Planning a wedding is undeniably one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be a whirlwind of stress and emotions. As the big day approaches, it's crucial to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Though we can't promise it will be entirely stress-free, we can promise that implementing these recommendations will truly make a huge difference in your anxiety leading up to the big day.
Have an "All the Thoughts" Notebook:
It's next to impossible to manage stress when you feel like you're carrying a million thoughts and to-do's all in your own mind. Create a notebook or digital note on your phone that you can go back to and add your thoughts to every time you have a panicked "Oh my gosh! I can't forget [fill in the blank]!" To take it to the next level, have a once a week session with your fiancé or a trusted friend who will let you verbally process through all of the notes you've written down.
Delegate Wisely:
You don't have to do it all alone. Enlist the help of trustworthy friends, family members, or even a wedding planner if your budget allows. Delegating tasks can alleviate the pressure on you and ensure that everything runs smoothly. (Marchand Ranch supplies each couple with a digital planning notebook to help lead the process from start to finish!)
Self-Care Is Non-Negotiable:
Amidst the hustle and bustle, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Schedule regular breaks, indulge in activities that bring you joy, and get enough sleep. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential for maintaining a positive outlook. If this feels like an impossible goal, start small and celebrate successes. For instance, go on 1 walk per week without your phone and simply b r e a t h e.
Communication Is Key:
Open and honest communication with your partner is crucial during the wedding planning process. Share your thoughts, concerns, and expectations. Working as a team will strengthen your bond and lighten the emotional load. From the beginning, make sure you both are on the same page about what parts of your wedding are the most important to you.
Set Realistic Expectations:
It's natural to want the perfect wedding, but it's important to set realistic expectations. Understand that not everything will go exactly as planned, and that's perfectly okay. Embrace imperfections and focus on the bigger picture – the celebration of your love and lifelong commitment to one another.
Set Healthy Boundaries:
This may be easier said than done, but it is still very worth doing throughout your planning process. Everyone has family members or friends who add stress rather than ease it, and we recommend setting strong, gentle boundaries with these individuals. If needed, create structured times to hear their thoughts so that you don't feel the need to always enter into stress-creating conversations.
Quality Time with Your Partner:
Amidst the chaos, make time for quality moments with your partner. Schedule regular date nights where wedding talk is off-limits. Enjoy each other's company and remember the love that brought you to this moment.
Stay Active:
Physical activity is a fantastic stress reliever, as well as boost to your self-confidence! Whether it's a brisk walk, a workout, or a dance session, staying active releases endorphins, benefiting your mood and energy levels.
Embrace Imperfection:
Perfection is an unattainable goal, and striving for it can lead to unnecessary stress. Your wedding will be beautiful, flaws and all.
Laugh Often:
Laughter truly is the best medicine. Surround yourself with positivity, share jokes, (cat videos anyone?) and find the humor in challenging situations. A good laugh can instantly lighten the mood and put things into perspective.
All That To Say:
As you count down the days to your wedding, remember that it's possible to experience joy throughout the process. By incorporating these stress-management techniques into your routine, you can not only navigate the planning process with grace but also enter your wedding day with a calm and joyful heart. Take a deep breath, savor the moments, and get ready to celebrate the love that brought you to this extraordinary day. Cheers to a stress-free and blissful wedding experience!
For a stress-free wedding venue, Marchand Ranch is here for you. We value providing a relaxing, beautiful environment for your wedding day, providing a day of coordinator and digital planner to help organize your day from start to finish.