If you’re feeling a little anxious while making wedding plans, you’re not alone. According to a 2023 Zola report, out of 4,000 engaged couples, a whopping 94 percent reported feeling “stressed out” or “overwhelmed.”
The reasons behind those numbers are pretty self-explanatory. For most bridal couples, a wedding is the biggest event you’ve planned in your life. And there are a lot of details to keep track of, even for those who try to simplify things. From creating the guest list to researching and coordinating with vendors to finding just the right spot for your big day, there is a lot to organize when it comes to planning a wedding.
Over the years as we’ve worked with bridal couples at Legacy Stables and Events, we’ve seen various levels of stress. To help counteract that, we’ve come up with a list of ways you can help ease your anxiety and enjoy the planning stages a little more. And when you’re less stressed during the lead-up to the wedding, you’re more likely to have fun on the big day and really enjoy the event you planned.
- Be open and honest about what’s worrying you. The first rule of dealing with stress and anxiety is not to let the feelings get bottled up. Communication is a key component in keeping anxiety levels manageable during wedding planning. For example, if you’re worried about speaking in front of people, let the officiant know and they might be able to accommodate you so you aren’t looking directly at anyone during the ceremony. If you’re worried about the budget, talk with your partner and parents about managing costs, and try negotiating with vendors. If you are worried about everything going perfectly on the day of the wedding, we’re here to tell you some of the best moments are the ones that are unscripted.
- Don’t try to do everything all alone. People will offer to help you with your wedding planning, and when they do, be ready to say yes. If it’s going to pick up the cake, help decorate the venue, or even just ride with you to a fitting, having someone share the load is a big help. And remember, your partner is just as much a part of this as you. Be sure to communicate the to-do list, and delegate the responsibilities that come with planning a wedding.
- Make time for self-care. This might seem indulgent, but remember self-care doesn’t always mean taking a spa day. In reality, it can be as simple as making sure you eat nutritious meals, get a good night’s sleep, and keep up with your workout routine. While that list of to-dos might seem overwhelming and urgent, if you let them get in the way of your health you’ll only feel run down and less able to get the important tasks done. Make sure to include your partner in the self-care, and prioritize date nights. Your relationship should not take a back seat to the wedding planning!
- Practice mindfulness. This could be seen as self-care, but we feel it deserves a step all to itself. Deep breathing exercises and practicing meditation are good ways to bring down anxiety levels and help you face the tasks on your to-do list with a more stable frame of mind. There are a number of apps you can download on your phone to make the practice of mindfulness a little easier. Check out Calm and Headspace to help you get started on a new mindfulness routine.
- Choose Legacy Stables and Events as your wedding venue, and let us help ease the burden of wedding planning. Our professionals have planned events of all types and sizes, and we are on hand to work with you to make your wedding just as beautiful as you imagined. Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony in a wedding chapel or a large party in one of our ballrooms, our estate has a variety of options. We also provide a list of vendors, have catering services available, and offer beautiful décor to complement your style.
Understand that it’s normal to feel stressed out and anxious when planning a wedding. Even when you follow all of the tips above, there will still be times when you get overwhelmed with your to-do list, or you lay awake worrying that something will go wrong on the wedding day. Our last piece of advice is to learn to coexist with a little of that anxiety.
