8 Ways To Deal With Wedding Stress

As much fun as weddings are, there’s no denying that planning a wedding can be stressful. Between months of planning, family coming together, and plenty of money put toward the day, it’s easy for tensions to run high.

As a wedding photographer, I know how stressful weddings can be! Sometimes it can make you feel overwhelmed or frustrated. This is why I wanted to share my eight tips to plan a stress-free wedding!

1. Unplug

First, give yourself a break. Turn off the TV, close your laptop, put your phone away, and disconnect. Whatever you’re doing that feels like an emergency will still be there in 20 minutes. A fresh mind will be able to tackle planning much better than a frazzled one!

So unplug, and take a big breath. Run a bath, stretch out, go for a walk, or grab some snacks. If you unplug and relax, you’ll be able to go back into wedding planning with more focus and energy.

2. Hire Vendors You Trust

This is a big one! Everyone has a vision for their wedding day, and it’s important that your unique vision is heard and executed! One of the best ways to make sure your vision for your wedding day comes to life is by hiring vendors who are familiar with your style. So whether you’re looking for a florist that creates effortless bouquets or a band that plays mostly oldies and jazz music, your vision will help narrow down what vendors fit your day best.

Having wedding vendors you trust on your team takes the pressure off you. Your wedding planner, photographer, florist, and makeup artist can all help you organize your vision and make your day everything you’ve dreamed of.

Remember, every wedding faces some sort of snag (ugh, sorry, I wish it wasn’t true!). The trick is how you (and your vendors) deal with whatever pops up during the day.

3. Create a To-Do List

One of the biggest causes of wedding overwhelm comes from the mountain of tasks that seem to be ahead of you.

Without any game plan, these tasks can quickly create anxiety, procrastination, and panic.

To avoid panic, write all of your “to-dos” onto an actionable task list. Once you see everything laid out in writing, it never seems as impossible as it did in your head.

You can also take the organization to a higher level by scheduling your to-do list digitally and setting calendar alerts or reminders, so you know that nothing will be overlooked.

4. Make Your Day What You Want

Anticipate the moments when you’re most likely to have stress or anxiety on the day, and skip them or make them more manageable for yourself. Don’t feel the need to stick to traditions if they don’t make you happy.

If a room full of people on your wedding morning or the idea of making a speech stresses you out, find ways to leave them out or make a plan for how to change it up so that it isn’t stressful for you.

5. Plan a Date Night

Your wedding is one of the most special milestones as a couple, but wedding planning stress can actually put a strain on your relationship.

It’s easy to get stressed out from the planning, numbers, guest lists, and deadlines and forget about the romance. Plan a date night occasionally to enjoy each other’s company (without talking about the wedding!). Whether you organize a fancy dinner date or simply stay home and watch Netflix, dedicate time for just the two of you.

6. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

I’ve been to dozens of weddings, and the biggest takeaway I have is: don’t sweat the small stuff.

Although it’s easier said than done, the success rate is 100%. Whenever you find yourself getting stressed about wedding-related details, pause and ask, does this really matter?

If it’s not going to matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes worrying about it. Letting the small stuff go will help you shift your perspective and focus on the bigger picture. Remember that you marriage is more important than the wedding day!

7. Allow Plenty of Time for Getting Ready

Getting ready on the morning of your wedding is the most crucial part of the day! If you start running late here, the whole day will be behind schedule. So when I’m photographing weddings, I always suggest adding more time than you think necessary to the morning, that way you don’t have to feel rushed and anxious.

8. Keep All The Details Together

What are the details? It’s anything you’d like photographed! Usually, details include jewelry, shoes, cufflinks, invitations, vow books and some lose florals.

Keep all of those items together in one place for your wedding day. Then, you can then pass the bundle of details off to a friend or planner to make sure your photographer can easily find everything without bothering you. Be sure to pack two copies of your wedding invitation with an envelope, and know where your rings are!

9. Remember Your Why

Finally, the very best tip I can give you to resolve stress from wedding planning: remember why you’re getting married!

At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t really about the party – even though it is a highlight. Your wedding is about marrying the love of your life, sharing a meaningful commitment, and celebrating your love with your closest friends and family.

How special is that!

Whenever feelings of stress and anxiety start to arise, take a breath and refocus on what’s truly important.

About The Author:

Carly is a portrait and wedding photographer based in Northern Virginia. She is most known for her bubbly personality and love of Starbucks iced coffee. Her passion is to help madly in love couples have the best wedding day possible!