8 Wedding To-Dos You Dread That Aren’t Really That Bad

There’s no reason to make these planning tasks a bigger deal than they are. When it comes to wedding planning, there’s the fun stuff, and then there’s the necessary stuff. All those items on your wedding to do list we know you’re putting off or simply dreading. These will differ for everyone, of course, but here are a few we think you might be stressing over. But don’t worry. There is a very good reason for you not to!

1. Making Your Budget

You can dream about elegant sugar flowers and drone photography all you want, but until you set a realistic, healthy budget there’s very little you can accomplish in the way of wedding planning. Sit down with your fiancee and discuss all the details. Make a night of it. Order some yummy takeout, open a bottle of wine and have a solid, constructive conversation. We promise it won’t be as bad as you think. And if you have a wedding planner, they can actually SAVE you money (and your sanity) in the long run with all their contacts and connections, so don’t miscount that as a frivolous expense!

2. Talking to Parents About Money

Again, no one’s excited to bring up the bill with their parents and future in-laws, but it’s a necessary evil for any couple not covering costs on their own. As long as you keep the dialogue open, honest and respectful, this interaction won’t be as bad as you expect it to be.

3. Researching Vendors

We know, we know…you want to know your dream team right now. But finding ideal pros within your price range takes a little time and energy. It’ll be worth the effort when you finally find the pros for you. Start with finding a wedding planner you connect with then it won’t feel like work. They can suggest your ideal vendors within your budget and overall style then go on that treasure hunt! Get lost in their social media determining who’s style speaks to you most, then scroll through their websites, read customer ratings and reviews, and narrow down your favorites. Don’t discount those suggested to you by your wedding planning team, either. They work with more vendors than anyone and will happily provide vetted suggestions.

4. Creating a Wedding Website

You might be wondering if you actually need to take the time to make a wedding website. You absolutely should. It’s the perfect way to share important wedding information with all your guests while keeping it all in a convenient place. Even if you’re not a design whiz, it’s almost too easy to create a beautiful website that’s just right for you. Share everything from the essentials like the wedding time, date and location to the extras like the expected dress code, wedding party blurbs, engagement photos and more. This way, when questions arise, you can simply direct them to your website rather than spending all your time playing twenty questions with each and every excited guest. We promise this will be a wedding planning task you’ll enjoy! And once it is complete its a big one to cross off your wedding to do list.

5. Registering for Gifts

Please don’t be afraid of this item on your wedding to do list. It’s all about hand-selecting the exact wedding gifts you want, need and love—how bad could that be? And if you’ve already got all that you need for your home you can always register for cash gifts to fund amazing experiences and important future expenses. If you’re uneasy about asking for presents, turn the tables and let your registry help someone in need. Set up your registry to give back to charities of your choosing so they receive donations instead.

6. Cutting Your Guest List

The guest list hurdle is real, but it’s not impossible. We know this is a daunting wedding to do list task. Part of the reason you’re dreading this piece of business is because it touches so many sensitive topics, namely budget and family expectations. But it’s also something you just need to sit down and do—together. Bite the bullet and start trimming your guest list until your celebration is the perfect size. Plus, getting your head count down to the right number will be so satisfying.

7. Figuring Out Your Seating Chart

There’s no way around this one, but we promise arranging your seating chart is never as bad as you think it’ll be. Imagine your reception tables like a puzzle you need to solve—there’s a great seat at a great table for all of your guests. It takes a little finessing, but most of it comes from following twelve simple steps. Most importantly, try to tackle this task together. And at the end of the day, does it really matter who sits next to whom for an hour of dinner? You’re all headed to the dance floor later anyway.

8. Writing Thank-You Notes

Cringing at the thought of putting pen to paper? You’re far from the only one. This task will be so much easier if you keep track of who’s sent what and when. It also helps to write your notes as gifts come in so they don’t pile up. When the pile does get high, divide and conquer. You’re partners for life now, so you might as well start with thank-you notes. Just be sure to avoid thank you note errors!