So, you’re about to get engaged. Or maybe you think you’re about to get engaged, but you’re not totally sure because your partner has been acting a little sus lately, like suddenly caring about your ring size or planning a surprise date night that doesn’t involve sweatpants and DoorDash. Either way, you’ve already been knee-deep in Pinterest boards, pretending not to care when Aunt Susan drops another hint about when she’ll get to buy a dress for your totally hypothetical wedding.
Wedding planning is like training for an ultra-marathon while also trying to ace a pop quiz on floral arrangements and negotiating a peace treaty between your mom and your future MIL. It’s exhausting. But don’t worry, I got you. Here are 12 daily habits to keep you sane, energized, and only mildly homicidal during this wild ride.
1. Hydrate Like You’re Prepping for the Olympics
Yes, coffee is basically a love language at this point, but let’s not forget good old-fashioned water. You need it to survive, literally. Also, being hydrated gives you that “glowing bride” look without expensive serums. So grab that emotional support water bottle and sip up.
2. Get Moving (Even If It’s Just a Dance Party in Your Living Room)
You don’t need to become a gym rat, but a little movement helps keep stress in check. Whether it’s yoga, a brisk walk, or an intense kitchen performance of Beyoncé’s greatest hits, get those endorphins flowing. Bonus points if you practice your wedding entrance strut while you’re at it.
3. Master the Art of the Polite Shut-Down
You will get unsolicited advice. Lots of it. “You have to do a church wedding.” “Buffets are tacky.” “You should invite your second cousin’s ex-wife because, you know, family.” Girl, practice a go-to response like, “Oh wow, that’s an interesting idea! We’ll think about it.” (Translation: Nope.)
4. Eat Like You’re Fueling for a Big Event (Because You Are)
You cannot survive on stress, champagne, and cake samples alone. Make sure to eat actual meals that include vegetables (yes, fries don’t count). You’ll need the energy for all the bridal appointments and mental gymnastics required to keep both sides of the family happy.
5. Limit the Social Media Deep Dives
Scrolling through perfectly curated wedding photos on Instagram at 2 AM is a direct path to self-doubt. Your wedding doesn’t have to look like an A-list celebrity’s Pinterest board to be amazing. Put down the phone and trust your vision, not some influencer with a million-dollar wedding budget.
6. Get Your Beauty Sleep (No, Really)
It’s easy to spiral into the depths of wedding DIYs at midnight, but please, go to bed. Tired brides make bad decisions (like agreeing to a choreographed first dance when you have the coordination of a baby giraffe). Rest now; plan later.
7. Delegate Like a Boss
You don’t have to do everything. If your bridesmaids, family, or even your partner (yes, he exists in this process too) offer help, take it. Let them research vendors, handle RSVPs, or tackle those never-ending emails.
8. Have a Daily “No Wedding Talk” Rule
For at least one hour a day, talk about anything but the wedding. Your partner will thank you. Your friends will thank you. And your brain? It will finally get a much-needed break from centerpiece discourse.
9. Laugh at the Chaos
Something will go wrong. Maybe your dream venue gets booked, or the DJ you love is already taken. Instead of spiraling, laugh about it. Worst-case scenario? You elope in Vegas with an Elvis impersonator officiating. (Kidding. Kind of.)
10. Treat Yourself Like the VIP You Are
Wedding planning should include self-care. Get a manicure, binge your favorite rom-com, buy that overpriced latte. If you’re about to spend thousands of dollars on a party, you at least deserve some small daily joys.
11. Set a “Wedding Budget” and Actually Stick to It
I know, I know, budgeting is not fun. But neither is maxing out your credit card on custom napkins. Be realistic about what you actually need versus what Instagram convinced you is essential.
12. Remember Why You’re Doing This
At the end of the day, this is about love. Not about impressing your great-aunt or outshining your cousin’s wedding. Take a deep breath and remember: You’re marrying your best friend. That’s what matters most.
So, future bride, take a deep breath and keep your energy up. Wedding planning is temporary, but your sanity is (hopefully) forever. What’s been your biggest WTF moment during this process so far? Drop your stories in the comments, I promise I’ll be reading with popcorn in hand!