7 Ways To De-Stress & Protect Mental Health During Wedding Planning

Wedding planning is a very fun time in a couple's life but it can indeed be a stressful process. It is incredibly tricky to navigate family politics, make a multitude of decisions (both big and small), while staying within your budget and remaining true to your wedding desires. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone, in fact in a recent Zola survey 96% of brides found wedding planning to be nerve-wracking & stressful.

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Here are several strategies you can employ to reduce stress and ensure a smoother planning experience:

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1. Don't Forget The Primary Focus

As you're planning for every little detail surrounding the big day it is so easy to forget the big picture, your marriage! Take moments throughout your engagement period to connect with your partner and talk about your marriage, not just the details and logistics of the wedding. A few ways you can do this are to read a book together, create a married budget, or map out a 3 year plan!

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2. Celebrate The Small Wins

After you’ve crossed a wedding task off your checklist, take a moment to celebrate! At Ava Laurenne we believe that finding your dream wedding dress is as much about the celebration and experience as it is about purchasing a dress. Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate each milestone in the planning process. Take time to appreciate the progress you've made and the steps you've taken toward creating your dream wedding.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: 

Set aside time each day for mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. These activities can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.

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5. Tap Into Your Support System: 

Spend quality time with friends and family members who provide emotional support and understanding. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with loved ones can help alleviate stress and provide valuable perspective.

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6. Set Boundaries: 

Establish clear boundaries to manage your time and energy effectively. Learn to say no to additional commitments and prioritize tasks that are most important to you. Also, boundaries allow you to carve out personal time for relaxation, self-care, and activities unrelated to wedding planning.

7. Delegate Responsibilities: 

Family and friends are excited to be part of the wedding and love the opportunity to help! Trust and delegate tasks to reliable friends, family members, or professionals.  Delegating tasks on your wedding day can significantly reduce stress and allow you to fully enjoy the special moments without worrying about the logistics. Here are some items that can be easily delegated:

• Snacks, breakfast, lunches for bridal and grooms party prior to ceremony
• Giving cash tips to vendors
• Setting up gifting or card station and directing guests
• Post-event clean up
• Rounding up family members for photos post-ceremony
• Vendor liaison, answering questions for vendors
• Create a emergency kit

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8. Treat Yo Self:

There are so many ways to treat yourself, find joy, and de-stress during wedding planning that fit all budgets. Going for a walk, taking a bath, living room yoga, and trying a new recipe are a few ways to take a moment for yourself. Other ideas include: try a new workout class, get a massage, try a new restaurant or coffee shop. 

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Remember that it's essential to prioritize your well-being during the wedding planning process. By incorporating these de-stressing techniques into your routine, you can better manage the challenges and enjoy the journey leading up to your special day!