The Overwhelmed Bride - Where to Start!
You’re engaged – congratulations!
You probably have a Pinterest board overflowing with table settings, flowers, dresses, and décor ideas. But now you’re thinking: How do I pull all of this together? Where do I even start?
Planning a wedding takes time, energy, money, patience, and about 150+ hours of organisation. Add family opinions and endless questions, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The good news? You’re not alone – and there are ways to make the process enjoyable. Here are some simple steps to get you started.
1. Get the basics sorted
Pick a date. Everything else flows from here.
Choose a location and style. Beach, garden, city, rustic? Think about what feels like you as a couple.
Start a guest list. Your numbers will shape your budget, venue, and overall feel.
Discuss your budget. Decide what you can afford and choose your top 3 priorities (non-negotiables). Everything else can flex.
Tip: If you’re unsure how to allocate funds, a wedding planner can help balance your budget so you get the best value.
2. Hire a planner (or book a Sanity Session)
Planning should be exciting – not exhausting.
If you’d rather not spend your evenings buried in spreadsheets, consider hiring a planner or booking a one-off sanity session. Planners don’t take over your day – they guide, support, and make sure nothing is missed.
Why it’s worth it:
We save you stress and time.
We help you stretch your budget further.
We bring trusted supplier connections.
We keep you focused on what actually matters.
There are different levels of planning support:
Full planning – everything from start to finish.
Partial planning – guidance plus key logistics.
On-the-day coordination – so you can relax and enjoy.
3. Share the love
Ask for help! Most friends and family will want to be involved.
Host a DIY night with cheese, bubbles, and music – and rope in loved ones for place cards, favours, or decorations. Make it fun, not stressful.
4. Filter the advice
With engagement comes congratulations… and lots of unsolicited opinions.
Some people mean well but project their own experiences. Family drama may also creep in.
Stay focused on:
The wedding you two actually want.
Setting clear boundaries.
Remembering that the wedding is one day – the marriage is for life.
If you end the day married to your love, it’s already a success.
5. Look after yourself
“Bridezilla” isn’t a personality trait – it’s usually a result of stress.
Include self-care in your planning:
Take breaks from wedding talk.
Go on date nights that have nothing to do with the wedding.
Schedule downtime, massages, or simple walks.
The calmer you feel, the more you’ll enjoy the journey.
Final thoughts
Planning your wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the basics, get clear on your priorities, lean on your support team, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.
And if it all feels too much? That’s exactly what I’m here for – to bring calm, creativity and sanity back into the process.
Happy planning!
Nat x