How Not to Lose Your Mind Planning an Event: 5 Tips That'll Save Your Sanity (and Your Sparkle)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while we're all about the confetti, cake, and cute centerpieces around here, we also know that planning an event can turn into a full-blown stress spiral if you're not careful. So let’s hit pause on the overwhelm and walk through five tips that will protect your peace and help you actually enjoy the big day.

1. Hire AK Events (aka your Chaos Coordinator)Let’s just get the obvious one out of the way: Hiring a professional takes the mental load off your plate and hands it to someone whose job it is to handle chaos with grace (and color-coded timelines). Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a 200-guest wedding, I’ll be there making sure things run smoothly so you can sip champagne and make memories.

2. Start Sooner Than You Think You Need To

Future you does not want to be Googling "tent rentals near me" at midnight two weeks before your party. Give yourself breathing room. Planning ahead keeps stress low and options wide open.

3. Budget for Real Life, Not Pinterest Life

Let’s be real—DIY flower walls and champagne fountains are gorgeous and expensive. Pick your priorities and set a budget with a little cushion. Pro tip: I can help you make smart swaps that won’t sacrifice style (or your sanity).

4. Schedule Breaks and Buffer Time

If your day-of timeline looks like a military operation, it's time to loosen up. Build in time for snacks, bathroom breaks, and deep breaths. You deserve to enjoy your day, not just survive it.

5. Let Go of the Myth of Perfection

Here’s a secret: Something will go a little sideways. And with the right attitude (and the right planner), you won’t even notice. The imperfect moments are often the ones you laugh about later.

Bottom line: Your event should be joyful, not draining. If you want to be fully present (and still smiling at the end of it), let AK Events handle the chaos. I bring the clipboard, you bring the vibes.

Ready to plan without the panic? Let’s chat.

Mayday! 5 Things You Shouldn’t DIY for Your Wedding (Unless You Like Stress)

When DIY Becomes D-I-Whyyyyy

Let me preface this by saying I love a creative soul. I love a crafty bride. And I love a Pinterest board full of “omg I could totally make that” energy.

But you know what I don’t love? Seeing people I care about cry over unglued centerpieces and wrinkled linens. So in the spirit of saving your sanity, here are 5 things I lovingly—but firmly—recommend not DIYing for your big day.

1. Florals

DIY florals might sound dreamy, but the reality is… wilted. Fast.

What can go wrong: Broken stems, color mismatches, uncooperative bouquets, and a full-blown meltdown the night before your wedding.

Why I say no: The day of your rehearsal (or wedding!) is not the time to be playing florist.

Do this instead: Hire a pro who knows how to make blooms stay fresh and fierce all day long.

2. Dyeing Wooden Flowers / Crafting Your Own Decor

Unless you're Martha Stewart and on a multi-month sabbatical, hard pass.

What can go wrong: Uneven dye jobs, glue gun injuries, and centerpieces that end up looking like regret.

Why I say no: This task always gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list and ends up as a last-minute panic project.

My rule: Ask yourself—after a long day of work, do you actually want to sit down and craft? If the answer isn’t “YES, absolutely!”... then delegate it, babe.

3. Skipping Rentals

Buying your own stuff might seem cost-effective… until it isn’t.

What can go wrong: Storing 200 mismatched vases, trying to steam 20 wrinkled linens, and realizing no one wants to buy your used dusty rose table runners on Facebook Marketplace.

Why I say no: Renting means no washing, no steaming, no folding. Just clean, coordinated pieces ready to go—and gone when it’s over.

Trust me: As someone who used to offer rentals—it's not worth it. Let the rental pros handle it.

4. Asking a Family Member to Be Your Day-Of Coordinator

Sure, your cousin Sarah is super organized—but she was also invited to your wedding for a reason.

What can go wrong: They miss key moments, get caught up chatting, or feel overwhelmed trying to juggle it all.

Why I say no: If someone’s important enough to be on your guest list, they deserve to celebrate—not troubleshoot.

Do this instead: Hire someone (hi, 👋) whose only job is to handle the chaos so your loved ones can relax and party with you.

5. Printing All Your Own Stationery & Signage

Yes, Canva is awesome. No, your home printer is not.

What can go wrong: Crooked cuts, color issues, incorrect sizes, or 500 programs printed the night before the wedding because someone forgot.

Why I say no: This is one of those deceptively “easy” tasks that quickly becomes a time-sucking beast.

What I offer instead: Custom designs that match your theme, your vibe, and your guest count—with none of the stress.

DIY where it makes sense. But when it comes to big-ticket visuals, flow, or logistics? Do your future self a favor—bring in the help.

After all, your only job on your wedding day should be to get married, cry a little, eat some cake, and dance. I’ll handle the rest.

💻 Ready to ditch the stress and skip the glue gun? Let’s chat.