If you’ve been close to anyone planning a wedding before then you’ll be aware of the moments of bridal hysteria that can occur; it is after all notorious for being one of the most exciting, yet stressful, times for any bride (or groom!) to be. So how can you avoid having a pre-marriage meltdown? Besides hiring a wedding planner of course…

1) List Your Priorities

Now perhaps I’m a little bias due to the planner in me, but I swear by lists. Early on in the planning process list all the tasks/components in order of priority to you. This will vary for every couple, but there will almost certainly be a few things which you’re not willing to budge on. This is fine…as long as further down your list there are several aspects which you’re prepared to compromise on if needed.

Put a star by the elements which don’t matter quite so much (aim to have 3-5 of these), then if you can’t have your first choice of everything you know what you’re willing to be flexible on…instant bridal panic avoided.

2) Leave Plenty Of Time

Too much time to plan a wedding and you’ll probably drive yourself mad. Not enough time and you’ll drive yourself crazy. Where possible, try and give yourself a year to 18 months to plan your wedding. Time = options, and options are always good for anyone planning their most special event to date (unless you’re going to be a super relaxed, happy go lucky bride).

3) Do Your Research

If you’re newly engaged then it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement bubble (and who can blame you?! It’s a nice place to be!) however it’s also important to think practically and do your research early on in the process…before you get your heart set on ideas which aren’t feasible.

If needed, seek the advice or a professional, or of a friend who’s recently married and may be able to lend a word or two of wisdom. If there’s anything you’re unsure of then write it down (see – lists are useful!) and come back to it so that you don’t get caught out by any unexpected disappointments later down the line.

4) Build A Budget Buffer

Deciding on a wedding budget can sometimes be a tricky one. You don’t want to put yourself under financial pressure, but you want the best day of your lives. Whatever your budget, build in a bit of wiggle room.

Inevitably unexpected costs will crop up during the planning process; maybe you hadn’t even thought about certain things when you started out, your requirements may have changed or perhaps you’ve just been unlucky? Building in a budget buffer will mean your stress levels don’t have to shoot through the roof if your wedding costs a little more than expected for one reason or another.

5) Make ‘What’s The Worst That Can Happen?’ Your Motto

Perspective is very important; it can be easy to loose it when planning a wedding. I am the first to agree that a wedding should be special, and just as you want it. However I disagree with ‘perfect’. In all aspects of life, perfect is hard to find and often leads to disappointment (sorry to be the bearer of bad news!)

If you get hung up on small details, such as which way you fold your napkins, or how many floating lanterns should go in the pool, you’re only going to stress yourself out. These are the types of decisions which can waste a lot of your time in the run up to the wedding, then the reality is you won’t even notice them on the day – trust me, I’ve had brides tell me this themselves after the wedding and they’ve still described their day as ‘perfect’ even without the hang ups!

Instead focus your energy on what really matters – you’re marrying the love of your life! Enjoy it!