Everyone knows that weddings are stressful. Planning the perfect day can be tough with so many things to organise and consider before you walk down the aisle. From sorting flower arrangements and sourcing the perfect wedding band to choosing entrées that keep everyone happy, it can often feel like the weight of the world falls on the bride and groom’s shoulders.
At The Scottish Wedding Show, we think it’s important to enjoy and savour the entire wedding planning process.
So we’ve rounded-up our top tips for getting organised but without the fears, tears and tantrums…
Delegate
Enlist the help of family and friends. People love to help so let them take on some responsibility to give you a break.
We’re not suggesting you offload all the organising and tiresome duties to your loved ones, but remember that you and your partner can ask for support, especially from those involved in the big day.
Usually best friends or siblings will be up for taking care of the hen party or stag do if you want one, so don’t feel like this falls on you.
Avoid any pre-wedding drama that unfolds. From great aunties who don’t like the main course options to ex-partners bickering over the seating plan, rid yourself of these petty stresses and pass them over to someone else.
Remember that people are there to give their support, so whether you want some opinions on cake flavours, or just need help sending out invites, there will always be people to lend a hand. Just be prepared to return the favour when their wedding comes along!
Switch off
Switching off and removing yourself from all things wedding can be really helpful in the lead up to the big day.
It’s important to set aside enough time to have fun, relax and practice self-care with no mention of bridesmaids, chair covers or vows. Exercising is a fantastic, simple way to blow off some steam, clear your head and completely focus on something other than the upcoming nuptials.
Be careful with technology too. Things like Pinterest, Etsy and Instagram are wonderful tools for getting inspired, but they can also cause stress. Flicking through social media when you’re trying to relax can quickly spiral into freak-outs, mental check lists of what still needs done and comparisons between yourself and seemingly perfect, online weddings.
Whatever way suits you best, just make sure to have some designated time to remind yourself that life outside the wedding bubble still exists.
Get a helping hand
There are loads of useful tools nowadays to ease the stress of wedding planning that weren’t accessible even a few years ago. It’s a good idea to make good use of them wherever possible to streamline tasks and keep things running smoothly.
We’re shining the light on one of our exhibitors at the show this year who are experts in organisation and have a track-record of destressing the lives of brides and grooms in the lead up to the big day.
OnePlusOne Wedsites is the ultimate tool for wedding planning and a one-stop destination for guests. Their aim is to rid the process of all pain and frustration, with their unique wedding website taking care of every last detail.
We spoke to founder Ruth Arthur, who explained how their services can help: “OnePlusOne Wedsites create custom-built wedding websites, so that your guests can find everything they need to know about your wedding, all in one place…which means no information sheets getting lost!
From online RSVPs, hotel and transport details, gift lists, ceremony and reception timeline – it’s ‘wedmin’ made easy! Be free to focus on what matters, without being distracted by repeated questions or chasing up RSVPs!”
That sounds good to us!
We hope this advice has helped you in some way. If all else fails, take a step back and remember why you’re doing this. Try not to focus too much on the minor details, and instead stick to the bigger picture - you’re marrying the person you love!
