Why Wedding Planning Stress Doesn't Have To Be Part of the Process
Let’s get one thing straight: just because you’re planning a wedding doesn’t mean you’re supposed to be stressed out of your mind. But somewhere along the way, we started treating wedding planning stress like a rite of passage, and decided that losing sleep, snapping at your partner, and second-guessing every decision is just “part of the process.” It's not. Or at least, it doesn't have to be.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, like you’re supposed to be basking in excitement but instead you’re just… tired, you’re not alone. The pressure is real (and kind of messed up, isn't it?).
Weddings can come with a lot of expectations. Family expectations. Cultural expectations. Instagram expectations. And beneath all that, your own hopes and dreams about what this day should feel like. It’s a weird mix of logistics and emotions.
Even if you want a small, simple wedding, it can feel like everyone else has an opinion and the pressure's still on. And suddenly, something that was supposed to be about love and commitment starts feeling like a performance.
It’s common to feel like you need to just power through, telling yourself “It’s only a few more months,” or “It’ll be worth it in the end.” But if you’re on edge, anxious, or resenting your own wedding day before it even arrives, that’s a sign to slow down and check in with yourself.
Your mental health doesn’t pause just because you’re engaged. If anything, big life transitions tend to stir the pot. Wedding planning can bring up unresolved family tension, insecurities, people-pleasing habits, or old stories about what love is supposed to look like.
So, here are some gentle reminders:
1. Your partner matters more than the party. It’s easy to lose sight of your actual relationship when you're deep on Pinterest. Take time to reconnect, away from wedding talk.
2. Set boundaries early. It’s okay to say no to things, even if it disappoints someone. You’re not selfish for protecting your peace.
3. You don’t have to do it all. Seriously. Delegate. Ask for help! Let things be “good enough” instead of perfect.
4. Talking to someone, like a therapist, can help. If the stress feels unmanageable, or if deeper things are coming up (anxiety, people-pleasing, family trauma), therapy is a safe place to unpack all of that. You don’t have to wait until things get worse.
5. And finally, just remember: your wedding is only one day. But the love you share with your partner is something you carry with you long after the cake is cut and the photos are framed.
If you're feeling like you're carrying more than you expected and you need someone to talk to, you're not alone! Therapy can help you make space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and your partner.
At Wild Sage Therapy, we specialize in supporting Millennials and Gen Z through major life transitions, including the messy, emotional, and beautiful parts of relationships. Whether you're navigating wedding stress, family dynamics, or just trying to stay grounded, we're here to help.
Learn more about how we can support you and reach out to book a consultation at hello@wildsagetherapy.ca!