Planning A Wedding? Strategies For Stress-Free Bliss

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. There are many ways to make the process more enjoyable and less overwhelming. From creating a separate email address for wedding-related tasks to outsourcing tasks to family and friends, there are plenty of strategies to reduce stress levels.

One of the most important steps is to determine what's most important to you and your partner. Focus on the aspects that will bring you joy, rather than what you think you should have. Prioritise these must-haves and continuously refer to this list to stay on track and avoid unnecessary upgrades or DIY projects.

Additionally, consider treating the event like a project and mapping out each task methodically. Break down the planning process into manageable chunks, and designate specific days or times for wedding planning to ensure you're taking breaks and giving your brain a rest.

By following these tips and enlisting the help of others, you can make wedding planning a fun and exciting journey towards your big day.

Focus on what's important to you and your partner

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's important to focus on what's truly important to you and your partner to make the process more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you do that:

Identify your priorities

Before diving into any planning, sit down with your partner and discuss what is truly important to both of you. Is it the dress, the food, the music, or something else entirely? By identifying your priorities, you can ensure that you stay focused on what will bring you joy and excitement rather than getting caught up in things you feel you "should" do. This will help you approach decision-making with enthusiasm instead of dread.

Create a "must-have" list

Throughout the planning process, refer back to your list of non-negotiables. This will help you avoid getting sidetracked by endless DIY projects or unnecessary upgrades. Having this list will also help you stay within your budget and avoid overspending on things that aren't high on your priority list.

Make planning fun

Instead of letting wedding planning overwhelm you, try incorporating it into date nights. Prepare a nice dinner, open a bottle of wine, and settle in to discuss your plans. You can also turn venue visits, menu tastings, and cake samplings into fun experiences that you'll remember fondly for years to come.

Take time for yourself

It's easy for wedding planning to take over your life, so be sure to set aside time each week to do things unrelated to the wedding. Spend time with your partner, friends, and family, and engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax. This will help you avoid burnout and make the planning process more enjoyable.

Delegate tasks

Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. If your sister wants to make handmade wedding favours, let her! If you have a foodie family member, consider delegating the menu selection to them. You can also lean on your wedding venue for support; their team has likely planned numerous weddings and can help with budgeting, scheduling, and sourcing suppliers.

Stay organized

Treat wedding planning like a project and map out each task methodically. Consider purchasing a wedding planning guide or a premium wedding budget spreadsheet to help you stay organized and on track. Having a clear plan will make the process less overwhelming and help you focus on what truly matters.

Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love and commitment. By focusing on your priorities and what brings you joy, you can make the planning process less stressful and more enjoyable.

Take time out from wedding planning

Taking time out from wedding planning is essential to ensure you don't burn out and can approach the planning process with a fresh mind. Here are some tips to help you take a step back and recharge:

Set aside dedicated time:

Schedule dedicated days each week where you don't engage in any wedding-related tasks or discussions. Use this time to focus on yourself, your hobbies, and spend quality time with your fiancé, friends, and family. This will help you maintain a healthy balance and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the planning process.

Plan wedding-free days:

Designate certain days of the week as wedding-free zones, where you refrain from any wedding-related activities, appointments, or conversations. This will give your mind a break and help you recharge. You can also try to frontload as much of the planning as possible to allow for a more extended break closer to the wedding day.

Self-care practices:

Engage in self-care activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. This could include yoga, meditation, swimming, or any other activity that helps you unwind and reduce stress. Make sure to be consistent with your self-care practices to prevent burnout effectively.

Delegate tasks:

Don't hesitate to delegate tasks to family and friends who are willing to help. Outsourcing some of the planning responsibilities can significantly reduce your workload and stress levels. For example, if your sister wants to make handmade wedding favours, let her handle that task.

Hire a wedding planner:

Consider hiring a wedding planner if your budget allows. A professional wedding planner can guide you through the entire process and significantly reduce the burden on yourself. They can provide valuable expertise and allow you to focus on enjoying the journey towards your special day.

Ask for help from friends and family

Asking for help from friends and family is a great way to save money and create a real community feel to your wedding planning. It can also be a fun way to bond and spend time with your loved ones.

First, make a list of everything that needs to be done. Write down all the DIY tasks you plan to make yourself, such as invites, place cards, and table numbers, and then put a star by the things your friends and family can help with. If there's something you want to be particular about, put your name next to it. Also, list out when you need each task to be completed by.

Next, make a list of your loved ones and their talents. Who's a great baker? A graphic designer? A photographer? A seamstress? Or someone who loves to craft? Think of who would be excited to help out on your big day.

