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The Art of Stress Free Wedding Planning  

Sometimes, the decision to get married can feel like something of a double- edged sword. On the one hand, you are on cloud nine sharing your exciting news with family and friends while, on the other you may be feeling rather daunted as you face the challenging job of actually putting together your wedding. If the growing pressure is taking the edge of your initial happiness, you are certainly not alone.

With alarming stories of wedding planning stress constantly falling from the lips of those that have already been there and done it, you may believe that it simply goes with the territory and think everyone has to suffer it to some degree. It’s true, the vast choice available is overwhelming, too many opinions are confusing and all those expectations may make you feel like running for the hills but there are steps that you can take to overcome all of that.

The secret to success lies in your attitude and approach and these top 10 tips will help you to single-handedly turn your potential wedding planning nightmare into enjoyable, rewarding, stress free fun!  

1. Prioritise. Put things in order of importance and focus only on the element of your wedding that lies directly in front of you. Small steps are manageable and give you the feeling of achievement. Complete each step before you progress to the next.

2. Be discerning. Make your choices based only on what is important to you, what you care about and what you love. Unclutter your mind of too much information by discarding all that isn't relevant to you and save your thoughts and energy for the things that are.

3. Focus on the positives. Treat each decision as a little project in it's own right and have the most fun you can with it. Accept that things will go wrong or be unavailable and know there is always a reason for it. Trust that something even better will come along.

4. Keep it simple-less is more. The brides' mantra! Resist temptation to have too much detail, too many flowers, themes, ideas or too many of the latest wedding 'must haves.' Ask yourself, 'Do I really need this?'

5. Think outside of the box. Look at alternative ways to do things away from the typical wedding paraphernalia and suppliers that are around. They tend to be more expensive and being innovative and creative is exciting and rewarding.

6. Think for yourself. The endless lists and time frames that appear in some magazines are over detailed and create panic and anxiety. Your own common sense, instinct and intuition will guide you better and give you self- confidence. You can still make lists-your own ones that are personal to you.

7. Build a team. Make a list of all the resources available to you within your circle of family and friends. Delegate, share and involve people and their talents and skills. It's not necessary to organise your wedding all by yourself and you will flourish with a network of support.

8. Allow yourself to break the rules. Etiquette is a guide only. Aside from the legalities within your wedding ceremony, there is no wrong or right way to do things-only what is right for you. Breaking away from the confines of what you feel you should' do can bring huge relief and a sense of freedom.

9. Live in the moment. Wedding planning is most enjoyable and relaxed when it's balanced with all the other events and activities of your life. Your special day will come. In the meantime live each day to the full and recognise that your journey to your wedding day has as much value as the day itself.

10. Go with the flow. Let go of rigid expectation and take the path of least resistance. The ups and downs of your wedding planning story are what give it it's unique character and your willingness to go along with that and retain a sense of humour means you will be able to cope with anything.

The months before you marry are a special time of life and it’s a shame to simply wish it away. Look on planning your wedding as a privilege and an opportunity to express yourself, on every level. Far from being something to dread, it is, in fact an enviable place to be.

 Go on-make up your mind to make it memorable!