One of my best friends bought a house and got engaged in a span of a couple of months in 2021. Can you guess her stress level? It ranges between laughing hysterically and crying hysterically…

That is, until making the ultimate decision to run away to Alaska and elope. (Today! They're getting married today!)

Photo by Sally Pinera

But, if you're in the process of home buying or moving and you don't intend to throw the big wedding plans into the “Fuck it Bucket” we have some advice for you. With careful organization, patience and the right attitude, you can survive two of the biggest things you'll ever do in your life.

Our friends at Be Inspired PR have tapped their circle of wedding pros to provide top tips for juggling wedding planning and moving.

Stick to your budget.

“If ever there were a time to adhere to your wedding budget, it's when you're moving. You don't want to make excess one-day decor and fashion purchases and then find you can't afford that dream couch you're going to lounge on for the next ten years. The best way to stick to your budget is to be clear and organized. Download our free wedding budget spreadsheet and keep on top of all of your wedding expenses.” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Remember to celebrate the milestones.

“Wedding planning and moving at the same time seem to go hand in hand! First: Prioritize and know that there are some wedding planning items that can sit on the back burner. Try to make one night a week wedding planning and focus on those tasks only. Second: Set deadlines for yourself. It helps keep you on track and accountable. Third: CELEBRATE! Always make time to celebrate these milestones.” – Erica Trombetti, Infinite Events

Know your strengths and weaknesses.

“If you know that your partner is way better at answering questions from your wedding planner, and you’re a total pro at packing up boxes, take advantage of that! Take the time to sit down with your partner and acknowledge where each of you excels and where each of you could use extra support both in the moving AND wedding planning processes, so that you can lean on each other and each take the reins on the tasks you know you’re best at.” – AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events

Set boundaries!

“Repeat after me: boundaries! Set specific times that you're going to look at your phone and address wedding planning questions or reply to emails. Lean on your planner and set expectations for when and how you'd like to be contacted. Is texting easier for you right now, or do you prefer one email addressing everything at once so you have a neat and tidy summary to review? We're here for you!” – Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

Embrace “all-inclusive” wedding packages.

“All-inclusive packages are not only more cost-effective than purchasing everything a la carte, but they also save you precious time! Venues with all-inclusive packages provide lots of amenities and services in addition to the event spaces such as on-site coordination, catering, alcohol, staff, rentals, cake, guest accommodations, and more. And we're willing to bet they'll have a solid preferred vendor list to boot. With one booking, you've just crossed 15 things off your wedding to-do list—leaving you with plenty of extra time to tackle the move.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

When you have deadlines, stick to them.

“Especially after two years of Covid-19 disruptions to our life, everyone seems to be multi-tasking on major life events such as getting married and moving to a new house, or having a baby! If that is you, then do not worry, you are not alone and it is doable. You just need to be super organized. Keep aware that delays will impact you and your partner directly in both projects.

I would recommend having a wedding planner who will be able to give you solid deadlines. Stick to these, they are there for a reason. And your planner is there for you to lean on. Alongside your wedding planning schedule, try to add to it your house moving deadlines and merge them into one big schedule. That way you can manage every day as it comes. I would recommend trying to not have too much to do each day, otherwise, you feel overwhelmed.” – Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, La Fête

Ultimately, patience is key.

“When planning for such momentous occasions, simultaneously, it’s important to remember that patience is key! Wedding planning can easily become overwhelming. So, being able to take a step back, regroup, and collectively align your goals, does wonders for the planning process. Also, wine helps!” – HoneyFitz Events

Yes, you can elope!

“Exhausted? Wondering if it's all worth it? Care less about the big wedding and more about the comfy home you're building together? If that little angel on your shoulder keeps telling you to elope, follow your heart. We have loads of inspiration for incredible elopements and micro weddings that are just as special as traditional weddings. You will save loads of time, money and sanity in the end.” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Overwhelmed? Find even more expert advice in our Planning Section.

Cake by Ophelia Weddings photographed by Katherine Ashdown

These tips were gathered by Be Inspired PR, a PR + Social Media Agency for wedding, wellness & lifestyle clients. With over 10+ years of experience, we’re here to take our clients to the next level! Find oodles of stylish wedding inspiration on their Instagram & Pinterest.