15 Simplified Wedding Planning Tips Every Couple Should Know | Jubilee Weddings and Events

So, you're engaged!!! Yay! Cue the champagne, happy tears, and an unhealthy obsession with creating Pinterest boards. While planning a wedding is one of the most exciting journeys you'll take as a couple, it can very much feel overwhelming and stressful. Between balancing budgets, guest lists, and which flowers are in season, it's easy to lose sight of the big picture.

We know there’s a lot of information and tips and tricks out there for planning your perfect wedding. So, we created this simple guide to help you stay sane, save time, and create a wedding that’s as unforgettable as your love story.

1. Start with the Big Three: Budget, Guest List, and Venue

These three decisions shape everything else. Know how much you’re working with, who you want there, and where the magic will happen. Once those three are decided upon, everything else will fall into place more easily.

2. Use a Shared Wedding Planning App or Spreadsheet

Whether you’re type-A or go-with-the-flow, organization is your friend. Apps like Zola, The Knot, or a good old Google Sheet can keep everyone on the same page (including all vendors and your friends/family).

3. Book Your Priority Vendors Early

Photographers, planners, and venues often get booked 12–18 months in advance. If you’ve got your heart set on someone or somewhere, secure them early—even if the rest of your plan is still undecided.

4. Focus on What Matters to You

Don’t feel pressure to have a six-tier cake or 200 guests if that’s not your style. Want pizza instead of filet mignon? Go for it. Your wedding should reflect you, not tradition for tradition’s sake.

5. Think About Guest Experience

Happy guests = a great party. Consider things like weather, food preferences, signage, and seating. A cozy blanket basket for a chilly outdoor ceremony or a coffee station at the end of the night goes a long way.

6. Don’t Over-Schedule the Day

Leave breathing room in your timeline. Rushing from the ceremony to photos to cocktail hour can leave you, and your guests, feeling frantic and rushed. Always allot extra time for transitions and events.

7. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

You don’t have to do it all. Whether it’s an official wedding planner, day-of coordinator, or your ultra-organized best friend, let someone else run point on logistics the day of.

8. Plan for Plan B (Especially for Outdoor Weddings)

If you’re going al fresco, always have a rain plan. Tents, umbrellas, indoor backups—it’s worth it for peace of mind. And weather – especially in Washington – is unpredictable.

9. DIY? Be Smart About It

DIY can save money and add a personal touch—but pick your battles. Handmade favors for 150 guests? Maybe skip it. A signature cocktail sign or playlist? Go for it.

10. Don’t Forget About Marriage Paperwork

It’s not glamorous, but it’s important. Look into license requirements early—they vary by location and can include waiting periods or expiration dates.

11. Practice the Timeline with a Run-Through

A rehearsal helps everyone know where to stand and when, especially if your ceremony has unique elements. It also gives you a chance to tweak things before the real deal.

12. Take Care of Yourself Along the Way

Planning can get intense. Don’t forget to eat well, get sleep, and take breaks from wedding talk. Schedule date nights where the rule is: no wedding planning allowed.

13. Build a Killer Emergency Kit

Safety pins, blotting paper, phone charger, band-aids, snacks—these small items can save the day. Trust us.

14. Invest in a Good Photographer (and a Videographer if You Can)

Your wedding will go by in a blur—photos and videos help you relive it. A pro will capture the moments you missed and the ones you’ll want to hold onto forever.

15. Remember: Perfect Is Overrated

At the end of the day, no one remembers what your charger plates looked like. They remember how they felt. If you’re having fun, your guests will too. If you’re happy and enjoying yourself, those are the moments your loved ones will remember.

All that being said, remember that wedding planning is part romance, part logistics, and part wine-fueled decision-making. Take your time, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to do things differently. After all, this day is about celebrating your unique love story—and that’s something no one else can replicate.

Jubilee Weddings and Events

All photos are by Evergreen Wedding Photography