Here are some tips to help you to have a stress free wedding day:

Don’t leave things for the night before.

Make sure to keep a detailed list and check it twice. Delegate to family and friends if you are getting too overwhelmed. Leave up to 3 things on the list for the night before. Make sure these things on the list  won’t take more than 15 minute each. The last thing you want to do is be up until 3 in the morning making candy boxes for guests.  Also, consider eliminating things on the list that may not seem so important. For example, if you were going to get colored pens for your photo booth book, instead of running out to your local craft store, bring blue or black pens from home. .

Confirm with vendors.

Confirm with vendors 5 to 7 days before the wedding so you can relax the days before the wedding. This way if there are things you still need to have done by the vendors you still have a few days to follow-up again on the completed tasks.

Set aside important things so you don’t forget. 

Lay out items that are important for the day of the wedding.  Designate plastic tubs or boxes as place to keep track of items.  Label each box to help keep track of all items. For example, have a box for wedding reception items. This box may include the photo book for the photo booth along with pens and tape.  Another box may have items for the ceremony and would include the programs, timeline, and copy of the vows.

Get a good night’s sleep

Getting a good night sleep not only guarantees you will get your beauty sleep, but you will have the energy you need to get through the wedding day.

Limit alcohol the night before

Try not to party like a rock star the night before your wedding or stay out late. Limit alcohol to 1-2 drink the night before. Alcohol interferes with sleep and can cause you to start your day dehydrated.

Eat and drink something the day of. 

Since most weddings are in the afternoon or evening, make sure to start your day with a filling breakfast and a few glasses of water. Some herbal tea may also help to calm your nerves and provide a little caffeine boost. Stock your room or house with some light snacks like fruit, cheese, crackers, and granola bars. It is a good idea to snack and drink water through out the day.

Pack a wedding day kit.

This kit can include all the extra, little things you may need that day. Ideas include: small bottle of water, comfortable shoes, copies of your vows, copy of you schedule for the day, wedding license, copy of important numbers and vendors numbers ( in case your phone dies or you pull a Carrie Bradshaw), sewing kit, safety pins, bobby pens, disposable camera, pen, etc. This kit can be put into a cute bag and carried by you MOH. More ideas for what to put in the kit can be found here .

Take  a deep breath, relax, and let it go (ask Elsa would say).

This is a big one for those who like to be in control…yes, this was me!! Sometimes you just need to trust in others and let it go. I had planned to have a message in a bottle set up so guests could give us advise. I had planned to decorate the bottle, cut out the advice cards, and write out the explanation on a chalkboard. Well…after dinner, I was exhausted and decided to let the wine bottle project go. I didn’t want to stress about it or have one more thing to worry about. No matter what happens your wedding will be amazing and you will be marrying your best friend. The details are just the icing on the cake.

Take a moment and enjoy the day. 

The weeks before the wedding you will be adding to your to do list. Everyday will seem busier than the one before. A week before your wedding take a few moments and reflect on your relationship with your soon to be spouse. Think about why you two are taking this next step, your great times together in the past and your new future. During the wedding reception, you two should sneak away and enjoy a few minutes alone – reflect on the day, embrace your new husband or wife and turn to them and say. “I love you! I’m so happy today.”

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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