Staying Cheerful: Wedding Planning Strategies For A Happy Bride

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet stressful time. To stay happy and stress-free, it's important to stay organised and manage your time effectively. Creating a spreadsheet or to-do list can help you keep track of tasks and priorities, and give you an overview of your budget. It's also a good idea to set aside specific times to discuss wedding plans and assign tasks to friends and family to share the load. Remember to take breaks and have fun – it's important to spend time with your partner and loved ones without talking about the wedding.

Take breaks from wedding planning

Wedding planning can be stressful, so it's important to take breaks and focus on things other than the wedding. Here are some tips to help you take breaks from wedding planning and stay happy:

Designate specific times to discuss wedding plans and allocate tasks to friends and family to help share the workload. This will ensure that wedding planning doesn't take over your life and give you time to relax.

Take some time to relax and reflect on what matters most: friends, family, and fun. Step out of the wedding planning spotlight and enjoy the moment. Listen to music, practice yoga, or spend time with your fiancé without discussing the wedding.

Create a wedding-free zone and days where you don't talk, think, or research anything wedding-related. Focus on other things, like your hobbies and interests, and spend quality time with your partner and friends, discussing topics other than the wedding.

Plan surprise date nights for your fiancé, reminding them that you're excited to spend the rest of your life with them, not just planning a wedding. This will help you reconnect and strengthen your bond.

Keep yourself organised by using tools like spreadsheets, to-do lists, and planners. This will help you stay on top of tasks and prevent last-minute chaos, giving you more time to take breaks and relax.

Remember to take care of yourself and make time for self-care activities like bubble baths and reading. Taking breaks from wedding planning will help you stay happy and keep things in perspective.

Make a spreadsheet or to-do list

Wedding planning can be an exciting yet stressful process. One way to stay happy and organised during this time is to create a spreadsheet or to-do list. This will help you keep track of everything that needs to be done, stay focused on your priorities, and ensure you are getting things done efficiently without getting lost in the craze of the wedding build-up.

You can create a spreadsheet from scratch or use a free template from websites such as The Knot, A Practical Wedding, Microsoft, and Google Sheets. These templates include categories such as a wedding budget planner/spreadsheet, wedding planning timeline and checklist, guest list manager, vendor contact list, wedding day schedule, and photography shot list.

When creating your spreadsheet, be sure to include your guest list, budget, emails and phone numbers, suppliers and quotes, and any other details you think are important. You can also use your spreadsheet to track RSVPs, record dietary restrictions, and assign table numbers. If you are using a shared folder on OneDrive, your family and friends can store, view, and download photos and videos, as well as add or edit entries such as guest mailing addresses.

In addition to a spreadsheet, you may also find it helpful to use a wedding planning book or app to keep track of tasks and stay organised. It is also important to remember to take breaks from wedding planning and to spend time with your partner and friends without bringing up the wedding.

Prioritise and delegate tasks

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but prioritising and delegating tasks can help keep you happy and sane throughout the process. Here are some tips to help you stay organised and stress-free while planning your big day:

Prioritise Tasks:

• Create a "to-do" list: Start by making a comprehensive list of everything that needs to be done. Use tools like Trello or spreadsheets to capture and organise tasks, set priorities, and share information with your families and bridal parties.
• Determine your top priorities: Sit down with your partner and decide on the three most important aspects of your wedding, such as the venue, date, photographer, or live band. Prioritising these details will help you stay within your budget and focus your efforts on what matters most to you.
• Be flexible and adaptable: Understand the difference between what is urgent and what is important. Recognise that not everything will go according to plan, and that's okay!
• Start early: Give yourself enough time to plan and make decisions without feeling rushed. This will allow you to select from a variety of venues, vendors, and dates.
• Set a budget and be prepared for unexpected costs: Discuss and decide on a budget with your partner. Consider adding a cushion of 10-15% for unforeseen fees and last-minute changes.
• Research and seek inspiration: Before meeting with vendors, develop a good sense of the type of wedding style you want. Explore resources like Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and bridal sites for ideas and inspiration.

