Work-life balance for wedding vendors, like most other professions, is a cycle. While research shows that over-investing in your job is a detriment to your health, it’s also part of what allows us to enjoy our lives when we have the time. Studies suggest that instead of focusing on the hours, we need to measure the quality of life that we gain through work. It certainly helps that the bridal industry is rooted in love and joyful celebration, though it doesn’t cancel out the efforts necessary to pull an event like that off. Hence wedding season stress.
Part of reducing that wedding season stress is prioritizing individual goals while on the clock, communicating effectively rather than caving to requests, and staying true to your boundaries in “off” times. Setting boundaries as a wedding planner is an undeniable challenge – particularly when your couples essentially serve as your boss. You have to be available and prompt, even when it’s inconvenient, and it can genuinely cost you money in the long run if you’re not accessible.
Then comes October, either feared or anticipated for throwing most of those boundaries out the window. Between finalizing vendors, repeatedly rearranging seating charts, and placating couples’ relatives, self-care is the last thing on your mind.
However, taking the time to tend to yourself is the most effective way to manage wedding season stress and maintain your health, so it’s well worth making time for. Try clearing an hour or so in your schedule everyday to do an activity that helps you return to your best self.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve gathered a few suggestions.
- Yoga & Meditation
- This activity might seem obvious, but there are various elements that make yoga ideal. Not only are you giving your overworked muscles a deep stretch, but you’re focusing on breathwork and mindfulness. Avoid pulling muscles by acknowledging your physical limits and playing it safe when it comes to poses you’re inexperienced with. Otherwise, breathe in for four seconds, hold for two, release for another four, and fully relax into your warrior. Your shavasana is on the horizon.
- Soaks & Massages
- When your body feels good, the mindset naturally follows. Instead of taking a shower, try carving out an extra 30 minutes to soak in a bath to release all the tension you didn’t even realize you were carrying. Pour in some epsom salt, stir the water, and close your eyes. Bonus points if you take your bath right before bed, since they have been known to improve sleep as well. For a real treat, book a 60 or 80 minute full body massage at a local spa. You won’t believe the difference.
- Schedule “Rot” Time
- Sometimes it’s actually healthy to not get out of bed. Give in to that little voice in the back of your head that says, “but what if we went back to sleep instead?” Queue up Gilmore Girls, pour your favorite drink, cuddle up under the blankets, and stretch out as much as you can. Giving yourself a break can do wonders for your executive function and help you return to business with a fresh perspective.
- Touch Grass (Literally)
- Pick a park and put on your walking shoes. There are actual vitamin D receptors in your brain that are associated with brain function and regulation, so sunlight is essential. Fresh air never hurts, either. If you’re someone who already does a lot of walking, plan a picnic in a new location. Frame it as an exploration and discover new territory with a wild hike – just make sure to tell a friend where you’re going first.
- Try Something New
- Speaking of exploration, when was the last time you intentionally stepped outside your comfort zone? Eat at that restaurant you’ve been thinking about, buy an air-dry pottery kit, build a Lego set, visit a local small business, order from a new coffee shop. Shaking it up is what makes life more exciting and it’s far too easy to get lost in the details of a wedding day. Expanding your skillset in a more creative way is an inherently rewarding experience and can reinvigorate your motivation.
- Get Social
- Check out the schedule for gatherings like Monthly Merriment or check out upcoming events in the monthly Wedding Industry Newsletter to enjoy happy hours and network with other pros who understand where you’re coming from. Empathy goes a long way, especially when you’re facing problems that others might have solutions to. Make some new friends and enjoy the atmosphere with a community of like-minded people. You’ll get to commiserate and unwind while also gaining insight you can incorporate into your business.
- Craft & Learn
- Give yourself something to focus on by returning to simple crafts that brought you joy growing up. You’ll re-awaken your child-like sense of wonder and return to something that once brought you comfort. Whether it’s bracelet making, paint by numbers, or filling up a coloring book, you’ll wind down before you know it. Pair an activity with an audiobook or podcast to learn something new or enjoy a good narrative while you go. Limit yourself to non-wedding related subjects.
- Schedule a Meal with Your Family
- If you’re someone who has a healthy relationship with their family, then you know how therapeutic it can be to talk to them and receive their advice. Returning to familiar dynamics, voices you’ve heard since you were a kid, and catching up on small everyday things is a natural comfort. If you’re someone who has strict boundaries concerning their family, you might turn to a few close friends instead. They’ll keep your mind off work-related things and uplift your mood just by being around.
- Watch a Movie in Theaters
- There’s a reason why even COVID couldn’t kill movie theaters: escapism through entertainment is still necessary. When you can’t physically get away, you can at least trick yourself into paying full attention to something that isn’t planning-adjacent. In a dim room where phones aren’t allowed, you’re able to escape reality for a couple hours. Research weekday ticket discounts to sneak away for an afternoon when necessary.
- Delegate Day-Of
- I mean, obviously.
Still, we all know that boundaries can get a little flexible in the chaos. Explaining to others how they can help may fall by the wayside when you’re trying to immediately fix any issues that might arise. Have faith in your team to problem solve while you focus on the couple. If you’re a standalone planner, collaborate closely with each of the vendors to ensure they’re prepared to appropriately address the unexpected. If you need help in certain areas, don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for it from your peers. This is a community that wants to support one another in their endeavors to create the best possible experience for couples.
However you decide to address your wedding season stress, no amount of DIY management can compare to the care you receive from a therapist, psychiatrist, or mental health specialist. Remember that there are resources available to support you when you’re feeling overwhelmed and plenty of community members ready to offer advice.
