Wedding Planning Tips for Brides to Be
3 Essential Tips for Newly Engaged Brides: Managing Wedding Stress with Self-Care
Yay, you're engaged. BUT! Yes, wedding planning can be one of your life's most exciting and overwhelming times. I speak from experience because I planned my wedding in just six months! Navigating vendors, coordinating bridesmaids, looking for flower girl dresses, finding a dress of my own, and managing the decor, the stress was real, REAL! I think of the Christian song, “Through it All,” I learned to depend on him… As a therapist I knew the importance of maintaining my mental health, but I still found myself sinking some days. I also found quickly that many of my sister- brides were struggling to keep their mental peace.
Here are three tips I wish I had known as a newly engaged bride-to-be:
1. Set Boundaries Early
When you're planning a wedding, everyone will have opinions. You will quickly find out who is there to help you or just there for themselves. It's easy to feel like you must say go with the flow, but this can quickly lead to burnout. You may think all the social media groups have the answers. Setting boundaries early in the process is crucial for protecting your mental well-being.
What to do:
Communicate with your partner and create a shared vision of the wedding.
Don’t allow your vision to be overtaken by what social media says you should do.
Let others know, kindly but firmly, what decisions are already made.
Prioritize your and your future husband's needs and be okay with saying "no" when needed.
Self Care Tip:
When things get overwhelming, step back to reset.
Go for a walk, meditate, or journal.
Remember, it's about you and your future spouse, protect your peace
2. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
Brides often feel like they have to do everything themselves. I learned that trying to manage every detail alone only added stress. It's okay to ask for help, whether it's from your bridesmaids, family, or even a professional wedding planner.
What to do: List tasks you can assign to others. Identify the tasks you must be hands-on with and the tasks you can trust others to handle. Whether sending invitations, confirming with vendors, or picking up the decor, delegating allows you to focus on the big picture.
Delegating helps alleviate anxiety and gives you more breathing space. Trust the people around you—they want to help. Accepting support can be a powerful way to ease your mind and reduce pressure.
Self Care Tip:
Identify a trusted individual without emotional ties to your big day for support.
Create a vision board of your wedding day and happily ever after.
Schedule a dedicated time to review wedding day actions and successes.
3. Practice Mindful Planning
I stressed over little details that didn't matter in the end. I remember worrying about when to close the RSVP or who would sit where. Remember what matters most: Meeting your future husband at the altar. Remaining present and having mindful moments can make this time more enjoyable and less stressful.
What to do: Take moments to slow down and savor this unique season of your life.
Request your appointment today!
LeCole Barnes