10 Tips for Planning Your Dream Wedding

My grandmother’s wedding was organised in one week.

“I’m coming home next week, can we get married then?” my grandfather said over the phone. He was calling from Papua New Guinea during World War II. “OK,” replied my grandmother.

In that week, my great-aunt made all the dresses and everyone pitched in to cook the food. Then they gathered the family and a few friends for a simple garden wedding in the backyard.

Seventy years on, wedding planning has become unrecognizable. We need elaborate plans, and weddings have become synonymous with stress.

However, with a bit of forward thinking, some common sense, and a reflection on how easy it used to be, we can enjoy the journey from “Will you marry me?” to “I do”.

1. Scribble a Wedding Registry Checklist

Check out Best Buy’s Wedding Registry service. Think about the venue, guests, dresses, flowers, music, food, honeymoon … and GIFTS! Any item added on the registry priced for $200 and above is automatically eligible and shoppers (gifters) can simply click the “contribute’ button and enter the amount they wish to give or share.

2. Budget unscrupulously

Then make a realistic budget – and stick to it. You may have to compromise but you’ll be far more relaxed if you spend a comfortable amount and prioritise the things that are most important to you.

3. Plan well in advance

Plan and book well in advance. This can include the venue, caterers, photographer, musicians, honeymoon, celebrant and dresses. Make your wedding checklist and give yourself monthly goals to keep the tasks manageable. This will undoubtedly reduce your stress levels!

4. Invite people you love

Wedding invitation lists are notoriously hard to pin down, so take some time to choose carefully. The key is to only invite people you really love. (Well, to the reception.)

5. Spend time on your vows

In my humble opinion, the vows are the most important part of a wedding. So spend time crafting how you really feel and speak from your heart. If you’re having trouble finding the right words, try seeking inspiration from poets, writers, artists, singers or spiritual texts –whatever is right for you.

6. Include the secret ingredient: fun

Make your wedding planning enjoyable – by planning a fun wedding. What can you do to make the wedding fun for everyone?

7. Plan for the worst weather

What happens if it rains? Make a plan to cover wet weather and try to get married during a season with lots of sunny days.

8. Thank everyone twice

You will undoubtedly need help, somewhere along the way. Whether it’s your mum, extended family, friends or paid help, make sure you show how much you appreciate them. They’ll appreciate it and your wedding will go much more smoothly!

9. Feed and water your guests generously

A happy wedding is made of happy guests. Make sure they’re well fed and that people with special diets are catered for. No one should go hungry on your wedding day.

10. Don’t worry, darling

Remember my grandmother? She had a wonderful wedding, with only one week to plan. In the end, it’s all for love.

disclaimer: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free