Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting yet challenging journeys you’ll take. Whether you’re months away or just starting out, these 30 wedding planning tips will help you stay organised, reduce stress, and create a celebration that feels truly personal.

1. Finalise Your Guest List First

Before you look at venues or set a budget, sit down with your partner and immediate family to draft a guest list. The number of guests will impact almost every decision you make, from venue size to catering costs.

2. Check for Blackout Dates

Before booking anything, look into local events or public holidays that could affect traffic, accommodation, or vendor availability on your chosen date.

3. Hire a Wedding Planner (Even Just for a Little)

A planner can help you stay on track, avoid costly mistakes, and manage the details. Even if you don’t want full-service planning, consider hiring someone hourly for budget guidance or vendor recommendations.

4. Think About a Destination Wedding

Destination weddings can be less stressful logistically and double as a vacation for you and your guests. Plus, smaller guest lists are more common in destination weddings, helping reduce costs.

5. Tour the Venue Thoroughly

Always inspect the entire venue—including vendor access points and loading zones. A clean, well-managed back area reflects the venue’s attention to detail.

6. Always Have a Weather Plan B

Outdoor wedding? You’ll need a solid backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat. Also consider bugs, wind, and sunset times.

7. Use a Reward Credit Card

Take advantage of wedding expenses by using a credit card that offers points, miles or cashback. These rewards can go toward your honeymoon or future purchases.

8. Get Vendor Referrals

Trust your vendors—they’ve worked with other talented professionals and can often recommend trusted florists, DJs, or photographers.

9. Pick Vendors You Genuinely Like

Your vendor team should feel like friends. Choose people whose personalities match yours—you’ll be working closely with them.

10. Cut the Guest List to Cut Costs

Reducing your guest count is the quickest way to save money. Every head counts when it comes to food, drink, and space.

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11. Negotiate Before Signing Anything

Once you’re ready to book a vendor, ask if there’s any flexibility on pricing or included services. You may score a free extra hour or upgrade.

12. Personalise Your Day

Incorporate things you love as a couple—favourite foods, shared hobbies, or cultural traditions—to make your wedding uniquely yours.

13. Plan Vendor Meals Wisely

You’re expected to feed your vendors, but they don’t need the same lobster tail your guests are getting. Opt for hearty, more affordable options.

14. Stay Organised

Keep everything—contracts, receipts, mood boards—in one digital folder or binder. Consider using a dedicated email address just for wedding planning.

15. Bar Planning Matters

Have at least one bartender per 50 guests. If serving a signature drink, assign a server specifically for that to avoid delays.

16. Budget for Unexpected Costs

Set aside 5–10% of your budget for last-minute expenses—like extra tailoring, umbrellas for rain, or printing re-done invites.

17. Be Honest With Vendors

Good vendors will help make your ideas work within your budget. Be open about what you want and where you’re willing to compromise.

18. Embrace Colour and Texture

Add visual interest with bold colours, patterns, or textures. Fabrics like velvet or silk, and creative floral choices, can make your event feel luxe and unique.

19. Be Flexible With Dates

Weddings on Fridays or Sundays often cost less than Saturdays. Booking late can also give you bargaining power.

20. Weigh Your Invitations Properly

If you’re mailing fancy invitations, make sure they don’t require extra postage. Order your stamps early and weigh everything to avoid returns.

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21. Lighting Can Transform a Space

Use lighting creatively to enhance the mood—string lights, lanterns, or uplighting can take a plain space to magical.

22. Keep Stationery Consistent

Ordering all your paper goods—invites, menus, place cards—from the same source helps keep fonts and colours matching.

23. Expect Some Declines

Typically, 10–20% of invitees won’t attend. Destination weddings may have even higher decline rates.

24. Set a Clear Kids Policy

Decide upfront if kids are invited, and stick to it. Be consistent to avoid awkward conversations.

25. Use a Priority Guest List

Categorise your guest list by importance. If you need to cut, start from the bottom.

26. Follow a Logical Timeline

Don’t book vendors before confirming your date and venue. Follow a clear order to prevent having to backtrack.

27. Manage Plus-Ones Thoughtfully

If your space or budget is tight, limit plus-ones to serious relationships or engaged couples.

28. Reserve Hotel Blocks Early

Book hotel blocks as soon as you have a date and venue. Choose a range of price points, and avoid contracts with harsh cancellation penalties.

29. Provide Accurate Directions

Don’t just rely on Google Maps—test the route yourself and provide clear directions to avoid confusion for guests.

30. Trust Your Vendors

You hired professionals—let them do their thing. Giving your florist or photographer creative freedom often leads to the best results.

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