Tips For Dealing With The Wedding Worries
Your wedding is going to be awesome; an incredible celebration that will be remembered for a long, long time. Of course, to get to your wedding day you’ll have to navigate some areas that could be stressful if you’re not prepared. Here are some common worries associated with planning a wedding along with tips to come out victorious on the other side.
Working within a budget - There’s no hiding the fact that weddings can be expensive. In fact, some of the biggest worries around planning a wedding involve working within a predetermined budget. For this first step, I suggest spending a little time in the research phase. The majority of people don’t really know what to expect when it comes to venues, catering and the other vendors that bring your day together. If you’ve never gone through the process before you have a good excuse to be out of the loop but even if you planned a wedding years ago things could have changed drastically since then. For this reason I suggest researching what the average cost is for the different types of venues/vendors and prioritize them according to what you and your partner value most. You may want to consider DIY options, reducing guest lists or choosing off-peak wedding dates to save money where you can.
Coordinating your team - Bringing together multiple vendors like caterers, photographers, florists, etc., can be overwhelming. Hire reputable vendors with good reviews, communicate your vision clearly and consider hiring a wedding planner to manage these details. While it can be seen as an extra cost, hiring a planner to take the load off your shoulders can be a worthwhile investment.
Family feuds - Family conflicts are stressful on an ordinary day and quickly become amplified when layered on top of your wedding. Set boundaries early, communicate openly with family members about their roles and seek compromises whenever possible. Remind yourself that this is your day and that your wants outweigh everyone else’s.
Finding the time - Planning a wedding takes time and effort so start early. The chances of feeling overwhelmed only increase if you put things off until the last second. Give yourself 12 - 18 months minimum to start putting things together. It will seem like a lot of time at first but you’ll be happy to not feel rushed. Create a timeline and checklist to stay organized. Delegate tasks to trusted friends or family and check in with yourself from time to time to make sure everything is according to plan.
Weather forcast - Outdoor weddings are beautiful but weather-dependent. Have a backup plan in case of bad weather (many venues offer this). Tents, indoor options or umbrellas can save the day if Mother Nature decides to throw something unexpected your way.
Need for perfection - Striving for a perfect wedding can lead to unnecessary stress and that’s the last thing you need on your plate. Accept that some things might not go exactly as planned and that's okay. Focus on enjoying the day and celebrating your relationship in the best way you know how.
Guest stress - Finding the balance between inviting everyone and keeping the wedding intimate can be more than challenging. Be selective and invite those who are truly important to you and would bring joy to your wedding. If possible, consider having separate smaller events to accommodate other guests.
Looking your best - It’s common to want to look “Perfect” on your wedding day. I mean, you’re going to be dressed up in your fanciest attire, served fancy food and maybe even top it off with a fancy cake at the end. Plan hair and makeup trials well beforehand, choose attire that makes you feel comfortable and confident (as well as fancy) and remember that you don’t need to look “Perfect” to be perfect for each other (BOOM - Mic Drop).
Logistical challenges - Transportation to and from the venue, accommodations for guests and seating arrangements can be puzzling to say the least. Devote some time to figuring these things out well in advance and communicate necessary information to guests clearly.
Post-wedding blues - While not always talked about, after the wedding, some couples experience a feeling of emptiness. You put so much into this event and, even though it was incredible, when it’s over you can feel a little sad. My suggestion is to plan some activities or trips for the months following the wedding. They don’t have to be expensive but knowing there are other smaller celebrations on the horizon give you something to look forward to. Your wedding is important AND it’s only one small piece of the story you share with each other. Keep this in mind as you move further into this exciting chapter of being newlyweds.
While many of these topics will be experienced in one way or another you can easily get through them with a little planning ahead of time. Remember to communicate openly with your partner and support each other throughout the process. Give yourselves breaks from time to time to enjoy each other's company and remember the reason you're going through all this effort in the first place.