Anyone who’s ever tried planning a wedding will tell you, it’s easy to get pretty overwhelmed pretty fast. This is totally understandable! Between setting a budget, securing a venue, finalizing a guest list, and dealing with the millions of details, things can stack up quickly and it can leave you feeling really stressed out during what should be the happiest time of your life. Too many couples spend their wedding days worrying about making sure everything is running smoothly that they have no time to actually enjoy the day!

The good news is that there is a way to plan a wedding that’s totally stress-free and leaves you free to make perfect memories that will last a lifetime. All it takes is the right approach and careful planning. You might also want to consider an alternative to a traditional wedding, like an elopement! That’s why I’ve put together this list of essential stress-free wedding planning tips. Keep these in mind, and you’ll have all the tools you need to make sure you have the joyful and totally relaxed wedding that you deserve. Here’s the ultimate guide for how to plan a stress-free wedding day.

A Step-By-Step Guide For How To Have A Relaxing Wedding Day

Step 1: Start early and create a timeline. 

Time management is one of the key elements for how to avoid wedding day stress.

It’s never too soon to start creating an organized schedule that itemizes each task you’ll need to complete and sets realistic goals for when you’d like to get them done. That way, you’ll be able to manage tasks without rushing! Things will get done in a relaxed and orderly fashion. 

I definitely also recommend delegating some tasks to close friends or family. These people love you and want to help make your wedding day great, so let them know how they can support you during the planning process to make everything run more smoothly!

Step 2: Hire professional, reliable vendors. 

There’s no replacement for skill and experience when it comes to wedding vendors. Making sure you hire people who know exactly what they’re doing and how to deliver for their clients is a surefire way to create a stress-free atmosphere from beginning to end. 

An experienced vendor will listen to you when you clearly communicate your vision to them and work tirelessly to make sure the wedding you get is the wedding you’ve always dreamed of!

It’s particularly essential to hire an experienced photographer with high professional standards and a commitment to excellence. That way, when your wedding day arrives, you can rest easy knowing that all the most important moments are getting preserved forever, and you can just focus on enjoying the celebration and making memories.

Step 3: Simplify your schedule. 

It’s important not to over plan! Keep your wedding day schedule flexible with some activities that both of you love doing together. It’s also a great idea to schedule some breaks between activities so that you can stay calm and relaxed throughout the entire day.

Why Eloping Is Less Stressful Than A Wedding

One really great way to cut down on wedding day stress is to explore the idea of opting for an elopement instead of a traditional wedding. There are a few key reasons why an elopement is way more relaxed than a traditional wedding:

Smaller Guest List

Traditional weddings have extensive guest lists, which naturally creates all sorts of stressful situations. Figuring out who to invite, where everyone sits, and where everyone is going to stay during your wedding can get pretty overwhelming. Elopements, on the other hand, are far more simplified, with a streamlined guest list that only features a handful of your closest friends and family. In fact, you can even opt for an elopement that just includes the two of you! The end result is a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that’s deeply romantic without any of the stress.

More Flexible Schedule

Traditional weddings are typically limited to specific venues that accommodate all your guests. You have to deal with the stress of making sure the venue is available, and choose a date that’s convenient for as many of your guests as possible. All of these problems disappear as soon as you start planning an elopement. You’re free to choose your dream location anywhere in the world, from deep in the woods to a towering mountain peak.

Freedom To Make Your Own Traditions

When you’re planning an elopement, you’re free to break from the constraints of a traditional wedding and create whatever kind of ceremony you want. You’re totally free to do your own thing.

Less Financial Pressure

Choosing to elope instead of planning a traditional wedding can save you tens of thousands of dollars! You don’t have to worry about booking a venue, you don’t have to worry about feeding all your guests, and you don’t need to stress out about decorations. As an added bonus, some of that extra money can be put toward scheduling amazing adventure activities at your dream venue.

Essentials For Planning A Relaxed Elopement

So you’ve opted for an elopement instead of a traditional wedding? That’s great! Get ready for an easy, stress-free process. As you begin the planning process, there are a few tools and strategies you can use to make sure your elopement is as streamlined and relaxed as possible.

1. Hire An Experienced Elopement Photographer & Wedding Planner

Hiring a professional photographer with years of experience can take a lot off of your plate. When I work with couples, I don’t just photograph their big day, I also assist with the planning every step of the way. You can rely on me to take care of crucial logistics like: 

• Location scouting and choosing the perfect elopement spot

• Securing necessary permits and licenses to elope legally in state and national parks

• Creating a relaxed and flexible timeline for planning your elopement — I build timelines for all of my couples, and I always prepare for the unexpected, like traffic delays or running long on hair and makeup while getting ready. I build in plenty of extra time, so even if we encounter some unavoidable delays, your wedding will never miss a beat.

• Vendor recommendations

Basically, you can consider me your go-to resource for anything and everything you need when planning your elopement. I’ll be there to tie up all the loose ends and offer stress-free elopement ideas to make sure your big day is absolutely perfect.

2. Be Prepared For The Outdoors

Packing the right clothing for an outdoor adventure elopement is a great way to cut down on wedding-day stress. Be sure to bring essential gear like hiking boots, rain jackets, and some extra layers in case the weather gets chilly.

3. Make Time For Yourselves

Be sure to carve out some space in the day where the two of you have nothing else to do but relax and enjoy the moment. This is your day, and you deserve some time when you have absolutely nothing to worry about except being present with each other and making priceless memories that will last a lifetime. You can use this time any way you like, including: 

• Reading private vows

• Taking a moment together before the ceremony

• Having a private first look

• Spending time alone on a picnic

4. Embrace The Unexpected

It’s always important to keep in mind that for any wedding, no matter how carefully planned, there will always be something unexpected or unanticipated that will require a little bit of adaptation. 

Instead of thinking about this as a source of stress, though, you should consider it a source of opportunity! Embracing the unexpected gives you an opportunity to dive head first into a new and exciting adventure, and will help you make the day uniquely yours. 

Having an outdoor elopement ceremony means that the weather and your natural surroundings play an essential role in your big day, and they will help turn your elopement into a celebration that’s just as authentic and organic as your love!

Your Next Adventure Is Waiting!

If you’re considering an adventure elopement and you’re looking for an experienced and passionate adventure elopement photographer in Washington, Oregon, and California, then we should definitely have a chat! 

I’d love to incorporate my expertise and commitment to excellence into your planning process and help you create an unforgettable elopement that’s completely worry-free so that you can keep the focus where it belongs: on celebrating your love and making memories that will last a lifetime! 

Get in touch any time and we can get started creating something truly special together.