When we are accustomed to putting other people’s needs first, we often neglect ourselves. By creating healthy habits and self-care rituals during wedding season, we will have the energy and resilience to deal with the hassles and demands we experience as professional wedding planners.

Wedding planners are notorious for getting burned out. Don’t let that happen to you.

Look, feel, and perform your best on wedding weekends with these tips:

1) Get the manicure and pedicure.

Self-care the days before a wedding weekend fuels me to take better care of others. It’s often the last thing I do for myself before a long weekend of taking care of others.

2) Get the blow out.

You are your brand and sleep is often a scarcity. You’ll look great, get more sleep, and not have to fuss with your hair, products, hairdryer, curling iron, straightener, etc.

While planners are often in the background, guests and vendors will notice you. Your next client could very well be a guest in the room watching you in action.

3) Eat well.

Prep healthy food and snacks to nourish and fuel your body. You’ll be no good to others if you’re sick, tired, or rundown.

4) Prioritize your family.

Schedule intentional quality family time the week before or after a wedding in anticipation of not seeing them much during the weekend of a wedding. Read more about juggling your wedding planning career with family life.

5) Negotiate an industry rate.

Book a room at the hotel where guests are staying or one near the wedding to eliminate unnecessary travel. This will give you more opportunity for rest and extra time to devote to your clients. You can arrive early, stay late, and practice self-care. It’s nice to work without domestic distractions. #idontwanttodothedishes

6) Bring multiple pairs of shoes.

Our feet are our foundation and being on them all day long can be excruciating. I find that swapping out my shoes throughout the day helps minimize foot pain and body exhaustion.

7) Staff your team well.

Overstaff if necessary. It’ll allow you to be more prepared, confident, and relaxed. Make sure your team is well balanced with those who are creative, service oriented, experienced, social media savvy, and prepared to support you all day long.  

It’s better to have more hands and send someone home early if they are no longer needed vs. scrambling and wishing you had more help. Determine roles and delegate responsibilities. Communicate your company and brand standards and expectations to your team prior to each event. Check out this blog post on how to make your wedding day assistants more helpful.

8) Prepare transportation.

Take your car for an oil change, car wash. and fill the tank with gas. If staying overnight at the venue doesn’t make sense, consider catching a ride with one of your assistants. This will give you time in the car to answer emails, take and make phone calls, meditate, and mentally prepare for the day.

9) Pack your bags.

Stock and pack your supplies, bags, and emergency kits a week in advance. Don’t forget the snacks! Pack your car the night before to avoid last minute rushing on the day of the event.

10) Charge your phone.

Bring extra power packs and cords. Create a social media plan with goals and intention, then delegate this to one of your wedding day assistants.

11) Print your wedding day timeline.

Update and print the final versions of your wedding day timelines and vendor information in advance and have it ready to distribute to your team. It’s also helpful to bring extra printed copies for vendors who forget to bring a copy.

Email your staff and the wedding vendors an updated version of the wedding day schedule a day or two before the wedding so the most updated version of these documents is easily accessible on their phones.

Consider the cost of these 11 tips when pricing your wedding planning services. You are your brand and need to look the role. Your body needs to be fueled to function and support the long taxing hours required of wedding planners on wedding weekends.

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This is a guest post from Tammy Golson Fallon. Tammy is the owner and creative director of Tammy Golson Events, and a co-founder of Boston Planners Dining Club. With over 10 years of experience, Tammy plans luxury weddings for couples throughout New England, in New York City, and in the Midwest.

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