Feeling the growing pressure of wedding preparations as the date approaches? The celebration of your nuptials should remain a positive topic. But how can you manage the stress leading up to the wedding day, which can build up if you don’t take sufficient care of yourself?
Let’s take a look at the four main rules for maintaining a balanced lifestyle right up to your wedding day. They’ll help you avoid dark circles and headaches.
Rule number 1: set clear expectations and stick to them
Our best advice for managing stress right up to the wedding would be to clarify expectations from the outset. Unclear management of expectations is a source of stress you want to take out of the equation.
Put your cards on the table from the outset:
With the family: you’ll have your expectations, they’ll have theirs. Sometimes, wedding traditions and beliefs diverge. Other times, opinions differ between the two families. All you have to do is set clear boundaries from the outset. Be consistent and coherent, while expressing your wishes for this unique day.
With the budget: although we mention adaptability and flexibility in the next step, the budget is one of the strict criteria to be respected from day one. Below is a link to a guide to help you.
With your desired wedding style: be honest with your partner and yourself. Depending on your budget and your expectations, what do you really want your wedding day to be? Something intimate or grandiose? Country, chic, rustic, modern, lounge or traditional? In a church or with a celebrant?
No doubt there are other expectations on your mind. Now’s the time to manage them! And don’t deviate from them again.
Rule number 2: be flexible and adaptable throughout the wedding planning process
For everything else, you’ll have to adapt. Starting with managing your schedule, which will sometimes be turned upside down by meetings here and there.
The starting point for maintaining zenitude is healthy communication with your loved one. Don’t lose touch. Give yourself time to take stock on a regular basis.
This way, you’ll be able to deal with any small changes together, as soon as they arise. You’ll be able to find solutions more calmly and effectively.
Also remember to :
Establish your priorities to keep things on track;
Break down tasks or problems into smaller components. You’ll see, the steps will be easier to overcome.
Plan your time intelligently to avoid overloading your day.
Tips for the organization calendar
Yes, you’d like to sit down with your partner and take this time together every time. But that can be complicated by your different schedules. Instead, schedule blocks of time each week.
Then set aside a common time to validate your follow-ups and choices.
If things don’t go as planned some weeks, don’t worry. Adjust your schedule accordingly. If it doesn’t feel like you’re getting anywhere, use more visual tools:
Wall calendar with erasable colored pencils;
Blackboard with liquid chalk for making checklists.
You’ll see, it’s more motivating. Leave yourself some words of encouragement and add a little humor, why not?
Rule number 3: delegate the most stressful tasks
Planning your wedding should be one of the most beautiful experiences of your life. That goes without saying. And it is, as long as you make sure you’re accompanied by people you can trust.
Whether it’s your partner, your nearest and dearest, or a consultant with experience of this type of large-scale event. If the profession exists, it’s because there’s a lot to do. Delegating the tasks that are most stressful for you is one way of taking the pressure off. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by:
- Keeping track of the budget;
- Booking the venue;
- Different meal formulas for the caterer;
- Quotes from various service providers (DJ, decorator, photographer, dresses, outfits, etc.);
- Theme and decoration;
- Accommodation;
- Fittings;
- Table arrangements;
- Etc.
Before assigning tasks to anyone, be sure to discuss them with them to see what works for everyone.
We have two articles to recommend to guide you and help you let go.
Rule number 4: take care of yourself first! Don't forget yourself until "D" day
What does “taking care of me” mean to you? Ask yourself this question, because you’ll have to ask it of your partner too. Each of you needs to make sure you pamper yourself from time to time, especially as marriage approaches.
There’s no secret to a healthy lifestyle:
A healthy diet (without excessive caffeine, alcohol or sugar);
Good quality, regular sleep (between 7 and 9 hours);
Regular exercise (running, walking, cycling, dancing, yoga) to reduce stress and boost your mood.
However, when we talk about taking care of yourself, we’re talking about regular activities that really give you pleasure. For one partner or the other (or for all of you!), this means :
- A relaxing or adventurous weekend;
- An evening of board games with friends;
- A trip to the museum;
- Private dance session;
- Meditation or yoga session;
- Hair treatment;
- Relaxing massage with exfoliating body wrap;
- Thermal experience (Nordic baths);
- Nature walks or bike rides.
The week before the big day
Make sure you both prioritize sleep and good nutrition. There’s no need to aim for draconian diets. It’s your energy that will be sapped. Instead, you want to shine at your big celebration.
For the bride, don’t forget to book a make-up and hair trial to avoid disappointment.
The day before the wedding
Think only of yourself. This should be the ultimate time to book manicure and pedicure treatments, a purifying facial and a foot massage.
Good preparation, and remember that this is a positive time in your lives. As soon as you feel the stress building up, you have the right to spend a little time alone to relax too. And, by applying our 4 tips for managing stress right up to the wedding, you’ll arrive rested on the big day.
