Are you planning your wedding? If so, congratulations! Wedding planning can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful. In fact, in one survey of engaged and newly-wed couples, 72% described wedding planning as ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressful. There are so many decisions to be made, and it can be hard to please everyone while still staying true to your own vision.
It's important to take care of your mental health during this time, or you may find yourself overwhelmed and bogged down in the details. Here are a few tips for protecting your mental health when planning a wedding.
Wedding costs can quickly spiral if you don’t keep an eye on them, which can cause money worries. So before you start planning any aspect of your wedding, sit down with your fiancé/fiancée and figure out how much you can afford to spend. Once you have a number in mind, you can start making decisions about where to allocate your funds. The average wedding in Australia costs around $36,000.
For example, if you have your heart set on a designer dress, you may need to cut back on other things, such as a DJ or flowers. Or if you want to hold your reception at a fancy hotel, you may need to limit the guest list.
By being mindful of your budget from the outset, you can avoid overspending and ensure that your wedding day is what you want, without the financial fuss.
Family enthusiasm can be joyful when planning a wedding. It can also become a nuisance if relatives decide they should have a say in what happens on the day. It's important to remember that you and your partner are the ones getting married, and you should have the final say in all decisions.
That being said, it is also important to be respectful when discussing your plans. Be open-minded and polite, but set firm boundaries, and make sure you’re in agreement as a couple before talking to anyone else. By being open and honest with your family, you can make the process a little easier.
Finally, take some time for yourselves, both as individuals and as a couple. Being engaged is a special time and it can be easy for the stress of wedding planning to overshadow the excitement. It's important to remember that this event is one day in your lifetime.
Schedule some time each week to do something that you like, whether it's getting a massage, going for a walk, or just reading a good book. And don’t forget to plan regular date nights. They don’t need to be anything fancy, just something that will allow you to enjoy each other’s company and check in amidst all the chaos. This will help you stay focused and relaxed, so that you can enjoy the process of planning your wedding and switch off when it gets too much.
If you can keep these things in mind, you'll be well on your way to having a happy and stress-free wedding planning experience.
- Author: Nathan Brooke
