Beat The Wedding Planning Slump

Sometimes, I still have to pinch myself to believe it – but I’m getting married!

Because we were one of those couples who had to post once we got engaged! My dad did his best to capture the moment, and we failed to take cute photos afterward!

I’ve written so many wedding dress trend and wedding-related posts for you to read over the years, but now it’s time to get a little bit more personal. For a little while, I’ll be sharing how I plan on creating my own Pinterest-worthy wedding sans planner, big budget, or creative chutzpah.

But for now, I’m teaching you how to get over the dreaded yet all-too-common wedding planning slump, as I’m currently trying to dig my own self out of it. You know what I mean – when you’re near the beginning stages of planning your wedding, and there are just so many things you have to consider that it all becomes too much and you just put the planning on the shelf for a bit.

So to put things into perspective, my wedding will be in September of next year and thus far, I have my wedding venue booked. Huge step, and it’s my dream venue so I’m beyond excited! But that’s all I’ve done! I have so many ideas swirling around in my brain that I just overload and end up watching Real Housewives instead. However, I have a couple tricks up my sleeve that have been reigniting my wedding planning drive!

1. BREATHE!

But actually, breathe. You have time, you have resources, and you (I hope) have help.

Real #1. Get ORGANIZED

No, I’m not talking about those super thick binders with 500 dividers that get so convoluted. Try a modern approach to organizing your wedding and getting inspired. Of course, Pinterest is always a good idea (ours is stocked with plenty of inspo), but I also really love Wedding Wire for browsing your options. You can view local vendors, venues, and professionals and even see how real customers reviewed their services. I also found a new app I’m going to try called DIY Wedding Planner, as I’m all about the DIY for a huge aspect of my wedding.

2. Reach Out on Social Media

You never know what your old friends can do!

We all have high school friends and random acquaintances on Facebook. Keep your eye out to see if any of them do freelance work or have their own businesses – maybe a graphic designer, a photographer, artist, etc. Consider sending them a message after looking at their work and tell them your vision, and see if you jive well with them. Often times, someone you know or once knew may be willing to cut you a deal, and anywhere you can save is a bonus. There are also many buy/sell/trade groups that offer up gently used wedding items, where you may find some treasures for your own day!

3. Ask for Advice, NOT Opinions

Don’t forget about your friends and how much they can help!

Three of my bridesmaids have been married in the last 5 or so years, and I’ve been a part of each of their weddings. I love picking their brains about their experiences, what helped them, and how they would have done things differently knowing what they know now. Ask a friend or someone you trust over for a coffee and have a chat, or just run ideas past them. You never know how they can inspire you or motivate you. That all being said, don’t run to those who just want to tell you how to do things. You’ll end up agreeing to something because of stress that may not make you happy in the long run.

4. Remember What It’s All REALLY About

It’s about two of you, not all of them!

At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your partner and a commitment you’ve chosen to make to each other. Sure, you want your guests to have fun, you’d like to have pretty things scattered throughout, and you want to look beautiful. But a wedding is not a spectacle, it’s not a parade, and it’s not a show for others – it’s a celebration of your love. Don’t forget that when trying to plan, because then you’ll end up planning something that isn’t you.

I hope you all enjoyed this, and will come along with me on my journey towards the aisle!

Let me know in the comments if there’s a wedding related topic you want me to cover.

You can also stay tuned to my wedding and more wedding trends by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Until next time, STAY CALM AND GET MARRIED!

Alicia