Staying Sane While Wedding Planning
Wedding planning is often painted as an exciting journey filled with dreams of beautiful dresses, elegant venues, and the perfect day that everyone will remember. But for many, it’s also a whirlwind of decisions, stress, and overwhelming pressure. When you're wedding planning or involved in helping to plan, mental health can sometimes take a backseat as you focus on details and expectations.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way! With a little strategy and self-care, you can protect your mental health and still have fun with the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to help you stay balanced and sane as you plan your big day.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest causes of wedding planning stress is trying to achieve perfection. Whether it’s finding the "perfect" dress, designing the dream wedding, or meeting the expectations of your family and friends, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that everything needs to be flawless. However, perfection isn’t the goal — happiness is. Think about what a "perfect" wedding day means to you and your partner then focus on what matter most to you both. Remember to be realistic about the things you can control and those you can't.
2. Delegate (Seriously, You Don’t Have to Do It All)
You might feel like you need to be in control of every detail, but you don’t. Wedding planning is a big job, and it’s important to lean on others for help. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your bridal party, friends, or family. Ask your partner to take on some responsibilities as well!
Create a task list then assign specific ones to trusted people. Let them take over tasks that you feel are not necessarily ones you need to do yourself such as managing RSVPs, organizing the rehearsal dinner, and researching venues.
3. Set Boundaries with Family and Friends
Families can sometimes have strong opinions about what a wedding should look like, and well-meaning friends may add their own ideas into the mix. While it’s important to be respectful of others' thoughts, it’s also critical to set boundaries to protect your peace.
You must remember that it is your day and you must do what is best for you and your partner. Have a conversation with your family and friends about your priorities. Be prepared to say no when things don't align with your vision. It is healthy to prioritize your own happiness and stand firm on your decisions.
4. Take Time for Yourself
Amid the planning and organizing, it’s easy to forget to take care of your own needs. Stress can take a toll on both your physical and mental health, and burnout can sneak up on you. Prioritizing self-care can help you stay centered throughout the process.
Take the time to go to a spa, take a bubble bath every now and then, get some exercise and meditate. A clear mind will help reduce your stress. Don't feel guilty about needing to time to step away from wedding planning. If you are an anxious person keep some gum or sour candy around this will help combat your nerves.
5. Keep Communication Open with Your Partner
Wedding planning is a HUGE task that requires collaboration. It’s not just your big day, it’s both of yours! It’s essential to keep communication open, share your thoughts, and make sure you’re both on the same page. Avoid the temptation to try to handle everything on your own or sweep issues under the rug.
Spend time checking in regularly with your partner. Talk about any of your feelings, stressors, and concerns. Make sure you are sharing the load during the planning process. This will help strengthen your relationship and help you feel supported on your planning journey.
6. Don’t Forget to Celebrate the Small Wins
Wedding planning can feel endless at times, and it’s easy to focus solely on the tasks still to be done. But taking time to appreciate the small victories along the way can help you stay motivated and remind you of how much progress you’ve made.
When you finalize a vendor, choosing your wedding parties attire, finalizing your honeymoon plans and everything in-between, give yourself a pat on the back or treat yourself. Celebrating these wins will help keep you focused on the positives of the planning process.
7. Know When to Ask for Help
If the stress is starting to feel unmanageable, it’s okay to seek professional help. Mental health professionals, such as therapists or wedding planners, can offer support and strategies for coping with anxiety, stress, or wedding-related issues.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a therapist about how you’re feeling. They can help you work through any anxiety or pressures and offer strategies for better managing your mental health during this busy time. Your wedding planner can also be someone you can talk to and they may even be able to help solve any wedding related concerns you have.
8. Remember the Big Picture
Ultimately, a wedding is just one day, and while it may be important, it’s not the end-all, be-all of your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but keep reminding yourself that your wedding day is a celebration of your love, and that’s what matters most.
Take a deep breath and remember why you’re doing all of this — because you and your partner are about to begin a new chapter of your lives together. Keep the bigger picture in mind when stress starts to creep in.
For any couple looking for additional mental health support we recommend reaching our to NAMI Bucks. They have support groups and other helpful mental health resources. Visit their website here: https://namibuckspa.org/. As a wedding planning company committed to making sure you are stress-free, we give back by donating 5% of our earnings to NAMI Bucks.