As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many couples find themselves not only celebrating a new year but also stepping into a pivotal phase of their wedding planning journey. Whether you're newly engaged or in the midst of finalizing details, the New Year is the perfect time to set resolutions that will help you plan and enjoy your wedding with ease and joy. These 10 tips are designed to inspire and guide you as you navigate the exciting road ahead.
1. Commit to Open and Honest Communication
One of the most important resolutions you can make as a couple is to prioritize clear and open communication. Wedding planning can bring about stress, differing opinions, and pressure, but maintaining a strong dialogue about your goals, expectations, and concerns will help prevent misunderstandings. Set aside regular time to check in with each other - whether it's a weekly catch-up or a quick chat over coffee. You both deserve to feel heard and understood throughout the planning process.
2. Create a Budget and Stick to It (But Be Flexible)
Weddings can get expensive quickly, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of it all. One of the best ways to avoid unnecessary stress is to commit to creating a realistic wedding budget and sticking to it. "The first step should be to establish a clear budget. Knowing your financial limits allows you to prioritize more easily," says Emily Horwitz of EH Photography. Break down your expenses into categories and try to anticipate costs before they arise. However, remember that life is unpredictable, so build in a little flexibility. Agree to make thoughtful compromises if you need to adjust your budget during the planning process. Setting a clear budget from the beginning will help you both stay aligned financially.
3. Understand the Roles of Your Vendors and Delegate Wisely
Wedding planning involves many moving parts, so it’s essential to understand how each vendor contributes to your big day. "One key player in ensuring a smooth event and a beautiful aesthetic is a wedding planner. However, it’s important to note that not all wedding planners also specialize in wedding design. If a polished aesthetic is a priority for you, it’s essential to hire a planner who specializes in creative design, or to hire both a planner and a separate designer," advises Kayla Kudo of Enchantment Resort. Once you know what each vendor brings to the table, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to trusted family members or friends to help with smaller details, such as addressing invitations or managing RSVP lists. Don’t feel guilty about leaning on others - your loved ones are likely eager to support you. Delegating allows you to stay focused on the big picture and enjoy the process more.
4. Avoid the Buffet Effect
When it comes to wedding planning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by an endless array of options—a phenomenon known as the “buffet effect.” Nia Alexander of True Society, Peoria & Mesa, explains, “Having an abundance of choices can detract from the quality of your experience and leave you feeling stressed. Whether picking a venue, menu, or of course, your dress, avoid the buffet effect.”
To combat this, Alexander emphasizes the importance of thoughtful preparation. “For example, when deciding where to go to find your dress, there’s no need to visit multiple boutiques. Doing research beforehand can help brides identify which boutiques cater to their specific needs and desires. This allows them to enjoy finding ‘the one’ rather than feeling overwhelmed by too many options and decisions. It’s not about quantity - it’s about quality.” By narrowing your focus and doing your homework, you can make confident choices and truly savor the planning experience, ensuring it’s as enjoyable as the celebration itself.
5. Prioritize Your Relationship Time
Wedding planning can get hectic, but remember that having fun is just as important as checking off items on your to-do list! “To make the experience more enjoyable, include your partner in the planning process,” advises Emily Horwitz of EH Photography. "Consider turning vendor appointments into mini-dates: go out for lunch or toast your progress with your favorite drink afterward." This not only strengthens your bond but also helps you stay present and connected amidst the whirlwind of decisions and logistics. Make time for activities that bring you joy, like enjoying a quiet evening together, taking a walk, or revisiting the place where you got engaged. By prioritizing fun and connection, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the wedding planning process and each other’s company.
6. Focus on What Matters Most to You Both
Wedding planning can quickly become overwhelming with all the opinions, Pinterest boards, and expectations from others. “When planning your big day, think about what’s important to you and your partner and base your decisions on that,” advises Tania Robert of Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club. “It’s ok if it doesn’t match what is normally done; at the end of the day, it is your wedding day, and you will remember it for the rest of your lives together.” Whether it’s your dream venue, a specific type of ceremony, or incorporating quirky inside jokes or cultural traditions, prioritize the elements that reflect your relationship. Let go of the pressure to please everyone - your wedding is about celebrating your love, and that’s what will make it truly special.
7. Let Go of Perfectionism & Embrace Imperfection
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of a perfectly executed day, but weddings are often filled with little imperfections that make them memorable. This year, resolve to embrace the idea that things may not go exactly as planned - and that’s okay! Whether it’s a flower mishap, a weather forecast turned gloom, or a vendor delay, focus on the reason why you're celebrating, rather than striving for perfection. Your wedding will be perfect in its own way regardless of any unexpected hiccups, changes in plans, or imperfections that may arise along the way.
8. Celebrate Small Milestones Along the Way
Wedding planning can be a long and sometimes overwhelming journey, so it’s important to celebrate the little victories along the way. Whether you finalize your guest list, pick out your wedding dress, or lock down the perfect photographer, take time to acknowledge these milestones as a couple. This will help you feel accomplished and remind you of the progress you’re making. Remember that every small step is moving you closer to your big day!
9. Invest in the Memories
As you plan your wedding, prioritize elements that will stand the test of time and hold sentimental value. "Invest in the memories," advises Nia Alexander of True Society, Peoria & Mesa. "Your dress/tux, venue, and photos are all things that, 50+ years from now, the bride and groom will reflect and look back on in their pictures. Therefore, invest in them."
10. Don’t Lose Sight of the Bigger Picture
While wedding planning is exciting, it’s essential to remember that your wedding is just one day, but your marriage lasts a lifetime. “Most of all, enjoy the wedding planning process with your partner. You only get to make these memories once,” advises Tania Robert of Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club. Resolve to focus on building a strong foundation for your future together. Keep the lines of communication open, tackle challenges as a team, and savor the moments of joy that come with planning your wedding. If you stay grounded in your relationship, the wedding planning process will be much more enjoyable, and the wedding itself will be a beautiful reflection of your partnership.
As you set your intentions for 2025, let these resolutions guide you in your wedding planning journey. Here’s to a new year filled with love, joy, and meaningful moments!
Photo courtesy of Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club
Main Photo by EH Photography
