How To Manage Wedding Planning Stress
Photography by Wyldbee PhotographyToday, we’re talking about how to manage wedding planning stress. Sometimes, wedding planning can actually feel like you’re in the movie, Bride Wars. You may feel like you’re in competition with every other couple getting married to have the best day possible. But, it’s important to remember that the only way to have the best day ever is to do things your way. Whether that means embracing tradition or throwing it all out the window! At Rock My Wedding, we’re all about celebrating love stories that are true reflections of the couple getting married, but we know this can be tough. This is why we reached out to Recommended Supplier, The Healthy Bride Guide, for all their incredible advice on wedding planning stress management!
Wedding planning stress management tips with The Healthy Bride Guide
Is it normal to find wedding planning stressful?
“Yes, absolutely, I think it's a myth that planning a wedding can be stress-free. Whether or not you find it stressful throughout the entire wedding planning process is another thing, but there are certain periods of planning that are more stressful, especially the closer you get to the big event.”
Vicci - The Healthy Bride Guide
What causes wedding planning stress?
Most people have never planned a wedding before, so you don’t really know how to do it, or exactly what you need to think about, the logistics/timings etc. plus how much things cost.
There are so many decisions that need to be made and so many choices. Sometimes you choose something like a wedding venue and can’t have your first choice of date or the suppliers you want aren’t available. There is so much outside of your control. Even if you’re not feeling the wedding stress yourself there might be family stresses/dilemmas/opinions to contend with, or the bridal party not doing as you expected them to do which can end up causing stress that you hadn’t anticipated.
Of course, wedding planning is done alongside the everyday stresses of work, pressures to keep up with a social life, or keep healthy and fit. Social media can add to wedding stress too as it constantly shows ideas and inspiration with all different budgets that may not be realistic for you (although we're sure your incredible suppliers will be able to make your dreams happen). The pressure of having that aesthetically pleasing picture perfect wedding is another reason as well.
There’s also financial stress and pressure that couples put on themselves for their wedding, which is why more people are choosing longer engagements so they have more time to save.
How can you deal with wedding planning stress?
The Healthy Bride Guide uses a framework through 1:1 sessions that can turn the 'stressed out and overwhelmed bride' into someone who can genuinely feel empowered in managing their stress and not let it take over the enjoyment of planning a wedding, so they can radiate health and happiness inside and out on the big day and beyond.
In these sessions, you will:
- Understand what specific scenarios are causing stress
- Challenge how stress is affecting health and habits
- Reframe beliefs about stress resulting in feeling empowered to manage it
- Design a stress-management plan so that health isn't affected the closer the wedding gets
This is so that when that stress comes, the couple is prepared and knows exactly how to not let it throw them off course. Many couples invest so much time and money in looking their absolute best for the big event but what about how they feel on the inside? It’s worth investing time in making sure that you don’t undo all the hard work you’ve put in on the outside by feeling undernourished, overwhelmed and stressed on the inside.
In the meantime, take a look at our infographic for some tips on how to manage wedding planning stress...
How can you manage anxiety and feeling overwhelmed when planning a wedding?
Remember this is your wedding! Everyone is coming to celebrate the both of you, so do it YOUR way. If seeing each other before walking down the aisle would make you feel calmer then do a first look, maybe you’d feel more comfortable walking down the aisle together. Do it your way.
“Think about different scenarios such as 'This or That?' Would we feel more comfortable if we did it this way or that way? You’ll soon know which choice makes you feel less anxious and overwhelmed.”
Vicci - The Healthy Bride Guide
If you’re stressed and overwhelmed with how much there is to do, lists will be your best friend. List all your jobs, delegate tasks to friends and family or hire help if your budget allows. You can use our 18-month, 12-month or 6-month wedding planning checklists based on how long your engagement will be! Hiring a wedding planner or asking your suppliers for their advice is a great way to manage your stress. They are experts at what they do and know how weddings work, they’d be more than happy to help you. Book some exciting things to look forward to during the process, like the Jo Malone London wedding scent experience!
What if wedding planning stress starts affecting personal relationships?
“Make sure your partner is aware of what stress looks like for you. It’s taken me years to communicate to my partner that when the house is a mess it means life is stressful outside of the home. So, rather than adding to the chaos I really need more support at that time. That and when I’ve stopped prioritising exercise - these are the signs when I am stressed. Consider what stress looks like for both of you. Communication is key! You’ll learn so much about each other and about how your families and friends deal with stress at this time too. If you need to create boundaries don’t be afraid to do so, just communicate them kindly.”
Vicci - The Healthy Bride Guide
Although the colour of your napkins might seem like a big deal now, none of that will matter on the actual wedding day!
Perhaps hiring a wedding planner could be the solution for you if it is feeling overwhelming. Here are the 12 things a wedding planner can do for you besides actually planning the wedding! Plus, we have a handy wedding budget spreadsheet that will help you keep track of all your expenses in one place. On the day, you’ll know that the stress was worth it. To be in a room with all of your favourite people in the world to celebrate YOUR love is the most unique and special thing. It will all be worth it.
A HUGE thank you to the lovely Recommended Supplier, The Healthy Bride Guide, for their wisdom!
