Wedding planning can be stressful for some couples, as it involves making many decisions, coordinating multiple details, and often working within a budget. The pressure to create the perfect wedding day experience can also add stress. However, it is important to remember that the planning process should not compromise your happiness or relationship. You should always ask each other for help and be able to rely on your partner.
But what can you do when your partner isn’t precisely cooperating with the load of work that comes from wedding planning? While taking breaks from planning, seeking help from friends or family members, and focusing on the joy of the wedding day can help reduce stress during the planning process. You can also feel, at times, your partner is not part of the whole thing leaving you with the decision-making.
Luckily there are many ways to turn this situation over and make wedding planning an equal task for both of you. But before going to the specific tips, we always advise you to communicate your expectations. We have an open and honest conversation with your partner about what you would like their level of involvement to be and how you can work together. Often, your partner is unaware of how much you would love for them to help, so start there.
- Assign tasks based on their interests; for example, if your partner has a particular interest or skill, consider assigning them tasks related to that. Let us say they are good at negotiating; they can handle vendor contracts. Or perhaps they are handy. In that case, you can let in its hands find a great greenery wall to install as a backdrop.
- Be specific with your requests; often, the lack of communication is the main reason your partner is not being as helpful as you wish. Remember, we all function differently, so what might be obvious to you could be challenging for someone else. If you need help sourcing specific things or finding vendors, you can ask your partner to look for catering vendors in the area or find spandex chair covers for rental.
- Make sure you unplug from wedding planning now and then since it can be common for couples to have the wedding as their only conversation. Make time for each other, and don’t let wedding planning take over your relationship. Set aside time for date nights and other activities that bring you closer as a couple.
- Make it a team effort so you don’t start playing a work-like game; frame the wedding planning as a joint project and work together towards a common goal. This can make the process more enjoyable and less overwhelming; remember why you are doing it all, and your wedding is a part of it.
- Be patient and understanding because wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, so it’s important to be patient and understanding with each other. Encourage your partner to take breaks and be supportive of their needs.
- Be open about their wishes because it is possible for your partner not to be interested in choosing a specific shade of pink for the napkins or the invitations. And if your partner provides an opinion, make sure you hear it and come to an agreement together.
If your partner is not helping with the wedding planning, having an open and honest conversation about their expectations and responsibilities is important. Try to understand their perspective and find a way to work together to meet your needs. It may also be helpful to delegate tasks so that each of you takes on responsibilities that you are both comfortable with.
When wedding plans are getting in the way of a happy and healthy relationship, it is good to take a moment and find out if getting professional help could solve the problem. For example, you can hire a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator to take control of reviewing contracts and dealing with vendors so you can take some weight off.
You might also want to find a wedding venue where you don’t need to do much regarding your wedding reception. Some venues offer wedding packages and care for decorations, catering, drinks, entertainment, and even cake! This could be a great option to skip the wedding vendor research and interview part. And now you can focus on the smaller things like your wedding attires, wedding invitations, and finding an officiant.
It is important to remember that wedding planning should not be stressful for you and your partner. If you find the process overwhelming, it may be helpful to have a conversation about your expectations and responsibilities and delegate tasks to each other. Additionally, taking breaks from planning, seeking help from friends or family members, or hiring a professional planner can help reduce stress and make the process more manageable.
It is also important to focus on your relationship and not let the wedding planning take over your life. Set aside time for each other, make the planning process a team effort, and be patient and understanding with one another. And remember the end goal, to start your lives together with a beautiful celebration of your love and commitment.
By taking these steps, you can ensure your wedding planning process is an enjoyable and stress-free experience. The wedding day is only one day, but the memories and moments you create will last a lifetime. Stay focused on the joy of the day and the beginning of your life together, and the rest will fall into place.
Author Credit: Robert Reno
