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Let’s get one thing straight: your wedding doesn’t have to look like it belongs in a bridal magazine to be epic. After shooting hundreds of weddings, I’ve learned one thing—perfection is overrated, but a wedding day that feels like you? That’s the good stuff.
So here’s your no-fluff, no-pressure guide to planning a day that’s beautiful, meaningful, and—most importantly—not a logistical nightmare.
Pick the Things You Want to Spend Money On and DIY, Thrift, or Ditch the Rest
Newsflash: You don’t have to do it all. Decide what matters most to you—an amazing photographer (wink), a killer outfit, or maybe a venue that feels like a second home. Then, for everything else, channel your inner thrifter or minimalist.
Need seating? Borrow chairs from family or mix and match thrifted finds. Want personalized decor? Hit up Facebook Marketplace or your local buy-nothing group. And let’s be honest, does anyone really care about custom monogrammed napkins? (Spoiler: they don’t.)
You don’t need to spend thousands to make your wedding look amazing. Here are a few easy, budget-friendly ideas that pack a punch:
Bubble Machines: Instant whimsy for a fraction of the cost of a floral arch.
Misters or Fans: Keep your guests cool while looking stylish.
Tons of String Lights: A few strands of lights can transform any space into magic.
White Fans and Umbrellas: Classy, practical, and they double as props for your photos.
Fabric Backdrops: Drape colorful fabric or gauzy material over an existing structure for an instant centerpiece.
The goal is vibe over volume. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect setup—just a few standout touches that feel effortless and fun.
Focus More on Experience Than Aesthetic
Ten years from now, your guests won’t remember what shade of blush your napkins were. They’ll remember how much fun they had, how relaxed you looked, and the feeling of the day.
Skip the hour-long posed photo sessions and spend more time actually enjoying your wedding. (Pro tip: That’s what a candid wedding photographer specializes in - allowing you to enjoy the day while we take care of preserving your memories.) Build moments into your day that feel like you—whether that’s a tequila shot toast during your ceremony, a pet-friendly dance floor, or breaking out into karaoke at the reception.
Extend the Celebration Into Multiple Events
Your wedding doesn’t have to be crammed into one whirlwind day. Stretch out the magic with a few smaller events, like:
Private Vows: A quiet moment just for the two of you before the chaos starts.
Bridal Party Sleepover: Relive your middle school slumber party dreams with your closest crew.
Post-Wedding Brunch: One more chance to soak up the love before everyone heads home.
Not only does this let you savor the experience, but it also takes the pressure off having one perfect day.
Skip the Timeline Overload
A detailed schedule sounds great until you’re sweating through your dress trying to stay on top of it. Instead, build in some buffer time between major moments. It gives you breathing room to enjoy your day without feeling like you’re constantly being shuffled from one thing to the next.
Want to save on money and maximize on experience? The number one best way to do this is to cut down the guest list. And anyone who's been a part of wedding planning knows how quickly a guest list can get out of hand. There are a ton of pros of the more and more popular micro weddings, and the even more intimate elopement option. From extended location options (like this intimate wedding on film at Portland restaurant Dame or this adventerous Oregon waterfall elopement) to better food on a smaller budget, the micro celebrations are really where it's at.
Hire Vendors Who Match Your Vibe
Your wedding team is your ride-or-die crew for the day. Choose vendors who get you. A laid-back couple needs a chill photographer, a flexible coordinator, and a DJ who knows the difference between “fun party” and “awkward prom vibes.”
Feed Your Guests Well—and Often
Hungry guests are cranky guests. Skip the three-hour gap between ceremony and dinner. Serve snacks, pass around signature cocktails, or set up a food truck to keep everyone happy and full. Bonus points if it’s something fun and unexpected like a late-night churro station, fry bar with assorted dips or coffee cart for that late-night jolt.
Rethink the Cake
If a multi-tiered fondant masterpiece isn’t your thing, skip it. Go for mini desserts, a donut tower, or even an assortment of pies. And if you do want a cake, make sure it’s something you’ll actually want to eat after 12 hours of celebrating.
Plan a Kickass Exit Strategy
There's nothing worse than an amazing wedding party coming to a crashing halt because the venue is closing and there's no clear after party. End your night on a high note - whether that's heading off alone as newlyweds, taking the whole party to your favorite bar or having a late-night bonfire, pick a send-off that feels right for you.
Add Some Surprise Moments
Want your wedding to stand out? Throw in a surprise. Have your officiant read notes from your friends and family, show up to the dance floor with light-up sneakers, or start your reception with a killer choreographed dance. These unexpected touches are what people remember.
Have a Plan for Your Photos
Do you care more about getting candid moments or having a few posed portraits? Communicate that to your photographer ahead of time so they can nail your vision. And don’t worry about the little stuff—like how your hair looks mid-dance. The best photos are the real ones.
Here’s the Bottom Line
Your wedding is about you two. Not trends, not expectations, and definitely not what that one overly opinionated cousin thinks. So lean into the joy, keep it real, and remember—the best weddings are the ones where you’re fully present and having the time of your life.
Let’s make it unforgettable.
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