Wedding planning is an exciting time for couples, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. For laid back couples who want to create a relaxed wedding day, there are several things to keep in mind. By following some key tips, you can ensure that your wedding day is exactly what you want it to be and reflects your unique style and personality

FIND A VENUE THAT FITS YOUR VIBE

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and finding the perfect wedding venue can be a crucial element in creating the wedding of your dreams. Whether you are looking for a rustic barn, a glamorous ballroom, or a beachfront location, the venue you choose can set the tone for the entire event. Your wedding venue should reflect your personal style and fit the vibe you want to create, whether that's a relaxed and intimate gathering or a grand celebration with all your loved ones.

Consider the places that evoke a sense of belonging for you. The traditional options of getting married at your local church or hotel are no longer the only choices. When searching for a wedding venue, it's important to be creative and avoid choosing a location simply because it's convenient or because someone you know got married there. What matters most is that the venue aligns with your personal style as a couple. Take time to reflect on the places you and your partner enjoy spending time the most, and whether they host weddings and have enough space for your guest list. 

When planning a relaxed wedding, it's crucial to also consider the venue's flexibility with your timeline as this will have a big impact on the overall atmosphere you want to create for your special day.

Whilst your favourite hotel can provide elegant decor and a delicious three course meal, it might not be the best option if you're looking for a more casual and relaxed atmosphere. Such venues might have strict timelines and schedules to ensure everything runs like clockwork, which can hinder the laid-back vibe you're trying to create.

On the other hand, a venue like a rustic barn or outdoor space surrounded by nature can provide a more relaxed and flexible atmosphere, allowing you to create the kind of wedding that reflects your personal style. With these venues, you can have a more casual approach to your day, and your guests can feel more comfortable and relaxed, without feeling rushed from one thing to the next. Choosing a venue that can provide ample time for your ceremony, reception, and any other activities you have planned can allow you to enjoy the day without feeling constrained by a strict timeline.

DITCH THE TRADITIONS OR TRENDS IF THEY ARE NOT FOR YOU

Your wedding day should be a reflection of you and your partner's personalities and preferences. It's important to remember that you don't have to stick to traditional norms or follow wedding trends if they don't align with what matters to you. So, don't be afraid to break a few rules and make your wedding day truly your own.

One thing you can customize is the food you serve to your guests. While a formal sit-down meal might be the standard option, it's not the only one. You can opt for a buffet, BBQ, or even a food truck as a more relaxed and delicious way to keep your guests full. Not only does it give your guests more freedom to eat when they like, but it also allows you to mingle with them more easily. Plus, it can add an element of fun and novelty to the event!

Similarly, ditching the seating plan can be an informal and perfect set up for a laid-back wedding day. Allowing your guests to choose their own seat will result in happy guests and lower your stress levels. Consider placing a sign at the entrance that says something along the lines of "now that we are together forever, please feel free to sit wherever" or "come as you are, stay as long as you can, we're all family so no seating plan." This option works particularly well if you're also opting for a more informal dining style. 



Another traditional rule you could consider breaking is the "can't see each other before the ceremony" rule. Instead, you could opt for a First Look, which is a private moment between you and your partner (and your photographer) before the ceremony. This can be a beautiful and intimate moment that can help steady your nerves and create some emotional photos of just the two of you.

Finally, don't feel pressured to follow fads or trends that don't resonate with you. Instagrammable weddings might be tempting, but it's important to focus on what truly represents you and your partner. Avoid unnecessary comparisons and remember that your wedding is for you two. It's not a competition, and what matters most is that you have a wedding day that reflects your unique love story

CUT DOWN THE GUEST LIST

Limiting your guest list is another crucial step in creating the perfect relaxed wedding day. In my opinion, less is more, so it's essential to invite the people who mean the most to you and who will help you to create a beautiful and memorable day. 

When creating your guest list, consider who will play a significant role in your future after the wedding, and invite everyone you love the most. If you're considering inviting people out of respect for your history together, but you haven't spoken to them for a while, it's okay to leave them off the list. After all, you probably won't speak to them after the wedding either.

It's also important to consider the possibility of plus-ones for your guests. If it means inviting people you don't know too well, maybe rethink this option. A smaller guest list can make the event more meaningful and personal.

While it can be a controversial subject, consider saying no to inviting children to your wedding. This decision can create a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone, including the parents who deserve a fun-filled night away from their kids. Moreover, you won't have to worry about any potential disruptions, such as a child crying in the middle of your vows.



GO UNPLUGGED

To ensure that your wedding ceremony is a relaxed and intimate affair, consider having a rule in place where all phones are switched off.

Encourage your guests to be fully present in the moment with you, rather than distracted by taking photos or scrolling through social media. You can display a sign at the ceremony or ask your celebrant to announce this at the beginning of the ceremony. They can mention that you've hired a professional photographer who will capture all the special moments, and you'll be happy to share the photos after the wedding. By doing this, you'll also be helping your photographer to get the best possible photos without any interference from guests trying to take their own photos.

To reinforce this message, it's a good idea to send an email to all your RSVPs to remind them to leave their phones in their bags or pockets during the ceremony. This will ensure that your guests are fully present and engaged, and that nothing detracts from the beauty and significance of the moment.

TURN UP THE FUN!

At many weddings I've attended, I've noticed that during the cocktail hour and reception, guests are often just sitting at their tables engaged in conversation, which leaves very little opportunity to capture fun and engaging photos. To avoid this at your wedding, consider adding some games or activities to keep your guests entertained throughout the day.

Setting up a make-your-own cocktail stand, a bouncy castle, or a karaoke machine can provide a unique and enjoyable experience for your guests, and encourage them to let their hair down and have a fun time. Playing games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or even encouraging everyone to get on their dancing shoes, can help create fun lasting memories!

By providing these kinds of entertainment, you'll not only ensure that your guests have a great time, but also give your photographer plenty of photo-worthy moments to capture. 

So don't be afraid to get creative and plan some exciting entertainment for your guests - it'll be a decision that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.

DON'T BE WORRIED ABOUT GETTING DIRT ON THE DRESS



If you're planning a more laid-back and relaxed wedding, it's important to remember that your dress might get a stain or two. But instead of worrying about it, it's best to just embrace the dirt. After all, your wedding day is supposed to be the best day of your life right? 

By worrying about getting stains on your dress, you won't be able to relax and fully enjoy yourself. So, it's best to let go and have fun. Rather than thinking of a stain as a negative, it's important to reframe your perspective and see it as a positive. Look at each stain as a reminder of the fun times and unforgettable memories that were made on your special day!

CHOOSE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER CAREFULLY

When it comes to planning a relaxed wedding day, it's also important to consider a photographer who is as laid back as the rest of your wedding plans. You might not realize how many different styles of wedding photography are available, so it's crucial to find a photographer who has a relaxed and documentary approach to their work. This way, you can relax and trust that they'll capture the moments, emotions, and feelings of your wedding, without interrupting the flow of the day.

To find the right photographer for your relaxed wedding, it's important to meet them in person, look at their portfolio, and read their reviews. This will give you a good sense of their style, and whether they're the right fit for you as a couple. It's essential to choose someone who understands your vision for the day and can help you achieve it.

As a photographer, I would describe my style as predominantly relaxed, with a largely documentary approach. I focus on capturing candid and natural moments, rather than posing people for specific shots. This style results in photos that are fun, unposed, and truly capture the essence of your wedding day.

To ensure a relaxed vibe on your wedding day, it's important that I vibe with the couple. Before committing to booking, I always like to meet with couples either in person over coffee or via FaceTime. This way, they can get a sense of who I am as a person, and feel comfortable with me documenting their special day.