Planning a wedding is basically running a tiny, glitter-covered start-up that launches exactly ONCE. So here are my tried-and-true tips to keep the joy high and the stress low as you head toward “I do!”.
HIRE A PLANNER
The majority of what I say below will be 95 percent easier if you have a planner. Why would anyone want to run the roller coaster & be on it at the same time? Even if your wedding isn’t huge a planner has done this before & knows how to keep the ride running smoothly. Wedding planners can be the key to a successful wedding day. You can sit back to enjoy the moment vs worrying about the logistics. We have a list of planners working with and are happy to work with the professionals who make our day easier as well if they are there. Their presence offers a calm in the chaos.
DELEGATE
Listen, wedding week is not the time to transform into Superhuman Wedding Warrior. Hand things off early—to your planner, your bridal party, your responsible cousin, literally anyone who won’t lose the rings in a rideshare.
Delegating lets you focus on the whole reason for the day: having the time of your life.
TRY IT ON
Outfits, dresses, accessories, and yes—undergarments. Try everything on before the big event. I’ve seen dresses too loose, shapewear peeking out, sleeves rebelling, and pants puddling on the floor like they just gave up.
If you have a bustle, practice with your bridesmaids/bustle person ahead of time (or record a video of your seamstress doing it). Some bustles are simple… others feel like you’re unlocking a secret level in a video game. We have seen these turn into to 20 min struggle sessions that take away from your time on the dance floor.
PACK THE ULTIMATE EMERGENCY KIT
Think of everything that could go wrong… then prepare like the wedding day superhero you are. Being ready = calm vibes.
Wendy’s Wedding Day Survival Kit Essentials:
- Mini tissues
- Scissors
- Duct tape (no, really)
- Small sewing kit
- Stain-free snacks (protein bars, nuts, trail mix)
- Gum or mints
- Clear deodorant
- Toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
- Water bottles
- Comb or mini brush
- ChapStick
- Tums
- Headache meds
- A crochet hook (bustles love these!!)
EAT (Seriously.)
Hunger + nerves = a terrible combo. I’ve seen couples get dizzy, stressed, and even faint. Eat something balanced earlier in the day, hydrate, and be mindful of messy foods once you’re dressed. (Pasta sauce & a white gown are NOT besties.)
ALLOW TIME
If wedding days had a villain, its name would be The Timeline Crunch.
Add buffer time for:
Traffic & transportation time
Hair & makeup delays (This can put your whole day behind and cut into your first look time)
Steaming outfits – Do it the night before if you are staying where you are getting ready
Bustling dresses
That one person who always runs late (you know the one…)
Extra time = extra peace.
HIRE PROFESSIONALS
Pinterest projects are cute… until one must be done perfectly on a timed schedule. Professionals save time, stress, and relationships. DYI is great if you do it in advance & have fun doing it, but if you don’t you might just end up with no flowers on your wedding day & stress. Professional wedding vendors have seen it all and they know how to fix everything. I am a great backup plan to help your mother in law be sewn into her dress ( yes I have done this) or re make a new bouquet because the bride’s version fell apart ( yes I have done this as well ), but if it is done well from the start you won’t have to think about any of these scenarios.
LET GO (Your New Superpower)
Once the day starts rolling, it becomes its own beautiful, chaotic, magical beast. If the cake is a shade off, if the flowers look a little different, if things run behind—save the complaining for later.
In the moment?
Dance. Laugh. Kiss your new spouse.
Soak up your people. Your wedding is about love, not perfection.
SAY THANKS
Even if formal thank-you notes aren’t your vibe, make sure you thank the humans who invested time, love, and energy into your big day.
Try to do it within a month—it feels good to close the loop while the glow is still fresh. (Official “rule” is a year, but let’s be honest… that’s how thank-you cards end up forgotten in drawers.)
I hope some of these are helpful. We have been doing this for so long we really want to help your day go smoothly.
