Staying Sane While Planning Your Wedding: Tips And Tricks

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. With the right tools and mindset, you can stay sane and even enjoy the process. It's important to remember that it's your day and that of your partner, so try not to get caught up in comparing your wedding to others. Start by setting a budget and use tools like spreadsheets and to-do lists to stay organized and on top of your spending. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, and even a wedding planner if needed. Take breaks from wedding planning and enjoy some non-wedding-related activities with your partner and friends. Remember to keep things in perspective, stay flexible, and focus on what's truly important to you both.

Ask for help and delegate tasks

Planning a wedding can be a seriously exhausting task, both physically and mentally. It is therefore important to ask for help and delegate tasks to friends and family who are usually more than happy to lend a helping hand.

A good way to start is by creating a master spreadsheet or a 'to-do' list that includes everything that needs to be done. This can include your budget, deposits and remaining balances, RSVPs, dietary requirements, and other tasks. Once you have a list, you can start allocating tasks to your partner, family, and friends. Be sure to outline the instructions and timelines for each task. For example, if you are repurposing certain items between your ceremony and reception, like flowers, decor, and signage, simply hand over a wedding timeline to a trusted friend or family member.

You can also ask your bridal party to help plan your bridal shower or bachelorette party. If you are sending out invitations, you can ask for help with assembling the invitation suites, stuffing envelopes, or dropping them in the mail. You can also ask a friend who is familiar with your family members to round up people for family photos.

Other tasks that can be delegated include planning guest activities, researching and booking venues, and any wedding-related pickups and drop-offs.

Create a master spreadsheet

Creating a master spreadsheet is a great way to keep all your wedding plans in one place. It can help you stay organised and on top of your spending. Here are some tips for creating a comprehensive master spreadsheet:

Budgeting

It's important to create a wedding budget and stick to it. Include your budget in the spreadsheet and track your actual costs against it. Specify a budget for each item, such as the venue, catering, attire, flowers, decorations, entertainment, etc. Then, add columns for the actual costs once you choose a vendor. This will help you stay within your budget and identify any areas where you may need to adjust.

Guest List and RSVPs

Keep track of your guest list, including names, addresses, contact information, and dietary requirements. Update the spreadsheet as RSVPs come in, so you have a clear idea of the final guest count. This will be especially helpful when planning seating arrangements.

Timeline and To-Do Lists

Create a timeline for your wedding planning journey, including important dates and milestones. Break down the overall planning process into manageable tasks and deadlines to ensure you stay on track. Include a to-do list of all the tasks that need to be completed, and update it regularly. This will help you stay organised and ensure that no detail is overlooked.

Deposits and Payments

Keep a record of all the deposits you've paid and the remaining balances for each vendor or service. Note the due dates for final payments to ensure that you don't miss any deadlines.

Vendor Information and Contracts

Include a tab or section for vendor information, such as contact details, contracts, and any other relevant information. Having all this information in one place will make it easier to refer back to and ensure that you're getting what you've paid for.

Other Details

Your master spreadsheet can also include other details, such as the wedding party's contact information, accommodation arrangements, transportation plans, and any other unique aspects of your wedding.

Remember, this spreadsheet is a living document, so update it regularly and adapt it to your specific needs. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to your wedding party or close friends to help lighten the load and ensure a stress-free planning process.

Take breaks and have wedding-free days

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it is easy to get caught up in the details. It is important to remember to take breaks and have wedding-free days to maintain your sanity and keep things in perspective. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Declare Wedding-Free Days and Zones

Create designated days or zones where wedding planning is off-limits. This means refraining from discussing wedding details, browsing the internet for inspiration, or even thinking about the wedding. Focus on other aspects of your life, such as your hobbies, work, or spending time with friends and family. By taking a step back, you can approach future wedding planning with a fresh and less overwhelmed mindset.

Take Regular Breaks

While wedding planning, allocate specific times for discussions and tasks related to the wedding. Overthinking and constantly talking about the wedding can be mentally exhausting. Taking breaks throughout the planning process will help you stay energized and maintain a positive mindset.

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is essential during stressful periods. Ensure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and engaging in physical activity. Consider starting a meditation practice to help you relax and manage any anxiety or stress related to wedding planning. Maintaining your physical and mental well-being will give you the strength and clarity to handle any challenges that arise.

