We’ve all heard the horror stories of wedding planning. Testy phone calls with vendors, disaster DIY projects, and of course, the fights over whether or not your parents can invite their sweet neighbor, Carol. 

But what we don’t hear enough about is how needed wedding planning breaks are. 

While they’re something we encourage all of our couples to take, it’s become common practice to spend the entire cycle of wedding planning in a state of overwhelm only to roll right into your big day tense and walking on eggshells. 

This not only damages what should be a joyful experience of the engagement period (and even the wedding day), but it also could spoil the memories you’re currently working so hard to create!

So consider this blog a dedication to all our lovely couples out there who are currently feeling like they’re teetering on the edge of insanity as they try to plan their wedding. Because it doesn’t have to be this way. 

And if you’re now gearing up to plan your wedding, bookmark this blog as a reference to come back to later when things start to feel overwhelming. 

Is it time for a break? 

There are two things we ask our couples to consider when they’re wondering if they need a break from wedding planning: 

Mental Capacity

How are you feeling right now? Are you enjoying this process? Perhaps you’re feeling stressed about it? Maybe you’re overwhelmed by a momentary error, or is everything feeling like just a little *too* much right now? 

The thing is, when you’re planning your wedding, you’re also still living your life. And juggling the balls of your personal life, career, and wedding planning can be a lot for anyone. So while some things may be temporary annoyances that you just need to step away from for a few hours, there are other instances when your mind and body may be asking you for a prolonged break from everything. 

Don’t ignore those signals!

Logistics

Are you in a position to take a break from everything right now? 

For weddings planned further in advance, it’s easy to build in a scheduled break, but for weddings happening within a shorter time span, it may be harder to take a getaway completely unplugged from vendors needing to be in contact with you. 

5 ways to give yourself a break!

Getaway

With a honeymoon most likely on the horizon, a getaway only works if it’s within your budget to do so. But a quick trip to somewhere you and your finacé love while you disconnect could be just the thing you both need. 

Staycation

Have a budget for a trip but nothing too extravagant? Consider a staycation! It’s a great way to get a change of scenery for you and your partner without spending unnecessarily.  

Date Night

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, a date night with you and your partner can do its job just as well! Just make sure to turn off your phones and pick somewhere you both can really enjoy each other’s company. Remember, no wedding talk!

Self-Care Day

Tensions run high while wedding planning, and it’s possible that your soon-to-be spouse is someone you need some space from too! Self-care days are our answer to this! 

Planning your wedding is all about you both, but self-care days are all about you. There is no compromising and (as harsh as it may sound) no consideration for what others may want. Spend a day getting a massage, reading a book, or maybe even just sleeping – you decide!

Carve out more time for you!

One of your favorite ways to take a break from wedding planning while on a budget (and in general) is by carving out time for yourself every day. This is particularly needed if you don’t have the capacity to take a lavish break. 

Whether you wake up an hour earlier or stay up an hour later, start putting aside some time for yourself every day where you can turn your phone off and not worry about making decisions or coordinating with anyone. It’ll do a world of wonders, we promise! 

Pro tip: when taking a wedding planning break, you’ll want to give vendors a point of contact. Ideally, this should be your wedding coordinator or planner, but if you’re doing it all yourself, you could designate this to either a parent or someone within the bridal party. Just make sure it’s someone you can trust to take accurate information as well as give it. 

Planning your wedding can be an overwhelming experience for many couples. 

It’s vital that you prioritize your mental health throughout this time, and taking breaks when needed is a great way to do that and give you extra time to connect with your partner and grow your relationship. 

The RDE Wedding Vault is now open! Packed with FREE resources to help you plan your wedding, budget accordingly, and create the ultimate guest list, our vault will give you extra support in navigating this time without the overwhelm and stress. Click here to get access!