top of page

Practical Wedding Tips for the Laid Back Wedding Couple

  • Writer: Emily Potter
    Emily Potter
  • Jul 23
  • 2 min read

Planning a wedding can feel like juggling a million little details. If you are anything like me the fine details of planning an event can feel like climbing a mountain. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you're planning a backyard wedding or a celebration with all the bells and whistles, these practical tips will help you stay organized, save your sanity, and actually enjoy the process.


Backyard wedding ceremony setup with wedding arch, flowers, and white chairs.

1. Start with Your Priorities

Before you dive into Pinterest boards and seating charts, take a moment to talk with your partner about what truly matters. Is it amazing food? An intimate vibe? Beautiful photos? Knowing your top 3 priorities will help guide every other decision. 


2. Set a Budget (then build in a buffer) 

Be honest about what you want to spend, and add a 10–15% buffer for unexpected costs. They will come up, whether it's extra postage for bulky invites or an emergency umbrella order for a rainy forecast.


Bride and groom sitting in front of a white picket fence kissing with their wedding ceremony site in the background


3. Keep Your Guest List Manageable

The guest list affects nearly everything: your venue, your budget, your stress level. It’s okay to keep it small. Intimate weddings can be just as meaningful (and way less overwhelming). If people aren’t your jam, keep it to a certain guest count (and if you have a hard time with people pleasing make sure you pick a venue with a guest cap to ensure only people you want to be there are included).


Bride and groom sitting in a horse drawn carriage, looking at each other

4. Choose Vendors You Trust

This is huge. Your vendors should feel like a team you can count on. Look for people who communicate clearly, understand your vision, and are just good humans. When you have vendors you trust, you can let go and enjoy the day. If you need help finding vendors that are right for your day? I am happy to help!


5. Pad Your Timeline

Add buffer time to everything on your wedding day timeline. Getting ready, travel, toasts, portraits often takes more time than you think. Yes we can get all your portraits done in ten minutes, but you will feel rushed through the day. Your wedding day goes by so fast, don't rush yourself through the day without thinking about any time to actually enjoy it. A flexible timeline helps you stay relaxed if things run a bit behind. Need help with a timeline? Reach out I can help!


Bride and groom running towards the ocean while looking at each other.

6. Embrace “Good Enough”

Perfection is a myth. Not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay! What you’ll remember are the moments: your partner’s face when you walk down the aisle, the impromptu dance with your grandma, the laughter. That’s the real magic.


Table scape with blue and yellow flowers, chargers, and candles.

7. Schedule Downtime

Planning a wedding is a marathon. Schedule breaks where you don’t talk about wedding stuff. Go on a date. Take a nap. Protect your peace. It makes the whole process more joyful.



Bride and her grandmother smiling at each other in a candid moment.

Conclusion:


At the end of the day, your wedding is about your love. The more you can simplify and focus on what matters most to you, the more beautiful and stress-free your day will be. You’ve got this.



Looking for a photographer for your Central Florida wedding? Let's chat about your day to find you the right fit!



Comments


bottom of page