Managing Wedding Planning Stress: Tips For A Calm Walk Down

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but there are ways to manage it. From prioritising your non-negotiable elements to getting both sides of the family on the same page, there are many ways to make the process smoother. It's also important to surround yourself with uplifting, positive people who will support you and listen to your concerns. Accepting that wedding planning has its tedious and challenging moments, as well as its pleasant and exhilarating ones, can help put things into perspective.

Prioritise your non-negotiable elements

Wedding planning can be stressful, but there are ways to manage it. One way is to prioritise your non-negotiable elements. Wedding planner Michelle Leo Cousins advises that instead of spending a lot of mental energy on every single detail, you should focus on your "must" list. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked by endless DIY projects and constant upgrades. By putting those key pieces in place at the very start of the planning process, you'll avoid a lot of stress down the line.

So, what are your non-negotiable elements? These are the aspects of your wedding that are most important to you and your partner. Perhaps you've always dreamed of getting married in a particular venue, or you want to make sure your favourite band plays at the reception. Maybe you want to incorporate a specific cultural tradition or have a certain type of food served. Whatever your priorities are, write them down and keep them front and centre throughout the planning process.

It's also important to get both sides of the family on the same page early on. Family arguments during wedding planning often come down to a lack of communication or miscommunication. Be open and honest about your plans and expectations, and encourage your families to do the same. This will help avoid misunderstandings and alleviate stress.

Surround yourself with a supportive bridal party who will be there for you through thick and thin. They can help with tasks, offer emotional support, and provide a sounding board for your ideas and concerns. Remember, wedding planning has its ups and downs, so it's okay to acknowledge the challenging parts while still enjoying the process overall. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner to help manage the details and free up your time.

Surround yourself with positive bridesmaids

It's important to surround yourself with uplifting, positive bridesmaids who will stand by your side during the wedding planning journey and always have your best interests at heart. Wedding planning can be stressful, so you want a bridal party that will be there for you through thick and thin, supporting you and listening to your feelings and concerns.

When you're feeling overwhelmed, you'll feel safe and comfortable enough to turn to your bridesmaids, whether it's to delegate tasks or just to vent. They can help you stay on track and avoid getting lost in a sea of endless DIY projects and constant upgrades.

Dr Sherrie Sims Allen, a psychologist and relationship expert, says: "You want a bridal party that is going to be there for you through thick and thin, a bridal party who will be supportive and listen to understand your feelings and concerns."

So, when choosing your bridesmaids, look for people who are positive, supportive, and understanding. They should be people you can rely on and trust to have your back, no matter what.

Get both sides of the family on the same page

Wedding planning can be stressful, but there are ways to manage it. One way is to get both sides of the family on the same page right from the beginning. This can help to avoid arguments and misunderstandings down the line. It's important to communicate openly and honestly with your family members and to try to understand their feelings and intentions. Assuming you know what they're thinking can lead to miscommunication and stress.

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 unnecessary details. Accepting that wedding planning has its tedious and challenging moments, as well as pleasant and exhilarating ones, can help put things into perspective. Remember, you don't have to enjoy every step of the process to still enjoy it overall.

Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can also make a big difference. Dr Sherrie Sims Allen, a psychologist and relationship expert, recommends choosing uplifting bridesmaids who will have your best interests at heart and be there for you through thick and thin. They can provide a safe space to turn to when planning becomes overwhelming, whether it's to delegate tasks or simply to vent.

Finally, consider hiring a wedding planner to help alleviate some of the stress and free up your time. They can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the planning process.

Take breaks

Wedding planning can be stressful, and it's important to take breaks to look after your mental health. Here are some tips to help you take breaks during the wedding planning process:

Recognise when you need a break

If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's time to take a step back. Signs that you need a break include losing sleep, losing your cool, and struggling to see the fun side of wedding planning. It's also important to recognise when you're overdoing it on the wedding conversation. If the wedding is all you're talking about, it's time to put the planning aside for a few days and embrace other topics of conversation.

Prioritise self-care

Taking a break from wedding planning can help you clear your mind and feel refreshed. Spend time with friends and family, get a good night's sleep, and focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Delegate tasks

Consider hiring a wedding planner to alleviate some of the stress and free up your time. If hiring a professional is not an option, delegate tasks to your bridal party or other trusted individuals. Remember, your bridal party is there to support you, so don't hesitate to turn to them for help.

Set boundaries

Establish boundaries with your family and communicate your needs clearly. Wedding planning can be stressful when both sides of the family are not on the same page. Open and honest communication can help alleviate stress and prevent misunderstandings.

Focus on the positive

Accept that wedding planning will have its ups and downs, and it's okay to acknowledge the challenging aspects. However, try to maintain a positive outlook and remember that the planning process is temporary. Keep your "must-have" list in mind to stay focused and avoid getting caught up in unnecessary details.

Hire a wedding planner

Wedding planning can be stressful, but there are ways to manage it. One way to reduce stress is to hire a wedding planner. This will free up your time and alleviate some of the pressure.

Wedding planner Michelle Leo Cousins advises prioritising your non-negotiable elements. She suggests making a "must" list of all the things that are important to you and continuously referencing it throughout the planning process. This will help you to stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked by endless DIY projects and upgrades.

It's also important to surround yourself with positive and uplifting people, such as supportive bridesmaids who will be there for you through thick and thin. Getting both sides of the family on the same page from the beginning can also help to avoid arguments and miscommunication.

Remember that wedding planning is a temporary state, and it's okay to acknowledge that some parts of it are challenging. By accepting all the different chapters of wedding planning, you can keep your stress levels intact and put everything into perspective.

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