Wedding experts share some top tips and tricks to help you keep your cool every step of the way.
Photo: Terry Doyle
Planning a wedding can be the ultimate whirlwind of excitement, but amidst the chaos of dress fittings, vendor meetings, and seating arrangements, it's easy to forget about the most important thing — taking care of yourself. Self-care is more than just a spa day; it's an essential part of wedding planning to ensure you're feeling your best before, during, and after your big day.
"Make the time for regular date nights that have nothing to do with wedding planning. Leading up to your wedding, you can easily be consumed with spending all of your time together figuring out the smallest details. Reserving these nights for you two lets you detach from the stress and focus on the reason you are getting married in the first place: your partner!" —Colton Simmons, Colton Simmons Photography
"Hire a planner! I cannot tell you how often I hear couples say they wish they would have after the fact. Not only will none of the details be missed, but you can be in the moment during your engagement and on the wedding day rather than stressing about logistics." —Nora Sheils, Bridal Bliss, Rock Paper Coin
"Schedule a date with yourself to do something you love. Whether it's a spa day, your favorite workout class, or a trip to a museum, find time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and wedding planning. Carving out time to do the things you love will help you feel more rejuvenated when you need to tackle your to-do list." —Jessica Feiden, Jessica K. Feiden Photography
"To remain calm and confident during the wedding planning process, it is important to keep a routine of sorts, whether continuing your favorite workout class, taking long walks with your soon-to-be spouse, or meditating each morning. Another way to practice self-care during the wedding is to nourish your body with hydration and good food before all the fabulous fun you’ll have throughout the evening." —Katy Padilla, Scarlet Rose Events
"Integrating meditation and breathing techniques into a daily routine can benefit immensely. It's amazing how much a good, nice, deep breath can feel. When you practice before the wedding day, mindfulness and breathing can become easier, especially during stressful moments like a wedding day. Building and practicing this habit months before the wedding day is the best way to use this skill during stressful situations. It's scientifically backed, too! Meditation cultivates emotional resilience. It enhances focus and concentration, allowing the couple to stay present and fully engaged without getting overwhelmed by distractions or worries." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films
"During wedding planning, it can be easy to focus on the impending date and forget to work on and grow your relationship. During wedding planning, take time to read a relationship book together or invest in pre-marriage coaching/counseling. Practicing investing in your relationship will help you keep balanced and healthy in an otherwise stressful time." —Tracy Autem, Tracy Autem Photography
"Self-care is so important, especially if you're getting married. It's a simple yet powerful way to shift your focus to the positive. As a wedding photographer, I often see how much it shows when you take the time to focus on self-care before and during your big day. You'll not only look great, but you'll feel good, too. You'll shine inside and out. Think of self-care as an extra assurance that you'll look amazing in your wedding photos." —Monica Garcia, Story Alley Photography
"After your wedding, you will probably want complete immersion to decompress from all the high emotions (and stress that may have leaked in). I would suggest you clear your calendar (if possible) to have 1-2 days if you are not going on your honeymoon right away to enjoy your time with your partner and just sit in the surreal moments together. If you are going on a honeymoon right after your wedding ceremony, turn off all of your devices and social media. Let people miss you for a bit. They love you and will see you later!" —Jen Sulak, Weirdo Weddings
Remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of all the wedding details. Making self-care a non-negotiable can mean the difference between burnout and feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next step with your partner!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
