So I have been wanting to put a post together for a while now, but never found the time or the words to put together. However, it was a few nudges from past clients who took the time to write me some awesome reviews and a really kind note from a bridesmaid which prompted me to put something together. Now, I consider the above notes a little similar in that they touched on how stressful wedding planning can be and of course, how hiring the right team to support your wedding vision can help mitigate wedding stress. I wanted to give all of you who are newly engage a few tips on how to handle wedding stress. If past couples would like to chime in with some advice of your own, please do so in the comments below =)

Now before I continue, no post seems quite complete without an image, so! I leave you with an image of my wife, Lucy. Yes, it’s not a wedding related image, but to me, Lucy is one of the most relaxed and stress free person I know (sometimes too much so….but I digress). When I ever get overwhelmed, I think about her and this photo and it brings me back to my centre. I am so fortunate to have her in my life. 

Often times, mothers tell their daughters that the happiest day of their life will be their wedding. But then the big day comes and reality sinks in – weddings take a ton of work! Ask anyone who has gotten married. Between the wedding vendors, caterers and florists – not to mention friends and relatives from all over – someone is bound to stir up stress. Thankfully, there are ways to calm nerves, and I am not talking the liquid kind!

If there is anything you need to keep in mind, it’s why you’re getting married. Remember this whenever you feel overwhelmed. Love is the most potent emotion of all, so keep it close to the heart. When Lucy and I were planning our wedding, there were so many times where we would get overwhelmed, but we sat down and chatted and thought about all the amazing times we have had together and the little stuff just fades away. Once you’ve found your centre, nurture it by following the tips I’ve gathered below on how to handle wedding stress. Bear in mind that everyone copes with emotions differently, so pick and choose to see what works best for you.

Surround Yourself with Loving, Helpful People

Although a gleeful (finally get to use this word!) time, the pressures of a wedding can put a wedge between couples. Stop this from happening by communicating with each other and scheduling some time together. Date nights can make a world of difference; so frequent romantic restaurants and theatres. Little getaways like this will become more important closer to the wedding!

Know that you can’t – I repeat, cannot and should not – do everything yourself; so put your friends and family to work. In fact, I tell all my couples to hand-off all wedding related responsibilities to trusted friends and family members one week before the big day. This way, the only thing on your mind is the words “I do.” If you’re not exactly sure how or what to assign, then I also recommend a wedding planner: I know a few who do amazing work.

When dealing with loved ones, though, anticipate differences of opinions. Understand that their intentions are good, but it’s your wedding at the end of the day, so set boundaries! Just make sure you and your fiancé are on the same page before you approach loved ones because too much compromise can lead to additional stress.

Slow Down and Take It One Step at a Time

Everyone knows this, but I need to say it anyway: leaving everything to the last minute is never a good idea. Doing it all at once will wear you out too. There’s no reason for your wedding to feel like a race – so walk, don’t sprint. I advise my couples to take on only a few tasks per month. This breaks the wedding down into simple, manageable steps. Again, a wedding planner is a saviour in this respect.

As exciting as stag-and-does and bridal showers can be, try to limit the amount of wedding-related events. By no means am I telling you to not have fun: it just means the more events you organize, the more work is involved. Consider planning outings around wedding essentials like dress shopping or cake tasting, leaving the rest of your spare time for the day-to-day.

Now, one thing we often forget about when planning a wedding is the cost. In truth, weddings can add up and get really expensive – and we all have enough financial woes as it is. So when scheduling events and tasks, set a budget. Know exactly how much you’re prepared spend! There will be a lot of expenses but there are a few investments. Know the difference and go from there.

Remember to Look After Yourself Too

Rushing to get things in order can take a toll. Make sure you put some time aside to relax and recoup. Exercise, is a great way to relieve stress. Nothing too intense – walking, dancing or yoga should be good. There are also a few ways to handle wedding stress in luxury: the spa, yoga, meditation, massages, journaling… these are things that you can do to pamper yourself and organize your thoughts. Of course, though, quality time together with your significant other is one of the best ways to handle wedding stress!