top of page

6 Things I Wish Someone Told Me about Wedding Planning


Purple and Ivory Bridal bouquet - Rick Aguilar Photography - Wedicity - Chicago IL

Your wedding day is one of the most important milestones in your life—a day filled with love, excitement, and the start of a new chapter. It's only natural that couples put so much time and effort into making it unforgettable. But with great anticipation often comes the stress of planning. What if things don’t go as expected? How do you manage the endless decisions?


We’ve gathered insights from real couples who’ve been through the journey, sharing the things they wish someone had told them before they started planning. Here are six essential tips to help you stay organized, stress-free, and ensure your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of!


1. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Let’s start with the backbone of wedding planning—your budget. One of the first things every couple should do is sit down with family members and your partner to set a realistic budget. Weddings can quickly become expensive, and without a clear budget, it's easy for costs to spiral out of control. Whether you're working with a modest or more generous amount, it’s important to determine what’s available and where the funds are coming from early in the planning process.


Communicate with family members or others who may be contributing financially to the big day, and set boundaries and expectations. Once you’ve set your budget, talk to your wedding planner for a realistic outlook on pricing based on your location and preferences. Your planner can guide you on how to allocate your funds and help you find vendors that align with your style and financial plan.


Pro-Tip: Always leave some wiggle room in your budget for those last-minute expenses or gratuities that tend to pop up unexpectedly!

Chicago Theatre Wedding Photo Idea - Rick Aguilar Photography - Wedicity - Chicago IL

2. Delegate Tasks: Don’t Do It All Alone

Planning a wedding is a monumental task with endless details to manage. While you may be tempted to take on everything yourself, it’s crucial to delegate tasks to avoid overwhelm. The good news? You likely have a support team of family members, friends, and your wedding party ready and willing to help.


Get your in-laws involved by asking them to help with gathering addresses or finalizing guest lists. Your bridesmaids or groomsmen can assist with assembling welcome bags or putting together DIY decorations.


Even small tasks, like someone handling song suggestions for the DJ, can alleviate some of the stress. Don’t hesitate to rely on your vendors too! From musicians offering song recommendations to your planner walking you through tiny details, remember that you hired professionals for a reason—trust their expertise.


Light Blue Bridesmaids Dresses at Buckingham Fountain - Chicago - Wedicity Wedding Planning - Photography by Lauryn

3. Accept That Things May Not Go as Planned—And That’s Okay

Here's the reality: Not everything will go exactly as planned, but that’s perfectly okay. Unexpected delays, unforeseen weather changes, or minor mishaps may happen, but it’s important not to let these stressors ruin your day.


Remember, this day is about marrying your best friend. If you end up saying “I do,” then the day is already a success! Trust your vendors—they’ve likely handled unexpected situations before and are there to help navigate any challenges. So, take a deep breath, let go of perfection, and focus on what truly matters—the love you’re celebrating.


Boho Bride and Groom at Lacuna Lofts Rooftop - Indigo & Lace Collective - Wedicity Wedding Planning

4. Keep Some WEDDING PLANNING Decisions to Yourself

Everyone loves giving wedding advice, but too much input can become overwhelming. While well-meaning family and friends might offer opinions on every detail, remember that this is your day. It’s okay to seek advice on certain aspects, but not every decision needs to be a group effort.


Feel free to keep some details between you and your partner until the big day arrives. This ensures that your vision remains intact and minimizes potential stress from outside opinions. Ultimately, the final decisions should reflect what you and your partner want—not what others expect.


Brides in front of the Board of Trade Building in Chicago - Life on Prints Photography - Wedicity Wedding Day Detailing

5. Prioritize What Matters Most

Weddings come with endless options, and it’s easy to get carried away with wanting it all. However, the key to staying within budget and creating a meaningful event is prioritization. Sit down with your partner and decide what aspects of the wedding are most important to both of you. Is it the venue? The food? The entertainment?


By creating a list of priorities, you’ll know where to allocate more of your budget and where to cut back on less essential items. For instance, if you’re more excited about an epic dance party than extravagant flowers, it’s okay to invest in the DJ while keeping the florals simple.


Wedding Rings - Hazel Skye Photography - Wedicity Wedding Planning

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Keep the Guest List Intimate

One of the most challenging aspects of wedding planning is finalizing the guest list. It’s easy to feel pressured to invite everyone you know, but that can quickly drive up costs and create unnecessary stress. Don’t be afraid to keep your guest list small and intimate if that’s what feels right for you.


Set a clear RSVP deadline and stick to it, ensuring that you only invite those who truly matter to you. You can also limit plus ones or make them available only to family members. Remember, this day is about celebrating your love, so surround yourself with people who bring joy to your life.


Wedding Invitations at Lacuna Lofts - Indigo & Lace Collective - Wedicity Wedding Planning
Wedding Invitations at Lacuna Lofts - Indigo & Lace Collective - Wedicity Wedding Planning

Final Thoughts: Learn and Enjoy the Process

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful if you keep these tips in mind. By setting clear boundaries, delegating tasks, and focusing on what truly matters to you and your partner, you can create a celebration that reflects your love and commitment. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so savor the process, trust your instincts, and enjoy every moment.


Ultimately, your wedding day is about you and your partner—everything else is just icing on the (wedding) cake!


Alex Morrison



Author Bio:


Alex Morrison has worked with various industries, gaining a wealth of knowledge in sectors such as carpet cleaning, financial services, and healthcare. As the owner of Integral Media, Alex now utilizes his experience to help businesses achieve their goals and grow their online presence.








Photo Credits:

**In order as shown:

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page