How to Plan Your Wedding Without Losing Your Mind

1. Give yourself enough time to get what you really want.

• How many times have you rushed to the mall to buy an outfit at the last minute? You probably got frustrated and annoyed when you weren't able to find exactly what you pictured in your mind. You probably ended up buying something you really didn't like or want. Is that what you want for your wedding?

• Get the big jobs taken care of first. Figure out how many guests you want to attend before you look for a venue. Find your venue before you buy your dress. Hire your most important wedding pros (photo, video, music, florist, etc.) early.

2. Seek professional help.

• Hire a wedding planner to help narrow down the options. A professional wedding planner can match high-quality vendors to your budget (a huge timesaver for you).

• If the cost of wedding planning services is a concern, ask about packages and different levels of service.

• Even if you hire a wedding planner, you are still an active participant in the planning process. Make sure you describe your vision clearly so you can be on the same page.

3. Keep good records.

• Buy a purse-sized notebook and carry it with you at all times. This notebook should include details such as the addresses and phone numbers for your venues, the name of the flowers you fell in love with as you skimmed thru a magazine in line at the supermarket, etc. (You never know when or where you will be inspired.) You should also use this notebook to jot down items to remember from vendor appointments such as prices and service options.

• At home, keep a portable file box or large binder handy for all of your magazine clippings, receipts, and contracts.

4. If you need help, ask for it.

• Repeat after me "I am not Superwoman!"

• Sometimes, you may need a friend's opinion or an extra set of hands.

• Delegate some of your tasks to your bridal party.

• Be nice... not a horrific Bridezilla.

• While your at it, assign a few tasks to the groom too. After all, it is his wedding too.

5. Take some nights and weekends off from planning your wedding to enjoy being engaged.

The experienced staff at Trilogy Event Design is ready to meet with you to find the best ways we can work with you to eliminate some of the stress and overwhelming feelings that come along with planning a major life event. Planning your wedding should not be mentally draining. Contact us today!

Until next time…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses

Does Size Matter?

Photo by Lauren Driscoll Photography

Now that I have your attention... I'm talking about why small weddings totally rock!

Reason #1 - With a smaller guest list, you can afford to be more fabulous.

Having a small wedding does not mean you can't afford a big wedding. It means you can get more bang for your buck. Let's say youe wedding budget is $25,000. Sure you could have 200 guests in an catering hall with a $60 per plate menu and average centerpieces, but wouldn't it be an amazing reception with 75 guests enjoying a $125 per plate menu and amazing entertainment surrounded by incredible decor? OR you can put the extra money toward the photographer of your dreams.

Reason #2 - You can save a lot of money.

With a smaller guest list, you save on food and favors. You'll have fewer tables, so you will save on centerpieces and table linens. You won't need as many invitations, wedding programs, or escort cards. Can you see the savings adding up already?

Reason #3 - You can celebrate with the most important people in your lives.

When you limit the guest list to your closest family and friends, you allow yourselves time to really share the joys of the day with those you hold dearest to you. You actually get to spend time with everyone at your wedding. You probably don't remember your father's coworkers who you met once at "Take Your Daughters to Work Day" when you were 12 anyway.

Reason #4 - You can host your wedding in more unique venues.

Some historic mansions and art galleries are only able to accommodate 100 guests or less. If you are hosting a very small reception (I'm talking 25 - 30 guests), a wine cellar or private dining room could be the ideal location. The beach is another welcoming place for an intimate ceremony.

Reason #5 - You can make your wedding more memorable for your guests.

You can add more personal touches. Your guests can actually get to know one another. I heard of a bride who wrote individual notes to each guest to personally thank them for coming to her wedding and to tell them about the other guests seated at the table that they may not know (great conversation starter).

BONUS REASON - The bride is less likely to turn into a BRIDEZILLA.

An intimate wedding will feel less like a major production and will be less stressful for the bride.

Let’s chat more about this in person. Contact us to schedule an initial meeting.

Until then…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses!

Stress Relief for the Frazzled Bride

Originally written by MJ (intern)

We’ve all been there, those moments where the cliché of ‘so much to do, so little time’ seems to be the slogan of our lives. No more so than when planning and preparing for one of the biggest days of your life: your wedding. Not only do all of the decisions have to be made (venue, dress, colors, flowers, invitations, guest list, seating charts etc.) but then, as if in a never ending circle of things to do, those decisions must be executed.

While planning your wedding, it is important to find ways to relieve this overwhelming circle of stress.

Unload your plate: You don’t have to do this alone, you have people around you always willing to help! Delegate your tasks to friends, family, and your wedding planner.  Allow those people to ease some of the burden of the To Do List you’re constantly thinking about.

Make time for yourself: Whether it be going to the gym, getting a manicure, or grabbing a coffee with friends and talking about anything BUT your upcoming nuptials. Make sure that you are allowing yourself some time to just enjoy yourself.

Don’t let the stress of it all take control of this experience, you can handle it!

Feel free to post in the comments and tell us your favorite ways to relieve stress.

Until next time…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses