10 Creative Ways to Relax During the Wedding Planning Process
Wedding planning can be as exhilarating as it is exhausting. From finding the perfect dress to deciding on a venue and everything in between, the journey towards the big day is laden with decisions, logistics, and emotions. The process can feel overwhelming at times, but there are many unique ways to relax and recenter, ensuring that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Forget the usual go-tos like massages and manicures; here are ten creative ideas for decompressing amid the wedding-planning whirlwind.
Create a "Sensory Date" with Your Partner
Planning a wedding together can sometimes morph into a series of to-do lists and budget talks. To break this cycle, plan a 'sensory date' that appeals to all five senses. Taste a new cuisine, touch each other's hands with different textures like silk or sandpaper, listen to live music, smell essential oils, and enjoy a visually stunning sunset. This immersive experience helps to get you both out of the planning mindset and into the moment.
Embrace “Moving Meditation”
Walking, swimming, or dancing can turn into meditative experiences if you let them. Dubbed as ‘moving meditation,' the repetitive motions of these activities can calm your nerves and clear your head. It’s an excellent opportunity to focus on your breathing and free your mind from wedding-related stress. Plus, it gets your endorphins pumping, providing a natural mood lift.
Throw a Casual 'Unplanning' Party
This one's a bit paradoxical but hear me out. Organize a casual gathering with your closest friends and relatives, with one rule: no wedding talk allowed. Play board games, binge-watch a new series, or simply enjoy an evening of uninterrupted conversation. It serves as a wonderful reminder that your life and relationships extend beyond the scope of the wedding day.
Personalized Guided Imagery
Record a guided imagery session for yourself that walks you through your favorite relaxing scenarios. This could be a tropical beach, a snowy mountain peak, or even your own wedding day, going off without a hitch. Whenever the stress of wedding planning gets too intense, retreat to a quiet space and listen to your recording. This visualization technique can help your subconscious mind focus on positive outcomes, easing your stress in the process.
Food for Soul: Cook a Nostalgic Meal
Cooking can be a therapeutic activity, especially when you're whipping up a meal that has sentimental value. Take a break from vendor calls and menu decisions to cook a nostalgic meal from your childhood or from a memorable moment in your relationship. Allow the act of measuring, chopping, and simmering to divert your mind and soothe your soul.
Outdoor Photo Hunt
Take your camera or smartphone and go on an ‘outdoor photo hunt.’ The challenge is to capture the beauty in ordinary things—a blooming flower, a sunset, a charming door. This creative exercise helps you focus on the present moment and find joy in the small things, taking your mind off the complexities of planning a wedding.
Make an 'Anti-Bucket List'
An Anti-Bucket List is a list of things you’re grateful you’ve never had to do or experience. Writing one is a humbling experience that puts things into perspective, making you realize that despite the stress of wedding planning, life could be a lot harder. It's a mindful exercise that brings a sense of gratitude and relief.
Decompression through Comedy
Laughter really is good medicine. Consider attending a live comedy show or hosting a comedy night at home where everyone brings their favorite comedy clips or stand-up specials. A solid hour of laughter can dramatically reduce stress, giving you a fresh outlook on your to-dos and timelines.
Design a Mini-Retreat
Convert your living room into a mini-retreat space. Dim the lights, put on soft music, and roll out some yoga mats. Invite a small group of friends and engage in activities that are spiritually or emotionally enriching, like guided group meditations or a painting session. No talking about weddings or wedding planning during this retreat—it's a sanctuary where you can reconnect with yourself.
Create an Emotional First Aid Kit
An Emotional First Aid Kit is a collection of small items that bring you joy or relaxation. It could be a collection of your favorite teas, a small book of inspiring quotes, or a tactile stress reliever like a stress ball or silly putty. Whenever wedding planning gets overwhelming, take a moment to dip into your Emotional First Aid Kit.
Creative Ways to Relax During the Wedding Planning Process
The wedding planning process is undoubtedly stressful, but it's also a chapter in your life that you'll want to look back on fondly. So, give yourself permission to step back, breathe, and engage in activities that rejuvenate your spirit and refresh your mind. After all, the goal is not just to plan a wedding but to enjoy the journey leading up to it.
