As some of you may know, I am getting married in what is now only a matter of months. And, I have to say that the process so far has not seen me become flustered, panic stricken, stressed or feeling over whelmed.

So, in today’s post I thought I would share a few of my own wedding planning tips and hacks that will help to make planning your day as plain sailing and stress free as possible!

Wedding Planning Tip Number 1

Create a ‘Wedding Inspiration’ board

This will help you to begin juggling ideas of locations / themes and how you envisage your big day. You can either do this online via Pinterest – which is great for wedding inspiration – or by physically cutting out and sticking together images you have printed out or from bridal magazines.

You can even create separate boards for each task at hand from dresses to bridal makeup, venues, table decorations, invitations and bridal make-up / hair styles etc.

Wedding Planning Tip Number 2

Who Do You Want To Invite?

Before starting to look at venues, it is a good idea to think about who you want to be there on your special day. This will help eliminate or add venues for you to look at.

For example. If you are after a small intimate wedding with a handful of people. There are a number of unique and magical venues that only hold up to 30-50 people. Which, will not be worth looking at if you want 100+ there with you in the evening or throughout the day.

Also, it is important you invite who you want and not who you think you have to. This is your wedding day, so it is one of the times that you can be selfish, in this respect.

Wedding Planning Tip Number 3

What is your budget?

Again, like the tip above. It is a good idea to work out your budget before looking at venues and wedding options. For example. If you are working on a budget of £10,000 you may not be able to afford one of your dream locations that costs £6,000 alone to just hire only the venue.

As sadly, you probably won’t get catering, entertainment, food, cutlery, a wedding cake, a wedding dress, flowers and everything else that comes with a wedding for £4,000 (depending how  many people you invite).

However, saying that. This budget can be done. But knowing how much you have to spend will again eliminate venues and suppliers from your contact list.

Wedding Planning Tip Number 4

Why not get married abroad?

If you are looking for your dream wedding on a budget, you will probably find that you can have the wedding you want on your budget abroad.

Oversea’s weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Not only do you get guaranteed sunshine and pretty backdrops for your photos (depending on where you get married abroad of course). You will also get a holiday at the same time.

From package weddings through Caribbean hotels to dedicated groups who deal with wedding planning via supplies and venues separately. Don’t rule out a wedding abroad.

You can read my wedding venue post from Santorini here.

Wedding Planning Tip Number 5

Try that wedding dress 2-3 times.

I think that when you find your dress. You will know. I went to 5-6 different wedding boutiques (maybe even 7) and tried on an array of designers and styles. Until, I found the one. Which was the only dress I walked out wearing a smile with. The rest were all just ‘OK’ to me.

But, after finding my perfect dress, I still went to try a similar style and my dress a further 2 times to make sure I was making the right decision. Even though I have seen other dresses in passing since. Still nothing compares to mine. So I know I made the right choice.

Wedding Planning Tip Number 6

Can you DIY it?

Again, to build your dream wedding on a specific budget, why not look to DIY some elements of your special day?

This could be from creating your own place names, to the table centre pieces or flowers. With gathering inspiration from Pinterest (as mentioned above). There are also many wedding blogs that will show you how to create DIY wedding elements yourself.

It could just help free up that extra money to get your dream band or wedding dress.

Wedding Planning Tip Number 7

Set a colour theme to suit your venue / seasonality

When thinking of what colours you would like at your wedding (which I would suggest to carry through from your bridesmaids to the best man, table settings, flowers and even your invitations). You want to pick a colour that matches your theme / venue and time of year you are getting married.

For example. If you are getting married in December, a number of venues may already have festive floral arrangements. Which, not only could save money on your  big day. But, if these are mainly red, then you may want to look at a colour scheme that incorporates red, or non clashing colours with it. As a colour commonly associated with love or lust – this article will tell you the difference between love and lust, although if you are nearly a Mrs it is obviously the former (or both!).

James and I have decided to go for a white and navy / blue theme, as we are getting married in the sun by the sea. So everything from our chair ties, to bridesmaid dresses, flowers etc will be in this theme / colour scheme and our invitations will be like airplane tickets!

Wedding Planning Tip Number 8

Try a Wedding Trade Fare / Show For Contacts and Inspiration

Trade shows are a great way to meet local suppliers (should you be getting married locally, or in the area). It also is an opportunity to gain inspiration for your big day (should you be getting married abroad or already secured your location / dress etc)

The other weekend I attended Bride – The Bridal Show at Tatton Park, Cheshire. Which is where the photos in today’s post feature from. Who also run Bridal events up an down the country.

Despite being engaged well over a year and already have my dress and venue sorted, this was the first wedding show / fare I had been to. Personally I attended to kick start contacts for my Fiance to start looking for his and his best men’s outfits for the day. Alongside finding some accessories for myself.

I can see why so many of these events are put on to help newly engaged couples decide what type of venue they want from location to dresses, table settings, cakes, entertainment, photographers and make-up. So if you are freshly engaged, or yet to make any firm wedding plans. I would definitely recommend looking for trade / wedding shows in your area / where you are getting married.

So those of my top 8 wedding tips and hacks from a very soon to be bride!

If you are engaged, or soon to be, I hope my wedding planning tips / hacks have been helpful! If you have any additional questions, feel free to pop them in the comments below.