Stress Free Tips | Alaska Bride & Groom

Real-bride tips for a stress-free

wedding day

They’ve been there and done that – and now they have advice for you. Here are 13 tricks and tips from the experts – real Alaska brides – to help you stay sane during all that wedding planning and enjoy your big day.

Make time to plan your wedding. “I only had three months to plan everything,” says Amanda. “If I had more time, I'm sure it wouldn't have been as stressful.”
Set a budget. “At the very beginning, take time with your fiancée and rank the things that are most important to you in a wedding,” advises Kim. “Set a budget and spend your money on those things. Let the others go.”
Add a little wiggle room in your budget. “Hidden costs and last-minute things are very likely to sneak up on you,” advises Ashley. “Include a column in your budget for some of those miscellaneous details.”
Get a wedding planner or day of coordinator. “It is easy to think, ‘I can do it all myself’ or ‘I can’t afford one,’ but keep an open mind about hiring one of these pros – they will help keep things running smooth so you can enjoy a stress-free day,” says Cheri.
Consider your guest list before choosing your venue, says Rachel. Your venue should be a good fit for the number of friends and family that will be celebrating with you.
Keep an open mind when dress shopping. Try on as many styles as you can. “I was surprised by the styles that fit my body type best,” notes Kaitlyn.
“Don’t be afraid to delegate work,” says Catie. “Our wedding was everything it was because of the help of our family and friends.”
Be sure to schedule time to visit with guests on your wedding day. “Even a short visit will mean a lot to your guests,” says Rachel. “After all, they did come to celebrate with you!”
Plan out your wedding photos and give your photographer a list of must-have shots. “For example, I wanted more photos of our family, our guests and the decorations that I had handmade,” says Ashley.
Plan enough time for any off-site bride and groom photos. “The time limit prevented us from going anywhere to do more couple shots,” says Ana.
Soak in the moments of the day, recommends Erin. “I was so nervous/excited that I really didn't ‘hear’ the special readings by my family members until about 10 minutes into the ceremony when I finally calmed down.”
Steal some moments away from everyone to be with your new spouse. “Don’t get so busy that you don’t connect with one another. Take time to live in the moment as a couple,” says Ana. “Those are memories you’ll always cherish.”
Don't worry about what others want for your wedding day. “This day is about you and your soon-to-be husband,” says Angela. “Make it a day you will love, cherish and always look back knowing you didn't cheat yourselves out of anything.”

Alaska Grown Flowers

Photography Do's & Don'ts

Wedding Day Entertainment

Real Weddings

Make time to plan your wedding. “I only had three months to plan everything,” says Amanda. “If I had more time, I'm sure it wouldn't have been as stressful.”

Set a budget. “At the very beginning, take time with your fiancée and rank the things that are most important to you in a wedding,” advises Kim. “Set a budget and spend your money on those things. Let the others go.”

Add a little wiggle room in your budget. “Hidden costs and last-minute things are very likely to sneak up on you,” advises Ashley. “Include a column in your budget for some of those miscellaneous details.”

Get a wedding planner or day of coordinator. “It is easy to think, ‘I can do it all myself’ or ‘I can’t afford one,’ but keep an open mind about hiring one of these pros – they will help keep things running smooth so you can enjoy a stress-free day,” says Cheri.

Consider your guest list before choosing your venue, says Rachel. Your venue should be a good fit for the number of friends and family that will be celebrating with you.

Keep an open mind when dress shopping. Try on as many styles as you can. “I was surprised by the styles that fit my body type best,” notes Kaitlyn.

“Don’t be afraid to delegate work,” says Catie. “Our wedding was everything it was because of the help of our family and friends.”

Be sure to schedule time to visit with guests on your wedding day. “Even a short visit will mean a lot to your guests,” says Rachel. “After all, they did come to celebrate with you!”

Plan out your wedding photos and give your photographer a list of must-have shots. “For example, I wanted more photos of our family, our guests and the decorations that I had handmade,” says Ashley.

Plan enough time for any off-site bride and groom photos. “The time limit prevented us from going anywhere to do more couple shots,” says Ana.

Soak in the moments of the day, recommends Erin. “I was so nervous/excited that I really didn't ‘hear’ the special readings by my family members until about 10 minutes into the ceremony when I finally calmed down.”

Steal some moments away from everyone to be with your new spouse. “Don’t get so busy that you don’t connect with one another. Take time to live in the moment as a couple,” says Ana. “Those are memories you’ll always cherish.”

Don't worry about what others want for your wedding day. “This day is about you and your soon-to-be husband,” says Angela. “Make it a day you will love, cherish and always look back knowing you didn't cheat yourselves out of anything.”

FOLLOW US ON: