Expert Wedding Planners Share 30 Secrets They Absolutely Swear By

Your wedding day is significant and cherished, but planning it can be costly, stressful, and time-intensive. From managing guests to coordinating vendors and budgeting, it takes a lot of effort to bring your dream day to life. However, extravagant dreams can still be realized without breaking the bank. Explore these hacks to save significantly without sacrificing style.

Avoid dairy products a few days before the wedding

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On your big day, nobody wants to be best friends with the restroom. Studies have linked regular consumption of milk, cheese, and yogurt to acne outbreaks. For those sensitive to dairy, it can also lead to discomfort like cramping and bloating. It’s wise to steer clear of dairy, except for Greek yogurt, which aids digestion and is high in protein for satiety. Opt for lean meat for protein and whole grains for carbohydrates to keep you energized without the discomfort.

Need more wedding hacks to guide you to a smooth wedding day? Keep reading!

Invest in small magnetic weights to keep your veil in place

Magnetic veil weights are a handy accessory, especially for long, lightweight veils prone to blowing away. Available in charming patterns like pearls or rhinestones, they simply attach to the edges of your veil, adding a touch of sparkle while ensuring your veil stays in place. Featuring two tiny magnets on each side, they’re easy to put on and take off, allowing some movement while preventing your veil from flying over your face or getting out of control. It’s recommended to use them during photos, throughout the ceremony, and for post-wedding pictures.

Get two cakes: one for pictures, one for guests

The “two cake” trend, featuring both real and fake wedding cakes, is gaining popularity among couples. Essentially, a fake wedding cake, despite its appearance, is not edible; it’s made of polystyrene foam but is decorated with real icing and fondant to mimic a genuine cake. The major advantage lies in cost-saving potential: while a real wedding cake can run into thousands of dollars, a fake one can be as inexpensive as $500, making it a great option for couples on a tighter budget.

Get married on a weekday to save costs

While Saturdays have been the traditional choice for weddings, there’s no legal restriction preventing couples from opting for any of the other six nights of the week for their celebration. As wedding norms evolve, couples are increasingly exploring different options. While Thursday and Friday nights still carry a festive vibe akin to Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays may not be as ideal since guests may already be preoccupied with the upcoming week ahead, potentially dampening the party atmosphere.

Consider DIY-ing some wedding decor

To start saving money, prioritize your do-it-yourself (DIY) tasks based on your overall wedding vision. Ensure the decor is evenly distributed and avoid wasting time on ineffective projects. Don’t worry if you’re not crafty; many DIY projects are manageable and don’t require extensive skills. Consider inexpensive floral arrangements, table runners, personalized centerpieces for the reception, and easily placed string lights to enhance the ambiance.

Create a separate email address

Creating a dedicated wedding email address is a smart move. Your personal or professional inbox isn’t ideal for handling the multitude of correspondence that weddings entail. Consolidating all wedding-related emails into one mailbox simplifies and organizes your life significantly. This is especially beneficial when faced with various forms of communication like emails, texts, voicemails, social media messages, postal RSVP cards, and verbal inquiries. Having everything in a single email account streamlines your wedding paper trail, making it easily searchable and well-organized.

Book an Airbnb rather than multiple hotels

Couples beginning their wedding planning often wonder if they can host their ceremony at an Airbnb. The short answer is yes, absolutely. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Opting for an Airbnb or VRBO venue can offer a typically less expensive and more intimate setting for your wedding or elopement. Many couples choose to hold their ceremonies and receptions at rental homes. The Airbnb can serve various purposes, such as serving as a base camp for attending a nearby wedding, a location for getting ready on the big day, or a venue for a small celebration.

Print double-sided invitations to save money

Opting for a double-sided wedding invitation not only contributes to environmental conservation but also adds a touch of beauty. You can feature all your direct contact information on one side while using the other side for creative, festive, and romantic elements. Double-sided invitations offer a wonderful opportunity to make your wedding stand out. Guests might even want to keep them as bookmarks or mementos. Utilize any extra space on the back to include enticing elements like a photo or a list of interesting sites to see in the city where the wedding will take place.

