Planning a wedding can feel like juggling flaming bouquets—beautiful, exciting, and just a little bit terrifying. As a romantic comedy author (and creator of Bella Rossi, Galveston’s most charmingly chaotic wedding planner), I’ve picked up a few tips over the years… both real and fictional.
Whether you’re planning your own wedding or just love the romance of it all, here are some wedding planning tips to keep your big day joyful, beautiful, and (mostly) stress-free.
20 Wedding Planning Tips (Bella-Approved!)
1. Start with a budget—and stick to it.
Even Aunt Rosa can’t argue with that.
2. Choose a theme or vibe that feels like you.
Rustic, coastal, garden party, Frank Sinatra chic—own it.
3. Don’t invite everyone you’ve ever met.
Smaller weddings = less chaos and more meaning.
4. Pick vendors you vibe with.
You’re not just hiring a photographer—you’re inviting them into your story.
5. Create a wedding email account.
Trust me. Your sanity (and inbox) will thank you.
6. Schedule vendor meetings early.
The good ones book fast—especially in Galveston during bluebonnet season!
7. Build in extra time.
Weddings never run exactly on time. Plan for wiggle room.
8. Design a “no one panics” kit.
Include safety pins, breath mints, tissues, bobby pins, and chocolate.
9. Don’t skip the marriage counseling.
Strong marriages > perfect centerpieces.
10. Choose music that tells your story.
Bella swears by Dean Martin, but you do you.
11. Don’t DIY everything.
Pick one project. Outsource the rest. Your sleep schedule will thank you.
12. Write personal vows (if that’s your thing).
They’re the part everyone remembers anyway.
13. Have a backup plan for weather.
Especially if you’re getting married by the coast. (Looking at you, Galveston breeze.)
14. Make a “photo must-have” list for your photographer.
You’ll be too busy dancing to remember.
15. Don’t forget to eat.
This is not the day to run on mimosas and nerves.
16. Appoint a day-of point person.
Not you. Not your mom. Someone who can handle Aunt Ruby’s seating chart meltdown.
17. Practice walking in your shoes.
Trust me. Aisle stumbles are not on the Pinterest board.
18. Print copies of your timeline.
Hand them to your bridal party, vendors, and that one cousin who’s always late.
19. Plan a few unplugged moments.
Take 5 minutes with just your spouse, no phones. Soak it in.
20. Remember: the goal is marriage, not perfection.
The “happily ever after” starts when the cake’s gone and the guests leave.
Bonus Tip: Laugh When It Falls Apart
Because sometimes it will fall apart… and those moments make the best stories (and books!).
Want More Wedding Chaos? You’ll Love Bella.
If you enjoyed these tips, you’ll love my Weddings by Bella series—a lighthearted, faith-filled rom-com collection set in Galveston, Texas, where no wedding ever goes exactly as planned (and that’s half the fun).
Explore the series here on Pinterest
Or start reading Book 1: Fools Rush In on Amazon
