7 Ways to ditch wedding anxiety

Discuss budget (seriously)

Knowing exactly what you can spend helps make the process easier — and less stressful. “Before you book any vendors, have a very honest conversation about your wedding budget with your fiancé, your parents or anyone else who will be contributing,” Kaneko says. Decide on an amount that you’ll feel comfortable spending, as well as an absolute maximum. Make your decisions based on the lower amount because you will undoubtedly have unexpected costs, whether it is sales tax, last-minute guests or vendor overtime, she advises.

Figure out guest count

Be as accurate and as organized as possible about your guest count, rather than roughly estimating. This will help ease stress down the road. Kaneko suggests creating an Excel spreadsheet of who you would like to invite (include any plus ones and children who are invited). “Your actual guest count will likely be about 80 percent of this list,” she says. But once the list is nailed down, you can add your guests’ mailing addresses and RSVP status so you have everything you need in one location.

Get recommendations

It’s always nice to work with people you trust so Kaneko advises booking the very best vendors you can afford and then asking them to recommend other vendors they’ve worked with successfully. “This lowers the chance of surprises and miscommunications on your wedding day,” she explains.

The pros and cons of hiring family and friends as wedding vendors >>

Limit DIY projects

Taking on projects yourself might seem like a good idea, especially if you’re trying to save money, but they’re often incredibly time-consuming, stress-inducing and unexpectedly pricey, Kaneko says. “Brides often do not factor in the labor needed to set up and take down their DIY décor, nor the space needed to store it and transport it,” she explains. By focusing on a few manageable elements (escort cards, menus, place cards, etc.), couples can put their artistic touch on their wedding without losing their sanity.

Find a way to be heard

Spend the money on an amplified ceremony to ensure you get heard. “It’s a shame when nobody can hear you say your vows of eternal love, so spend the cost on a microphone and speaker system, or, better yet, a wireless lavaliere for the officiant and the groom,” Kaneko advises. “This is a crucial element and, if you need to cut something out of the budget, I think it is much more important than take-home favors.”

Build in breaks

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed by the wedding planning process, take a break. “Spend a few days with your fiancé and make it a point not to discuss any wedding decisions,” Kaneko says. Sometimes it is important to re-focus your mindset and remember that your wedding is, after all, a celebration of your love.”