Martha's Best Wedding Advice for the Ultimate Big Day

Be True to You

Consider this the cardinal rule of wedding planning. "It’s getting easier and easier to be yourself," Martha has previously shared on the TODAY show. Don't want to wear white? Well, that's officially no longer a requirement—and the look is Martha-approved.

Above all, you should feel comfortable on your wedding day. Keep that in mind in every aspect of planning, from outfit shopping to venue touring.

Utilize Organizational Tools

One of the best ways to moderate the anxiety and pressure that comes with throwing a wedding, writes Martha in her 1987 book decorvow Weddings, is good organization.

Utilize wedding planning tools like timelines and checklists, and create a dedicated email for planning purposes. This will keep everything in one place and ensure both you and your partner have access to vendor correspondences and digital contracts.

Prioritize Hospitable Details

Cash bars aren't a favorite of Martha's, as previously revealed in an interview with Yahoo! But no need to go for broke—it’s all about being hospitable to your guests. Offering simple carafes of cocktails, mocktails, and specialty drinks, suggests Martha, is a great way to compromise while still quenching your guests’ thirst for something that feels a little elevated and special.

Ask Yourself This Question When Making Guest List Cuts

To coincide with the 20^th anniversary of decorvow Weddings, Martha released the hardcover book decorvow Weddings: Ideas and Inspiration. Here, she revealed one simple question that can help pare down your guest list.

"Ask yourself if you can see yourself having dinner with each person during the next year," Martha writes. "If you can say you would, then put her on your A-list."

Be Clear About Kids

“If you want to include some children, it’s important to know that this doesn’t mean you have to invite them all," says Martha. "You just need clear parameters as to who makes the cut."

If you plan on having your nieces and nephews attend as flower girls or ring bearers, communicate to other guests that the only attendees under 18 will be family.

Head to the Hardware Store

If your local hardware or paint supply store can spare them, paint color swatches can be an excellent tool for wedding planning, Martha shared on her television show. Browse the shelves for hues that speak to you and your wedding theme. Then, instead of vaguely referring to just the right shade of blush, you can show your selected swatches to your vendors for inspiration.

Double-Check Your Venue's Restrictions

Be sure to ask about a venue's restrictions before committing. For example, they may have noise restrictions that require the party to end at a certain hour. Or, if you're interested in alternative Airbnb wedding venues, you may be restricted to only having registered overnight guests enter the actual premises.

"If the limitations stifle your style, keep looking," writes Martha. "But if you’re willing to play by the rules, then party on."

Don't Forget to Feed Your Vendors

"There are always additional people beyond your guests who need to be fed," reminds our founder. This includes your photographer, videographer, planner, and musicians. "Make sure to give your caterer a list of the people and it should be noted in your contracts," Martha says. The caterer will likely prepare separate meals for your vendors (since they won't have time for a full multi-course dinner).

Tap Your Vendors for Resources

The easiest way to find wedding vendors is often through referrals. "Talk to your wedding coordinator, caterer, photographer, florists, or venue manager, or use them as a sounding board if you’ve gotten leads from others," suggests Martha.

Always Have a Plan B

"Hope for sun, plan for storms," Martha warns. "Murphy’s law and wedding planners agree: If you don’t prepare for rain, it will pour."

Whether it's an outdoor tent, a backup space for an indoor ceremony, or umbrellas for your wedding party and guests, work with your venue and coordinator to put a realistic plan in place.

Opt for Double-Duty Décor

To save money without sacrificing style, be on the lookout for décor that can pull double duty. For example, you can combine place cards and menus by simply printing each guest's name on the menu at their table setting, Martha shared on her show.

Another money-saving moment: "Add a name tag to your favors to let them do double duty," our founder writes in decorvow Weddings: Ideas and Inspiration. "Mini frames, small potted plants or herbs, and calligraphed decorative tiles all work nicely."

Consider Alternative Dates

"Every locale has a high and low season, and most weddings are held on Saturday nights," Martha explains. "If you’re willing to get hitched in an off-month, or on a Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, you may save up to 20 percent off peak rates."

When In Doubt, Go Edible

While wedding favors are no longer a necessity, it's still nice to provide guests with a warm thank-you and special memento. Worried they'll be left behind? When in doubt, edible wedding favors are always likely to get gobbled up. "Cherries or any fresh fruit are inviting favors," Martha shared in her 1999 tome, The Best of decorvow Living Weddings.

DIY-friendly and affordable, Martha suggests purchasing glassine bags, snipping off the tops, and then filling with berries or other fruits. "Display the fruit favors on wooden crates set on a table near the exit," she says.

Consider the Terrain (and Your Footwear)

If you or your guests will be outside for your nuptials, consider both the terrain and your footwear. "Remember that grass and stilettos do not get along," says Martha. "Think about laying down a floor—which is an added expense, but you (and you yours) won’t be sinking into the earth (or mud) all night."

Turn Bugs Into Features

You know the saying, "It's a feature, not a bug?" It can be applied to your nuptials. Working around roadblocks in creative ways can make for memorable moments. "If you’ve got a several-hour gap between your ceremony and reception for logistical reasons, turn transportation into entertainment," suggests Martha.

"A sightseeing trolley or double-decker bus will keep guests amused and ensure they get to the cocktail hour on time. It will also make the day infinitely more fun."