You’ve been dreaming about your wedding day and have been doing everything you can to plan it all perfectly. Suddenly, you’re hit with a wave of stress that seems ready to consume you. You might be wondering if it’s normal to experience this, and the answer is yes. Planning a wedding isn’t easy, and while it’s exciting and fun, there are also aspects that are stressful.
The key is to manage your stress levels, as well as your partner’s if they’re also feeling overwhelmed. Feeling overwhelmed with the planning process now and again is completely normal, but if you start to feel like you’re drowning in it, that’s a sure sign you may want to take a breather and look at ways to properly manage it.
Identify Your Personal Triggers
There are common triggers that impact couples when it comes to planning their big day. While you aren’t alone in feeling the way you do from them, it’s also important to remember that the end result will be worth all of the hard work and stress.
Money is a common trigger that can stress couples out. While having a wedding planner is helpful in guiding you, costs can still be a surprise. It’s important for you and your partner to set up and agree on a budget ahead of time. Do some research on the specific market where your wedding is going to take place so you can figure out the cost of vendors.
Choosing your wedding party could also be a trigger. Trying to figure out who to include while also not hurting people’s feelings can definitely be tough to navigate at times. Aside from that, deciding on bridesmaid dresses, accessories, tuxedos, and gifts can also feel overwhelming at times.
Pleasing families and also managing your own expectations are another trigger that some couples will face. You’ll likely have quite a few family members wanting to get involved in your wedding planning process, and it can be overwhelming trying to please every single person that will be attending. Additionally, it’s important for you and your partner to recognize that there’s a good chance things won’t go completely according to plan the day of.
Trusting your vendors and your wedding party will be crucial to managing your stress levels as you approach your big day. Remaining good-humored, taking deep breaths, and remembering what this is all about will help you stay calm in the face of stress.
Take Some Time For Yourself To Relax and De-Stress
In the weeks and months leading up to your big day, it will be so important for you to take some time for yourself and decompress from all the planning. There are numerous ways you can de-stress and get your mind off of all of the planning.
Exercising and getting outside are two great ways to relieve stress. Whether you like going to your local gym or taking a scenic hike on a trail, getting away from all of the wedding responsibilities and breaking a sweat is sure to relax you.
If you’d rather spend some time resting and relaxing, taking a trip to the spa may be what you need. Book an appointment for a massage or facial to treat yourself to some you time. Loosen up your muscles and spend some time looking after yourself.
Indulging in your passions and guilty pleasures is another great way to relax and de-stress. Catch up on a new tv series you’ve been hearing about or watch a movie you’ve been dying to see. Open up a pint of ice cream and spend a relaxing evening getting lost in a story.
Talk To Your Partner About Any Concerns You Have
There’s no better support system you have than your future spouse. Communicating with them and letting them know the concerns you have will help you feel much better. They’ll also be a great sounding board for the two of you to brainstorm the best ways to tackle the stressors you’re facing.
Spend some time together talking about all of the things the two of you have already accomplished instead of focusing on potential pitfalls. The two of you can even take a step back from the wedding planning for a little bit to just reminisce on the wonderful memories you’ve already made. It’ll make you feel better, while also reminding you what this is all leading to.
Seek Professional Health If the Stress Is Proving Too Much To Handle On Your Own
If you’re finding that the stress is negatively impacting your life and you aren’t able to manage it on your own, consider looking into wedding therapy. Most people have heard of premarital counseling, but wedding therapy can also be extremely effective.
A wedding therapist can help tackle all of the stressors you’re facing from arguments with family members to important discussions you and your partner need to have regarding your future. Take the time to thoroughly research wedding therapists to find the right one for you. They should offer you a different kind of support than others that are directly involved in your wedding, such as your maid of honor or planner.
Identify Your Stressors and Focus On What’s Important
Stress is a very common reaction to planning your big day. Most couples will experience it at some point during the planning process, but the key is to understand what’s causing it, and how to manage it from there. Lean on your partner, loved ones, and if needed, consider wedding therapy to effectively manage your stress levels and have fun planning your wedding.