Marriage is a big step. It’s something lots of little girls dream about their whole lives. You imagine planning out the day perfectly, as it has been planned in your head for the last dozen years. However, creating that perfect day is not always a walk in the park. Often times, it comes with a lot of stress, complications, and worry. But don’t fret – the day itself always turns out beautifully.
Even though 50% of women find planning their wedding more stressful than they imagined, reporting some 11 hours each week of time spent planning, there are things you can do to ease the process for both partners involved. Here are a few suggestions to help you feel more confident and less stressed about the person you’re marrying and the day itself.
Your Partner
Many will say there should be no doubt in your mind about whether this is the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. However, if you find yourself overwhelmed and questioning, sometimes it has less to do with the person and more to do with yourself. The average couple will date for about five years before marriage, so it’s very likely that you know this is your person and you’re just stressed. The best thing you can do is communicate with them and take some time for yourself.
If planning the wedding becomes too much, take a little getaway weekend with your beau to reconnect and recenter yourself. Remember all the reasons why you guys work, why you want to make this official, and let the love carry you through. Doubt is not unnatural and it isn’t the end-all-be-all either.
The Preparations
For most, this is where the real stress takes place. How many guests can you invite? Who will sit next to who? How will you pay for this? The unknowns can run wild in your brain if you let them, but the best way to handle it is head-on. Create a budget that you and your partner can handle and then, if possible, ask your folks about what they may be willing to contribute and adjust the budget accordingly. This will be the first step. You’ll need to know what you have before you can start planning where to spend it.
Next, make a list of your must-haves. You will probably need to cut some things off your childhood dream list to create a realistic list for your day. That doesn’t mean getting rid of everything you ever dreamed of, but being realistic about what you can make possible. The venue will likely come first as that will need the most time to plan and book and carries a large chunk of the financial burden. If you’re looking for a way to cut costs, having your wedding at home is a great option. Flowers and decor, food and drink, and guests are the next biggest spending areas. While focusing on where to spend, be sure to know what’s most important to you and how you can accomplish those things for less. If you know a wedding videographer or photographer who can film your wedding for a good price and will do a good job, then it will be worth it to hire them. The memories are worth the price.
The actual wedding isn’t the only part of planning you will need to consider. For example, 61% of guys consult with their girlfriend before buying the ring. Though some may not consider the ring all that important, for others, it is a staple of the relationship and the future to come – a sign of dedication and one that must be taken seriously. Not only that, but what about the dress? Both of these things will have to fit not only in your budget, but your dreams as well.
The best way you can manage the preparations for your wedding is to take it one step at a time, make a budgeted plan that you try your best to stick to, and take breaks when needed. Remember, you’re in this together. Rely on your partner, friends, and family if the stress is becoming too much. And don’t forget to enjoy the process! Though it may be overwhelming at times, there is joy in the madness. After all, it is your marriage you are preparing for, so enjoy the ride.
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