Are you engaged? Congratulations!
Once the excitement of the big announcement wears off, your focus will turn to planning your special day. While it’s fun to imagine the wedding of your dreams, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the endless decisions you’ll have to make.
If you’re feeling the crunch of wedding stress, we’ve got some expert tips for you. In this post, we’ll reveal how to make your wedding planning as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Ready to get started? Read on!
1. Delegate
People will likely offer to help you along the way, and you should take them up on it.
Friends, family, your bridal party–assign tasks to those willing to help. Prioritize some items on your to-do list that you don’t need to personally fulfill. Instead, put them in other (responsible!) people’s hands.
Delegating tasks will give you more time to relax and focus on the important aspects of your big day.
2. Use a Wedding Planner
If you can manage to budget for it, a wedding planner will take a huge weight off your shoulders. Their professional knowledge and connections could save you a lot of time and many headaches.
A wedding planner will know all the little details by heart. Far beyond the responsibilities of a day-of coordinator, a planner can bring your vision to life.
From seating charts to vendor negotiating as well as budget help, your coordinator can help simplify and streamline all your planning.
3. Keep Detailed Spreadsheets
An organized set of spreadsheets will put all the answers at your fingertips. Not only can you get a firm grasp on your to-do list, but you can keep yourself on schedule, organize your guest list, and balance your budget.
Share your spreadsheets with your partner and wedding party. Delegate tasks and make sure everyone is on the same page. Mobile devices make it easier than ever to keep everyone connected no matter the distance.
If you’re worried about forgetting something, your spreadsheets will give you peace of mind. Every last detail can be accounted for, scheduled out, and checked off when completed!
It feels great to see all those important items get checked off as you count down to the big day.
4. Maintain a Healthy Life Balance
While it may sound easy, keeping a balance between regular life and wedding planning can quickly become a struggle.
Set aside time to spend with your significant other, family, and friends. This should be designated as “wedding-free” time. Giving yourself room to breathe and enjoy the other parts of your life without stressing over wedding details will help keep you grounded.
If you start skipping lunch with your best friend or your daily workout to work on wedding stuff, you’ll start neglecting the things that bring you happiness.
5. Stick to Your Budget
With the price of the average wedding at $33,391 (2017), it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the costs. That’s why it’s important to set a budget early and stick to it as best as you can.
While some things are sure to shift, laying out your costs and keeping track of them will ensure you aren’t left with big surprises.
Do your research into the typical costs of weddings, broken down into categories. Realistically approach your planning based on what you can afford in your budget.
Don’t put yourself in the red for one day. Though you may have a lot of fanciful ideas about your dream wedding, it’s important to know the costs and plan within your means. Small stuff can add up quickly, so pay attention to what you spend.
The best thing you can do is establish the three most important elements of your wedding. This could be good music, food, and wine, or a special location, inviting your extended family, and a custom dress.
Whatever you choose, prioritize your budget towards these important elements. Then plan everything else around it.
6. Accept That Some Things Are Uncontrollable
Your wedding may start late, or the weather might turn on you. Someone might lose the programs.
Life teaches us that nothing is perfect–and weddings are no different.
Inevitably, something will go awry. It’s okay. Make peace with the fact that the little things might be noticed by you but completely missed by your guests.
At the end of the day, you’ll be married to your best friend and surrounded by the people you love. As long as that happens, your day is a success. Plan for what you can, but don’t worry about what you can’t.
7. Remember: This Day Is for the Two of You
Every time you feel anxious about your wedding because of some aspect of planning, try to remember what the day is about.
Everyone will have opinions and ideas. Some of them will be helpful, and some will hinder you. Just take a deep breath and remember that the right answer is to do what’s best for you and partner.
Be polite and listen to what people say, but follow your heart about what you want. Avoid arguments by humoring people’s well-meaning opinions but ultimately doing what is best for you.
Don’t fret too much about your bridesmaids matching or where your roommate from college is sitting. What if your mother drinks red wine but your father prefers white?
Don’t sweat. It’s only one day. And their attention will end up on how happy you are, anyway.
Don’t Let Wedding Stress Become the Boss
If you’re feeling the wedding stress creeping in, turn to those nearest you for support. Rely on their help, their love, and the future you’re making to get you through.
If something is too stressful, delegate to your planner or wedding party–or let it go. Be present and never forget what you’re doing all of it for.
Do you need some inspiration for planning your wedding? Visit our blog at Baby’s Breath Bridesmaids for tips and ideas.