Your wedding is one of the most beautiful, romantic, and unforgettable days of your life — but it’s no secret that leading up to the big day can be just a little stressful! From organizing vendors to playing Tetris with reception seating charts, I know it’s not easy to plan even a small wedding, let alone a big one, but it’s so important to look after yourself throughout the process. With a stress free wedding planning experience, you can arrive at your wedding feeling refreshed, happy, and excited — instead of exhausted and worried, freeing up your time and emotions to be fully present and able to enjoy your day. Here’s how to plan a stress free Ottawa wedding that you’ll love!
Hiring A Professional Is Key To Stress-Free Wedding Planning
One of my top tips for a stress-free wedding day is always to hire a planner! A talented planner is worth their weight in gold, so please don’t try to do it all yourself! You can hire your planner right after you book your wedding venue. It’s best to lock in your person early, so you don’t miss out on your preferred choice.
Your planner will make your day seamless and breezy, even for small and intimate Ottawa weddings.
It’s also helpful to schedule regular catch-ups with your planner (and photographer!), even just a drink or quick phone call to see how things are going. I love using digital planning boards for this purpose too, where we can share ideas (and why I make one for all of my couples)!
Communication is always key, as it helps everyone stay informed and it helps you get to know your vendor team.
Work With An Ottawa Wedding Photographer Who Understands Your Vision
Your wedding photographer is such a vital part of your team, creating a visual memory of your beautiful wedding day moments, big and small. You want to look back on your photos and feel that they’re a true representation of your celebration, which is why it’s so important to find a photographer who understands your vision.
I love getting to know each couple I work with, helping them create something truly unique that they’ll treasure forever.
How To Plan A Stress Free Wedding In Ottawa? Ban The Wedding Talk!
This may sound funny, but try not to talk wedding shop each and every day with your partner! Set aside at least one day where you can forget about it, carving out space for a date night where you can relax and connect with one another, free from distractions.
Then, set aside another time where you can both come together for all things wedding planning. This is an opportunity to delegate tasks so you’re both involved equally. If you’re wondering how to beat wedding planning stress, organization and sharing responsibility is massive!
Make Time For Self Care
Is it normal for wedding planning to be stressful? Yes, it can definitely become overwhelming — after all, you want your day to be perfect for both you and your guests, but try not to let it eat away at you.
A good way to beat the stress is with self care. Schedule a fancy date night at one of Ottawa’s best restaurants or book in for a couples’ massage — this can be a fun little treat after you’ve crossed off a few wedding planning milestones too, so don’t be afraid to celebrate your wins!
A Stress-Free Wedding Day Timeline Always Includes a “Plan B”
Your wedding planning will include a day of and an events timeline, which is essentially a plan for how the day will operate. This is something your wedding planner (or photographer – I also help to craft your timeline!) will assist with, but please remember to include a few “Plan B”s.
I always encourage couples to be prepared to go with the flow. The weather might not cooperate, the caterer may have to make a small menu change, or something else might come up – so always have a backup plan so in place for peace of mind. After all, what matters most is you being focused on spending the day with your partner and loved ones.
So, is it possible to have a stress-free wedding in Ottawa? Absolutely! When you’re organized and prepared, your wedding day will unfold just as you’ve planned, freeing you up to relax and enjoy it.
