We get it, wedding planning isn’t easy. Sure, it’s all hearts, butterflies and rainbows when you first get engaged, but the planning process can seem incredibly overwhelming. This is why we’ve decided to create a list of some creative tips and tricks that can make your wedding planing that much easier for you.

1. Get married somewhere for practically free!

Yup, you heard it right. Some nature reserves, public gardens or parks actually allow you to use their facility for a small donation!

Photography by C2 Photography

2. Number your RSVP cards to keep track of your guests.

If someone doesn’t respond or you can’t legibly read their handwriting, you’ll know exactly who is coming to your wedding regardless.

Photography From Adeline Rose Events

3. Have a separate email for your wedding planning needs.

You are going to have a lot of communications with vendors. To keep it well organized, have a separate email account specifically for your wedding planning needs.

Photography from Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

4. Be eco-friendly by using thank-you postcards or e-cards.

Not only will you be helping the environment, you’ll be happy to save time and money on sealing and labeling 200 envelopes to thank your guests.

Photography from WEDFEST

5. Color-code your seating chart with sticky notes.

You’ll thank us when you need to start moving people around because your Aunt Edna truly doesn’t jive with Cousin Barb.

Photography from Something Turquoise

6. Double up your programs as fans.

If you are planning a summer wedding, why not help your guests out by allowing your programs to act as fans? Remember, it’s all about making your life easier. Plan smarter, not harder!

Photography from Paper and Lace Shop

7. Have guests fill out envelopes with their addresses during the reception.

Put envelopes and pens at their table or set up a designated area to help save you time when filling out your thank-you letters. Plus, it will help you when you try to track down everyone’s address instead of scrambling last minute.

Photography by Heather Ellis Photography

8. Entertain the kiddos with activity books or other small table games.

Chances are, you’ll probably have children at your wedding reception. Treat it like a restaurant to get them coloring or doing some type of activity during points of the reception you don’t want them running around.

Photography by Something Turquoise

9. Don’t open up gifts alone!

Have one person open your wedding gifts while the other one writes down labels of who gave you what. That way you’ll have a much easier time when writing your thank-you cards.

Photography from Ever After Guide

10. Wedding and Bridal shows are your best friend.

Lots of vendor and bridal shows will give away freebies that could be useful for your wedding planning. It will also give you a chance to meet vendors you may not have heard about or have face to face interactions with ones you’ve been researching. Make sure you’re attending at least a few of these during your wedding planning process.

Photography from Premium Beat

11. Create a wedding #Hashtag!

People are going to be blowing up social media with photos, why not have a hashtag specific for your wedding so you can have those moments too?

Photography by Love Me Do Photography

Planning your wedding doesn’t have to be overly chaotic. Try using some of these helpful tips to ensure that your day is as stress-free as possible. Besides, with DJs from MARX, you’ll have all of your lighting and music needs covered for the night!