Credit: photography @davidcampbellphotography
Shhhh Happy Bride Secrets!
Your wedding should be all about fun, happiness and the celebration of love, but with so much planning involved it’s easy for things to become stressful pretty quickly. All brides deserve a day of unspoiled bliss, so we’ve come up with a guide to help make sure your wedding planning experience and special day is as stress-free as possible.
1. Establish your budget
According to statistics, the average Australian wedding costs $36,000, but in reality, that figure varies hugely depending on the individual. Before you even think about the kind of wedding you want, sit down with your partner and crunch some numbers to figure out how much money you’re willing to spend. Establishing your budget from the get-go will save disappointment down the track, help you set savings goals and help figure out what style and theme of wedding is right for you.
2. Maximise planning time
The more time you have to plan your wedding, the better. Giving yourself at least a year of planning time will save a lot of stress and open you up to more opportunities when it comes to picking vendors. You’ll also be able to enjoy the process a lot more without the pressure of looming deadlines.
3. Set a clear vision for your wedding
When it comes to planning a wedding, the possibilities are endless. Going down the rabbit hole of bridal magazines, wedding blogs and Instagram accounts can leave your head spinning as you switch between wanting boho chic versus rustic vintage or Hollywood glam. Once you’ve done some research, pick a theme you know you’ll be happy with and stick with it, leaving all other options behind. Making this decision early on will help you set a clear vision for your big day, which will make the planning process so much smoother.
4. Choose your bridal party wisely
Picking a bridal party is never an easy task, but one thing you can do to make it easier is ask yourself which of your friends and family members will provide a loving, supportive and positive influence throughout the whole experience. Steer clear of those who attract drama, question your decisions or generally bring an air of negativity, and choose those who will bring you joy and encouragement.
5. Don’t put too much on your plate
While more brides are opting for DIY weddings, it’s important you don’t put too much on your plate and know when it’s time to delegate some jobs to others. After all, that’s what bridesmaids and wedding planners are for! It takes a long list of tasks and responsibilities to pull off even the smallest of weddings, so know which ones you can handle yourself and which ones you can handball to someone else.
6. Stick with trustworthy vendors
The vendors you choose for your wedding play a major part in your happiness levels and the overall success of your big day, which is why it’s vital you choose reliable vendors you can trust. Good vendors will add to your experience, not add to the stress of it. When choosing a vendor, ask as many questions as you need, request client testimonials and meet them in person first if possible. For a list of trustworthy vendors on the NSW South Coast, visit our ‘Friends’ page – each of these businesses have helped bring a lot of joy to brides at Seacliff House.
7. Treat yourself
Planning a wedding is a big deal and takes a lot of energy and effort, which is why it’s important you take some time to chill out and pamper yourself as a reward for all your hard work. The day before your wedding, take some time to indulge in whatever it is that relaxes you most, whether it be a pamper day at the spa with your bridesmaids, a long solo hike, a yoga class or anything else.
8. Relinquish control
On the day of your wedding, all you need to be thinking about is the one you love and the incredible experience that lies ahead. The last thing you need to worry about is whether the flowers have been set up or the caterers arrived on time. Either hire a wedding planner or designate jobs to a reliable friend or family member, as now is the time to hand over control so you can soak up every moment of this special day.
9. Remember to eat and hydrate
It sounds like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised how many brides forget to eat and drink enough water on their wedding day. Between getting ready and all those nerves, your appetite can be the last thing on your mind, but make sure you have plenty of food and drink (not just champagne!) throughout the day and of course, enjoy the delicious meals you have organised at the wedding itself.
10. Embrace the experience and leave your stress at the door
No matter what the day brings, be it an unexpected change of weather or a fiasco with the bridesmaid’s makeup, just leave it all behind. This is a once in a lifetime experience and there’s no need to sweat the small stuff. All that matters is you’re about to marry your best friend and embark on a lifetime of happiness and adventures together.
Looking at getting married – enquire here at Seacliff House – one of the best South Coast Wedding Venues.
