Everyone tells you that your wedding is “the best day of your life.” And sure, it probably will be. But what they don’t tell you is how much work it takes to get there. Between vendor emails, family opinions, budgeting, outfit fittings, and trying to remember if you even ate lunch today, it’s easy to hit a stress level that feels less like bridal glow and more like meltdown chic.
The good news? Stress doesn’t have to take over. With some planning and a few go-to strategies, you can feel calm, centered, and actually present when your big day arrives.
Before the Wedding: How to Stay Sane During Planning
Set boundaries with your phone.
It’s easy to let wedding planning spill into every moment of your life. Pick a time each day to check emails, make calls, or update your checklist — and then put it down. You don’t need to be answering vendor questions at 11 p.m.
Use a system.
Whether it’s a planner, binder, or a wedding planning app, find one home for all the details. Scattered sticky notes will not save you when someone asks what time the florist is arriving.
Delegate.
Repeat after me: You do not have to do it all. Give tasks to your partner, your bridal party, or family members who want to help. Let them handle the playlist, pick up decorations, or track RSVPs.
Build in breaks.
Wedding planning should not consume your entire life. Schedule nights where you and your partner talk about literally anything else. Your relationship matters more than the napkin color.
Move your body.
This isn’t about “looking perfect.” Exercise helps shake out stress and keeps you grounded. A walk, a yoga flow, or dancing in your living room counts.
The Week Of: Keep It Low-Key
Say no to last-minute changes.
If it’s not essential, it’s not happening. Protect your peace by remembering that good enough is better than perfect.
Double-check your emergency kit.
Think bobby pins, safety pins, Advil, band-aids, tissues, and a snack. Having it ready gives you one less thing to worry about.
Confirm with vendors early.
Touch base with everyone a few days before so you’re not glued to your phone the night before your wedding.
Plan your self-care.
Whether it’s a manicure, a bubble bath, or a Netflix binge, carve out time to reset and relax.
On the Big Day: Stay Present
Eat breakfast.
Yes, you’ll be busy. Yes, you’ll be nervous. Do it anyway. No one wants to faint in a wedding dress.
Start with quiet time.
Even five minutes of journaling, prayer, or meditation can set the tone for the whole day.
Appoint a point person.
Your maid of honor, a sibling, or a trusted friend can handle texts, vendor arrivals, and random questions so you’re not pulled in every direction.
Let go of the small stuff.
Something will go “wrong.” It might rain, your cousin might show up late, or the cake might not look exactly like the Pinterest photo. None of it will ruin the fact that you’re marrying your person.
Take mental snapshots.
Pause during the ceremony, at dinner, or on the dance floor. Look around. These are the moments you’ll remember forever.
Your wedding is not a performance. It’s a celebration.
At the end of the day, no one is going to remember if the napkins matched the centerpieces. What they’ll remember is how much love filled the room. So do yourself a favor: manage the stress where you can, let go of what you can’t, and soak up every second of marrying your favorite human.
Next week, we’re diving into honeymoon planning — from dreamy destinations to budget-friendly alternatives that still feel special.
Until then, breathe. You’ve got this.
