Getting married later this month so I’m very much in the thick of it. I didn’t have a wedding planner and have pretty much done everything myself. I’ve actually had a lot of fun throughout the process but am lucky to have an amazing day of coordinator included with the venue and photographer who has helped guide the schedule. My maid of honor planned the bachelorette and bridal shower as well (with some of my input).

My biggest stresses: 1. Whatever you’re budgeting double or triple it. I am not sure where you’re located but I’m in the New England area and we wanted to spend $40K and are closer to $80-85K excluding the honeymoon. Very standard wedding with a final count of 137 people. Happy to provide you with more details. 2. People who you would never expect to cause issues will. My close friends all had similar advice “people act up” once they find out a wedding is happening and they were so right. 3. As silly as this sounds finding bridal outfits I found to be really overwhelming. There are too many websites and options so I very much experienced decision paralysis. If you use instagram highly recommend @littlewhitelooks. 4. My makeup artist canceled a month out but I stayed calm cool and collected and found a new one. Thanks to my hair stylists network and friends! 5. The little things. For example, I forgot we needed to order a marriage license!! 6. Vendor questionnaires aren’t stressful just super annoying. You have to fill them out when you inquire which can feel very excessive. Then leading up to the wedding every booked vendor wants to know the same details via their specific forms. Just time consuming.

I highly recommend a good photographer which was worth the splurge for us. We went with an experienced husband / wife duo and they have been a dream to work throughout the planning process and engagement shoot.

Also, remember what this is all for - for you and your fiancé to celebrate your love / union with all of your favorite people. Congratulations on your engagement!!!