For some of you couples, you dive right into the planning and enjoy every second of it. Some couples cannot even stand the thought of it. And, then there are those couples who love love love it, and burn themselves out.
It’s tremendously easy to do. When you have wonderful wedding magazines like Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, The Knot coupled with awesome websites and blogs like Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes (and, this one, of course) you’ll catch a case of information overload.
Do you go with the burlap runners or a pattern? Mason jars and wildflowers or sleek black vases with simple white flowers? Mermaid gown or ball gown? DJ or band? Sprinkle in the million questions you receive from family in friends, the stress of managing a budget and planning the largest party you probably have every planned and you’re stuck with an overwhelming feeling of the pieces just not falling into place. So, how do you avoid it?
1. Ask for help. Also known as hiring a wedding planner. Lauren has preached this topic before, and rightfully so. Hiring a planner doesn’t mean you’re out of the picture, it just means that you’ll have help.
2. Define a clear focus for your overall design / vision. Pick a color palette and stick with it. Opt for details that are inline with your personal style but add that touch of flair. Do not feel like you have to use every trend on every magazine page and blog.
3. Don’t let the details become bigger than the purpose. Yes, details are what help give personality to the wedding. But the couple, marriage and celebration are more important. If you focus on the purpose, the details fall in place. It’s when you get wrapped up in the details that the wedding starts to lose focus…
4. To do lists! Create a list of all of your to-do’s, enlist the help of your fiance, and prioritize what’s important and necessary, what isn’t and what needs to get tackled now.
Photo by ELV photographer, Jordan Weiland Photography
5. ENJOY the process. As overwhelming as it can be, the last thing you want is for the engagement and planning process to take over your life. I always tell my couples that if it is too much work, you’re doing it wrong. Re-evaluate how you’re tackling your tasks and know when to ask for help.
6. Step away from the inspiration when you have solidified your ideas and vision. It never fails that once you have finalized those details, you get sucked into other inspiration and develop a case of “I should haves.” You don’t want that. Re-visit that inspiration only in moderation.
7. Involve friends and family. When you delegate tasks (like crafting), it makes the process seem less daunting and stressful, and much more enjoyable.
While there are a number of other ways to beat wedding burnout (like a good glass of red wine every now and then), these tips will help to keep you from going crazy. When things start to get overwhelming or tiring, take a break. No one said you had to eat, sleep and breathe wedding planning once you’re engaged.
And, most importantly, have so much fun. Honestly.
– Brit
Brit Stewart
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THANK YOU! I need to hear this! I just left an inspiration website and my head was about to explode! i’m on overload!
This advice is golden! Really love #2 – this is such a good tidbit!