Planning a wedding can sometimes feel overwhelming, but who better to offer you wedding planning advice than couples who’ve been through it? Today our real couples share their advice and the things they learned while planning their day—what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d known sooner. From budgeting wisely to managing stress and staying true to your vision, these ten pieces of advice offer practical, honest insights to help you plan a celebration that truly reflects you.
Photography: Reflections Photography
Couple: Catherine and Alan
Don’t feel you need to go over the top with spending. The day goes by so unbelievably quickly try and take a few minutes together to take it all in. Wear the non traditional dress you’ll be so happy you did!
Photography: Couple Photography
Couple: Lisa and Alan
Talk to each other and just remember that the day is all about you both, so be the guests of honour and have the most amazing party celebrating your love for each other.
Photography: IMK Art Wedding Photography
Couple: Lyndsey & Brendan
Do it your own way and only listen to advice if you ask for it.
Photography: Eddie Kavanagh Photography
Couple: Sarah-Mai and Patrick
Enjoy it, easier said than done but… date each other throughout planning, celebrate each step and each month counting down. It will be stressful at times but focus on the significance of the day. Get the ball rolling as soon as you can and try to have everything sorted at least one week before. And delegate tasks, people are more than happy to help and be a part in your day. Call in those favours of talented friends/find local businesses, it makes it so much more personal!
Photography: Bismark Photography
Couple: Andrea & Paul
It can be so overwhelming and easy to get wrapped up in the wedding industry and all the add ons to make a party the next big hit. Avoid falling in to the trap of adding things you don’t want, it’s your day and nobody else’s, remember why you’re doing this and enjoy the build up!
Photography: Deirdre Langan Photography
Couple: Trish and Tony
Take time together on the day, ask loads of questions to your vendors and hotel. Don’t forget to have breakfast on the morning, take time to yourself before hair and make up and enjoy every minute of it!
Photography: The Fennells
Couple: Sophie and Pádraig
Our advice when it comes to planning a wedding is to book your main vendors as early as possible. Not only to tick items off the list, but they can get booked up months in advance so contact anyone you have your eye on! We found this made planning less stressful & much more enjoyable. Also, some of the best advice we received is to take some time together during the day to relax & to just take it all in! It’s a magical whirlwind that goes by too quickly & having everyone you love in the same room can mean you are pulled in opposite directions, so including even just 10 minutes in your timeline to have a glass of champagne together to celebrate you’ve just got married is a pretty special moment!
Photography: Stefano Ferrier Photography
Couple: Shannon-Anne and Colm
Do what feels right to you as a couple and what you enjoy. Don’t aim for perfection. Concentrate on having fun and being present in the moment.
Photography: Lisa Chonier Photographer
Couple: Meadhbh and Eoin
My advice is stay true to yourselves and have the type of wedding you want, not the type of wedding that’s expected of you. Your wedding is about you as a couple, no one else. Don’t do something just because it’s tradition or because you feel pressured. Unfortunately, some people will make your wedding about them, and you’ll realise the people who really love you will support your decisions no matter what. Do what you want, because some people will give out no matter what you do!! You control the atmosphere, so put yourself first, enjoy the day, don’t sweat the little things, have a blast and everyone else will too!!
Photography: AK Photography
Couple: Niamh and Jason
Be patient and keep yourself organised.
