Between Pinterest-perfect wedding mood boards and the pressure to throw the wedding of the decade, it’s no wonder so many brides are constantly Googling “how to manage wedding planning stress.” From budget worries to family drama and the why-does-everyone-have-an-opinion spiral, the whole process can get overwhelming fast. But here’s the good news: It is possible to plan your dream day without burning out. Here’s how to keep your cool, protect your peace, and actually enjoy being engaged.

1. Schedule “No Wedding Talk” Days

When every conversation turns into a checklist update, your brain never gets a break! Take one or two days each week where you and your partner don’t talk about wedding planning AT. ALL. Use that time to binge your favorite show, go on a no-pressure date, or just sleep in without the mental scroll of vendor directories and to-do lists. Mental breaks like these are one of the simplest ways to reduce wedding planning stress and stay grounded in your relationship. Make sure you tell your friends and fam—you don’t want to answer 100 texts about the dress code, if they can bring a plus-one, or whether or not kids are allowed on your day off!

2. Make TikTok Your Inspiration, Not Your Stressor

Yes, the videos are all so fun. Yes, they’re full of ideas. But they’re also full of unrealistic highlight reels that can leave you feeling like your wedding isn’t enough. If you find yourself doom-scrolling through elaborate décor, viral bachelorette parties, or 300-guest extravaganzas, give yourself a digital detox. Remember: TikTok weddings are often content-first, reality-second. Use social media as a mood board, not a measuring stick!

3. Set Boundaries with Well-Meaning Family and Friends

The moment you get engaged, suddenly everyone has opinions. Your mom wants tradition. Your bestie wants to wear orange. Your cousin thinks she should officiate. One of the best things you can do for your wedding planning anxiety is to lovingly draw lines. Use phrases like, “I appreciate your excitement, but we’ve decided to keep this just between us for now!” Boundaries = self-care.

4. Practice Self-Care During Wedding Planning (And No, It’s Not All Bubble Baths)

Self-care during wedding planning isn’t just face masks and yoga (though those help too!). It also means:

• Saying no to things that drain you
• Delegating tasks
• Journaling when you feel overwhelmed
• Eating something other than cake samples

If you’re feeling burned out, you’re not alone. In fact, “wedding planning anxiety help” is one of the most searched topics by brides right now—oof! Normalize taking care of your mental health through the process.

5. Take a Mini-Moon Before the Wedding

You’ve heard of the honeymoon, but what about an earlymoon? It’s a mini vacation taken before the wedding…think of it as a reset button in the middle of the chaos. Even a weekend road trip can make a huge difference in helping you reconnect and de-stress. It’s one of our fave emerging trends in the stress-relief-for-engaged-couples category.

6. Let Go of Perfection (Seriously)

Perfection is a myth, especially in weddings. Yeah, it might rain. It’s entirely possible your flower girl will refuse to walk. Someone (you know who) will probably forget their shoes. And guess what? You’ll still get married. Letting go of control doesn’t mean letting go of your vision—it means leaving room for real, unscripted joy. And that’s where the magic happens.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Whether it’s outsourcing to a coordinator, leaning on your bridal party, or even just asking your partner to take on the seating chart, you don’t have to do it all. So many brides searching for how to deal with wedding stress feel like they need to be the project manager, CEO, and customer service rep of their own big day. You don’t. You just need to be present. 

The Bottom Line: Protect Your Peace

If you’re wondering how to manage wedding planning stress without totally losing your mind, know this: You’re not alone, and you’re certainly not doing it wrong. Wedding planning is a big emotional (and logistical!) lift, but it doesn’t have to break you. From setting boundaries to embracing imperfection, small shifts can create a much calmer, more joyful planning experience.

You’ve got this. And if you need a reminder? Breathe, delegate, and remember: The only thing you really need is love for your celebration.

Looking for more tips? Check out Pearl by David’s for all the latest trends, advice, and more.