When asking for help, be mindful that you are asking, not demanding. They may not do things exactly as you would, but as long as the end result is what you want, let them do it their way. They may also say no, and that's okay—they may have other commitments, especially if it's a time-sensitive task. Provide them with all the tools they need to complete the task and don't expect them to go out and buy things. Give them the opportunity to politely decline by asking something like, "Would you have time to help me with XYZ before this date? It should only take us about X hours."

If you have over-zealous loved ones who are very keen to help, give them one or two very specific but generic tasks. For example, they could stuff envelopes instead of addressing them, or pack welcome baskets instead of picking the wedding favours. If they want to be involved in a lot of the planning, ask them to host your bridesmaid brunch and let them organise the decor and menu.

Remember to thank those who help you. It doesn't have to be a big gift—if you're having a girls' night to help with your invitations, order in dinner and wine. A small gift is also appropriate for someone who hosts a shower or other wedding event for you.

Choose supportive bridesmaids

Bridesmaids are generally the most important people in the bride's circle of loved ones, such as best friends or relatives. They are part of the wedding party and have a range of responsibilities before, during, and after the wedding.

• Select positive and uplifting bridesmaids: Opt for bridesmaids who will be there for you through thick and thin, offering emotional support and a listening ear throughout the planning process. They should be a source of comfort and encouragement rather than adding to your stress.
• Consider their availability and commitment: Choose bridesmaids who have the time and willingness to take on the responsibilities that come with the role. Discuss your expectations and ask about their availability and financial commitment upfront. This will help manage everyone's expectations and ensure they can fulfil their duties without adding undue stress.
• Look for proactive and supportive traits: A great bridesmaid is often described as someone who is proactive, supportive, and positive. They should be willing to take initiative and assist you in various tasks, from planning pre-wedding events to providing emotional support.
• Prioritize open and honest communication: Effective communication is key to a stress-free planning process. Choose bridesmaids with whom you can have honest conversations about responsibilities, expectations, and any concerns that may arise. Open communication will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Select individuals who align with your vision: If you have a specific vision for your wedding, consider choosing bridesmaids who understand and support your ideas. This will make it easier to collaborate and make decisions, reducing potential conflicts and stress.
• Involve them in the planning process: Bridesmaids can provide valuable support by assisting with various planning tasks. Whether it's shopping for attire, planning pre-wedding events, or providing emotional support, their involvement will lighten your load and make the process more enjoyable.
• Consider their relationship with you: Choose bridesmaids who have a strong and positive relationship with you. Good friends or close relatives are often ideal choices as they are more likely to be invested in your happiness and willing to go the extra mile to ensure your planning journey is as stress-free as possible.

Remember, the key to choosing supportive bridesmaids is to select individuals who are reliable, understanding, and committed to making your planning process a positive and enjoyable experience.

Plan decision-making

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but there are many ways to make the process more enjoyable and less overwhelming. One of the most important steps is to plan your decision-making. Here are some tips to help you make effective decisions and reduce stress during the wedding planning process:

Determine your priorities:

Before making any decisions, sit down with your partner and identify what is most important to both of you. Focus on the aspects that will bring you joy, rather than what you think you "should" have. This could be anything from the dress and food to the entertainment at your reception. By prioritising what truly matters to you, decision-making will become more exciting and less daunting.

Divide and conquer:

Discuss with your partner whether you want to make all decisions together or divide and conquer. You could assign specific areas to each other, such as one person choosing the music while the other selects the photographer. This approach can streamline the decision-making process and reduce the burden on any one individual.

Involve family and friends:

Consider involving your family and friends in the decision-making process. If you have a foodie family member, for example, you could outsource the menu selection to them. Not only will this lighten your load, but it will also make your loved ones feel valued and included in the wedding preparations.

Set aside dedicated time:

Designate specific days or times for decision-making. For example, you could make every Tuesday night your "Wedding Date Night," where you solely focus on making wedding decisions. Having a dedicated time ensures that you stay on track and don't become overwhelmed by a never-ending list of choices.

Make decisions and be open to changes:

It is better to make a decision and change your mind later than to avoid making any decisions at all. Pick options that feel right at the moment, even if they are not perfect. You can always go back and modify your choices. This approach prevents decision paralysis and helps you move forward with confidence.

Create a supportive environment:

Choose a supportive bridal party or group of friends who will be there for you during the planning process. Surround yourself with positive and uplifting people who have your best interests at heart. They can provide emotional support, help with decision-making, and delegate tasks when needed.

Seek professional help:

Consider hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator if your budget allows. They can guide you through the entire planning process, from beginning to end, and significantly reduce the stress and workload on you and your partner.

Remember, effective decision-making during wedding planning is about prioritising what matters to you, involving your support system, and staying organised. By following these tips, you can make the process more manageable and enjoyable, leading up to your special day.

Frequently asked questions