Make Wedding Planning A Fun, Creative Adventure

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it can also be a lot of fun. One way to make it enjoyable is to delegate tasks to family and friends, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of wedding planning. It's also important to set a budget and stick to it, using spreadsheets to keep track of expenses and tasks. Celebrating each milestone, such as finding the perfect dress or finalising the guest list, can make the process more fun. Regular date nights without wedding talk and booking a photographer early on can also help to keep the excitement alive.

Delegate tasks to family and friends

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it should also be fun! One way to make it more enjoyable is to delegate tasks to family and friends. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:

Be Open to Help

It's easy to become fixated on doing everything yourself, but the more tasks you can delegate to others, the better. Your family and in-laws will likely want to be involved in the planning process, so it's a good idea to map out the different tasks that need to be done and assign them to people who you think will do a good job. This will not only make your life easier but also keep everyone happy and involved.

Choose the Right Tasks to Delegate

Not all tasks are created equal. When delegating, it's important to match the task to the person's strengths and interests. For example, if your sister is an excellent baker with an eye for detail, you could ask her to be in charge of the wedding cake. Or, if you have a friend who is great at planning and organising, you could ask them to help with creating a master schedule for the wedding day.

Provide Clear Instructions

When delegating tasks, be sure to give clear instructions and expectations. Let them know what needs to be done, when it needs to be completed, and any other relevant details. It can also be helpful to check in with them periodically to see how things are progressing and offer support if needed.

Ask for Help with the Small Things

It's not just the big tasks that can be delegated. Even small tasks, like addressing invitations or putting together favour bags, can take up a lot of time. Don't be afraid to ask for help with these smaller tasks—your friends and family will likely be happy to lend a hand.

Be Grateful and Show Your Appreciation

Remember to express your gratitude to those who have helped you with the wedding planning. It's important to recognise their efforts and let them know how much you appreciate their contribution. This will not only make them feel valued but also strengthen your relationships.

Keep Track of Tasks

Stay organised by keeping a master list of all the tasks that have been delegated and who is responsible for each one. This will help you stay on top of everything and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. It can also be helpful to set reminders for yourself to follow up with people and ensure that tasks are on track.

Celebrate each milestone

Celebrating each milestone is a great way to make wedding planning fun. Here are some ideas on how to do that:

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Celebrating a milestone like setting a budget can be fun because it means you're one step closer to making your dream wedding a reality. It can be exciting to allocate funds for different aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, food, beverage, flowers, stationery, and favours. It's important to be realistic and flexible with your budget, leaving some room for unexpected costs. This step also involves open and honest conversations with your partner and families, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Delegate Tasks and Celebrate Progress

Another way to celebrate milestones is to break down the wedding planning process into manageable tasks and delegate them to your support system. This could include your partner, family members, bridal party, or friends. By involving others, you can share the joy of planning and take some of the burdens off your shoulders. Celebrate each completed task and the progress you're making towards your dream wedding.

Utilise Spreadsheets and Checklists

Using spreadsheets, checklists, and timelines can be a fun and organised way to track your progress. Create a comprehensive wedding planning checklist with tasks, deadlines, and budgets. As you complete each task, tick it off your list and celebrate your accomplishments. This will help you stay focused, organised, and excited about your wedding plans.

Pick Out the Attire

Shopping for wedding attire is definitely a fun milestone to celebrate. Bring your best friends or bridal party along to share in the experience. Make a weekend out of it, trying on different dresses or suits and visualising your dream wedding look. It's a chance to bond with your loved ones and create lasting memories.

Personalise Your Wedding

Adding personal touches to your wedding is a fun way to celebrate your milestones. Instead of traditional table numbers, get creative and name each table after a type of wine or your favourite vacation spots. Serve miniature versions of your favourite foods as appetizers during cocktail hour. These unique touches will make your wedding day even more special and memorable.

Plan a regular date night

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but it's important to remember to take time for yourself and your partner. Regular date nights can be a great way to reconnect and de-stress. Here are some tips to plan a regular date night while wedding planning:

Understand the Importance of Date Night

Date nights are a way for couples to take time out from their busy lives and reconnect with each other. It's an opportunity to communicate, have fun, and keep the romance alive. Regular date nights can also help strengthen the bond between partners and affirm the value of their relationship.

Define the Purpose of Date Night

Before planning your date nights, it's important to have a conversation with your partner about why you want to incorporate this into your routine. Explain that you want to make an effort to spend quality time together outside of your usual routine and that you believe it will benefit your connection and marriage.

Discuss Expectations

It's crucial to talk about what you both want to get out of your date nights. Be clear about your expectations to avoid disappointment. For example, if one partner is expecting a romantic evening while the other is thinking of a casual night in, there might be a mismatch. Find a compromise that works for both of you and take turns planning the dates to ensure that both your needs are met.

Determine Frequency and Convenience

Decide on how often you want to have date nights. Weekly dates can be a great way to establish a routine, but they can also create pressure, especially if they always involve going out. Consider alternating between dates out and dates at home to make it more manageable. The key is to find a frequency that works for both of you and fits your schedule and budget.

Lock Date Night in Your Calendar

Once you've decided on the frequency, mark the dates in your calendar. If you're doing weekly dates, choose a specific day of the week. For monthly dates, plan them for the same weekend each month to avoid double-booking or forgetting.

Set a Budget

Discuss how much money you want to allocate for date nights. Be flexible and balance your dates between free or inexpensive activities and more luxurious experiences. Communication is key to ensure that both partners are happy with the budget.

