When it comes to managing stress, self-care is a hot topic. In fact, one could make the case that brides and grooms in the trenches of wedding planning would do well to engage in a bit of self-care themselves. But how do you make time for yourself when you’re up to your eyeballs in making the myriad tasks and decisions that go into planning your big day?

Well, we won’t say it’s easy, but it will be well worth it. 

Why you should prioritize your needs leading up to your ceremony

When you’re trying to select the ideal wedding venue, decide if you want to change your name after the wedding, and finalize countless other details, the stress can add up. It may even impact your health. Keeping yourself well and happy in the lead-up to your wedding day — and of course, during the event itself — is part and parcel of a memorable experience. 

Also, it could be a boon to your relationship. Wedding planning can be difficult for couples, but it can be managed. In addition to communicating your needs to your intended, taking time to do something good for yourself will go a long way toward helping you deal with wedding-related disagreements that inevitably pop up.

And, self-care could prevent you from making hasty decisions regarding the wedding. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and overwrought from the endless planning, you may find yourself making choices you normally wouldn’t. Those less-than-well-advised decisions may rear their ugly head on the big day when it’s more than likely too late to make a change.

Taking time for yourself doesn’t have to be very involved or even expensive. The primary idea is to engage in a soothing activity that leaves you feeling refreshed, stress-free, and happy.

Consider scheduling weekly or monthly massages in the lead-up to your wedding. Even one massage could work wonders! Or how about a facial?

If exercise is your happy place, you could try a yoga class or any other workout session, or keep it simple and commit to regular walks after dinner or on a weekend morning.

And remember, any of these routines can be done with your partner by your side. Deborah Cohan, associate professor of sociology at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort, spoke to Martha Stewart Magazine about the importance of couples keeping to a routine together.

"Rituals are grounding, reassuring, and they are something to count on. They can anchor a couple and convey trust and emotional reliability," she said.  

To be clear, we’re not recommending dieting during your wedding planning. Instead, think about foods that will improve your energy, overall health, and well-being.

High on the list of stress-busting food is celery. The phthalide it contains can help reduce stress hormones and lower blood pressure. Foods high in omega-3s, like avocados, salmon, and trout, are great stress-busters, too, and foods with magnesium, including nuts and seeds, help reduce anxiety.

In addition to your spouse-to-be, don’t forget the other important people in your life. They can also offer a great escape and be an element of self-care. You could schedule a lunch date with a friend or family member with the agreement that wedding planning will not be a topic of discussion. 

Also, don’t be afraid to delegate some duties to trustworthy friends and family who would be happy to take some tasks off your hands.

There is no doubt that pulling together all the elements of a successful wedding can throw even the best of us into a full-blown breakdown if we’re not careful. But remember, you and your partner, not to mention your guests, deserve the best version of yourself as you walk down that aisle and marry the love of your life! So take care to invest in your mental, physical, and emotional health to ensure you’re able to recover, recharge, and be ready when it comes time to take your vows.