To engaged couples out there, I have great news: A stress-free wedding day is possible! 

Whether you’re in the beginning or final stages of wedding planning, I have some tips for you so you can enjoy your special day to the fullest.

Here are my essential wedding planning tips and tricks for a perfect, stress-free wedding day…

Handing off the wedding day logistics is essential to a stress-free wedding day

I highly recommend designating someone to be in charge of all of the logistical details on your wedding day.

You’re busy with the most important job: getting married! You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your caterer was paid or if the limo driver found the venue. Hiring a day-of coordinator or asking a friend to be your point person really helps lighten the burden on you.

Before your wedding, you can prepare a “cheat sheet” with your vendors’ contact information for your coordinator in case anything comes up. I also recommend writing checks for payments due on your wedding day beforehand. You can have your coordinator give the payments to your vendors.

Strategize your wedding day beauty and dress needs beforehand

For brides, ask someone to be your designated dress helper. Try to choose someone early enough that she can come to your final fitting. Dresses with hidden zippers, corset ties, and tiny buttons can be tricky, so it’s helpful to know how to fasten the dress properly beforehand.

It’s also nice to have your dress helper be in charge of the beauty and toiletry essentials you could need on your big day. Pack things such as hair spray, hair pins, makeup for touch-ups, perfume, sewing supplies, floss, band-aids, etc. If you need anything, she’ll know exactly where to find it. 

Having a plan for these little details means that you don’t have to panic over wardrobe malfunctions or faded makeup on your wedding day.

Having flexibility in your schedule is key

If possible, try not to have a super tight schedule for your wedding day. Leave time in your schedule for things to take longer than expected. Doing this helps alleviate stress and will give you extra time to soak in things like emotional vows and a fun best man toast. Plus, you’re more likely to have ample time for even more romantic photos. Who knows what kind of inspiration could strike once you start taking pictures?!

Know what your photographer needs before your wedding day

Another way to eliminate the need to figure out logistical details on your wedding day is to plan ahead for your photos. Brainstorm about which family shots you want on your wedding day, and make a list for your photographer. Sending your photographer a list of all the family groupings and photos you want before your wedding day will help ensure you have ample time to take the pictures you want.

As a photographer, I like to send all of my couples a list of the details they’ll need when I show up (shoes, stationary, gown, jewelry etc.,) so they are organized and ready for me to start. I also tell them to put all of the groomsmen’s and bridesmaids’ belongings in one corner of the room, away from the windows. This way, the room looks tidy as I photograph the bride.

Having those types of conversations before the wedding day helps alleviate stress and helps you not to waste valuable time on your wedding day.

No matter the weather, you can have a stress-free wedding day

When picking a wedding date, consider what the weather will be like on that potential date. Here in New England, we have to plan for rainy fall weather and freezing, snowy winters! If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, pick a venue space that also has a great indoor option if it does rain. You could also reserve extra tents and purchase cute umbrellas for your guests. Even if the weather holds up, you will have so much more peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way! 

Related: How to Prepare for a Rainy Wedding Day

Bonus: Use a Rewards Credit Card for Your Wedding Purchases

We know that you’re not just spending your time on wedding planning, but your money, too. Consider a travel rewards credit card to make the money you spend on your wedding count even more. That way, when you make purchases for your wedding, you can rack up points and get rewards that you can use on your honeymoon. The stress of wedding planning lessens when you know you have an incredible honeymoon (that paid for itself!) to look forward to. 

Ultimately, by preparing ahead of time and designating tasks to others, you can have a magical, stress-free wedding day with the love of your life!

xoxo, Marcela