Vows, Vendors & Very Big Feelings

Planning a wedding is exciting—but let’s be honest, it’s also a lot. Between choosing the right venue, juggling budgets, managing family expectations, and trying to make every detail perfect, the pressure can build quickly. The good news? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to let wedding stress come between you and your partner. In fact, how you navigate this season together can strengthen your relationship.

Here’s how to handle wedding stress as a team—and come out even closer on the other side.

1. Start With a Shared Vision

Before you dive into decisions, sit down and talk about what you both want from your wedding. Is it a big celebration or an intimate gathering? Formal or laid-back? Understanding what really matters to each of you can help guide choices and avoid unnecessary tension later.

Tip: Each of you writes down your top three priorities for the wedding, then compare notes. Aligning early can help avoid bigger conflicts down the road.

2. Divide and Conquer—With Grace

You don’t both have to do everything. Divide responsibilities based on interest and strengths. If one of you is great with spreadsheets and budgets, let them handle that. If the other loves design or food, assign them those tasks.

But remember—dividing tasks doesn’t mean disappearing from the process. Check in regularly and make sure both voices are being heard.

3. Create a “No Wedding Talk” Zone

When planning takes over every dinner, text thread, and Saturday morning, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re doing this in the first place: your love and life together. Schedule time each week to do something fun that has nothing to do with the wedding. Go for a walk, watch a movie, cook a new recipe—just be together.

4. Manage Expectations—Yours and Everyone Else’s

Pressure can come from all sides: family, friends, social media, and your own internal ideals. Not every expectation will be realistic or even necessary. Talk openly about boundaries and be on the same page when handling outside opinions.

Pro tip: A united front is powerful. When you make decisions as a couple, it's easier to confidently communicate them to others.

5. Practice Grace Under Pressure

Tensions may flare. You might disagree. That’s normal. Stress doesn’t mean you’re not right for each other—it just means you’re human. When conflict arises, take a breath, listen fully, and remind yourselves you’re on the same team.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Hire a wedding planner if it’s within your budget. Delegate to friends or family who want to pitch in. Leaning on your support system doesn’t make you less capable—it makes you smart. You don’t have to do everything alone.

7. Keep the Focus on What Matters Most

At the end of the day, a wedding is one day. Your marriage is for life. Try not to lose sight of the big picture. The love you’re celebrating is more important than the color of the napkins or the seating chart.

Final Thoughts

Wedding stress is real—but so is your love. Use this season as an opportunity to grow stronger, practice communication, and lay the foundation for your life together. Take care of each other, laugh often, and remember: the best part of the wedding is the person you’ll walk away with at the end of the night.

Want help keeping your sanity during planning? Consider starting a shared planning journal, using a wedding checklist app, or booking a few sessions with a premarital counselor. Investing in your relationship now pays off far beyond the big day.