A wedding usually lasts between one to three days, however the planning involved in this kind of celebration can take months, if not longer. As well as the major life changes that come with getting married, the event itself can cause stress for the happy couple. Here are 10 tips that will help reduce the chance of any mishaps, leaving you and your significant other to enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate your union

1.  Book everything well in advance

Many people choose to host their wedding at an external venue, and hire caterers and entertainers for the reception and after-party. Booking any external services or venues well in advance leaves less room for problems closer to the big day, and gives you time to plan the finer details. Apps like iFlipTips can help you create a record of all tasks you need to complete in preparation for your wedding, so you can keep track of what you need to book.  Apps like iPartygram is also a great app for iPhone or iPad to manage invitations and wedding party pics/snaps.

2.  Research vendors well

You want to make sure you hire reliable vendors, especially if you have a large wedding party. Try asking married friends or contacts about their wedding experiences, and see if you can get a number of recommendations. Wedding websites and forums are also useful places to find reputable vendors with a proven track record.

3.  Confirm with vendors the week before

Booking vendors well in advance is advisable, but for peace of mind it’s also wise to double-check arrangements with the individual or company the week before the wedding. This makes sure any last-minute details are fresh in their minds when the big day comes, and still gives you just enough time to switch to plan B if they back out at the last minute.

4.  Have back-up plans for food and entertainment

This step might not always be possible for couples with a large wedding party, but it’s helpful to try to create a back-up plan in case something goes wrong with either the food or the entertainment.

5. Enlist the help of family and friends

Take some of the stress off you and your partner by asking trusted friends and family members to help with small tasks on the day. This might include seating guests, collecting gifts, or liaising with vendors. Asking someone else to take on these roles will give you both more time to socialize and enjoy the celebrations.

6.  Consider hiring a wedding planner

Similar to tip five, a wedding planner can help with various tasks and last-minute details on the day. Hiring a planner also alleviates some of the stress associated with planning the wedding, as they will usually take care of all the practical arrangements.

7.  Create a seating plan

Weddings are a time of celebration, but family dynamics can also cause tension to run high. Creating a seating plan rather than leaving seating open can help avoid arguments both at the wedding and the reception, so make a chart in advance and request that guests stick to it on the day.

8.  Plan for enough food and drink

Guests expect the couple to provide food and drink on the day of the wedding, so it’s important to plan for the right number of guests. You should also check whether some guests have dietary requirements or preferences in advance so you can ensure you have a selection of food and drink that will be suitable for everyone.

9.  Be generous to guests

Your guests will most likely be attending your wedding at some personal expense, whether this comes from purchasing a gift or paying for transportation. Some might have travelled a long way to attend your ceremony, so it’s polite to thank them. Consider giving favors, gift bags, or organizing a pre- or post-wedding meal for guests who have gone out of their way to attend.

10. Expect the worst

While this might sounds negative, planning for the worst can help you resolve problems that might arise on the day of the wedding quickly and efficiently. For example, if you’re having a wedding outside, build a marquee in case it rains. Try to cover as many realistic issues as possible to limit the amount of problem-solving you have to do on the day.