Jo Morrison: Tips and Tricks For Reducing Wedding Stress

If you’re feeling more stressed than excited about your wedding, then read on…

You’re not alone.

It’s a common feeling that no one understands your particular stress. Write a list of why you feel nervous or upset. Getting your thoughts onto a piece of paper and out of your head gives you things to work through with a friend or coach. Plus it can help rationalise those early-hours feeling of panic or overwhelm that may creep up on you.

Keep your couple-dreams alive.

Before you plan, talk to your partner first. Before your Mum or your best mate.

Traditions are just that – you don’t have to follow any of them. Have an open conversation and make a list, discuss what you both think you want or don’t want; the venue type, indoor/outdoor, how you’ll arrive at the ceremony, how you enter the ceremony, cake, first dance, religion/not religious.

Visualise the atmosphere you want to create for your day and then make decisions in line with that vision.

Talk budget with your partner first – prioritise what you spend on and set limits together.

Money can cause conflict. One partner may not be comfortable taking parent’s money, or one side may be more financially independent than the other, or you may be using your shared savings. Don’t get caught up in the excitement and ignore the long-term debt you’ll be taking on by over-spending.

Be united as a couple – prioritise the person you are marrying and that shares your day to day.

Accept that everyone will have an opinion on how you do things. Smile, thank them for their advice and continue to do what you want to do.

If necessary say “I’m sure you can understand why it’s important we make decisions that are best for our marriage” The more you flex your ‘no’ muscle, the easier it gets to have the day you both want.

Discuss the guest list between yourselves first.

Agree with your partner on an approximate number of guests (in line with the budget). Each start your own list of names, then come together to talk further, only then consider talking to your respective parents.

Utilise the energy of interested friends and relatives.

Give those who are interested their own areas of responsibility. Ask them to perform some music, do some research on a reading, create the flowers, decorate, set up chairs, help the photographer organise family group shots, or assist on the day with specific tasks. Use their energy for love.

Take time out together as a couple.

The wedding is not the marriage. Don’t let the wedding overtake your world. Take time out together to discuss other things, have fun together and to laugh and play. The day will be here and gone before you know it – you want to like each other on the day!

Be honest with yourselves.

Be kind to each other.

Breathe – and think before you speak.

Exercise, eat well, get more sleep.

Build a bridge (and get over it!).

State your case calmly and don’t be afraid to call time out if things are getting heated.

Hire the right team.

Ask friends for recommendations and then find people you both feel comfortable with. As a coach and celebrant, I am a great sounding board and have plenty of practical tips and non-biased advice for your day. I’d love to chat.

Have you recently got married? What’s the one thing you would change if you had your day again?

 

By Jo Morrison

 

About the Author:

Jo Morrison is an online Wedding Coach who works with clients everywhere to reduce their wedding stress. Jo offers practical coaching and Action Plans. Book a free intro call that will help you to create your best day ever.

Website: https://morrisonevents.com.au/

Facebook: fb.me/jomorrisonweddings