Girls And Their Wedding Plans: A Fantasy Or Reality?

Women are often expected to take the lead when it comes to planning their wedding, despite the fact that many see their relationships as equal partnerships. Wedding vendors often direct questions to the bride, and it is usually the woman who is asked about the wedding planning. This can cause stress and anxiety, and some women have reported that the experience of planning their wedding has made their relationship feel less equal.

Wedding planning is often expected of women, even if they have busy jobs

Women are often expected to have spent years thinking about and dreaming about their wedding day, and as a result, are expected to take on the majority of the planning and decision-making. This can be a departure from the dynamics of an otherwise equal relationship, as the woman may feel pressured to prioritise wedding planning over her career or other commitments.

Even when a woman has a busy job, she may still be expected to take time off work to meet with vendors or conduct wedding-related research. This can reinforce traditional gender roles and create an imbalance in the relationship, with the man's work remaining his top priority while the woman's time and energy are divided between her career and wedding planning.

The wedding industry, which is largely propped up by women, can contribute to this expectation. Women are often expected to take on the emotional labour of planning their weddings, which can be time-consuming and stressful, while also managing their full-time jobs. This dynamic can be challenging for women to navigate, as they may feel pressure to live up to societal expectations while also balancing their careers and personal lives.

Wedding planning can be stressful for women, especially if they are also working full-time

Women are often expected to have spent years thinking about and dreaming of their wedding day, and as a result, are expected to take on the majority of the planning and decision-making. This can be a departure from their usual relationship dynamics, where responsibilities and decision-making are more equally shared.

The planning process can be time-consuming and demanding, requiring meetings with vendors, research, and communication with various stakeholders. This can be challenging for women who have busy careers and other commitments, as they may need to take time off work or juggle multiple priorities.

Additionally, women planning their weddings may experience pressure from friends and family, who often direct questions and expectations towards the bride. This can further contribute to the stress and burden of wedding planning, especially if the woman is also managing a full-time job and other responsibilities.

To manage the stress of wedding planning while working full-time, it is important for women to set realistic expectations, delegate tasks, and seek support from their partners, family, or friends. It is also crucial to prioritise self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance during this busy period.

Wedding vendors often direct questions to the bride, expecting her to manage the relationship

Wedding planning is often seen as the responsibility of the bride, with vendors and planners directing questions to her and expecting her to manage the relationship. This expectation can be stressful and time-consuming for women, who may already have busy careers and other responsibilities.

According to wedding planner Cindy Savage, there is a societal expectation for women to have spent years dreaming about their wedding day and, as a result, they are expected to take the lead on planning. This can come as a surprise to women who see their relationships as equal partnerships, and it can be challenging to balance wedding planning with their other commitments.

Rachel, for example, found herself taking time off work to meet with vendors and doing most of the planning, despite having more career responsibilities than her husband. Ashley, who is also engaged, feels the pressure to prioritise wedding planning even though she has a busy job.

The wedding industry is largely propped up by women, with the unpaid work and emotional labour of brides fuelling the paid work of wedding vendors, who are mostly women themselves. This creates an industry that depends on women doing the majority of the work, which can cause stress and impact their careers.

Wedding planning can cause a shift in the dynamics of an otherwise equal relationship

This dynamic can be particularly stressful for women who see their relationships as equal partnerships. For example, Rachel, who had more responsibilities in her career, found herself taking time off work to meet with vendors, while her husband continued to prioritise his work. Ashley, who is just as busy at work as her fiancé, feels expected to make wedding planning a priority.

The stress of wedding planning can be compounded by other life events, such as starting a new job or moving across the country. This was the case for Rachel, who experienced increased anxiety and sought professional help during the wedding planning process.

Despite the progress made towards gender equality, the expectation that women should be primarily responsible for wedding planning persists. This expectation can create a shift in the dynamics of an otherwise equal relationship, with women feeling pressured to prioritise wedding planning over their careers and other responsibilities.

The wedding industry is propped up by women, but it doesn't always help their career

Women often find themselves having to take time off work to meet with vendors and do research, which can be a challenge if they are also working a full-time job. The pressure to plan the perfect wedding can be overwhelming, and it is often the bride who is expected to manage the relationship with vendors and make all the decisions. This can be especially difficult if the wedding planning coincides with other major life events or changes.

The wedding industry is dependent on women doing this work, but it does not necessarily push them forward or help their careers. In fact, it can cause them stress and impact their mental health. Wedding planning can be a time-consuming and expensive process, and it is important to recognise the impact it can have on women's lives and careers.

Frequently asked questions