Want a traditional-ish celebration without too much hassle?

The Guest List

The best way to know who you want there is to decide whos off the list.

The Venue

Find out what worked well for a newlywed.

Two brides and a flower bouquet in a collage

The Invitations

In an uncertain era, digital invites are more acceptable than ever.

When Do I Realistically Need To Start Planning?

No one wants to make decisions under pressure or in a hurry, Silver says.

Guest list envelope, list in a notebook and a flower bouquet

My advice is always to start planning shortly after being engaged.

If you make a guest list and book a venue early, you’ll be in great shape.

After that, plan based on whats most important to you.

Dining room at a wedding venue with white chairs and tables and white lanterns hanging from above

If you care the most about photos, book your photographer really early, Silver says.

Or if dancing is your number one biggest thing, book your band early.

Because the earlier you book them, [the more likely you are to] get your first choice.

Save the date photo on laptop, and a wedding invitation letter

The Flowers

Cant tell the difference between a hydrangea and a hyacinth?

The Dress

Plus, the sweet spot for when you should start shopping.

Do I Actually Need One?

Colorful rose flower bouquet

In short, probably.

Hiring a wedding planner means you get to makewayless decisions!

The Hair & Makeup

Finding your look doesn’t have to involve months of trials and hundreds of dollars.

Three wedding dresses, two are white and one is purple

The Table Seating

A strategy is necessary for this one.

The Photographer

You dont need to be a creative director to ensure your wedding is properly captured.

What Are The Time-Sucking, Unnecessary Things I Can Skip Right Off The Bat?

The front entrance of a hotel with “HOTEL” written on it

Luckily, lots of things.

People don’t care about that stuff, Silver says.

People care about temperature control, about not having to wait in line for drinks.

Various black hair wedding hairstyles

The Guest Favors

Favors dont necessarily need to mean stuff.

The Music

Nothing sets the scene quite like the dance floor.

Seating arrangement label on a table at a wedding venue

Wedding cameras and photos

Photo booth sign at a wedding

An old record on a gramophone

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