Buy a thrift-shop wedding dress to save costs

Wedding dresses can be costly, with brides typically willing to spend around $2,500 for their dream gown. To save significantly on this expense and allocate more funds elsewhere, thrift-shop wedding dresses offer a fantastic alternative. Pre-owned wedding dresses provide brides-to-be with the opportunity to find stunning gowns at a fraction of the original price. This not only allows brides to discover their ideal dress at a great price but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Use credit cards with Cash Back rewards to purchase wedding supplies

While weddings often involve significant expenses, there are simple ways to earn rewards by using credit cards. Whether planning a destination wedding, a luxurious foreign honeymoon, or a traditional ceremony, there’s likely a credit card suitable for couples’ needs. The best credit cards for weddings and honeymoons offer enticing reward structures, generous sign-up bonuses, reasonable annual fees, or 0% introductory APRs. Investing time in researching the ideal credit card options can yield substantial benefits in the long run.

Buy more faux flowers than real ones

Wedding flowers can devour a significant portion of your decor budget. Opting for artificial flowers instead of fresh ones can offer a cost-effective and durable alternative. With careful selection, the best artificial arrangements can be indistinguishable from real flowers. High-quality silk flowers, such as silk peonies or silk orchids, are meticulously crafted and can easily pass as genuine. For a rustic and DIY-styled decor, delicate crepe paper blooms can also be a charming option.

Reduce unnecessary wedding events like the rehearsal dinner

Spending $500 daily during wedding planning might seem normal, but it’s unnecessary. To keep your wedding budget in check, consider skipping unnecessary expenses. You don’t have to explain every detail to your guests; instead, use a single large sign for directions. You can also incorporate special mentions about your wedding party or family in your speech or on the wedding website. By implementing these simple substitutes, you can significantly reduce costs.

Save contracts, names, budgets, and to-do lists in a digital folder

Having a digital folder for your wedding planning can be incredibly useful. It allows you to access essential information quickly and efficiently. Your designated wedding digital folder should include all vendor contracts, quotations, and any other physical documents related to your vendors. Additionally, maintain a list of invitees, along with their dining preferences and RSVPs. Include anything related to the ceremony planning and design, such as the order of the procession, ceremony script, music selections, hymns, readings, and setup information. This centralized digital repository ensures that all necessary details are readily available at your fingertips.

Use an IKEA bag to lift your dress when peeing

To ensure a smooth wedding day, brides should anticipate potential challenges, like restroom breaks in a voluminous gown. Using a folded IKEA bag with the middle cut out can solve this problem. Simply step into the bag, pull it up, and place the handles over your shoulders to keep the gown clean while using the toilet amidst the festivities.

Find a venue that doesn’t require couples to use their pricey vendor

Wedding venues often charge higher rates for weddings compared to other events of similar size. Couples, unfamiliar with wedding planning, may find it challenging to determine fair pricing. Consequently, vendors may hesitate to disclose rates upfront, preferring to gather more details about the event before providing estimates. Given the high expectations associated with weddings, vendors may anticipate additional labor. Couples should inquire about rates before hearing a sales pitch from potential vendors.

Plan your wedding during off-wedding seasons to save costs

Couples looking to maximize their budget and embrace cooler temperatures might find the wedding off-season, typically from December to March, to be a great option. Opting for a wedding during off-peak times can lead to significant savings. While not all vendors offer discounts during these periods, many are willing to be flexible with their prices. Especially during the winter months, venues often provide discounted rates, enabling couples to secure their desired space at a reduced cost.

A clever RSVP hack: number each card that correlates to a guest

Creating a seating chart for your wedding can feel like playing Tetris on steroids. With potential lineup changes and the stress of manual typing, it’s wise to use color-coordinated post-it tags to represent guests and sketch a mock-up of your reception setting on cardboard. This approach simplifies the process and allows for easy adjustments until the perfect seating arrangement is achieved.

Be sure to get good sleep

Most couples may not get much rest the night before their wedding, but it’s crucial not to succumb to racing thoughts or jitters. No bride or groom wants to be completely fatigued on their big day. Establish a sleep cycle for yourself at least three weeks before the wedding by setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time each day. Avoid relying on alcohol before bed, as it can reduce sleep quality and cause dehydration, worsening sleep.

Be your own DJ with Spotify or Apple Music

To DJ your own wedding, start by selecting a program or playlist app like Apple Music or Spotify, which offer unlimited streaming for a monthly fee. These platforms provide access to a vast library of music and can be easily accessed on your phone and computer. Additionally, you can create offline access to your playlists for convenience. Research playlist-making smartphone apps to curate your music selection. Consider the music amplification system available at your venue, explore rental options, or even consider purchasing one if necessary.

