Wouldn’t it be wunderbar if you could temporarily give up your job to plan a wedding? It wouldn’t take long – you’d probably have it all done in about three weeks flat, then return with a huge sense of accomplishment. Alas, this planning nirvana isn’t possible for most of us gals and guys. So, what do you do when you feel like you’re suddenly doing TWO full-time jobs? Follow the advice below on how to plan a wedding while working!
Working 9 to 5 – or not?
The problem with 9 to 5 is that some suppliers and companies work the same hours (although some suppliers can be contacted via email so you can mail back and forth on breaks or on the way home). However, if you are looking to make calls, there are only so many phone calls you can make instead of eating lunch. Can you talk to your boss about flexi time? ‘But my company’s never done that before’, you may say. Well, it doesn’t mean they’ll say no to you – as long as you come prepared with a good suggestion or two, and make it absolutely clear it’s only temporary. How about – shorter lunches Monday to Thursday, in exchange for a half-day Friday? Come in an hour later, and stay an hour longer? Think of some other options that could work for you and your boss. You don’t ask, you don’t get.
Earn extra days off
Ask your manager if they’ll let you work more hours in exchange for extra days off. We’re talking voluntary overtime you’ll then claim back in days off, rather than extra pay. We recommend doing this before your wedding planning goes full speed ahead – for example, shortly after you get engaged. This way, you’ll still have the time to pack in that extra work,then reap the benefits months later, when you really need that time off. Remember to keep precise records of your extra hours,and arrange this by email with your boss if possible, so there’s no doubt it’s been mutually agreed.
Ahoy, honeymoon
What’s your current holiday allowance, and is it enough to cover the wedding and the honeymoon? If not, a talk with the boss is obligatory. In fact, if you can have only ONE talk with the boss, let it be this one. Does your wedding and honeymoon fall during peak time? Do you have a general idea how long you’d like to go away for – one week, 10 days, two weeks? If you don’t have enough days available, will you be allowed to take unpaid time off? Or if your honeymoon is next year, could you carry over unused holidays this year? All questions worthy of pondering before you talk to the boss.
Chatty Cathy
Could anyone want to talk about a wedding all day long? Sure, it’s what we do every day here at weddingsonline! But if you’re not working in our office, you’ll risk some eye-rolling at best. Would you want to hear non-stop stories about an amazing party you’re not invited to? Keep wedding talk only to trusted friends, and people you’re actually inviting.
Image from Laura & Craig’s real wedding by Hu O’Reilly Photography
Don’t slack off
‘Tis the truth – if your boss likes and values you, they’ll agree to your requests more readily. So, after you get engaged, try your best not to let your productivity slip. The management will notice sooner than you think – and your coworkers won’t be happy either. We know it’s hard, but try your best to continue being your dependable self – it’s excellent leverage when you need to ask for that time off.
Have tablet, will plan
Would it be possible to bring a tablet to work, and use it for your planning during lunch? If you get away from your desk, you’ll probably accomplish a lot more, because you won’t have the usual interruptions. Plus, your web history on your work computer won’t be littered with websites you’ll be tempted to look at later. By the way, if you commute by public transport, that tablet will come in handy too.
Plan with a ‘rule of two’
We swear, this is something we totally made up, but it’s absolutely brill when you apply it. Basically, all you have to do is plan to accomplish two things every day. That’s two ticks off your to-do list every single day. Two things can easily be done on your lunch break. Example? Thing one: book two venue viewings. Thing two: find three local cake makers. Next day? Thing one: email invitation wording to the printer. Thing two: book dress fitting. Continue like this until you’re feeling really pleased with yourself, and your wedding planning checklist is showing major progress.
Chat with an expert
Have you noticed we’ve introduced a chat feature here at weddingsonline? It connects you straight to our wedding advisory team through the speech bubbles at the bottom right of your screen. Plan a wedding while working by asking all those questions through chat, and we’ll connect you with suppliers asap. It’s like having your very own helper anytime you want, and it’s perfect for using on your break.
Image from Sharon & Tadhg’s real wedding by Tanya Colclough, Eden Photography
Wedding email
Real brides have been saying the same thing for as long as internet has been around – get a new email address for your wedding planning. It’s such a small thing, but makes a huge difference. If at all possible, don’t use your work email for wedding planning – soon, you may not be able to stop the endless stream of messages. With a separate email, you’ll log on, log off, and stay distraction-free.
Awesome boss? Say ‘thank you’
Yeees, we’ve heard of those awesome bosses. The ones who understood your plight, let you leave early for wedding-related emergencies, and then gave an extra week off as a wedding present. This kind of boss deserves a wedding invitation, as well as a thoughtful gift. It doesn’t have to be lavish – but not a ceramic honeymoon tchotchke either.
Boss don’t care? It happens
Not all bosses will be willing to help, and not all workplaces will be able to accomodate you. In that case, if at all possible, leave the planning for your breaks, commute or home time. Getting in trouble with the boss is the last thing you need when you already have so much on your plate. And if you already feel overwhelmed, don’t plan a wedding while working – use the time at the office as a welcome break.
Image from Sabrina & Ian’s real wedding by Aidan Beatty Photography
Main image from Clair & Will’s real wedding by Insight Photography
