How I Planned My Wedding Without Losing My Mind (or My Fiancé)

Credit: Marissa Grootes

With a whopping 84% admitting they felt overwhelmed in the run-up to the big day, and over a quarter calling it the most stressful time of their lives, it’s no wonder many brides hit breaking point before they even walk down the aisle. But help is at hand! Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon spoke to real brides Jacky and Annabelle, who share the wedding day hacks that helped them stay cool, calm, and collected through meltdowns, menu dramas, and mother-in-law madness—proving that bridal bliss is possible, even when the pressure’s on. 


Don’t Go At It Alone 
Brides, this isn’t a solo mission.  

Get your partner, friends, or family involved—especially with time-consuming tasks like researching florists or handling RSVP logistics. Sharing the load makes the process more fun and collaborative! Annabelle said her mum was her ultimate wedding wing-woman. “My mum managed my stress incredibly well. She gave me the most beautiful celebration and worked so hard to ensure I was happy – I couldn’t have got through it without her.” Jacky credits her older brother, who kept her grounded throughout the entirety of the wedding planning. “He was incredibly supportive, interested and calm and kept reminding me not to get caught up in the ‘what ifs’ and to just enjoy each step of the process.” 


Start Early—Like, Now 
The best wedding stress-hack? Time. 

Planning ahead gives you space to be choosy, explore options, and handle curveballs with grace. For Jacky, the stress came from planning a fully vegan wedding. “Finding a venue that could accommodate us—and handle pushback from our families—was tough. But because we started early, we found a chef who loved the challenge and created a menu everyone raved about.” Annabelle’s biggest stressor? “The guest list. Who gets how many invites, and then who sits next to who—it’s a minefield. The extra time meant we could manage the politics without it boiling over.” 


Talk It Out (and not just about the table plans) 

The best wedding planning rule? Communication. Honest, regular communication with your partner and support circle avoids confusion and helps make sure you’re all on the same page. Jacky shares, “We only discussed wedding planning at set times and held each other accountableto stick to it. That meant it didn’t take over every conversation or aspect of our lives. It made everything much easier to manage.” For Annabelle, stepping back helped. “My partner and I really struggled with staying connected during wedding planning. But I think spending time away from our families helped.” 


Ignore the Noise—Set Boundaries Early 

Unsolicited opinions? You’ll get plenty. The trick is learning when to listen—and when to block the noise. Jacky got clear on whose opinions mattered. “I chose whose advice I genuinely valued and made time for their input. For everyone else? I limited the time and conversation I was willing to have —and they got the message.” Annabelle faced relentless pressure from in-laws, right down to what she wore. “Every detail became a fight—including what I should wear. My top tip is to set boundaries early and remind yourself this day is about you and your partner, not everyone else.” 
 

Step Back—and Breathe 

Grounding rituals—whatever they look like for you—are crucial. Whether it’s yoga, journaling, or simply saying no, prioritising your mental wellbeing is the real wedding glow-up. When things got overwhelming, Jacky found solace in nature and her dog. “I’d grab my Labrador, jump in the car and go to the forest for a long walk. Doing something physically grounding always helps when things get too much.” 


Get a Wedding Planner 

Planning your dream wedding just got a whole lot easier thanks to Abbott Lyon's free Wedding Planner—the ultimate tool for staying organised, inspired, and stress-free during one of life’s most exciting chapters. 

Whether you're juggling venue visits, dress fittings, or endless Pinterest boards, the Wedding Planner allows couples to break down tasks into manageable steps, keep a clear overview of what needs to be done, and access everything on the go, all in one beautifully simple space.