Poppy Belle Design is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist. Feature photo by Krista Joy Photography.

Tara Parker Photography

The cost of a wedding today is no joke. According to The Knot, the average couple last year spent $32,641 on their big day, up from $31,213 in 2014. Cost of Wedding has the Chapel Hill average at between $19,900 and $33,200 and Raleigh’s between $20,000 and $35,000.

And with a whole litany of things to nail down—from food to music to clothes—it’s a natural instinct to seek out ways to cut corners. There are oh so many ways to do that, dozens of things to do on your own, or combine or cut out completely.

But one shortcut you shouldn’t take is the one that puts a burden on your family.

This could take many forms, from set up to craft projects to logistics. It doesn’t really matter what version you’re tempted with—don’t do it!

Tara Parker Photography

I don’t mean not to ask your families to help; they’re a valuable resource and are probably more than willing to lend a hand. The key word here is BURDEN. Remember, while this is your day, it’s still special and important to those closest to you. For people who are really excited for you and proud of you, who really love you, this day means a lot to them.

So while you want to get these people involved—and they want to be involved—it’s important to respect their right to enjoy the wedding and the days leading up to it. You want to wrap up all of your preparations and planning a week or so before the big day; let your parents, siblings, best friends to do that, too!

Want hand-embroidered napkins for all 350 guests? Fantastic—don’t ask your mom to do that all by herself one month before the day you do. Have a florist with three drop-off times at different locations and a host of needs at each place, requiring someone on your end to coordinate? Manageable—but don’t assign that to your maid of honor. Instead, talk with your mom about the napkins at the beginning of your engagement so she has a few months to plan and get things done. Hire a wedding coordinator to help with the florist so your best friend can chill with you, the girls and a tray of mimosas.

Caroline of Neil Boyd Photography

On the day of the wedding, don’t expect your parents, close family and intimate friends to do a ton of work. Allow them to just kind of sit back and enjoy the fact that their son, daughter, brother, sister or BFF is making one of the biggest decisions of his or her life. Trust me, they will be so much happier for it—as will you to have them by your side.

There are many, many ways to make this possible. One of those is a wedding planner—and enter us! Give us a call at Knots ‘N Such to help with your wedding coordination, taking the pressure off those that matter on the big day. We want you and yours to enjoy this event you’ve spent so much time and money to make possible!