6 PRO TIPS TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF WEDDING PLANNING

THE BRIDE’S GUIDE TO A BETTER WEDDING

Anyone who has been a bride will tell you that pre-wedding “jitters” is a deceptively gentle term. In addition to maintaining a full-time job, social life and responsibilities of adulthood, the modern bride also has to manage wedding planning.

At times, wedding planning can feel like a chore, and the resulting stress can wreak havoc on your relationship, health and happiness. While we can’t snap our fingers and plan your wedding for you, we can share some expert tips on how to plan your wedding while keeping your sanity intact.

1. SET GROUND RULES

Before you start dialing vendors and find yourself entrenched in a crafting hell of homemade centerpieces and wedding favors, set some ground rules: with yourself, your partner and your family about what exactly you can handle.

You may need to swap out DIY decorations for something store-bought, but it’ll be worth your sanity. Ensure that you’re able to set time aside to plan your wedding without neglecting your career, self-care and relationship, and never put yourself in a situation where you lose sight of the fact that you’re getting married.

2. MEDITATE

Meditation is something everyone should incorporate into their daily routine, but wedding planning is a particularly good time to practicing it. Even better, it doesn’t require a ton of time of resources.

Focus on your breath, steadily breathing in and out for a few minutes a day or while you’re lying in bed before you go to sleep. According to the bridal experts at Martha Stewart Weddings, you’ll slow your heart rate and relax your muscles, which will help calm your nerves and ease feelings of overwhelm.

3. PUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP FIRST

The weeks before your wedding may be some of the most challenging your relationship has ever seen. According to Sheryl Paul, a counselor based in Boulder, Colo., being able to survive and thrive together during the whirlwind of wedding planning is a good sign for your relationship.

The truth is, wedding planning is going to be tough, and you and your partner are probably going to deal with a little anxiety. Just make it a point to schedule a time to put the planning aside and connect with one another at least once a week.

4. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

When you’ve got too much on your plate, the first thing to go is typically your well-being. Don’t forget to practice self-care. Resist the temptation to put your well-being aside for a phone call with your florist.

Take a walk around your neighborhood, go for a hike with your partner or go to a barre class with your friend. You’ll reap the physical and mental benefits of exercise if you make it a point to get moving at least a few times a week.

5. DELEGATE

There’s a reason your friends and family are offering to help you out in any way they can in the months leading up to your wedding. It’s because they want to help you out! While their intentions may be good, there are things that you should and should not delegate.

Unless your Aunt Sue has experience catering plated meals for 300, handing her the task of preparing food might not be the wisest decision. However, if your bridesmaid offers to pick up your dry cleaning or help make place cards, take her up on it.

6. TRUST YOUR VENDORS

One of the biggest sources of stress for many brides is the fear that something is bound to go horribly wrong. From overcooked entrees to wilting bouquets, a major mistake can disrupt your day. As soon as you begin your wedding planning process, take the time to book a Long Island wedding limo service, caterer, florist, photographer, DJ and venue that have earned reputations as the best among local businesses.

Read reviews, take your friends’ experiences into account and make your hiring decisions carefully. Knowing that you’re in good hands will significantly improve your state of mind in the weeks leading up to the ceremony.