Planning a wedding can feel like stepping into a very expensive tornado. Between the endless choices, eye-watering quotes and well-meaning (but often aggravating ) unsolicited opinions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it ispossible, and if someone with a lifelong aversion to planning like me can pull it off, so can you.
One piece of wisdom I’ve heard time and again from newly married couples is this: try to enjoy the process, not just the day itself. Whatever your vision, at its core, your wedding is a celebration of you and the person you love.
So instead of spiralling over the small stuff, here are a few practical tips from someone who’s been in your shoes.
Start with your priorities, not the spreadsheet
Before crunching any numbers, sit down together and talk about what really matters to you both. Is it fantastic food? A relaxed atmosphere? A band that gets every generation dancing? These early conversations will anchor all the decisions that follow.
Be realistic (and honest ) about your budget
Take it from a recent bride: weddings are expensive, and costs in Ireland continue to rise. WeddingsOnline found that 51 per cent of couples married in 2024 went over budget, with 78 per cent of those overspending by more than €5,000. Once you know your priorities, research average prices and attach realistic figures. And always include a contingency fund; everyone goes into it thinking they won’t panic-spend, and they are nearly always wrong.
Choose suppliers you genuinely click with
You will spend a large part of your day with your photographer and rely heavily on vendors to bring your ideas to life. Choosing suppliers who understand your personalities makes the experience far less stressful and much more enjoyable.
Do not try to please everyone
There will always be opinions, sometimes loud ones, about venues, menus or guest lists. Listen, of course, but remember it’s your wedding. You can consider Aunt Mary’s suggestion without turning your day into hers.
Use planning as quality time
Turn a venue visit into a dinner date or a band showcase into a night out. Framing planning as time together (rather than admin ) keeps it fun and reminds you why you’re doing this in the first place.
Accept that something will go wrong, and that’s fine
Someone will be late, something small will get forgotten, and the dance floor might take a few songs to fill. Let it go. You won’t remember the little hiccups, you’ll remember the vows, the hugs and the laughter.
Enjoy it. It’s a celebration, not a checklist.