Brainstorm Activities

The possibilities for date night activities are endless! Take turns planning the evenings to keep things exciting and mix things up to avoid falling into a routine. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Plan a slow food picnic and spend quality time preparing and enjoying locally sourced foods.
• Go dancing and choose a spot that plays your favourite tunes, or try something completely new.
• Take a pottery-making class together and recreate the iconic scene from the movie "Ghost".
• Visit an amusement park and share the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster ride.
• Go horseback riding and ride off into the sunset together.
• Have a dinner date night at a quiet, romantic restaurant, or cook something new at home paired with a good bottle of wine. Don't forget to dress up, even if you're dining in!
• See a comedy show—laughter is the best medicine and can help strengthen your bond.
• Plan a weekend getaway or a staycation and recharge your relationship.
• Take a wine-tasting tour and visit local wineries or wine bars in your area.
• Relive your first date and go back to the restaurant or coffee shop where it all began.
• Start a new tradition, such as taking a selfie each year to add to your wedding album.
• Book a helicopter ride for a special anniversary date—it's sure to be an unforgettable experience!
• Go to a drive-in movie and enjoy a classic movie-going experience with a twist.
• Frame your favourite photos together and give new life to old frames from thrift stores.
• Go apple picking and then head home to make a pie together.
• Visit a Christmas tree farm and make it an annual tradition.
• Do a food truck tour and support local entrepreneurs while enjoying a variety of tasty treats.
• Plan a scavenger hunt for your partner or create one together to spice things up.
• Take an aerial yoga class and challenge yourselves to try something new.
• Learn to trapeze and experience the thrill of swinging through the air together.
• Take a dance class and improve your communication and non-verbal connection.
• Host a game night and invite your closest friends for a fun group date.
• Start a couple's bucket list and make some loftier plans for the future.
• Have an indoor picnic and sprawl out on the living room floor with your favourite foods and drinks.
• Listen to a podcast together and discuss a topic you've never talked about before.
• Go to a local fair or festival and indulge in fair games, cotton candy, and rides.
• Visit your local farmer's market and pick up fresh produce to cook a delicious meal together.
• Go to the zoo or aquarium and learn about your favourite animals.
• Rent a convertible and go cruising to celebrate the change of season.

Remember, date nights are about having fun and reconnecting with your partner. Be creative, mix things up, and don't be afraid to try new activities together. Enjoy the process of planning and make it a collaborative effort to ensure that both of you are excited and engaged!

Book your wedding photographer

While planning a wedding can be fun, it can also be an overwhelming and confusing process. Booking a wedding photographer is one of the most important tasks, as they will capture the memories of your special day. Here are some tips to make booking your wedding photographer a fun and enjoyable experience:

Start Early

It is advisable to book your wedding photographer early on in the planning process. The best photographers are often booked up to 12-18 months in advance. By securing your photographer early, you can ensure that you get your preferred choice and it will give you one less thing to worry about as your wedding day approaches.

Do Your Research

There are numerous wedding photographers to choose from, and it can be challenging to narrow down the options. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, and look at online reviews and portfolios. It is important to view a selection of full weddings rather than just a photographer's curated portfolio to get a true sense of their work and style.

Meet with Photographers

Meeting potential photographers can be an enjoyable part of the process. It allows you to get to know their personality and working style and see if it aligns with yours. It is essential to feel comfortable with your photographer, as they will be a guest at your wedding and will capture the intimate moments of your day.

Ask the Right Questions

When meeting with photographers, ask questions to ensure they are a good fit. Inquire about their equipment, including backup options, and their experience with different lighting conditions and settings. Ask if they offer engagement shoots, which can help you feel more at ease in front of the camera before the big day. Discuss their approach to editing photos and whether it aligns with your vision.

Consider an Engagement Shoot

Engagement shoots are a fun way to get comfortable with your photographer before the wedding. They can help you and your partner feel more relaxed in front of the camera and provide an opportunity to get to know your photographer better. These shoots often result in beautiful photos that can be used for save-the-date cards or displayed at the wedding.

Involve Your Partner

Wedding planning can be more fun when both partners are involved. Involve your fiancé in the process of choosing a photographer, especially if they have a keen interest in photography. This shared experience will create fun planning memories and ensure that both of you are happy with the chosen photographer.

Booking your wedding photographer should be an enjoyable part of the wedding planning process. By following these tips, you can ensure that you find the right photographer to capture the magic and beauty of your special day.

Use a spreadsheet to stay organised

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it should also be fun! One way to make it fun is to use a spreadsheet to stay organised.

A spreadsheet can be a great way to keep track of everything in one place. It can include your budget, deposits, remaining balances, RSVPs, dietary requirements, to-do lists, and more. It can also be a place to store all your guests' addresses, food choices/allergies, and RSVPs. This will make it easier to create a seating plan, which can be tricky and time-consuming.

A spreadsheet can also be used to create a master guest list, which is crucial to staying within your budget. It can be hard to stick to a guest list, but it is critical to keeping costs down. Friends and family may ask for plus-ones, and your parents might want to invite all their friends. It is important to decide on a headcount that makes you happy and stick to it.

A spreadsheet can also be a place to store all your suppliers' details and quotes, as well as any reminders for when payments are due or when you need to provide information such as menu choices or music preferences.

By using a spreadsheet to stay organised, you can ensure that you are not overwhelmed by the details of wedding planning and can instead focus on enjoying the process and your engagement.

Frequently asked questions