This may be the best or the worst news you could hear, but experts are saying that 2022 is the biggest year in the wedding industry. With everything that Covid and lockdown threw our way, 2022 will see a full social calendar and a fridge covered in “Save the Dates” and “Change the Dates“.
According to our recent survey, just under half of couples are tying the knot more than 24 months after getting engaged. With postponements, restrictions and guest list changes, we’re not surprised.
We’ve just come out of a pretty chaotic time for weddings so it’s no wonder so many couples are experiencing wedding planning burnout! With longer engagements, there’s a higher chance you’ll struggle between wanting to get a head start with wedding planning and holding off in case trends change or you get bored of your choices. Or maybe you’ll see some girl from high school post a pic of her wedding decor that looks exactly like what you’ve planned so now you’ve got to start all over again.
So how do you plan the perfect wedding with an extra long engagement without experiencing wedding planning burnout?
Featured image credit: Aidan Beatty Photography
Ditch the traditional timeline
Pre-Covid advice would suggest sending our Save the Dates six to eight months before your Big Day, but if you don’t want to compete with other couples inviting your guests to their wedding on the same day, you may want to get yours out sooner. Try not to get too hung up on the traditional wedding planning timeline. Use it as a guide and make changes to suit your priorities and plans.
Ask all the questions you need to
When you communicate with your wedding supplier team, make sure you know what you’re signing up for before agreeing to anything. 2020 taught us that we need to know what the cancellation policy is, amongst other items in the contract. Ask questions and understand what you’re paying for, what’s included and what isn’t.
Beyond the contract, find out what your wedding suppliers have planned for your wedding day. Are there Covid clauses, health and safety rules or other protocols you need to follow? The safer everyone feels, the bigger the party!
Take a break
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you don’t need to be ticking items off your wedding to-do list every waking moment of the day. Lock in the most important suppliers as soon as you can, then take a break. If you spend two years planning non-stop, you will struggle with wedding planning burnout. Get used to taking breaks and avoid stressing and worrying unnecessarily.
Make it your own
You know those trends you’ve seen all over Pinterest and Instagram? Take the ones you love and make them your own! Try and put a spin on the trends that are probably overdone, but you still love. If you’re obsessed with neon lights, just because they’re all over your timeline, doesn’t mean you have to ditch them. How about instead of lighting up your new last name, you use the neon lights to share lyrics that are special to you?
Having seating backups
On a good day, creating a guest list and seating plan can cause anxiety. With Covid, venue capacity, and unpredictable response rates, it’s even more stressful. Many couples are having to revisit their guest list more than ever these days. For the sake of your own mental health, plan for your ideal scenario and then have one or two backups ready!
Say yes (and then no thank you) to the dress
Once you’ve chosen your wedding dress, store it safely and then stop looking! Steer clear of wedding dress regret, by accepting that you’ve found the perfect dress already. Don’t be tempted to try on more dresses at this point. You’re only asking for trouble!
