52 free Wedding Planning Tips

If this list seems overwhelming, it is! 

There is a tremendous amount of behind the scene work that a wedding planner and her team MUST do to ensure their couples' wedding is executed flawlessly and stress-free.

Here is your free access to 52 free tips that a top Wedding Planner may use to START the planning process at ours and other wedding venues.  We are an indoor wedding venue hosting  luxurious wedding for our couples. 

Our free wedding planning tips, do not include all the intricate details you need for a fabulous day, but it is a good starting point that can save you thousands:

1 Select the season  (summer, winter, fall, spring) you may want to take advantage of the wedding off season - these dates are typically cheaper 

2 Venue Search/Finder

3 Setting the date - select a Friday or Sunday, Saturdays are considered ’prime’ day will be more expensive 

4 Choosing a venue

5 The wedding theme or color scheme

6 Engagement photos scheduled

7 The wedding party selected

8 Asking for wedding help; creating a team

9 Registry information

10 Accommodation options for out-of-town guests (do this early to avoid unavailability) 

11 Transportation information

12 Rehearsal dinner details

13 Welcome party or other pre-wedding events

14 Ceremony details

15 Reception details

16 Wedding attire

17 Hair and makeup - try hair make-up school students offer less rates and your helping with their portfolio 

18 Photography and videography

19 Floral arrangements ask about seasonal flowers - out of season flowers are expensive 

20 Music and entertainment

21 Catering and menu options

22 Wedding favors

23 Seating chart and table assignments

24 The wedding schedule

25 Directions to the ceremony and reception

26 Weather forecast and plan

27 Children's activities

28 Pet sitting information

29 Gifts and thank you notes

30 Post-wedding brunch

31 Honeymoon plans

32 Thank you to wedding vendors

33 Thank you to wedding party and special guests

34 Changes or updates to the wedding schedule

35 Special requests or considerations for guests

36 Clarify catering options and/iof allergies

37 Research Caterers/Florists/DJ/Bakery

38 Select Wedding Day Coordinator for venue if self-planning

39 Groom & Bridal Party Selections to order for accurate delivery

40 Bridal Gown Selections, Bride, Bridal Party,

41 If you are paying in installments, put your money in an interest bearing account, make extra money on your money

42 Research any legal documents, licenses required for State

43 Any necessary legal documents or paperwork for guests

44 An overview of the wedding schedule for the weekend

45 A list of local attractions or things to do in the area for out of town guests

46 A request for guests to RSVP save money and create a QR Code instead using Canva, wedding RSVP and INVITES will increase your budget 

47 A request for guests to submit any dietary restrictions or allergies

48 A request for guests to submit any song requests for the reception

49 A request for guests to submit any special requests or needs

50 A request for guests to provide any special skills or talents that could be utilized during the wedding (e.g. playing an instrument, singing, etc.)

51 An update on the wedding website

52 A request for guests to submit any photos or videos from the wedding. Create a hashtag and book a photographer for the important memories Ceremony, First Dance. Paying a photographer to take candid shots of your reception costs more. Using a hashtag to capture the memories are the way to go!