Get shoe insoles for better comfort

Investing in cushioned inserts for your wedding shoes is vital for overall comfort on your big day. Gel or full-length insoles offer comprehensive support, while smaller cushions target specific areas like the arch, toe, or ball of the foot. Choose inserts tailored to your unique foot conditions to ensure maximum comfort throughout your wedding day.

Only invite people who the couple has talked to in the last two years

Reducing the guest list is one of the toughest parts of wedding planning. It’s not just about choosing preferred guests; venue capacity may necessitate leaving some out. After inviting immediate family, calculate remaining slots and allocate them evenly between both families. Allow parents to use these seats as they wish, but make it clear that no additional seats are available.

For guests plus ones, have your invites include their names

When deciding on plus-ones for your wedding party, traditional rules about cohabitation, dating, and marriage are irrelevant. Allowing a bridesmaid to bring her new boyfriend, for example, is a gesture of gratitude for her support and efforts. A happy wedding party contributes to a happy couple. Consider it a “thank you” for their help and attendance during the planning process. Remember to make arrangements for plus ones’ seating, food preferences, and wedding gifts as well.

Write your vows on an acrylic glass

For a lasting wedding keepsake, write your vows on an acrylic glass sheet instead of a crumpled piece of paper. Hardware stores offer large acrylic sheets in various thicknesses, with prices varying accordingly. Keep in mind that not all acrylic sheets are of the same quality, so it’s advisable to visit a hardware shop in person, especially when selecting a sizable sheet for your project.

Have an idea of shoe style in mind before shopping

Finding the perfect pair of bridal shoes is crucial, ranking high among essential wedding day accessories. Bridal shoes are significant for their fashion, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, second only to the dress. Comfort is key, so it’s wise to determine your preferred style before starting your search for wedding heels. Whether opting for glamorous, feminine, vintage, or contemporary styles, prioritize comfort. Shoes with colorful accents, sparkles, or traditional designs are all suitable choices.

Scruff the sole of your heels for better friction and less slippage

Though we once valued five-inch heels over toe comfort, we now prioritize comfort, unwilling to compromise. However, we’re not ready to part with our favorite pairs. Instead, we’ve found ways to enhance comfort. Use high heel insoles for extra support and roughen the bottoms of new heels with sandpaper to prevent slippage.

Add Glitter Bombs to Champagne Flutes for more aesthetics

Consider this: Champagne with glitter could be the ultimate signature cocktail idea. Surprise your guests with glitter bomb tablets to drop into their glasses, keeping them captivated by their bubbly all night. Add a cotton candy “bomb” to drinks like Champagne, sparkling water, or any carbonated beverage for an elevated experience. As the cotton candy melts, watch the glitter take over. Plus, expect plenty of Instagram boomerangs with this delicious concept.

Select heels that are slightly large for better comfort

Your wedding shoes can make or break your big day, and no one wants the latter. To ensure comfort, opt for a shoe size slightly larger than your usual size. Try shoes that are half to a full size larger to allow some room for your toes. When trying them on, make sure there’s enough space at the toe and heel to move comfortably but not too much to hinder movement.

Use Polaroid photos as cake toppers

Create a charming DIY wedding cake topper with a Polaroid snapshot, saving on decorations. You’ll need matte picture paper, self-stick foam core, a box cutter, a T-square, toothpicks or disassembled cake toppers, a Polaroid app, glue, and a couple’s photo. Use Poladroid to transform the photo into a Polaroid. Print it twice on matte paper, mount each on foam core, and cut out the Polaroids and centers. Attach the image Polaroid to the plastic cake topper with glue, then affix the topper onto the center Polaroid. Glue the other Polaroid on top, and secure it with toothpicks in the cake.

Place cheerful photos on each guest table

Instead of individually greeting each wedding guest, consider creating photo collages for each table. Accompany these images with heartfelt words of appreciation, thanking everyone for their presence and expressing your gratitude. This thoughtful gesture can make up for the inability to personally interact with every guest, saving time and avoiding hurt feelings. Additionally, these photo displays can add a personal touch to your wedding decor, enhancing its charm.

Appoint a specific person to run interference with extra-chatty guests

One of the most crucial tasks is to plan enjoyable dates with friends before the wedding to keep your spirits up. Ask them to help communicate with guests during the big day, which can turn into memorable engagement experiences. Assign a reliable friend to handle on-the-spot payments for suppliers or vendors, and inform them in advance for clarity.

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