Keep Calm And Plan Your Wedding

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it's completely normal to experience high levels of stress during this time. There are, however, many ways to stay calm and manage your mental health and well-being throughout the process. From taking breaks and focusing on self-care to seeking professional help, there are numerous strategies to keep you centred and relaxed.

Take breaks and practice self-care

Taking breaks and practising self-care is crucial when planning a wedding. Wedding planning can be stressful, so it's important to make time for yourself and your well-being. Here are some ways to do that:

• Take regular breaks: Step away from the planning process and give yourself time to relax and recharge. This could mean taking a walk, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones.
• Prioritize self-care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. This might look like practising good sleep hygiene, exercising, meditating, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you relax.
• Delegate tasks: You don't have to do it all alone. Delegate tasks to your partner, wedding planner, or trusted friends and family members. This will help lighten your load and reduce stress.
• Set boundaries: Communicate your vision and boundaries to your family and wedding party. Let them know which decisions are non-negotiable and where you are open to compromise. This will help manage expectations and reduce potential conflicts.
• Seek professional help if needed: If the stress becomes overwhelming, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Talking to a therapist can provide you with strategies to manage stress and anxiety and help you stay calm throughout the planning process.
• Focus on the positive: Remind yourself of the joy and excitement that come with preparing for your special day. Shift your mindset to the positive aspects of the planning process to make it more enjoyable and less overwhelming.

Avoid comparing your wedding to others

It is very common for couples to compare their weddings with other events, especially with social media showcasing picture-perfect nuptials. However, this can be detrimental to your mental health and wellbeing. Instead, focus on what makes your wedding unique and special to you and your partner. Understand and truly own your style. Use social media and wedding blogs as a source of inspiration, rather than a tool for comparison. Set boundaries, such as limiting your scrolling time or avoiding certain platforms, to save your sanity and remain confident in your own plans.

Remember, your wedding is about marrying the love of your life. It doesn't need to be blog-worthy or meet some arbitrary benchmark. It just needs to represent you and your partner and the love you have for each other. Focus on the positive aspects and the joy and excitement of the day. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a break and practice self-care. Take care of your physical and mental health, and don't hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional if needed.

Look to other engaged couples as a support system rather than competition. They know exactly how exciting yet stressful this time can be, and you can mutually share planning advice and tips. If you feel yourself getting caught up in the "shoulds" of wedding planning, remind yourself that all your wedding needs is for you to get married. The rest is just stuff. It's not about how much money you spend, but how the event feels for you and your guests.

Finally, be flexible and prepared to adapt to changes or unexpected challenges. Not everything will go according to plan, and that's okay. Take breaks from planning and practice self-care to stay balanced during the process.

Seek professional help if needed

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, and it's completely normal to experience high levels of stress while organising your big day. The desire to make everything perfect and the pressure to please everyone can be overwhelming. If you feel like the stress is becoming too much to handle, it may be time to seek professional help.

Talking to a therapist can provide you with strategies to manage stress and anxiety and help you stay calm and centred in the lead-up to your wedding. They can help you process and understand your feelings, and provide you with tools to cope with difficult emotions. If you're feeling nervous, a therapist can recommend techniques such as journaling, listening to calming music, or guided meditation.

In addition to seeking the support of a mental health professional, you might also consider hiring a wedding planner. A wedding planner can help you with the logistics and reduce the burden on you and your partner. They can also mediate and resolve conflicts, acting as a neutral third party. This can be especially helpful when dealing with family conflicts and managing expectations.

Remember, it's important to prioritise your mental health and well-being throughout the wedding planning process. Don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. By taking care of your mental health and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure that the planning process is enjoyable and stress-free.

Manage family conflicts effectively

Wedding planning can be stressful, especially when family members are involved. Some give unsolicited opinions, while others might pressure you to do things a certain way. Family conflict during wedding planning can be detrimental to your mental health. Therefore, it is important to manage family conflicts effectively. Here are some ways to do that:

Open and Honest Communication

Clearly communicate your and your partner's vision for the wedding. Discuss your wishes, expectations, traditions, and how you plan to manage the decision-making process. Be open to listening to input from family members and acknowledge their feelings.

Set Boundaries

Let your family know which decisions are non-negotiable and where you are willing to compromise. This helps manage expectations and reduces potential conflicts. If you are dealing with a toxic family member, set firmer boundaries and remember that you don't have to engage with them if you don't want to.

Stay Calm and Seek Solutions

If disagreements arise, try to stay calm and focus on finding solutions that everyone can live with. Remember that the goal is to celebrate your love and commitment.

Regular Check-Ins

Schedule regular check-ins with family members to address any concerns and keep everyone informed.

Involve a Neutral Third Party

Consider involving a neutral third party, such as a wedding planner or a close friend, to help mediate and resolve conflicts.

Prioritize Your Mental Health

Family conflicts can impact your mental health, so prioritize self-care and reach out for support if needed. Take breaks from planning and practice self-care activities to nurture yourself.

Remember, it's important to navigate the relationships being formed and maintain harmony between both families during this process.

Focus on the positive aspects

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but focusing on the positive aspects can help you stay calm and enjoy the process. Here are some ways to do that:

Remember the joy and excitement: Wedding planning can be overwhelming, but it's important to remind yourself of the happiness and excitement that come with preparing for your special day. This shift in mindset can make the process more enjoyable and less stressful. Acknowledge that it's normal to feel stressed at times, and that your feelings are valid.

Prioritize self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial during this time. Make sure to schedule breaks and practice self-care activities that help you relax and recharge. This could include going for walks, reading a book, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in any other activities that nurture your well-being.

Don't compare your wedding to others: Social media often showcases picture-perfect weddings, but remember that your wedding is unique to your relationship. Avoid comparing your plans to those of others, and instead, focus on what makes your wedding special to you. Embrace the unique aspects that reflect your relationship and what matters to you as a couple.

Stay flexible: It's important to have a vision for your wedding, but remaining flexible can reduce stress. Understand that not everything will go according to plan, and that's okay! Be prepared to adapt to changes or unexpected challenges. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break from planning and focus on self-care.

Seek support: Wedding planning can be challenging, and it's okay to ask for help. Consider hiring a wedding planner to assist with logistics and reduce your workload. Involving a neutral third party, such as a close friend, can also help mediate and resolve any conflicts that may arise with family or your partner. Remember, your support system wants to help make your day special, so don't hesitate to reach out.

By focusing on the positive aspects and practicing self-care, you can stay calm and enjoy the journey of planning your dream wedding.

Frequently asked questions