Delegate Tasks

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to your partner, bridal party, family, and friends to delegate tasks and responsibilities. This will lighten your load and make others feel involved and valued. Remember, your bridal party is there to support you, so don't hesitate to lean on them for assistance.

Stay Flexible

While it's great to have a vision for your wedding, remember that some things may not go exactly as planned. Be prepared to adapt and make changes when needed. Choose your battles and focus on the most important and urgent issues first. This will help reduce stress and allow you to enjoy the planning process more.

By incorporating these strategies into your wedding planning journey, you can create a healthier and more balanced experience, ensuring you stay sane and present for the special moments leading up to your big day.

Be realistic and flexible

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, but staying realistic and flexible can help you stay sane throughout the process. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Be Realistic:

• Set expectations early: Discuss with your partner, family, and bridal party what is most important to you and set realistic expectations. This will help you stay focused on your priorities and avoid last-minute surprises.
• Create a budget and stick to it: Wedding spending can quickly spiral out of control. Create a realistic budget that takes into account all expenses, including hidden costs. Regularly track your spending and make adjustments as needed to stay within your budget.
• Choose your battles: Not everything will go according to plan, and that's okay. Prioritize dealing with urgent and immediate problems first, and let go of the less important ones.
• Manage your time: Planning a wedding can be time-consuming, so allocate specific time slots for wedding-related discussions and tasks. This will help you stay organized and prevent wedding planning from taking over your life.

Be Flexible:

• Adapt to changes: Plans may evolve, and that's okay! Be open to alterations and adjustments. This will help you stay calm and adaptable when faced with unexpected challenges.
• Guest list flexibility: Create a guest list with a flexible number in mind. People may cancel or show up without notification, so leave room for changes. This will make it easier to manage the guest experience and make adjustments without chaos.
• Design flexibility: You might have grand dreams for your wedding design, but logistics may pose constraints. Remain flexible and work with your vendors to transform your vision into reality within the given parameters.
• Date flexibility: Choose a few preferred dates for your wedding and be flexible with your venue and vendor bookings. Consider external factors such as popularity, guest availability, and seasonal price differences.
• Delegate tasks: Don't try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to your partner, bridal party, and friends. This will lighten your load and help you stay relaxed in the lead-up to the wedding.

Remember, staying realistic and flexible will help you navigate the challenges of wedding planning and ensure you enjoy the process leading up to your special day.

Focus on what's important to you and your partner

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but it's important to remember that it's also a joyous and celebratory time in your life. To stay sane during the process, it's crucial to focus on what's important to you and your partner. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

Identify your priorities:

Start by creating a list of priorities for both the wedding and the marriage. Wedding planning can encompass endless ideas, but it's essential to recognise that implementing all of them is impossible. By identifying your priorities, you can stay organised, focused, and on track. Ask yourself what your dream vision for the wedding entails. Is it more important for you to have the perfect dress or a beautifully choreographed first dance? These questions will help guide your planning process and ensure you're staying true to what matters most to you and your partner.

Involve your partner:

Remember that your wedding day is about you and your partner becoming a married couple. Involve your partner in the decision-making process and ask for their ideas and input. The more decisions you make together, the more personal and meaningful your wedding will be to both of you. It's also essential to be flexible and choose your battles. Not everything will go according to plan, and that's okay! Focus on the most salient and immediate problems first and leave the less pressing issues for later.

Delegate tasks:

Don't try to shoulder all the responsibilities yourself. Delegate tasks to your partner, bridal party, family, and friends. People usually feel honoured to be asked to help, and they will likely be happy to pitch in. Assigning tasks to others will lighten your load and allow you to focus on the aspects of the wedding that are most important to you.

Stay informed about your spending:

Wedding spending can quickly spiral out of control. Create a budget and regularly track your actual costs. Specify a budget for each item and compare it to your spending once you choose a vendor. This will help you stay on top of your finances and make adjustments if necessary. It's crucial to involve your partner in financial decisions and ensure you're both aware of the spending.

Take breaks:

It's essential to take breaks from wedding planning to maintain your sanity. Declare "wedding-free" days and zones where you intentionally avoid discussing or thinking about the wedding. Focus on other aspects of your life, spend quality time with your partner without bringing up the wedding, and maintain your relationships and self-care practices. This will help keep things in perspective and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Frequently asked questions