From the moment you say yes to your significant other’s proposal, a whirlwind of wedding planning and accomplishing tasks ensues. From choosing the perfect venue to finalizing the guest list, the process can feel like an overwhelming journey. However, it’s important to remember that this experience should be one of the most exciting times of your life as a newly engaged couple, rather than a period filled with stress and burnout. Here are six practical tips to help you balance wedding planning with your everyday life.
Set a Realistic Budget
A practical budget is your financial blueprint for your wedding. This should include allocating funds for all aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, caterer, attire, decorations, photography, and all other expenses. Remember, a well-thought-out budget provides a roadmap for your wedding preparations and helps keep the spending for your big day in check. Yes, your wedding is a special and momentous occasion, but you still have a life and other financial commitments beyond that.
To get started, sit down with your partner and discuss how much you both are willing and want to spend on the wedding. Clear communication is key when talking about finances and wedding planning. Avoid plunging into debt by staying within your means, and use online financial tools or apps to help track your expenses or hire a wedding planner who can help provide a realistic cost breakdown. This will allow you to avoid overspending that could otherwise lead to unnecessary financial stress.
Everyday Bride Tip: Every couple should consider setting aside a contingency fund for any unexpected costs that arise while wedding planning.
Prioritize Your Tasks
With the multitude of tasks that come with wedding planning, it’s essential to know what requires immediate attention and which tasks can wait. For instance, booking your venue and finalizing your guest list should take precedence, as these aspects are time sensitive and one can influence the other. Not to mention, most of the other wedding planning decisions—decor, catering, favors, etc.—will revolve around knowing the venue and approximate headcount.
Less urgent or timebound tasks can be checked off later. And don’t forget to utilize project management tools or wedding planning apps to keep track of your priority to-dos and deadlines. Keeping everything organized will help ensure you’re focusing your energy on the right tasks at the right time.
Schedule Wedding-Free Days
While it is exciting to plan your big day, it’s also easy to let wedding planning consume all your free time. With that, it’s crucial to take breaks and have dedicated wedding-free days so you aren’t scrolling through Pinterest or making phone calls and sending emails every waking moment. Couples should use wedding-free days as opportunities to bond over activities that are unrelated to the wedding. Whether you spend the day at home binge-watching your favorite series, plan a night out with friends, or schedule a romantic date night, taking some time away from planning can rejuvenate your mind, encourage more connection, and keep burnout at bay. Remember, your relationship is not solely about the wedding, so maintaining a sense of normalcy and focusing on shared interests will help strengthen your bond with your partner and alleviate stress.
Delegate Responsibilities
Be sure to delegate tasks so you and your partner don’t have to do everything yourselves. Share the responsibilities with family or friends, and if you have bridesmaids and groomsmen, don’t hesitate to involve them in certain tasks, such as organizing the bachelor/bachelorette parties or assisting with RSVPs. If your parents, close friends, or other family members are local, let them take care of certain aspects like catering or florist communication. Delegating tasks not only lightens your load but it can make the process smoother, more enjoyable, and allows your loved ones to be involved in the planning process.
Maintain Open Lines of Communication
Communication is key in any relationship, especially during the potentially stressful process of wedding planning. Clear, open dialogue with your partner can reduce the risk of misunderstandings and misaligned expectations. Keep in mind that it’s not only your day but also your partner’s, so be sure to check in with each other regularly to share thoughts, ideas, and feelings about the wedding plans. Being transparent ensures that you are both on the same page and supporting each other, and navigating the wedding planning process together helps make the experience less overwhelming for everyone.
Don’t Forget Self-Care
Amid all the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself. This may look different for everyone based on their individual lifestyle and interests. Regular exercise, for instance, can help alleviate stress, and a balanced diet keeps you energized. Also, don’t compromise on sleep. Sleep is always essential for maintaining proper physical and mental balance and health.
If you’re starting to feel stressed or anxious, try meditative practices like yoga or mindfulness to help you stay calm and focused. You may even want to consider scheduling a spa day, which would allow you to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge.
In Conclusion
Balancing wedding planning with everyday life might seem daunting, but your big day shouldn’t completely overshadow everything else. These tips can help ensure that your wedding planning experience is manageable and enjoyable. Don’t forget, perfection is not the goal—the focus should be on creating an unforgettable day celebrating your love and new chapter in life with your partner. Take things one step at a time, breathe, and enjoy the entire experience.
