You’re about three calls in to planning the wedding of your dreams and your anxiety is at an all-time high! You’ve got 14 things left to do today but you can’t because the amount of e-mails you need to return continues to stack. Sound familiar?
It’s ok! Most couples that are recently engaged typically don’t LOVE to plan their weddings. While it’s an awesome and truly special time in your life – there are a lot of details and the checklists can make anyone sweat. Have no fear!
Today we’re talking about how to keep calm when planning your wedding with some advice from a professional planner. I manage anywhere from 5-10 clients at a time, so that amount of stress can be a little overwhelming! Here are some important things to remember during this process so you can look back and remember the awesome experience – rather than just being glad it’s over!
Embrace imperfection. While you’ve dreamed about this for a long time, it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. By going into the planning process with a clear and open mind, you will experience fewer challenges since you’re already expecting there to be bumps in the road! By embracing the idea that wedding planning can be stressful and difficult, it’s almost like you’ve let go of the stress surrounding it and can plan for changes rather than be caught off guard that the gown of your dreams isn’t in your budget. (There is a gown for you, keep looking, I promise!).
Date nights are imperative. It’s important to remember your relationship when planning a wedding. Often times we get caught up on the next best thing and therefore distracted on why we’re planning such an event. Continue date nights and dinners with friends. Relationships with friends and family can save you during this time and can help you check in with yourself and offer support when things get tough. While this may seem intuitive, planning a big event can change your perspective and you will manage your stress better with friends and loved ones surrounding you.
Plan, plan, plan. I can’t say this enough. Whether it’s your favorite florist or the DJ of your dreams – it’s important to nail down a date early so that you can call and book your favorite wedding professionals. Like the gown, if those favorite wedding pros of your dreams are not available or out of your price range, that’s when that imperfection planning comes in. It’s ok! Many times, I’ve wanted a specific wedding professional for couples and what typically ends up happening instead can be a blessing in disguise.
Remember your why. Just like any other goal in life, checking in with your vision and the idea behind your wedding day can ground you and help calm you even in the most stressful circumstances. It’s certainly hard to orchestrate all of the details, but if you can focus on what you really want your day to look like (family, friends, dancing, good food, and a lot of love), you’ll be able to forge ahead. Twenty years from now, you will not remember that the flower girl’s shoes were dirty – what you’ll remember is that you enjoyed and celebrated this new chapter of your life surrounded by people who love and care for you.
Wedding planning is only a short blip of time between your being engaged and your happily ever after. It’s important to remember that this time (and your wedding day) will fly by! Try to do your best to be present in the process and understand that while everything may not be perfect – it will incredibly meaningful and beautiful, regardless of the imperfections.
If you need a little more help, I am booking for 2022 and 2023 weddings now, with a couple of 2021 dates still available! Call 410.978.2048 today or click here to schedule a free consultation.
Until next time!
Lexi
Featured image by Living Radiant Photography
Bride/Groom image by Scott Cech Studios
Wedding party image by Kayce Shoffner Photography