Tips to Avoid Stress While Wedding Planning

We have all been around one, a bridezilla. Maybe you were a bridesmaid in her wedding or sadly, you were one. Let's be honest. Planning a wedding is hard with or without a professional planner. You are constantly in the spotlight, always making decisions and planning one of the most memorable days of your life but don't actually see it put together until your wedding day. I am getting stressed just thinking about it!

To start things off enjoy this little clip:



I WANT MY CHOCOLATE CAKE! Boy oh boy! haha Let's jump start things in a positive direction and avoid any cake smashing. Put the cake down ladies. Now surely none of you have decided to smash a cake or yell at a vendor but their are moments of pure panic. I know that sometimes I am a rainbows and sparkles kind of girl but I for no reason think any bride should be pushed to this limit (minus the tad bit of crazy this girl might have already been). We all think about things to cut down on pre-wedding stress but let's just review a few...just in case:

1. Give yourself realistic timelines. If you want to have a year to plan your wedding then give yourself a year. Realistic time lines are important. Some brides require more time than others and their is nothing wrong with that. If you are wanting to have a wedding full of DIY details, make sure you set goals as to when things should be completed. The biggest thing with DIY weddings is plenty of cute details but sometimes not enough time to complete them. Make your day happen on your timeline!

2. Delegate wisely. This is SO important. Simply stated, you cannot do this all on your own. You have responsibilities to family, friends, work, other events and now a wedding. Ask for help! Bridesmaid and family should already be knocking at your door asking what they can do. If they aren't then kindly ask for their assistance. Their is no job too big or too small. If you need a girlfriend to help you punch holes in favors and loop in ribbon, ask her. This is your day and you will return the favor or may already have for them. Keep in mind to delegate tasks to appropriate girls. Do not ask a non dependable friend to make your invitations. You need girls you can rely on. Do not hesitate to ask for others help. I promise they want too!

3. Positive words. I know this may be silly but I find it very helpful. Try writing down positive quotes or sayings. Stick them wherever you wish. You can put them on your bathroom mirror, throughout your calendar or on your phone. Positive reinforcement whether visually or from others always helps. You are going to make it to your wedding and mostly enjoy your day! Keep up the good vibes!

4. Stick to your guns. I have to be honest this one is tough. When planning your wedding others will have a LOT of suggestions. Some of them you will like and other ideas you will not. That is okay. Make sure to politely turn down any ideas that you are not wanting. This was really hard for me. I wanted everyone to feel included and loved but some ideas I did not see for my big day. Kindly tell them thank you for the suggestion but you are going to try something else. They may seem disappointed at first but I promise they will be over it quickly! If for some reason you have a family member or friend trying to control your big day in ways that you do not like stand firm. If they persist, send them to me. ha!

5. Enjoy your Engagement. The second you get married people start asking when is your date? My husband and I didn't discuss marriage and plans after our engagement. We just knew wanted to get married! Take time to bask in your newly engaged status. Have an engagement party or family get together to celebrate. Their are no rules as to when you have to start planning! If you already have your date and venue ready when you get engaged, you are one step ahead! Celebrate the now!

6. Write down monthly goals. This is so helpful. You should always write down what you want to complete for the current month. When first planning you tasks will be large things like selecting a venue or hiring a band but closer to the wedding you will have a lot of smaller tasks to get completed. You can always count on the help of online planners or bridal books. (You can find some great examples here.)

7. Remember what all this is about. This is the most important thing on this list. Never lose sight of what this whole planning process is for. When I meet with brides the morning of their wedding I always tell them not to worry about anything else. If something isn't ready then who cares? It is your day and the whole goal is a lifetime of happiness with the one you love. Marriage is a blessing and no wedding planning blues should take away from that.

I hope these few reminders help when planning your big day! Have you ever had a bridezilla moment or thought you couldn't handle another day of wedding planning? What do you do to de-stress?