I’m a wedding expert – this FREE little-known app will make planning a breeze
PLANNING a wedding is one of the most joyful but stressful times of your life.
Without the right help, it can understandably become overwhelming.
Start your wedding planning journey with Joy
For couples planning the special day, wedding expert Anne Van Gorp, suggests using the digital app Joy — a free one-stop wedding planning platform — to make life easier.
Using the free Joy app means all of the wedding planning steps have been thought about for you, from organising and managing your guestlist to creating amazing invitations, and it also has a host of other smart features.
The Joy dashboard provides instant access to tools you’ll need to countdown to your wedding, and couples can simply add or remove widgets and information at any time.
Make wedding planning easy with the Joy app
The Joy app provides a host of free wedding planning tools for couples.
The Joy app and website include access to free wedding website templates, online save-the-dates and invitations and guest list management tools.
But the best part of the Joy website and app is that it is completely FREE to use*.
Getting started is super simple for couples, just sign up with an email address or Facebook account and get started.
- Visit: withjoy.com or download the Joy app now.
*Joy may earn a commission only if a wedding registry is set up
Create a FREE wedding website
Van Gorp suggests getting started by creating a wedding website, one of the easiest and most convenient first steps in planning your big day.
The free Joy platform makes this process seamless with an extensive selection of customisable designs to suit your needs.
Van Gorp notes that couples can fully personalise every aspect of their wedding website on Joy, selecting everything from the layout and fonts to colours and photos or videos.
Couples can fully personalise every aspect of their wedding website on Joy, selecting everything from the layout and fonts to colours and photos or videos
Couples can also purchase a custom domain directly from Joy or use an existing one and have it forwarded to a withjoy.com URL.
The different templates feature key pages like ‘Our Story’ which allows couples to share the journey of their relationship, adding an extra personal touch to the celebrations.
Another handy page from the free Joy wedding website template is the ‘Schedule’ page, which helps to keep guests informed about the timeline of your wedding events, with customisable privacy settings to control who can access information.
Van Gorp adds that Joy supports multiple admins to manage your website, so whether it’s yourself, your partner or your wedding planner – everyone can manage the same pages with password protection.
Say goodbye to paper invites
Couples can also create stunning digital save-the-dates and invitations that match their wedding website through the Joy app and website.
Couples can also create stunning digital save-the-dates and invitations that match their wedding website
The smart RSVP features automatically update your guest list with real-time responses, making the whole process stress-free.
Van Gorp adds that couples can easily add their wedding website link or wedding registry link at the bottom of the digital invitation, making it easy for guests to access important information.
Manage your guest list using smart tools
Start wedding planning with the FREE Joy app
Van Gorp is a big fan of Joy’s smart guest list feature, which helps couples track attendees and communicate with guests easily.
The tool allows couples to tag and categorise different guests for example grouping all family or evening guests.
The Joy smart guest list function also acts as a communication hub, allowing couples to send invites, follow-ups to any questions guests may have and more.
Budget-Friendly Wedding Tips
PLANNING a wedding on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your dream day. Here are some tips to keep costs down while still creating a memorable celebration:
Set a Budget and Stick to It
- Determine your total budget early on and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding.
- Track all expenses to avoid overspending.
Limit the Guest List
- Keep your guest list intimate to reduce costs on catering, venue, and other per-person expenses.
Choose an Affordable Venue
- Consider non-traditional venues like parks, community halls, or a family member’s backyard.
- Look for venues that allow you to bring your own vendors.
DIY Decorations
- Create your own centerpieces, bouquets, and other décor items.
- Use seasonal flowers and simple, elegant designs.
Opt for a Weekday or Off-Season Wedding
- Venues and vendors often offer discounts for weekday or off-season weddings.
Simplify the Menu
- Choose a buffet or family-style meal over a plated dinner.
- Limit the number of courses and opt for affordable, yet delicious options.
Borrow or Rent Attire
- Borrow wedding attire from friends or family, or rent dresses and suits.
- Look for sales or consider pre-owned wedding dresses.
Digital Invitations
- Send digital invitations instead of printed ones to save on printing and postage costs.
Hire a DJ or Create a Playlist
- Hire a DJ instead of a live band, or create your own playlist for the reception.
Simplify the Cake
- Opt for a small, simple cake for the ceremonial cutting and serve a sheet cake to guests.
By being mindful of these tips, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank. Remember, the focus should be on celebrating your love and commitment, not on how much you spend.