Okay, okay, I know you’re laughing already. A stress-free wedding? Yeah right!

I’ll admit, there’s no way you can entirely rid wedding planning of stress. But out of all of your life’s events, I’d argue that your wedding deserves a little bit of stress and attention.

If you’re shaking in your boots at the thought of planning, crafting, and executing a spectacular evening, here are some tricks to ensure that most of your stress is minimized – so that you can give your attention to the details that are really important.

1. Give yourself plenty of time to plan.

You just got engaged. Yay!

You might think this is a great time to take a break from planning for a little while, but I’d argue that you should get a few details figured out ASAP. Then you can kick back and let the detail inspiration flow.

Choose the wedding date well in advance, for starters. If you get that figured out, you can start working with vendors, have more time to make payments toward your final balance, and give guests plenty of notice so that they can make travel accommodations.

2. Look at venues with all-inclusive wedding packages.

If you have a ceremony and reception on a beach, you’ll have to prepare to bring everything. Absolutely everything. Some people want to put that kind of work and coordination into their weddings – but if the idea of figuring out how to deliver furniture and coordinate shifts in location seems a bit overwhelming, there is a simple solution. Have your wedding at a venue with a wedding package! Let the venue take care of the basics. They can provide tables, chairs, linens, and dishware. They will ensure everything is delivered on time, and will set it up properly. The venue can also take care of catering and serving food. This means they can provide the service staff and all food items. Why stress over remembering the salt and pepper when you can have the location handle everything for you?

Some venues also offer packages that provide centerpieces, DJ/MCs, photography services, and even your wedding cake. It all depends on how much you’re willing to place in the hands of the venue, and how much you’re willing to spend.

Having the venue provide décor and details may be more expensive than crafting them yourself, so it all depends on what is most important to you. Save a few bucks and have homemade décor? Pay more and have it all done for you when you arrive? Both have their pros and cons.

Also note that having your ceremony at the same venue as your reception is ultra-convenient for you, your vendors, and your guests. This can minimize any hiccups in timing and transitions.

3. Choose an “easy meal.”

It might be tempting to offer multiple different meals, but that can get expensive. You’re not hosting a restaurant. You’re having a wedding! Choose the meal that appeals to you and your partner, and then serve it buffet-style so that guests can take what they like and leave what they don’t.

Plated dinners are classy, but can be complicated if your guests have any dietary restrictions and make meal requests. If you do decide upon a plated dinner, let your guests know what dinner will be ahead of time and consider offering a single meal for everyone, with a vegetarian option.

4. Hire vendors that are referred by your venue.

Venues typically have a collection of reputable vendors that have provided outstanding coordination and service in the past. These vendors might be pricier than the independent choices you can find on your own, but they come with an assurance of excellent service. The vendors are also very familiar with the venue (since they are referred), and they will have minimal questions for you.

5. Take the advice of your venue coordinator.

Your contact at the venue has seen his/her share of weddings at that location. They will know what does and does not work well at that particular venue, so make sure to heed any advice.

6. Do what feels right!

Avoid involving too many family members or friends in the decision-making process. It might be tempting to let them make all the choices so that you don’t have to, but they probably won’t plan your dream wedding, they will plan theirs. Too many cooks in the kitchen will lead to regrets.

It can be so easy to get caught up in trying to impress your guests. Refrain! Don’t lose sight of why you are having a wedding in the first place. Focus upon what you as a couple like and want to see at your wedding. We all know you cannot please everyone, so don’t try. This special day is about you and your partner.

In essence, you can reduce your planning stress by giving yourself plenty of room to plan and letting the experts at the venue take control of the basics. Allow yourself to focus on the little details that will make your Big Day yours.