Managing Wedding Plans and Stress

With all the wedding planning and changes that are coming your way, it’s normal to feel stressed. Consider the following ways to help you reduce your stress during this time and how to best manage the planning process.

Talk with your significant other about the wedding plans. You should do this before beginning the wedding planning to determine both of your desires for the wedding and to set the wedding budget. This may take some compromise to make you both happy, but it’s worth it and can lower your stress levels in the end. If you both want an elaborate wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner if your budget permits it.

Be organized. Get a calendar and daily planner to organize your tasks for each day. Break down larger tasks into smaller tasks that make them easier to tackle and to delegate to others. Have your planner with you so you don’t miss important appointments, and can keep track of numbers, payments, decisions, and all your notes in one place.

Finish big tasks first. Like any other project, accomplishing your larger tasks first will leave you time to deal with the smaller details. Book your reception hall, caterer, music, and wedding photographer first. These items must usually be booked months in advance and hinge on the specific day you have chosen more than anything else. Getting these large tasks completed will leave the smaller details that are easier to accomplish.

Delegate responsibilities. Don’t try to take on too many tasks. Have your fiancé, bridesmaids, family, and friends help you carry some of the load.

Stay healthy. Keep eating healthy and getting enough sleep during this time. Try not to skip meals. It helps if you can bring healthy snacks during your planning days so you can take a break to eat and not have to stop to buy food. Eating often and getting enough sleep will give you more energy and help you deal with stress.

Take a break. Take a mini-vacation from wedding planning. This should be something relaxing or fun, such as getting a massage, going out with friends or your fiancé, or just going to the movies. Take a few hours where you don’t focus on wedding plans, which will mentally and physically relax you.

Be sensitive. Remember this is your day, even if others are offering financial helping. Try to respect others’ opinions and feelings, even if you don’t agree with them. Try to talk matters over while you are calm, rather than emotional. Be assertive, but still sweet. It’s important that you and your fiancé get what you both want.

Maintain perspective. Things will go wrong, but you must learn to shrug them off and deal with the stress. Remember why you are planning in the first place and don’t let the details consume you. In the end, these will make excellent stories and memories in the future. Make time to spend with your partner so that you enjoy the time before your wedding day. Share your feelings and worries. If you need to, take time off work to focus on wedding planning. Overall, relax and enjoy this time that leads up to the moment which will bond you two together in marriage.

- Lacy Swanson