Wedding planning well-being

In today’s world, getting married is a huge deal. There’s a lot to think about - flowers, dresses, cakes, guest lists, table plans. And when you’re caught up in so many "important" details, the most important detail of all often gets overlooked - your mental well-being.

While wedding planning can be full of joy and excitement, it can also bring up a lot of pressure and expectations from family and friends, as well as issues around body image, perfectionism, and that sneaky little voice that whispers, 'Am I good enough?'

I work with many brides and grooms-to-be, and here are some of the most common struggles that come up - plus a few ideas to help you manage them.

Perfectionism and wedding pressure

Are you a perfectionist bride or groom? Signs to look out for:

• You have the vision, and any tiny deviation feels like a disaster.
• You’re spending hours obsessing over things nobody else will notice (table napkins, font styles on invitations, whether the flowers match the bridesmaids' shoes).
• You’re so focused on the details that you’re struggling to enjoy the process.

How to overcome it:

• Ask yourself, Will I even care about this in a year? If the answer is no, let it go.
• Notice the "shoulds" in your thoughts. It should be perfect. I should look flawless. We should do it this way because that’s what people expect. Every time you hear a should, pause and ask yourself - do I actually want this?
• Remind yourself: the perfect day is a myth. But a joyful, meaningful, fun day? That’s 100% possible.

Family expectations and boundaries

Does your mum think this is her wedding? Are you dreading certain guests more than looking forward to the big day? Feeling like family is more stressful than supportive? You are not alone.

What can help:

• Get comfortable with saying no - without guilt.
• If you’re feeling pressured to include someone/something you don’t want, ask yourself: Who is this really for?
• Practice saying: “I appreciate your input, but we’ve decided to do it this way.” It’s polite, firm, and doesn’t invite further discussion

Relationship stresses: Pre-wedding jitters or red flags?

Wedding planning can put so much pressure on a relationship, but how do you know if it’s just wedding stress or something deeper?

Pre-wedding stress looks like:

• Snapping at each other over seating plans and cake flavours.
• Feeling overwhelmed, but still excited about the future.
• Temporary doubts that pass once the pressure eases.

Red flags might look like:

• Deep, ongoing concerns about compatibility that were there before wedding planning started.
• Avoiding conversations about the future because they feel too uncomfortable.
• Feeling more anxious about the marriage than excited.

If something’s feeling off, it’s OK to talk about it. Ignoring doubts doesn’t make them go away.

Body image, dress anxiety and self-confidence

The pressure to look “perfect” on your wedding day is intense. Suddenly, everyone thinks they have the right to comment on your body, your dress, your hair. It’s exhausting.

Reminders to hold onto:

• You do not need to change your body for your wedding. You are worthy exactly as you are.
• Every bride glows on their wedding day - not because of a diet, but because they’re happy.
• If someone’s comments about your appearance are making you feel bad, you have every right to shut it down. “I’m happy with how I look” is a complete sentence.

Money pressures and budget stress

Weddings can be very expensive. Whether you're going all-out or keeping it small, money stress can creep in fast.

Things to keep in mind:

• The amount you spend on your wedding has zero impact on how happy your marriage will be. 
• Set a budget you are comfortable with - not one based on expectations from social media, family, or tradition.
• If costs are climbing and you’re feeling the pressure, ask yourself: Will spending more on this actually make the day more meaningful? If not, cut it. 

At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your partner. It’s your day, your memories, and your future.