How to Plan Your Wedding Without Losing Your Mind — and Still Juggle Life
You’re engaged! Pop the champagne, soak it in, and then… suddenly, the wedding planning whirlwind begins. If you’ve found yourself thinking, How am I supposed to plan a wedding when life is already so busy?, you’re not alone. Between work, family, and all the daily to-dos, adding wedding planning to the mix can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing—planning your wedding doesn’t have to take over your life or leave you feeling stressed. It’s possible to plan a beautiful, meaningful, and fun-filled wedding without losing your mind. And I’m here to help!
Step One: Get Clear on What Matters Most
Before you dive into the deep end of wedding planning, take a step back and focus on what truly matters to you. Forget the Pinterest pressure and the never-ending lists of “must-haves.” What kind of experience do you actually want for your wedding day?
For my couples, that usually means:
- Feeling present and at ease, instead of getting caught up in the chaos.
- A wedding day that flows effortlessly—without unnecessary stress or distractions.
- A celebration that reflects who you are and the love you share.
- Time to actually enjoy your guests, soak in the moments, and dance the night away.
When you focus on your priorities, decisions become easier, and planning becomes a whole lot less stressful. And always, trust your gut.
Step Two: Choose Vendors Who Make Your Life Easier
Let’s be real—hiring the right team can make or break your wedding planning experience. You want vendors who know their stuff, work seamlessly together, and make the process easy for you. Choosing wisely is imperative while planning your wedding without losing your sanity.
As a wedding photographer, I work with couples who want a stress-free experience from start to finish. That means I guide you through the process, help with timelines, and ensure your wedding day flows smoothly—so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Your job? Show up, be present, and have the best day of your life.
When choosing your vendors, look for people who:
- Are experienced and organized (because you don’t have time for guesswork).
- Have a calm and collected presence (so you feel at ease, no matter what happens).
- Align with your vision and values (this is your day, after all! And all us vendors are here to work together, for you!).
Is every venor starting to look the same?! You might find this helpful in your search process: How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer You’ll Actually Enjoy Spending the Day With
Step Three: Simplify the Planning Process
Let’s talk about the biggest time-waster: trying to do everything at once. Instead of getting lost in a sea of inquiries, pricesheets, spreadsheets, and decision fatigue, take a streamlined approach:
- Do your research first – Before reaching out to vendors, take a moment to look at their website, pricing, and FAQs. This saves time and ensures you’re inquiring with the right people.
- Make decisions efficiently – Instead of dragging out the process, trust your gut and book vendors who align with your vision.
- Batch your planning – Set aside dedicated time for wedding planning, rather than letting it take over your entire week.
- Let your vendors guide you – When you work with experienced professionals, they take care of the details so you don’t have to. If you need a solid referral, ask one of your hired vendors.
Overwhelmed looking at price sheets? Why is everyone so different? Cracking the Code: The Truth About Wedding Photography Pricing & Breaking Through the Budget Myths
Step Four: Remember Why You’re Doing This
At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t about seating charts or signature cocktails—it’s about your love. The commitment you’re making, the people you’re celebrating with, and the joy of the day itself.
That’s why I approach wedding photography the way I do—by capturing the authentic, truthful, all the emotions-filled moments as they naturally unfold. So that when you look back at your photos, you don’t just see what the day looked like—you feel it all over again.
Because your wedding day should be about you—fully present, completely in love, and having the time of your life. Your best day ever!
And if that’s the kind of wedding experience you’re looking for, I’d love to be a part of it.
Let’s chat and make it happen.
Much love,
Audrey
This post is part of my Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide.