As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many couples find themselves not only celebrating a new year but also stepping into a pivotal phase of their wedding planning journey. Whether you're newly engaged or in the midst of finalizing details, the New Year is the perfect time to set resolutions that will help you plan and enjoy your wedding with ease and joy. These expert-backed tips are designed to inspire and guide you as you navigate the exciting road ahead.
1. Delegate and Let Go of Stress
Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. “Don’t try to do everything yourself! Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking, and while it’s tempting to think you can handle it all, trying to do everything yourself can quickly become overwhelming,” says Melody Hall of Events by Melody. “The truth is, you don't have to do it all on your own and it's perfectly okay to ask for help. Delegating is key to keeping your stress level down and making the planning process more enjoyable. By handing off the details of planning to a wedding planner and/or trusted helpers, you'll be able to focus on the most important thing: the big picture!”
2. Make Planning a Weekly Ritual
Stay on track by scheduling regular wedding planning sessions. Heidi Almendinger from Jenna Culley Events recommends setting aside specific time each week, like “Wedding Wednesdays.” She explains, “This can be combined with a weekly date night! Add time to a shared calendar to ensure that the planning process isn’t getting pushed back because it’s easy for one week to quickly turn into two weeks which turns into three, etc.” This consistent approach will keep your to-do list manageable while fostering connection with your partner.
3. Keep the Romance Alive
Wedding planning should be as much about celebrating your love as it is about logistics. Jessica St. George of Everworth Photography advises couples to prioritize their relationship throughout the process. “Make sure to celebrate your planning accomplishments! For example, after you've booked your venue go on a romantic date - even if it's just getting outside and walking around your favorite park. Each time you accomplish something, celebrate together, reminding yourself that the true meaning behind a wedding is establishing your forever surrounded by the people that love you most.”
4. Infuse Fun Into Planning
Transform planning into an enjoyable experience by incorporating fun, functional activities. “Wedding planning can be a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and it can feel like a daunting task when you first start! One of our favorite tips, especially when our photography couples may be booking 12 or more months in advance, is to set aside wedding planning "date nights," suggests Dan Riggs from Summit Hill Studios. "Start with choosing one night a month - for example, the first Wednesday - and plan to sit down, have a nice meal, and talk through wedding details. This way both partners stay on the same page, and you can minimize any wedding planning "burnout." Start each date night by talking about what you are most excited for on the wedding day - and remember the planning you're doing now is going to make it that much easier to relax on the big day!"
5. Break Tasks Into Manageable Steps
Avoid overwhelm by dividing your planning into monthly goals. “Break your planning into monthly tasks to keep things running smoothly and, most importantly, keep your sanity in check,” says Emily Kaye of Emily Kaye Bridal. "Leave some wiggle room in your wedding day timeline for the inevitable surprises …trust me you’ll be thankful you did!" This step-by-step approach ensures you’re making progress without feeling rushed or stressed.
6. Plan Your Planning
A little structure can go a long way. Nicole Stettler from Cragun’s Resort emphasizes the importance of creating a timeline. “The number one thing that helps couples to have a seamless, less stressful planning journey ... plan your planning. Set out your timeline with due dates for items, know when you need to get certain details taken care of and hold yourself accountable to your deadlines. Then you're not trying to do everything last minute, and you can enjoy the moment.”
7. Embrace Flexibility and Joy
Kailey Levin from Windows at Marquette shares a crucial reminder: “Take a deep breath and remember: Worry less. This is your time to enjoy and celebrate the journey of curating your special day. Let the planning process be fun and memorable. Keep reminding each other to embrace the joy of this experience!” Flexibility and a positive mindset will help you navigate any challenges that come your way.
8. Set Aside Quality Time for Collaboration
Wedding planning is a team effort, and sharing quality time together is key. Lauren Wolden of Glass House recommends setting aside a few date nights where you can specifically collaborate on your wedding plans. “Enjoy each other's company while discussing ideas and making decisions together! Tip: If you're able, take a visit to your venue and get connected to the space.”
9. Dream Beyond the Big Day
While planning your wedding, take time to dream about your future together. Paige Gibson from Paige Gibson Homes suggests, “As you prepare for the new year and plan out all the intricate details of your wedding, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on where you’re living and envision where you want your next chapter to unfold. Many of our clients have found that while it might sound like a lot to take on, couples planning weddings are often in a decisive mindset - making it the perfect time to consider a move! So, here’s our tip for brides and grooms: let the energy and excitement of wedding planning flow into other broader areas of your lives as you dream about your future together!”
10. Start Early and Stay True to Your Vision
As you embark on this exciting wedding journey in 2025, resolve to start your planning early by booking key vendors 9-12 months ahead, allowing you to secure the best team while reducing stress. Courtney Burton from Courtney Burton Music encourages couples to make it their goal to protect dedicated time each week for wedding discussions with their partner. “Treat these planning sessions as special moments to connect and dream together. Above all, commit to staying true to your vision while remaining flexible - remember that the most genuine and joyful celebrations happen when you focus on what matters most: celebrating your love story with those closest to you.
11. Reflect on Past Successes and Set Clear Priorities
Michelle Dunlap of Michelle Dunlap Design shares valuable advice based on her experience with past couples: “Some things that have worked best for my past couples are: take the time to discuss what is important, setting a clear budget, assigning tasks to family and friends or hiring them out, selecting trustworthy vendors that will execute their ideas, setting priorities that match their goals, making decisions together, scheduling frequent 'planning date nights,' accepting that things might not go as planned, and concentrating on the joy of celebrating their love & what brought them together.”
12. Stay Focused on YOUR Dream Wedding
With so many extravagant wedding photos flooding social media, it’s easy to get swept up in everyone else’s vision of the "perfect" wedding. Katie Boyd of Dellwood Country Club encourages couples to focus on what truly matters to them by meeting with their venue early in the planning process. "Working with a team that’s eager to reflect your personal style and tastes is key to creating your dream wedding. Whether you're envisioning a grand celebration, an intimate gathering, or a blend of both, our goal is to ensure your big day is a genuine reflection of who you are as a couple. Dream big, and partner with a team that's as committed as you are to bringing your vision to life!"
13. Make Planning Fun and Stress-Free
As the New Year approaches, set resolutions to make your wedding planning enjoyable and stress-free. Morgan Brady from Mintahoe Catering & Events suggests, “Secure key vendors early, then relax and savor your engagement. Make planning fun by incorporating it into date nights or activities, turning decisions into special moments. This approach keeps the process simple, enjoyable, and memorable.”
As you set your intentions for 2025, let these resolutions guide you in your wedding planning journey. Here’s to a new year filled with love, joy, and meaningful moments!
Summit Hill Studios
Main Photo by Everworth Photography
