(And What to Do If You’re Already There)

It can be easy to start feeling overwhelmed during the wedding planning process, which can lead to a wedding planning slump. Hear from industry pros how to avoid it…and what to do if you’re already there!

Stay Organized

Staying organized in wedding planning is crucial for ensuring that every detail falls into place smoothly and on time. A well-organized approach helps avoid the slump that comes with the multitude of tasks and helps you enjoy the process and focus on creating a memorable day. One of the easiest ways to avoid a planning slump is to space out your tasks. “Our favorite way to combat that is to space out the planning process, this way you’re consistently crossing things off the list and checking in with your planner along the way,” says Jennifer Williger of HoneyFitz Events.

While spacing out tasks will help avoid this, if you find that you’re hitting a slump, it might be time to start focusing on the more detailed tasks. Jennifer Williger says, “…invitations, tableware, bridal accessories, you name it! This usually helps to bring the excitement back into the planning process and gets everyone back on track.” Jessica Rodriguez Hanselman of Crossed Keys Estate suggests that another fun tip is to start getting ahead and getting organized. “This is the time to purchase & organize smaller items for things like gift tables, small decor items, paper goods, signage, photo ops, and more. Get some clear bins and labels and get these items ready to bring to your venue. Your coordinator/planner will thank you.”

Photo by Christy Kendall Photography

Make Wedding Planning Fun

Making wedding planning fun is essential for keeping stress levels low and maintaining enthusiasm throughout the process. Engaging in fun activities like date nights or having a second engagement photo session can help ensure that your wedding planning experience is as memorable as the wedding itself. 

An increasing trend among couples who are wedding planning has been making wedding planning a date night. Jamie and Stephanie from Cape Cod Celebrations suggest couples “try new cocktails at a local bar, go out dancing to practice your first dance, or celebrate completing wedding tasks by going out to dinner and trying foods you might want on your wedding menu.”

Once all the significant vendors have been booked and it’s too early to work on the final details consider a second engagement photography session. “If you have had your session done right away either because you’re so excited or you needed an image just for your save the date – meaning your session planning may have been rushed, or you may have had to do it in a season of the year you weren’t hoping for, a second session can be refreshing,” says April Raymond from April & Mike Photography. “Booking a second engagement session will bring back some extra excitement, get you more comfortable with your photographer/getting your picture taken, and honestly, it is just really fun!”

Photo by Kayla Coleman Photography

Take Breaks

Taking a break from wedding planning is crucial for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. CEO and Founder of Luxe Event Productions Misty Damico reminds couples that, “it’s essential to take regular breaks to recharge and avoid burnout. Schedule dedicated time for self-care activities that help you relax and rejuvenate.”

When you notice things are starting to fall into a rut, it might be time to take a vacation from wedding planning. “Plan a weekend away and vow not to check wedding emails or plan anything for the wedding while you are away,” recommends Jamie and Stephanie. “Consider yourself OOO from wedding planning – everything will still be there when you get back! Sometimes planning your wedding can start to take over your life and time away from it, and from your normal routine, will reinvigorate you when you return.” 

Photo by April & Mike Photography

Ask for Help

Asking for help in wedding planning is essential in any situation but especially for avoiding a planning slump. “Planning a wedding is no joke. It takes a lot of time and juggling it with all your other responsibilities can leave you feeling a bit burned out, says Kari Dirksen, CEO and Lead Planner at Feathered Arrow Events. “If you’re starting to feel stuck in your planning journey, one of the best things I can suggest is to delegate. Ask your family or wedding party to help with small tasks. Get your wedding planner involved and let go of the stress! I promise you, you won’t regret hiring help.” By delegating tasks and sharing responsibilities, you not only lighten your load but also ensure that every detail is thoughtfully considered.

Find New Inspiration

Finding new inspiration in wedding planning can be crucial for encouraging couples through this process. Fresh ideas can reignite your enthusiasm for the planning process. Misty Damico encourages couples to “seek inspiration from wedding websites, magazines, and social media.” She also suggests couples “sign up for a wedding workshop to gather new insights and connect with other couples going through the same process.”

Feature image by Sarah Anne Thompson