Libby’s top 5 tips to ensure a stress-free planning process for your wedding

1) Establish your budget

This is the most important point when it comes to events and specifically weddings. Some may have

been saving since they were little, some may have been saving and then started a family instead,

and some may find their true love today and plan a wedding for the weekend. We are all at different

stages of our life and financial life.

The biggest key is to establish what you can actually afford between yourselves. Don’t worry about

what your family may contribute. What can you afford and what do you think is reasonable for your

financial status? Don’t feel you MUST spend hundreds of thousands because your best friend did, or

your Mum and Dad did. Things are expensive in 2022 and you need to be realistic. Everything comes

with a price, so steer clear of extra bits you do not need. If your family contributes, fan-bloody-tastic

but don’t bank on it, just in case!

The second biggest point is you and your partners non-negotiable items i.e., photographer, venue,

music etc. These are usually the big-ticket items to establish straight off the bat so you can share the

same vision. This will usually include some of the most expensive vendors too but also where your

money should be spent.

2) Get yourself on Pinterest, immediately.

This ties back to having the same vision, Pinterest is underrated gold mind for inspiration and vision

planning. Create a free board on the app, share it with your partner and you can pin what your like

to create the vibe. Think food, table décor, lighting, dream venues, diy tips, wedding dress and attire.

You name it, it’s there and I can guarantee your vision will start to take place.

3) Lock in Key vendors first: photographer & videographer, venue.

Once you have established your budget and you have a shared vision, lock in your key vendors (big-

ticket items) as soon as you can to make sure you lock them in for your date. Chances are they are

probably very popular and will book out quick! Pay your deposits and chip away in installments to

keep on top of it.

Venue Tip – ask questions like, can you host ceremonies on site as well as reception, capacity,

bathrooms, water access, undercover or wet weather backup plan, can I have candles or fire pits,

and always go back to them with any questions if you have some after leaving a viewing, it can be

overwhelming!

4) The Vibe - Food, Drinks, Music

Something to finalize closer to the date but also something to figure out when establishing your non

negotiables. Pro tip is to serve food and drinks at the same time, so you keep everyone fed as well

and hydrated. Try to avoid serving drinks without food, big no no. another pro tip is to bring out

something non-traditional closer to the finish to eat and soak up the (ahem - alcohol), like a cheeseburger or a toastie, you’ll be forever thanked and remembered for it!

Music is absolutely crucial and can quickly change the whole vibe with one song. Make sure you are

clear with your DJ or Band as to what you want, when you want it and how it should be played. Do

not have breaks in music (unless it’s a band finishing a song, different story), make sure you DJ has

hours prepared and mixes them together so there’s no lulls in music.

5) Enjoy the Process!

If you find yourself overly stressed or feeling negative about the planning, it might be due to a few

things;

A) you’re trying to please everyone even though it’s a day for you and your partner to celebrate your

love, this expectation can WEIGH YOU DOWN! Take a moment to address these areas and come to a

mutual ground! They may not even realize it’s affecting you and had the ability to completely change

your approach.

B) you’ve taken on more than you can physically and mentally handle. They’re called wedding

planner for a reason! You can enlist a planner from 8 weeks out all the way to 24 months out to

help. They will assist, direct, and manage as much as you need or ever take it all off your hands for a

while. Speak to a pro and let them take the stress (that’s our job too!). You may also be lucky enough

to work with someone like this through your venue! Discuss with the Event Manager to see where

their expertise can help you.

C) you’re going in totally blind, which to be honest, most of us are unless we’ve done it before, but

even then, things have dramatically changed! Unless you have established the above 4 points, you

will have no idea what you want, how much things can cost and where to spend your hard-earned

cash! Establish the above, set boundaries for where you’ll save and spend otherwise you can very

easily become overwhelmed with areas that frankly, you don’t even need to worry about!

D) all of the above, if you are faced with all of the above issues, its time to bring in the big guns. The

Family. But firstly, your partner; they may not be as involved in the planning process as you would

like them to be, TELL THEM! This is a wedding for 2 people, and it takes an army to plan, not just

little old you! Talk it out and d-e-l-e-g-a-t-e! From there you can pass on tasks to close family

members, bridal party and vendors your have hired to help out. Secondly, communication is key

with everyone – the more information the merrier, don’t feel that any question is a silly question

because it’s not and if your made to feel that way, get rid of that person and their negativity and

carry on.

Love Letter by Libby

Events Manager | The Line