Delegate Tasks:

• Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for assistance from your friends, family, and bridal party. They are likely just as excited about your wedding and would be happy to lend a helping hand.
• Assign specific tasks: Delegate tasks that can be easily outsourced, such as researching venues, planning pre-wedding events, coordinating transportation, or planning guest activities to capable and trustworthy individuals.
• Provide clear instructions: When delegating tasks, clearly communicate instructions, timelines, and expectations. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and help reduce stress.
• Show gratitude: Remember to express your appreciation to those who offer their assistance. A simple thank-you note, a thoughtful gift, or a shout-out in your wedding speech can go a long way.
• Hire a wedding planner: If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional wedding planner to handle the logistics and reduce the burden on yourself. They can provide valuable guidance and save you time and stress.

Be flexible and prepared for changes

Wedding planning can be one of the most stressful times in a couple's relationship, but also one of the most exciting periods in your life. It's important to be flexible and prepared for changes during the process. Here are some ways to do that:

Be Flexible with Your Plans

It's essential to be flexible and open to changing your plans if they're not working out. Understand that you can't control everything, and things might not go perfectly according to your imagination. Be prepared to adapt and go with the flow. If you're rigid and insist on sticking to a plan that isn't working, it will only add to your stress and frustration.

Prioritize and Be Prepared to Compromise

Sit down with your partner and decide on the three most important aspects of your wedding, such as the venue, date, photographer, or live band. Prioritize those details and be willing to compromise on the rest. This will help you stay within your budget and focus your efforts on what matters most to you.

Expect the Unexpected

Give yourself some financial wiggle room for unexpected costs, must-have upgrades, or last-minute changes. As a rule of thumb, plan to have a 10-15% cushion in your budget for unforeseen fees. This will help you avoid the stress of last-minute budget adjustments.

Be Flexible with Family Expectations

Remember that getting married is not just about you and your partner; it's also about your families. Try to be open and flexible with your family members' expectations and needs. Understand that they might have different ideas or requirements, and it will take time and effort to manage everyone's expectations.

Choose an On-Site Wedding Venue

Opting for an on-site wedding venue, such as a hotel or restaurant, can simplify the planning process. These venues typically offer catering services, designated space, chairs, tables, and sometimes even an on-site coordinator to assist you. This can reduce the number of vendors you need to manage and the potential for last-minute changes.

Keep a Wedding Day Breakdown Sheet

Create a detailed wedding day breakdown sheet for yourself, your bridal party, and families. Include contact information for suppliers and the bridal party, as well as who needs to be where and when. This will help everyone stay organized and reduce last-minute chaos.

Remember, being flexible and prepared for changes is a crucial part of wedding planning. Embrace the unexpected, and you'll be able to handle any surprises with grace and maintain your happiness throughout the process.

Focus on the relationship and your excitement

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it's important to remember that it can also be an exciting and joyous time for you and your fiancé, friends, and family. Here are some ways to stay happy and focused on your relationship and excitement during the planning process:

Prioritize Couple Time

Take time as a couple to enjoy the planning process and make time for each other without discussing the wedding. Plan fun surprise date nights and focus on your excitement about spending the rest of your life with your partner. Remember, this is a chance to bring together the people you love and celebrate your relationship.

Keep Things in Perspective

Remind yourself that the wedding is just a party and a kickoff to the rest of your lives together. Don't get too caught up in the small details or stress about things that guests won't even notice. Remember that not everything will go according to plan, and that's okay!

Reflect on Your Relationship

Take a break from wedding planning to reflect on your relationship. Go back and read old messages from when you first started dating, and remember why you fell in love. Send your fiancé a love note to remind them that you're thrilled to be their partner.

Take Care of Yourself

Amid the planning, take time to relax and focus on self-care. Listen to music, practice yoga, take a bubble bath, or read a book. These activities can help you stay energized, positive, and calm during the planning process.

Stay Organized

Create a shared spreadsheet or to-do list that you can access anywhere. This will help you stay on top of tasks and keep track of your budget, guest list, suppliers, and quotes. Start early and give yourself enough time to plan, so you don't feel rushed.

By focusing on your relationship and excitement, staying organized, and taking care of yourself, you can stay happy and enjoy the wedding planning process.

Frequently asked questions