Written by Kari Thirsk, owner of Wedding Day Chicago

You've spent your entire life dreaming about this day, not to mention the past several months or maybe even years planning for it. But the details and decisions of planning your wedding can be stressful, and when that special day comes, you want to savor and enjoy it as much as possible.

I have had the great honor of owning my own wedding coordination business, Wedding Day Chicago, for several years. Despite planning hundreds of them, weddings never get old! Each one is unique and so special. I am so lucky to get to do something based around love. When couples come to me for wedding coordination services, my main goal is to make sure they have a magical, stress-free wedding day.

If you have it in your budget to hire a wedding coordinator, this can go a long way towards helping with many of those details and decisions. A wedding day coordinator takes the hard work you’ve put into planning and handles many logistical aspects of the day. They serve as the main point of contact, manage vendors, oversee setup and teardown, set up personal items (such as name cards, guest book, and card box), and ensure the timeline and flow of the day are executed perfectly. While hiring a coordinator may be ideal, it doesn’t always fit into the overall budget. If that’s the case for you, let me offer my top ten tips to help you ensure all your wedding day dreams come to life.

1. Vibe with Your Vendors

Chicago is full of talented wedding vendors. However, do not underestimate the importance of a personal connection. This is your wedding day, after all - you want to feel good energy. This is especially crucial for your photo and video team. They’ll be by your side for most of the day, documenting everything. So, while finding someone who produces excellent work is important, their energy and vibes are equally significant.

2. Prioritize Your Hotel Selection

Do you envision taking photos along the lake or riverfront? Maybe a beautiful city garden? Many of my couples getting married in the city want "classic Chicago photos" with the skyline or iconic landmarks as their backdrops. That’s why it’s so important to choose a hotel that makes it easy to accomplish this. Chicago is amazing for celebrations but also comes with challenges like traffic, unexpected road closures, and even raised bridges. Choosing a hotel with photo ops within walking distance or a short drive away is something to consider. Additionally, check if your hotel has common spaces for photos, which can be handy in less-than-ideal weather.

3. Bring a Comfy Pair of Shoes

There’s a reason why baskets of flip-flops at wedding receptions are so popular. Wearing heels for an extended period can give you sore feet, especially if you’re planning to walk around for city photos. While a few city blocks may be a normal part of your daily routine, doing this in stilettos is a whole different ballgame.

4. Have a Plan for Personal Decor Items

Are you bringing any personal items for wedding day decor or setup, like a card box, guest book, or personal photos? Talk with your venue ahead of time to see if you can 1) drop these items off the day before and 2) pick them up the day after the wedding. If your venue doesn’t allow early drop-off or late pickup, designate someone to handle this task. You don’t want to spend your wedding day setting up, so make sure to plan ahead.

5. Remember What This is All About

Many couples put so much time and energy into the reception and cocktail hour, but don’t forget your ceremony! The vows and promises you make during this sacred ceremony are what it’s all about. Meet multiple times with your celebrant to discuss the ceremony details. Consider adding personal stories, readings, or cultural traditions to make it special.

6. Don't Forget About the Marriage License

It goes without saying, but you need a marriage license to get legally married! Surprisingly, many couples leave this detail until the last minute, which can be stressful. In Cook County, you can get your marriage license up to 60 days before your wedding day. Tackle this task early to avoid any last-minute stress.

7. Pack an Emergency Kit

I’ve never been to a wedding where something from my emergency kit hasn’t been useful. At a recent wedding, one of my grooms split his pants 30 minutes before the ceremony while bending down to take a photo. Thank goodness for a nearby needle and thread! Other handy items include stain remover, safety pins, tweezers, scissors, bobby pins, ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, deodorant, and fashion tape.

8. Practice Bustling Your Gown

Some gowns are simple, others are quite complex. You don’t want to spend too much time at your reception on this, as it will take away from the fun. Designate a bridal party or family member to help and practice ahead of time to speed up the process on the day of.

9. Designate Solo Time with Your New Spouse

The day will fly by fast. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, schedule some special time with your new spouse. Common times for this are during the first look or immediately following the ceremony. Many couples take a moment in the bridal suite for drinks and appetizers together for the first time as newlyweds. This can be a highlight of your day.

10. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I know this is easier said than done, but take in all the wonderful moments on your wedding day. You may never have this many people you love all in one room again. Small snafus may happen, but don’t sweat them. Enjoy this day and cherish every beautiful moment with your loved ones.

Best of luck and congratulations!!

10 Expert Tips for a Magical and Stress-Free Wedding Day