Planning A Wedding? Strategies To Stay Calm And Relaxed

Wedding planning is stressful, there's no denying it. From budgets and guest lists to dates and venues, there's a lot to think about. And while stress can be a good thing in small doses, helping us meet deadlines and develop resilience, prolonged stress can take its toll on our wellbeing, relationships and daily life. So, it's important to find ways to de-stress during the wedding planning process.

Prioritise your non-negotiable elements, like your budget, guest list, date and venue

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to making major decisions about your budget, guest list, date and venue. To de-stress during this process, it's important to prioritise your non-negotiable elements and stay focused on what's most important to you.

One way to do this is by creating a “must” list that includes your budget, guest list, date and venue. Refer to this list often to keep yourself on track and avoid getting sidetracked by endless DIY projects or constant upgrades. Wedding planner Michelle Leo Cousins recommends this approach to help you prioritise and make the experience more enjoyable.

Budgeting tools and guest list trackers can also help simplify your life and relieve some of the stress associated with wedding planning. For example, The Knot App offers accessible resources such as a budget builder and guest list tracker to help you stay organised.

Remember, stress is a normal part of life, but if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, it's important to take action. In addition to prioritising your non-negotiables, consider seeking trusted advice and utilising planning tools to simplify the process and make it more enjoyable.

Use planning tools, such as a budget builder, guest list tracker and checklist

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but there are ways to make it easier. One way to de-stress during wedding planning is to use planning tools, such as a budget builder, guest list tracker and checklist.

A budget builder can help you make major decisions about your budget and vendors, and ensure you don't overspend. A guest list tracker can help you keep on top of who's coming, and who you still need to hear from. A comprehensive checklist can help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed by endless DIY projects and constant upgrades.

The Knot App, for example, offers all of these features and can be accessed from your phone, so you have accessible help at your fingertips.

Take time to practice self-care, exercise or go for a walk in nature

Wedding planning is stressful, and it's important to take time to practice self-care and look after yourself. If you're feeling overwhelmed, try not to get bogged down in the small details. Wedding planner Michelle Leo Cousins advises prioritising your non-negotiable elements and continuously referencing your 'must' list. This will help you stay on track and avoid unnecessary DIY projects and upgrades.

Exercise is a great way to de-stress and clear your mind. Going for a walk in nature can be particularly beneficial, as it combines physical activity with the calming effects of the natural environment. If you can, take a break from wedding planning and go for a walk in a local park or nature reserve. Focus on your surroundings and try to clear your mind of any worries or stresses.

Self-care is also important during stressful periods. This might include activities such as meditation, yoga, or taking a relaxing bath. It's also crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and adequate sleep.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, it can help to reach out to friends and family for support. They may be able to offer a fresh perspective or simply provide a listening ear. Remember, it's normal to feel stressed during wedding planning, but there are ways to manage and relieve those feelings.

Ask for help from trusted wedding pros or experts

Wedding planning is stressful, but there are ways to lessen the pressure. Hiring trusted wedding professionals can help to simplify your life and de-stress the wedding journey. Wedding planner Michelle Leo Cousins advises prioritising your non-negotiable elements and continuously referencing your "must" list to stay on track and avoid getting bogged down in endless DIY projects and constant upgrades.

The Knot App is a stress-relieving resource that can be accessed from your phone. It offers tools such as a budget builder, a guest list tracker, and a comprehensive checklist. These tools can help you to manage the four most stressful parts of wedding planning: making a budget, creating a guest list, settling on a date, and booking a venue.

If your usual de-stress hacks of self-care, exercise, or a walk in nature aren't helping, it might be time to seek advice from experts or trusted wedding pros. They can provide trusted advice and guidance to help you navigate the wedding planning process and make it a more enjoyable experience.

Focus on the positive aspects of stress, like how it can help you meet deadlines

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to making major decisions about your budget and vendors. However, stress can be beneficial in small doses as it can help you meet deadlines, avoid troubling circumstances and develop resilience.

To de-stress during wedding planning, it's important to focus on the positive aspects of stress and use it to your advantage. Here are some ways to do that:

• Recognise that stress is a normal response to pressure, and it's okay to feel stressed during wedding planning. Accepting your stress can help you manage it more effectively.
• Use stress to your advantage by channelling it into productivity. Stress can help you stay focused and motivated, so use it to power through your to-do list and meet your deadlines.
• Prioritise your non-negotiable elements and create a "must" list. This will help you stay organised and avoid getting overwhelmed by the smaller details.
• Utilise planning tools to simplify the process and relieve some of the stress. For example, The Knot App offers a budget builder, guest list tracker, and comprehensive checklist to help you stay on track.
• Take breaks and practice self-care. If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and focus on your well-being. Exercise, spend time in nature, or do something that helps you relax and recharge.

By focusing on the positive aspects of stress and using effective planning tools and self-care practices, you can de-stress during wedding planning and create a more enjoyable experience.

Frequently asked questions