Kiristen Marie Parker, Abby Hart Photography
Wedding planning can be beautiful, exciting, and full of dreamy details—but let’s be honest, it can also creep into every corner of your life if you’re not careful. One minute you’re picking table linens, the next you’re wondering if you should have a signature scent or a custom monogrammed cocktail napkin. If it’s starting to feel like your entire identity is “person getting married,” you’re not alone. Here are 8 tips and tricks on how to stay grounded, keep perspective, and hold onto the parts of you that have nothing to do with seating charts.
The Purple Chair, Abby Hart Photography
Set Boundaries Around
Wedding Talk
Create a “no wedding talk” rule for yourself, one night a week—with friends, family, or even just your partner. It doesn’t mean you’re not excited. It just gives your brain time to breathe and keeps your conversations from becoming one-note. This simple boundary can help preserve your sanity and your relationships.
Lean on Your Planner
(or Your People)
You don’t have to carry it all. Whether you’ve hired a professional or have a super-organized friend, let someone else take the lead on timelines, to-do lists, or vendor follow-ups. Trusting others to handle the details doesn’t mean you’re letting go—it means you’re making room to breathe.
Anna Elizabeth, Viva Planning & Event Design
Schedule Wedding Planning Time
Block off time in your calendar to handle wedding tasks—and then stop when that time’s up. Treat planning like a work project: set boundaries, make lists, and don’t let it seep into every free moment. You’ll be surprised how much more productive (and less overwhelmed) you feel when it’s not bleeding into every part of your day.
Be Engaged, Not Just a “Bride"
Wedding planning can make it feel like your entire role has shifted to professional organizer, budget manager, and decision-maker-in-chief. But underneath the spreadsheets and seating charts, you're still a person in love—someone who said yes to spending their life with another human, not just hosting an event. Go on dates with no wedding talk. Laugh about something that has nothing to do with flowers or first dances. Let yourself be fully present in the relationship that started it all.
The Wedding Artist Co, Fedor Borodin
Let Go of the Idea of “Perfect”
Not every choice needs to be the most aesthetic, the most sentimental, or the most talked-about. The pressure to perform or “brand” your wedding can steal your joy. Be okay with choosing what’s good enough—and what matters most to you. The imperfect parts are often what make your day feel real and memorable.
Hold On to Your Real Life, Too
Give yourself time to recharge in ways that support your body and mental health —not just your to-do list. Still go to pilates. Still grab a glass of wine with friends who don’t ask about the florist. Still binge-watch your favorite trash TV. Your identity is not “bride” 24/7—and it shouldn’t have to be. This is about protecting your personal life, your hobbies, and your individuality—not just your calendar.
Jonathan Hicks, Orange Blossom Special Events
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break. A real one. No Pinterest scrolling, no checklist tweaking, no “just one email.” Pressing pause for a few days (or a week!) can help you return with a clearer mind—and a lot less stress.
Stop Comparing Your Wedding to Everyone Else’s
Scrolling through endless highlight reels can quickly spiral into self-doubt. Someone will always have a bigger floral budget, a more coordinated bridal party, or better weather. Focus on what feels right for you—not what gets the most likes.
