For anybody who works a full time job and is also planning a wedding, you’re probably finding it hard to get everything done. So, today I’m walking you through some super practical ways you can plan your wedding without losing your job – or going insane!
Episode breakdown
Be super organised
You need to find a system that works for you! Trello, spreadsheets, checklists, Google Drive. Whatever works for you, just get it all set up! Then share the responsibilities with your Other Half and start divvying up the tasks.
Your free wedding planning checklist!
Create a wedding planning day
Pick a day that works for you and in the initial stages of wedding planning, do all your wedding admin on that day – preferably NOT a work day. It may be Monday nights or Saturday mornings. Whatever you choose, stick with that rhythm.
Make a free wedding email account
Keep all your wedding admin separate from your work admin by creating a brand new wedding planning email address. Gmail is free and works just fine! You can have all your wedding related email correspondence via the new account – request quotes, confirm appointments, gather RSVPs, whatever you need to do.
Prioritise
If you want to stay sane throughout this process, focus on the tasks that will make or break your wedding. Forget about the small stuff for now. Don’t feel like you have to say yes to all the wedding frills if they’re not for you! If you narrow it all down, you’ll trim your to-do list, hold onto your sanity and you’ll get more done.
Use your commute
Whether you drive, walk, take the train or hop on the bus… if you work away from home, you’ll have some commuting time to take advantage of. Depending on the length of your commute and how prone you are to motion sickness, here are some wedding planning tasks you could do on your commute:
- Listen to the Wedding Wednesday podcast
- Browse social media and Pinterest for ideas – don’t forget to save or screenshot them!
- Listen to music – choose your wedding singer, the song you want to walk down the aisle to etc.
- Watch videos – look at your live band options, first dance ideas etc.
Adjust your work hours
Maybe you’ve been wanting to tweak your work hours anyway – now is a great time to sit down with your line manager and discuss the options. You may want to come in early and leave early, or start making the most of your work from home advantages. Have an open conversation with your manager and see what’s possible!
Go digital
There’s so much you can do online! From venue hunting, to virtual supplier appointments and live-streamed gigs, do whatever you can do online before having your in-person meet ups!
This means you can have your online appointments during lunch breaks or in the evenings and then take time off strategically for your in-person meetings and showcases.
Say yes to ‘all-inclusive’
Seriously, it’s less stressful and will take up far less time. The all-inclusive packages are also more cost effective! By making one all-inclusive booking, you can tick off about 15 things on your list.
Get help
I’m pro-wedding planners because I used to be one and I know how much of a life-saver they are! This is especially true if you want to plan a wedding with a full time job. You simply won’t have time to do it all on your own. Get the help of a professional who can do some of the leg work for you.
Get your partner to contribute too – have a conversation if you feel like you are carrying all the weight and you’re struggling to balance work and wedding planning.
Ask your wedding party to get involved too! There are plenty of tasks you could delegate.
Vacation days
This isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth seeing how much time you can get off. Then plan those days strategically. You may want to take a day or two off the week of your wedding and then when you intend to go on honeymoon. A day off here and there to visit venues or even just as a break from all the work and planning is totally acceptable.
Know what’s OK
There are a few episodes of The Office where Pam is planning her wedding at work. She’ll watch live band videos in the conference room and put invitations in envelopes at her desk and people got annoyed about it. Only you will know what is OK during your work hours – some jobs (like a receptionist job) require you to be present but they don’t mind if you’re doing other tasks at work. Other jobs will require you to put non-work tasks aside during work hours.
No more DIY
Seriously, if you’re already limited in time, don’t take on any DIY projects. They are a huge time investment and often don’t turn out as pretty as they look on Pinterest.
Look after yourself
Self care is critical to your mental health, so make sure you’re looking after yourself. Don’t fill every available window with more wedding tasks if you don’t have to!
