Whether you are just getting started with your wedding planning or you are in deep and stressing, it is important to keep things realistic when it comes to wedding planning. There are many jokes on the internet about the stress, wanting to elope even though the invitations are already sent out and unfortunately, arguments between partners.
Why do people have weddings if it is not to enjoy the moment and the process? A little stress is normal, but if you are constantly feeling anxious about the big day, take a step back and rest.
Better yet, go into planning knowing that there will be some sources of stress, and that is okay. Enjoy the process of being engaged, planning the wedding and being happy however it comes out. Follow these tips to enjoy wedding planning and avoid stress.
Set A Realistic & Informed Budget
One of the biggest disappointments for couples is when their expectations don't meet their budgets. Social media is dangerous for a newly engaged couple because what you see, might not be in your price range.
Don't just stick to your budget, but find innovative ways to make your vision come true without needing to go over budget. There are so many ways to DIY decor and prioritize funds for more important aspects.
Know Your & Your Partner's Priorities
Many wedding planners recommend that couples sit down and write down their individual priorities for the wedding, dress, venue, food, etc, etc.
Then look at your priorities, and your partner's priorities and decide what needs to be at the top of the list and budget. This makes it easy for finding points of compromise because with previously agreed-upon topics for compromise there is less room for stress and conflict.
Reserve The Big Items First
The big items when planning a wedding are a venue, food, photographers and flowers. This is a good chunk of your budget and the core of the day. After these items are locked in, the rest will fall into place. The bigger details are vital, the rest are just details.
Perfection Is Not The Answer
Couples tend to get stressed when they are striving for perfection, but this is a point of frustration. You already know that it is vital to let go of perfectionism in your personal life, so why not apply that same concept to wedding planning?
Your wedding day is all about celebrating you and your partner with all your friends and family, no one cares if it isn't perfect. It is much better to enjoy the entire process, with the good and the bad, than to get caught up on small details that won't matter later down the road.
When you look back at your wedding in 10 or 20 years, you won't remember the tiny details anyways.
Love Your Plan B Too
When making a budget and coming up with plan A, also make a plan B. Wedding plans have a way of always getting twisted, conflicting arising or last-minute cancelations. When you have plan B already lined up and ready to go, it is less disappointing and less stressful to simply lean into plan B if plan A falls through.
This is super planning mode to have more than one plan, but it is a sure way to avoid stress if a conflict arises with your preferred plan. At the end of the day, plan B will be just as good because you will be celebrating your marriage with your partner, friends and family.
Be Intentional With Enjoying Planning
Other than being prepared, realistic and okay with plan B, you should remember to enjoy the process even if it is an added stress. For those who haven't started the planning process yet, do seriously consider if this is the year to have a wedding. If there are many other life events or foreseeable stressors, you won't be able to enjoy the process as much.
Some people say that weddings are all about timing, and others say it will never be the right time and to just do it when it feels right, one way or another. It is a personal choice, and so it planning a big wedding.
More and more modern brides are ditching traditions and choosing innovative ways to celebrate the next chapter in their lives, from micro weddings to eloping and throwing a big party later, remember that there is no wrong way to get married and it is better to stay present in the moment and enjoy the process.
If things go wrong the day of, who cares? Laugh it off and instead choose to celebrate the pure joy of marrying your partner.
