When I talk to a prospective client for the first time, often one of the first questions I ask is something along the lines of “How are you hanging in there?” Because while it’s well known that wedding planning can challenging, very few talk specifically about how all-consuming it can be while managing the rest of daily life.
Most of my clients have high-powered careers that they care deeply about. Showing up 100% at work while taking (what seems like) endless amounts of consultations and meetings – in addition to showing up well for their family and friends (with all their opinions), getting a workout in here and there – can feel impossible. If that’s you, you’re not alone, and just because you’re overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
So if that’s you and you’re reading this as part of your foggy post-work scroll – here are my best, most honest and practical tips for surviving wedding planning while continuing to be a human with a life.
Hire A Wedding Planner (If You Haven’t Already)
I know this might sound obvious—and most couples in this position already do have a planner—but it’s worth saying loud and clear: this is not something you should try to do alone. A good planner is your project manager, your vendor liaison, and your crisis mitigator. They’re not just there to oversee setup on the wedding day or tell you when to walk down the aisle. They’re there to absorb the noise, anticipate problems and solutions before they happen, and shield you from having to make a thousand micro-decisions each week. There’s a reason that even wedding planners hire wedding planners. And if you’re working with a planner but still feel overwhelmed, it might be time to lean on them even more or check in to see if you could be better utilizing their support.
Avoid Other Major Life Changes
This tip is something not everyone wants to hear, but if you’re already feeling stretched thin, this is not the time to add more chaos to the mix. Hold off on that move. Don’t get that puppy. Postpone starting that grad program if you can. Your capacity is in limited supply – and you’ll thank yourself for it later.
Prioritize Working with Vendors Who Respect Your Schedule
One of the things I hear all the time from clients is, “It’s so hard to get anything done when vendors only work 9–5.” I get it. It’s one of the biggest stressors for couples with full-time jobs. While most vendors do hold traditional hours, I personally make myself available outside of that window because I know how frustrating it is to feel like you have to sneak away from work just to take a call. My call hours are usually 11–2 or 5–7pm to give my clients more flexibility. Better yet, usually I can work directly with your wedding planner on almost everything. Not everyone will have that level of flexibility, but you can make sure the rest of their client communication is reliable – so even if you’re emailing late at night, you know you’ll get a clear, quick response without having to chase them down.
Outsource What You Can—Even Outside the Wedding
If your job won’t allow you to pull back, consider what daily tasks can be streamlined. Things like meal prep or delivery services to eliminate the mental strain of “what’s for dinner?” Or a house cleaner once or twice a month, or being choosy about which social obligations you partake in (your real friends will get it). These aren’t indulgences—they’re strategic choices to protect your energy.
Batch Family Feedback So You’re Not Always “On”
You know it’s bad when the Teams ping isn’t the only triggering sound anymore. Well-meaning family members (I know this is your mom’s SuperBowl) love to send messages at all hours which can make it difficult to stay in work-mode throughout the day. If it’s overwhelming, create a system that turns the volume down a notch. Ask them to write their notes down throughout the week, but instead of sending them stream-of-consciousness-style, consolidate everything into one weekly message or check-in call. Boundaries don’t mean that you’re shutting people out. They protect your energy so you can let them in when you’re at your best.
Protect Your Engagement Joy with a Wedding-Free Day
Cliche, but crucial. Pick one night or one weekend day where no wedding talk is allowed. No emails. No Pinterest. No family opinions. Just be a couple. It helps re-ground you in why you’re planning a wedding in the first place and gives you a much-needed glimpse into relaxed newlywed life.
Build in a Burnout Buffer After the Wedding
Set aside a few days at home with no plans before you return to work after the wedding. Even 2–3 days of quiet after your honeymoon – or just after the wedding if you’re staying local – can help you come down from the adrenaline and ease back into real life without crashing.
Planning a wedding while managing a career and keeping up with life is no small thing. If you’re looking for vendors who understand the pressure you’re under—who won’t add to the noise or expect you to be available during your busiest hours—you’re in the right place. I’m here not just to photograph your day beautifully, but to make the whole experience feel calmer, clearer, and more manageable. Send a note here and let’s get started.
