Planning Your Wedding Solo: A Guide For The Brave

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed if you're doing it alone. Whether you're the one getting married or attending a wedding solo, there are ways to make the process less stressful. From enlisting the help of a wedding planner to leaning on friends and family, you don't have to go it alone. This guide will explore ways to plan a wedding independently, offering tips and tricks for a stress-free experience.

Hire a wedding planner

Planning a wedding alone can be stressful, so it's important to realise that you don't have to do it all by yourself. One option is to hire a wedding planner, who can manage many of the tasks on your wedding checklist, as well as help with decor, venue selection, music, and dress ideas. Wedding planners don't have to be full-service, and some couples opt for partial-service planners or day-of coordinators.

When hiring a wedding planner, it's important to consider your budget and what level of service you require. Wedding planners can be expensive, but they can also save you money by negotiating discounts with vendors and helping you to avoid costly mistakes. They can also save you time and stress by handling all the details and intricacies of planning a wedding.

If you decide to hire a wedding planner, start by researching planners in your area and reading reviews from past clients. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, and interview several planners to find one who understands your vision and has experience planning weddings similar to yours. Be sure to discuss your budget, expectations, and any specific requirements you have.

On the day of your wedding, your planner will be on hand to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you can relax and enjoy your special day. They will coordinate with vendors, handle any last-minute issues, and act as a point of contact for your wedding party and guests, allowing you to be fully present and savour every moment.

Ask friends and family for help

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it's important to remember that you don't have to do it alone. There are many details and intricacies involved, so don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family. They will most likely be happy to lend a hand, but try not to rely too heavily on any one person.

One way to enlist their support is by asking them to take on tasks that suit their strengths. For example, if your friend is a talented baker, they could make your wedding cake. Or, if your cousin is a whiz with a camera, they could offer their skills as a wedding photographer. This will not only lighten your load but also make your wedding more personal and meaningful.

Another way to involve your loved ones is by seeking their advice and opinions. They can help you make decisions about the wedding, such as the venue, the menu, or the music. This will not only make the planning process less overwhelming but also more fun and collaborative.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the planning process, don't hesitate to ask your friends and family for emotional support. They can offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or simply a break from wedding talk. Remember, they love you and want to see you happy, so don't be afraid to lean on them during this exciting but stressful time.

Finally, don't forget to delegate tasks on the day of the wedding. Your friends and family can help ensure everything runs smoothly by greeting guests, handing out programs, or even giving a reading during the ceremony. With their help, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your special day.

Create a wishlist of potential gifts

While planning a wedding alone can be stressful, creating a wishlist of potential gifts can be a fun and exciting part of the process. Here are some tips to help you get started:

First, consider what type of gifts you and your partner would like to receive. Traditional wedding gifts often include household items such as kitchen appliances, tableware, or home decor. If these don't align with your interests or needs, think about alternative options. For example, you could suggest guests contribute to your honeymoon fund or a down payment on a new home. Alternatively, you could request charitable donations in lieu of gifts.

Next, create a registry to make it easier for your guests to select gifts that you truly want. Be sure to include a range of price points to accommodate different budgets. Display your registry information on your wedding website or include it as an insert with your invitations. Avoid including registry details directly on the wedding invitation itself.

When creating your wishlist, it's important to be mindful of your guests' perspectives. Consider their interests, preferences, and budgets. By offering a variety of gift options, you can ensure that your guests feel appreciated and excited to contribute to your special day.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and your bridal party, family members, and friends are likely eager to lend a hand. They can provide valuable insights, suggestions, and support throughout the entire process, including creating your wishlist of potential gifts. Remember, you don't have to plan your wedding alone, and involving your loved ones can make the experience even more memorable and enjoyable.

Attend a wedding alone

It is generally agreed that planning a wedding alone is not a good idea. There are too many details and intricacies, so it's a good idea to enlist support. You could hire a wedding planner, or a day-of coordinator, or ask friends and family to help.

However, if you are attending a wedding alone, it is important to remember that you are not the only one in this situation. Many people attend weddings without a date. It can be daunting to attend a wedding where you only know the couple, but it is worth going. Try to keep your phone stowed away, as this will force you to interact with your fellow guests and make you seem more approachable. If this sounds challenging, set a time limit on your phone usage, such as five minutes every hour.

Plan the wedding music

Planning the music for your wedding is a big task, but it's an important one as it will help keep your guests entertained throughout the day. You'll need music for the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and the evening function. Each part of the day needs a different type of music to create the perfect atmosphere, so it's a good idea to mix live music and pre-recorded music.

First, decide whether you want a band or a DJ. A band is usually more expensive, but they can provide a focal point and entertainment at your reception. If you're on a budget, a DJ is a great option. You can also play music from a device like Spotify on a phone connected to a speaker.

Next, think about the different parts of the day and what type of music you want for each. The ceremony usually requires around 7-8 songs or pieces of music, which could be played live or pre-recorded. If you're performing a ritual, like lighting a unity candle, you might choose some instrumental music to play at that time. The drinks reception is a more relaxed part of the day, so the music should be fun and interesting background music. For the wedding breakfast, you might want something more low-key, like a solo guitarist or pianist. The evening function is when you can really get the party started with some upbeat music and dancing!

Finally, don't forget to check with your ceremony site and officiant if they have any strict guidelines about music. You don't want to plan your whole playlist only to find out you can't play certain songs!

Frequently asked questions