Let’s face it, a lot of people don’t realize that planning a wedding is A LOT OF WORK! Being a Wedding Planner wouldn’t even be a credible job if it were so easy and non-time consuming. But lucky for you, it doesn’t have to be!

With setting up site visits for proposed venues, creating wedding favors, and managing the event itself, it all can be a little overwhelming. That’s where Simply Breathe Events comes in. We cater to couples looking to alleviate the stress out of planning their wedding. We want your special day to be as memorable as you do! So here we’ve rolled out the top five ways to have a stress free wedding experience. Take a deep breath (woooo-saaahhh) and enjoy 🙂

#1. Decide on a budget, and keep track of all wedding day expenses.

Above anything else, how much you spend on your wedding will ultimately determine every other decision that will need to be made. Once you have a wedding day budget agreed upon, then you can begin to see how much you actually can spend on certain items. For example, based on your budget if  your music/entertainment should be around 10% of your overall budget, spending 15% will cause you to have to take funds from other areas of your wedding. And if you find yourself under, then great! Use that money towards other parts of the wedding you may need it more. Here’s a helpful guide to setting the perfect wedding budget!

#2. Pick your venue first!

Photo Cred: Roman Grinev Photography

Whether you’re having a destination wedding or a backyard shabby chic gathering, choosing your wedding venue sets the precedence of all the other tasks you’ll need to accomplish in order to bring your wedding vision day to life. It’ll help dictate the date of your wedding, what time of the day your ceremony will begin, how many guests you can invite, etc. Your venue is the glue that holds all of your wedding details together. Now you’re getting even closer to having a stress free wedding!

#3. Plan for things to be way longer than they actually will.

Photo Cred: Michele VanTine Photography

Yes, the priest may have let you know that his wedding service will only take 20 mins – but things happen! You might have a baby crying in the background, your fiance may begin to tear up and need a tissue, etc. Unfortunately, it creates a domino effect because once you’re late ending your ceremony, you’re late arriving at your reception and it’s your Wedding Planner‘s job to get you back on track. Bottom line, there’s a chance your wedding events may not happen on time during your wedding day but there’s no need to worry. This is why it’s always best to plan in a few extra “cush” minutes just in case.

#4. Remember why you’re planning a wedding in the first place.

Photo Cred: DFinney Photography

A wedding is supposed to be about the joining of two families and the union of love. Unfortunately with all the craziness that comes with planning a wedding, a lot of couples can forget this important factor and having a stress free wedding can be a far reach. Plan to have date nights during your engagement and agree not to discuss the wedding. Hiring a wedding planner will also help alleviate some of the stress typically associated with wedding planning (ehem!). Which brings me to my last and final tip…

#5. Hire a Wedding Planner!

Shameless Plug. I hear it again and again, “Planning a wedding is a lot of work!” That’s because IT IS! Weddings are moving away from the traditional versions of what they were almost 10 years ago. Nowadays weddings can be a full on show! Even though planning a wedding can be a stressful event, it doesn’t have to be. You should enjoy this (hopefully) once in a lifetime event and follow these tips to ultimately have a stress free wedding. Be a fiance!

Photo Cred: Clarence Arnold Photography

Tiffany Rivera is a Wedding Planner & Event Planner serving DC, Maryland, Virginia and beyond!