Top Wedding Planning Tips (that no one talks about) From a Pro

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between Pinterest boards, vendor meetings, and a million little decisions, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.

As a Winnipeg-based wedding planner, I’ve seen it all. So today I’m sharing my top planning tips (plus a few secrets we usually keep behind the scenes) to help you plan smarter, not harder.

1. Start With Your Priorities - Not Pinterest

Before falling down the Pinterest rabbit hole, ask yourselves:

• What do we want guests to remember?

• What do we want to remember?

Whether that’s a cozy dinner, heartfelt vows, or a packed dance floor, these priorities should guide your vision and your spending.

Pro Insight: The most memorable weddings aren’t the most expensive, they’re the most intentional.

2. Your Timeline Is More Important Than Your Budget

Yes, really. A realistic, relaxed timeline is what keeps the day smooth and stress-free. Budget matters, but if your timeline is rushed or unclear, even the best plans can unravel.

Planner Tip: Always build in 15–20 minutes of buffer time between events like photos, speeches, and outfit changes. It keeps things flexible and calm without making the day drag.

3. Rent Strategically. You Don’t Need to Own Everything

Couples often overspend buying decor they’ll never use again. Renting is usually cheaper, more convenient, and lets you use luxury items without the full cost.

Planner Secret:Rent high-impact pieces like:

• Champagne towers

• Candle holders

• Sign frames and welcome tables

Buy only the items that are personal or easy to reuse after.

Explore our curated rentals ➝

4. Trust Your Vendors, Then Let Go

Hire people whose work you love, and then let them work. Micromanaging causes stress and slows down your wedding day.

Planner Perspective: Your florist knows what’s in season. Your DJ knows how to read the room. Your planner? We’ve run weddings in every scenario, lean on us to guide the day smoothly.

5. Don’t Skip the “In-Between” Moments

The ceremony and reception matter, but so do the quiet & unplanned moments:

• Your morning getting ready

• The first look

• The laughter during setup

Photo Tip:Ask your photographer to capture those candid, unposed moments too. They're often the most cherished.

6. Less Is More (Really)

It’s easy to overdecorate, but minimal design done well always stands out. Focus on:

• Soft lighting

• Layered textures

• One or two statement pieces per area

Pro Design Hack: Repurpose ceremony florals at your reception. Use candles to elevate basic tablescapes. Cohesion matters more than quantity.

Want More Wedding Planning Tips?

These tips are just the beginning. If you’re dreaming of a calm, beautiful wedding day (without the overwhelm), Olive Weddings is here to help.

From full planning to month-of coordination and decor rentals, we’ve got you.

Let’s Chat ➝

Or email us at: info.oliveweddings@gmail.com

📍 Serving Winnipeg, MB and surrounding areas

xo,

Tais Oliveira, WPICC

Winnipeg Wedding Planner & Coordinator

Olive Weddings