9 simple wedding planning tips for you

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. In fact, more than half of potential brides would be overwhelmed by their wedding planning process, not for the lack of knowledge on what to do, but for the lack of how to. The tips below, definitely will help make your wedding planning process easy:

1. Breathe: You probably have planned this day all your life, so take it one step at a time. The planning process is supposed to be a bonding period for you and your spouse, not a time to be anxious, worrying about every detail. Relax and LOVE UP, even as you countdown.
2. Clarity: Define your needs and wants in clear terms; write down a list of things in order of importance to you and your spouse. Have a checklist to tick off executed items as you go. This gives you a sense of accomplishment and makes things easy to do,one at a time.
3. Budget: Have a clear picture of the exact amount you’re willing to spend for your wedding. Be as realistic as possible when defining your goals and objectives. Money promised or owed you by someone shouldn’t make up your budget. Plan on money you can SEE or better still already HAVE. Remember, marriage begins the day after the wedding.
4. Decide on guest list: This can be a bit hard for a Nigerian wedding where plus-one or even three guest is a norm and RSVP is disregarded. It however, is achievable. But first, be realistic with yourself and ask the questions that matter. An example is: “how many guests can our wedding budget cater for?” Having in mind that more guest means more food & drinks, larger hall, higher pay for decorator, etc which equals more MONEY. Once you figure this out it will be easier to decide on the guest list and work things around to make it work.
5. Hire professional vendors: vendors can mar or make your event. Always choose quality over quantity. Ensure to do vendor contracts that state in clear terms, the condition of services.
6. Hire a wedding planner: It is not enough to get a planner. More important is hiring the one who knows his/her onions, and would get your wedding vision. This is something you’d never know you need until after your wedding (which will be too late). A professional planner will help make tip 1 to 5 above achievable. S/he creates an event timeline and gets involved with vendor sourcing, negotiations & contracts working within your budget. But if your budget can’t accommodate one, then hire a day coordinator, who will coordinate activities on the D-day, so you stay peaceful and calm as you say yes to FOREVER.
7. Select your bridal party wisely: Selecting your bridal party is a vital part of your planning process and my advice is, choose friends who are cheerleaders and will be willing to go all out for you. In short, choose people who are willing to sort issues out, preventing any from getting to you. Remember to also factor in expenses they’ll incur and make sure they can afford it. Do not beg anyone to be on your train.
8. Do not skip honeymoon: Honeymoon sets a good tone for a marriage, no matter how short or inexpensive it may be, ensure you have one. Having time away from the world after a long planning process will do your love life some wonders. Your wedding budget may be tight, but try your best to cut down on something e.g. special effects, wedding gown budget etc. Your future self will thank you.
9. Enjoy the process: Take time out with your spouse, talk about everything and do all the stuff you love. Avoid disagreement with your spouse over things that will seem trivia in months to come. Do more about knowing your spouse’s family, and your in-laws too. Whatever you do, make sure you have fun.