After years of helping couples plan their dream weddings, I’ve realized there are a few pieces of advice I’ve shared time and time again and now, as I plan my own wedding, I finally get to take my own words to heart! 💍

Whether you’re newly engaged or deep in planning mode, these are my tried-and-true tips for keeping your wedding experience joyful, organized, and uniquely you.

1. Break in your wedding shoes

This might sound simple, but trust me your feet will thank you! Wear your wedding shoes around the house (yes, even with socks). Make sure you can actually walk, dance, and move comfortably in them. No one wants blisters on the big day. I’ve even been known to vacuum in mine — multitasking at its finest!

2. Trust your vendors

As an Indianapolis wedding planner, I can’t say this enough: your vendors are there to make your day stress-free. They do this day in and day out, so lean on their expertise. Even as a planner, I felt an incredible sense of calm during my own meetings, knowing my fiancé and I were in good hands and could truly relax on the day of.

3. Don’t compare

Your wedding is your wedding, not anyone else’s. Forget what your friend, coworker, or cousin did. The most beautiful celebrations are the ones that reflect you and your fiancé’s personalities, style, and story. That’s what makes a day truly memorable.

4. Stick to the budget

Make a budget, and actually stick to it. No exceptions! If you feel a “but” coming, build in a small cushion for last-minute surprises or must-have details. Just don’t let it spiral. A thoughtful plan means you can enjoy your day without any financial stress.

5. Take wedding-free days

Wedding planning can easily take over your entire life — conversations, emails, weekends, everything. Be intentional about taking nights off from the “W word.” Go out to dinner, have a movie night, or do something that reminds you why you’re getting married in the first place.

Planning your wedding should be exciting, not exhausting. Whether you’re working with a planner or doing it yourself, remember — it’s about you two and the love you’re celebrating.

Happy Wedding Planning!

Kaitlin, Owner of It’s KEE Events