Surviving (and Thriving) During Wedding Season: Tips for Experienced Wedding Planners

By Tracey Manailescu, Co-founder of The Wedding Planners of Canada Inc.

You’ve been through enough wedding seasons to know: the stretch from spring through fall isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s exhilarating, fulfilling, and yes, exhausting. No matter how many years you’ve been in business, each season brings its own challenges. The trick isn’t just to survive it, it’s to protect your energy, keep your business running smoothly, and still love what you do when the season winds down.

Here are some tried-and-true strategies, from one planner to another:

1. Guard Your Calendar Like Gold

We all know how quickly a double-booked weekend can spiral. Be realistic about what you (and your team) can handle.

Build buffer time into your schedule. Not just for weddings, but for setup, travel, and recovery.
If you’re taking multiple weddings in a row, stagger the complexity. (Two 200-guest tented weddings back-to-back? That’s a recipe for burnout.)
Don’t be afraid to say no. Protecting your sanity is protecting your reputation.

2. Rely on Your Team

If you’ve been at this for a while, chances are you’ve built a crew you trust. This is the season to lean on them.

Assign team leads for different areas (set-up, vendor check-ins, family wrangling).
Empower them to make decisions without needing you for every little call.
Trust your vendors to do their jobs. They were hired for a reason.

Your time is better spent overseeing the big picture than fussing over ribbon placement.

3. Streamline Communication

You already know wedding season isn’t the time for endless “quick calls” or 17-email threads.

Set boundaries with clients early in the season (office hours, response times).
Use shared planning tools or client portals so they can find answers without you.
Keep pre-written templates for common scenarios, like tipping guides or weather backup notes.

Your future self will thank you when inbox triage doesn’t steal your evenings.

4. Plan Like an Athlete

Wedding days demand stamina, physically and mentally.

Invest in great shoes (and break them in before event day).
Keep a “wedding survival kit” stocked with protein bars, hydration packs, sunscreen, and backup clothes.
Don’t skip recovery time: stretch, hydrate, and actually rest between events.

This isn’t just about one wedding, it’s about sustaining your performance all season long.

5. Protect Your Mental Space

When you’re running on adrenaline, it’s easy to overlook burnout creeping in.

Build small rituals that give you a reset; morning walks, journaling, or even 15 minutes of silence in your car.
Outsource what drains you (admin, bookkeeping, social media) during peak season.
Give yourself permission to step back from networking events or coffee chats until the season slows.

Your couples deserve your best energy, and so do you.

6. Keep Clients Calm and Confident

Seasoned planners know: clients feed off your energy. Even if your feet are blistered and your inbox is overflowing, you’re their anchor.

Stay calm and confident in communication, no matter what’s happening behind the scenes.
Reassure them with facts, not fluff. “Yes, it’s raining, but here’s how Plan B will look.”
Never let them see you sweat.

That professionalism is what sets veterans apart, and keeps referrals rolling in.

7. Celebrate Your Work

You’re doing incredible things in high-pressure environments. Take time to acknowledge it.

Capture behind-the-scenes moments (with permission) to remind yourself of the artistry you create.
Share wins with your team. They’re in the trenches with you.
At season’s end, give yourself something to look forward to: a trip, a spa day, or simply time off with loved ones.

Wedding season is intense, but it’s also why we love this industry. The laughter, the tears, the dance floors, the transformations. It’s what we live for. By protecting your time, energy, and focus, you’ll come out of it not just surviving, but stronger and prouder than ever.

You’ve got this.

Tracey Manailescu – Co-Founder of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC Inc.)

Tracey Manailescu is the co-founder of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC Inc.), the country’s most recognized and respected wedding planner certification program. With over two decades of experience in the wedding and events industry, Tracey has trained thousands of wedding professionals across Canada and internationally, setting the standard for professionalism, creativity, and ethical business practices.

Passionate about elevating the wedding industry, Tracey is a sought-after speaker, educator, and writer. She has shared her expertise at international conferences, appeared in major media outlets, and collaborated with global tourism boards to promote destination weddings. Known for her approachable teaching style and real-world insight, she empowers wedding planners to build sustainable, reputable businesses while creating extraordinary celebrations for their clients.