same goes for wedding planning bumps. Don’t call it a disaster if it isn’t one. It’s a psychological trick so you can calm your brain and problem solve.

The next self-care practice you can do for yourself is to take action.

Maybe one of your bridesmaids gets a new job and can’t come to your wedding. Potentially your favorite wedding photographer is unavailable. Perhaps you have to change your date. Whatever your bump in the road is; analyze your options, then take action. If a bridesmaid can’t be there, of course it’s sad. But there are no rules saying the bridal party sides have to be even. If that’s the worst thing to happen, you’re doing great! If your favorite vendor is unavailable, ask around your other vendors and friends. Someone will have a great recommendation you will be happy with.

And lastly, here’s the big one: your date has to change because of a natural disaster, act of God, or venue conflict. Think of options: Option #1- You get married at the courthouse or elope. Option #2- You get married at the courthouse and have your big wedding with everyone you want there, church and reception at a later date. Option #3- You postpone your wedding ceremony and all for a different date so you can have the day you imagined. Those are only a few ideas for options. I’m sure you can come up with many. See! Think of your actions and act! Don’t sit in the yuck! Strategize and make the next best decision one decision at at time.

Do not let wedding planning take over your life.

Take your wedding planning one task at a time. You have to protect  your sanity. The first way to do this is delegating tasks to your, eager to help, nearest and dearest. One of the useful aspects of having a bridal party is more hands to help. Your family might be willing to help too. Odds are, everyone will be happy to help you. It is humanly impossible to do it all on your own. Ask for help!

The next way to not let wedding planning take over your life is by taking breaks. We all need a mental break every time and again. You can designate one or two days a week to do your wedding planning. Designate a time limit too so you don’t get burned out.

And lastly, have some alone time with your fiance! Continuously reconnect so you both don’t forget what you are doing all this planning for. Date nights don’t have to be expensive! A little cuddling on the couch goes a long way. Above all else; it is important you keep your relationship a priority. A wedding day is one day. A marriage is a lifetime!



Did you find this tips helpful? Do you need more wedding planning tips and advice? Check out the Chicago Wedding Blog posts below!

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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!