How to Plan Your Wedding Yourself, When You Don’t Have the Time

Congratulations on your engagement! Now it's time to plan that luxurious wedding you've always dreamt of. But with the average wedding taking around 300 hours to plan, how on earth do you fit that in alongside work, family, fitness, social life, and, most importantly, enjoying your engagement? In today's fast-paced world, wedding planning has become more intricate and time-consuming. But don’t worry, we're here to help you navigate through it all.

In a survey by Wedding Elements of couples who got married in 2018, one of the top reasons they didn’t hire a wedding planner was because they wanted to plan the wedding themselves. However, one of the biggest complaints from couples about wedding planning was the lack of time. So, what’s the solution? Can you plan a luxury wedding that friends and family will adore, and still fit this into your busy schedule? Absolutely! Here are some top tips from Jenny at Wedding Elements.

Don’t Write Off a Wedding Planner Just Yet!

When couples tell me they don’t want to hire a wedding planner because they want to plan it themselves, it always surprises me. There is a misconception that planners will take over and make all the decisions for you. Trust me, this isn’t the case! This is your wedding, and you will be making all the decisions. A wedding planner will work with you to plan the wedding, but all the decisions will be yours. They are there to take on the difficult and time-consuming tasks and ensure the day runs beautifully. How you work with a wedding planner is a personal choice, and a planner will fit around you.

At Wedding Elements, we understand that your wedding should reflect your unique style and preferences. A planner can handle the logistics, liaise with vendors, and coordinate the day’s events, allowing you to focus on the fun parts of planning your special day. Whether you want to be hands-on or prefer to delegate most tasks, a wedding planner can adapt to your needs, ensuring your wedding is as stress-free as possible.

Consider a Destination Wedding

How can a destination wedding be easier to plan? Well, many destination wedding providers offer comprehensive packages that include everything you need. From stunning venues to handling the legalities of an overseas wedding, these packages often include food, drinks, cake, flowers, photographers, and even hair and makeup artists. Some packages even come with a wedding coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. They work with trusted suppliers and venues, guiding you every step of the way. If you dream of getting married in a beautiful location but don’t want to stress over the details, this is an excellent option.

If you’re looking for something more bespoke for your destination wedding, Wedding Elements can help. We offer an affordable planning package where we take care of every detail, allowing you to enjoy the journey without the stress.

Choose a Venue That Provides Everything

If you’re set on having your wedding in the UK, look for a venue that can provide everything for you. Venues that specialise in weddings often have an on-site wedding coordinator, in-house caterers, and are licensed for civil ceremonies. They also typically have a list of trusted suppliers for photographers, cake makers, hair and makeup artists, and venue decorators. These venues are perfect when you want a beautiful, luxury wedding that doesn’t require too much time to plan.

By choosing a venue that offers a comprehensive package, you can save time and reduce the stress of coordinating multiple vendors. This allows you to focus on personal touches and enjoy the planning process without feeling overwhelmed.

Hire a Virtual Assistant

Planning a wedding can be stressful and time-consuming, sometimes making you feel like giving up. This is meant to be the happiest day of your life, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! Consider hiring a virtual assistant to handle tasks you simply don’t have time for.

Wedding Elements offers a unique service for couples just like you: 'Plan It Myself'. This isn’t like hiring a traditional wedding planner. It’s a no-contract, no-obligation service where you can hire a wedding planner on a pay-as-you-go basis. Need to address 100 invites that need to go out this weekend? Give us a call. Want someone to book venue viewings for you? Get in touch!

This flexible service allows you to manage your wedding planning without committing to a full-time planner. You can get help with specific tasks as needed, ensuring that your wedding planning stays on track without overwhelming you.

Conclusion

Planning a luxury wedding when you don’t have much time can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. Whether you choose to work with a wedding planner, opt for a destination wedding, select a comprehensive venue, or hire a virtual assistant, there are solutions to fit your busy life. Remember, this is a special time in your life, so take the time to enjoy your engagement and most of all, have fun on your wedding day!

For more personalised advice and planning services, get in touch with Wedding Elements. We're here to help make your dream wedding a reality without the stress. Happy planning!