As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many couples find themselves not only celebrating a new year but also stepping into a pivotal phase of their wedding planning journey. Whether you're newly engaged or in the midst of finalizing details, the New Year is the perfect time to set resolutions that will help you plan and enjoy your wedding with ease and joy. These 9 tips are designed to inspire and guide you as you navigate the exciting road ahead.
1. Commit to Open and Honest Communication
One of the most important resolutions you can make as a couple is to prioritize clear and open communication. Wedding planning can bring about stress, differing opinions, and pressure, but maintaining a strong dialogue about your goals, expectations, and concerns will help prevent misunderstandings. Set aside regular time to check in with each other - whether it's a weekly catch-up or a quick chat over coffee. You both deserve to feel heard and understood throughout the planning process.
2. Create a Budget and Stick to It (But Be Flexible)
Weddings can get expensive quickly, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of it all. One of the best ways to avoid unnecessary stress is to commit to creating a realistic wedding budget and sticking to it. Break down your expenses into categories and try to anticipate costs before they arise. However, remember that life is unpredictable, so build in a little flexibility. Agree to make thoughtful compromises if you need to adjust your budget during the planning process. Setting a clear budget from the beginning will help you both stay aligned financially.
3. Focus on What Matters Most to You Both
As you start planning, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by opinions, Pinterest boards, and what others expect of you. This year, resolve to focus on what truly matters to you as a couple. Whether it's a dream venue, a specific type of ceremony, or including certain cultural or personal traditions, prioritize the elements that reflect your relationship. Let go of the pressure to please everyone - your wedding is about you and your partner, and that’s what will make it special.
4. Embrace the Help of a Wedding Planner
Wedding planning can quickly become overwhelming, especially as the big day draws near. To avoid burnout and keep things on track, consider bringing in a professional. As Ari Lennartz from Bridal Bliss advises, "With a good planner, you should never hit a planning slump, as they will lead the process, break up tasks, and step in when you’re over planning or decision-making." A skilled planner can save you time, money, and stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying your engagement rather than getting bogged down by every detail. "Being engaged is supposed to be fun! Don't let planning a wedding on your own kill the experience. Not only will a planner likely save you money in the long run, they will also reduce stress and guide you to make smart decisions."
5. Let Go of Perfectionism & Embrace Imperfection
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of a perfectly executed day, but weddings are often filled with little imperfections that make them memorable. This year, resolve to embrace the idea that things may not go exactly as planned - and that’s okay! Whether it’s a flower mishap, a weather change, or a vendor delay, focus on the joy of the day and the love you're celebrating, rather than striving for perfection. Your wedding will be perfect in its own way simply because it’s yours.
6. Create "Togetherness" on Your Big Day
Having performed at over 2,400 weddings, Michael Benson of Michael Benson Band shares valuable insights for creating an unforgettable celebration. He emphasizes that three key elements are essential for success: "1) Create 'togetherness' by choosing a one-space venue for dinner, live music, and dancing all in a common area, 2) Place the bar near the dance floor, NOT in a separate room, and position the photo booth on the perimeter of the SAME room, and 3) Avoid 'over-entertaining' with multiple activities or games in other areas that pull guests away from the dance floor. These elements will help your guests experience each other, the music, the food, the drinks, and the dancing as one, providing them with one of the most, if not the, most memorable nights of their lives!"
7. Celebrate Small Milestones Along the Way
Wedding planning can be a long and sometimes overwhelming journey, so it’s important to celebrate the little victories along the way. Whether you finalize your guest list, pick out your wedding dress, or lock down the perfect photographer, take time to acknowledge these milestones as a couple. This will help you feel accomplished and remind you of the progress you’re making. Remember that every small step is moving you closer to your big day!
8. Embrace Sustainability and Giving Back
As the New Year begins, couples have an incredible opportunity to align their wedding plans with meaningful resolutions. One inspiring goal is to embrace environmental responsibility. As Madison Henry of the Seattle Wedding Show advises, "Wedding planning is a journey that benefits from patience, flexibility, and intention." Consider incorporating sustainable practices, such as choosing eco-friendly décor and favors or donating floral arrangements to bring joy to others after your celebration. For those looking to give back, supporting charitable causes through your wedding can add a meaningful layer to your special day. By weaving sustainability, kindness, and thoughtfulness into your plans, you can create a wedding that reflects not only your love but also your values, leaving a lasting, positive impact.
9. Don’t Lose Sight of the Bigger Picture
Lastly, remember that your wedding is just one day, but your marriage is for a lifetime. This year, resolve to keep your eyes on the bigger picture and focus on building a strong foundation for your future together. Keep the lines of communication open, tackle challenges as a team, and savor the moments of joy that come with planning your wedding. If you stay grounded in the love you share, the wedding planning process will be much more enjoyable, and the wedding itself will be a beautiful reflection of your partnership.
As you set your intentions for 2025, let these resolutions guide you in your wedding planning journey. Here’s to a new year filled with love, joy, and meaningful moments!
Photo by Into Dust Photography with Seattle Stunning Events
