So, you’re engaged! Cue the confetti, the champagne, and—oh yeah—the overwhelming to-do list that seems to be growing by the second. Wedding planning is an exciting journey, but let’s be real: it can also feel like a full-time job mixed with a high-stakes game show. But fear not, bride-to-be (or groom-to-be)! You can plan your dream wedding without losing your sanity. Let’s talk about some self-care tips and tricks to keep you cool, calm, and collected.
1. Schedule “No Wedding Talk” Time
When every conversation revolves around centerpieces and seating charts, it’s easy to feel like your life is being swallowed by wedding madness. Set aside specific times—maybe a weekly date night or a Sunday morning coffee break—where you and your partner talk about literally anything else. Your wedding is important, but so is your relationship (and your mental health).
2. Delegate Like a Boss
Repeat after me: You do not have to do everything yourself. Your wedding party, family, and friends are there to help! Assign tasks to the people who are willing and able—whether that’s picking up decor, confirming vendors, or wrangling rogue RSVPs. Delegation is your best friend, and saying “yes” to help doesn’t mean you’re losing control. It means you’re keeping your sanity.
3. Move Your Body, Even When You’d Rather Not
Nothing eases stress quite like a good sweat session. Whether it’s yoga, a walk around the block, or an impromptu dance party in your kitchen, getting your body moving will help clear your mind. Bonus points if you drag your partner into it—because let’s be honest, wedding planning together is way more fun when you throw in some spontaneous dance moves.
4. Say “No” Without Guilt
Aunt Susan might have very strong opinions about your floral arrangements, and your college roommate might be expecting an invite even though you haven’t spoken in five years. Here’s the thing: this is your wedding. It’s okay to set boundaries and politely say no to things that don’t align with your vision (or your budget). Repeat after me: “Thank you for your input, but we’ve made our decision.” Boom. Done.
5. Take Breaks from Social Media
Pinterest and Instagram are great for inspiration, but after scrolling through 500 perfectly curated wedding posts, it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough. (You are doing enough.) Unplug for a bit, focus on what makes you happy, and remember that your wedding doesn’t have to look like a viral post to be absolutely perfect.
6. Practice the Art of Deep Breathing (or Screaming Into a Pillow)
When things start to feel overwhelming—because let’s be honest, they will—pause and take a deep breath. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four. Repeat until your heart rate slows down. If deep breathing isn’t cutting it, grab a pillow and let out a good scream. (Just warn your fiancé first so they don’t think you’re being held hostage.)
7. Remind Yourself Why You’re Doing This
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating love with the people who matter most. It’s not about having the most extravagant decor or the trendiest color scheme—it’s about marrying your favorite person. If something goes wrong (and let’s be honest, something probably will), just roll with it. In five years, you’ll laugh about it, trust me.
Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to consume your life. Take breaks, prioritize self-care, and remember that it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. Your wedding will be beautiful, not because of the decorations or the dress, but because of the love at the center of it all.
Now, go take a bubble bath, binge your favorite guilty pleasure show, and remind yourself that you’ve got this.
