10 Resolutions for Stress-Free Wedding Planning in 2025

Did you know that about 40% of all engagements take place between Thanksgiving and Valentines day, and about 19% take place during the month of December. That means a lot of couples are going into the new year with wedding planning on the brain. It’s super exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. The new year is the time we dream big, make resolutions and set goals, in our personal life and this can also apply to wedding planning. 

Whether you’re newly engaged or in the thick of it, creating mindful resolutions can help you keep calm, and believe it or not, even enjoy the journey! From setting a comfortable budget, to keeping a realistic schedule, these 10 resolutions will help you start the year off  with ease. Because after all, wedding planning should be a fun and joyous experience.

1. Breath

It’s so easy to feel like you have to jump into wedding planning the minute you get engaged, and if you’ve been secretly planning your wedding for years and want to jump in, go for it. But take time to enjoy the moment, it’s such a special time, have fun showing the ring off, dream a little, start a Pinterest board. When you both feel ready—on your own timeline—begin taking those first steps.

2. Keep Your Relationship Front and Center

It’s easy to get caught up in the details of the planning process and lose sight of the reason behind all this effort: to celebrate your relationship. Keeping this front and center will help you put any potentially stressful moments into perspective and focus on what truly matters.

3. Create a Wedding Timeline

Taking the time to create a clear wedding planning timeline will help keep important and time sensitive tasks top of mind at the right time so you don’t get into a last minute planning scramble. And remember, this is your timeline, so don’t rush it just because it's what's expected.

4. Embrace Imperfection

If you ask someone who's married, I’m sure they can name at least one thing that didn’t go as planned. Remember to be flexible and recognize that there are only so many aspects within your control. Of course, hope for the best, but be prepared to pivot. A lot of those things that didn’t go quite right can turn into excellent post wedding anecdotes at dinner parties.

5. Honor the Budget

Nothing can add more stress to the wedding planning process than an out of control budget. Keep you and your partner's priorities in the forefront, it’s super easier to get excited about all the shiny new trends and what others think will make your wedding great. Find a tool or app to help you keep track of the numbers, or even just an Excel spreadsheet. Also remember to lean in to resolution #2: Keep your relationship front and center.

6. Accept Help and Delegate

Consider hiring a wedding planner, but if that’s not an option remember that it's perfectly okay to accept help when it's offered.  So often we don’t want to feel like we’re burdening others, but if someone offers to help, assume that they mean it. There are so many tasks that a friend or family member can help with if they’re willing. From tracking down those lingering RSVP’s to finding out which bridal salon stocks the dress you’d love to try on. Little tasks like this can feel like a lot when you have venue visits and meetings with photographers.

7. Embrace Your Style

Set yourself up for success when it comes to shopping for your wedding look by staying true to yourself. Even if you don’t know exactly what you are looking for when you start looking for your dress and accessories, surround yourself with people that are there to pump you up and help you find the perfect look for you. Remember, you’ll be wearing that dress on your wedding day—not anyone else. And you should feel your best.

8. Book Important Vendors Early

Schedules fill up quickly, so start to build your dream team early. If you have a certain venue or vendor in mind, start there and get them booked. This will help avoid disappointment and a rushed frenzy down the line. Planning ahead sets the foundation for a smoother, less stressful process.

9. Schedule Wedding-Free Days

No matter how much is on the to-do list, it’s important to take some days off. Say no to Pinterest, IG, emails, and all things wedding for a day now and then. Do something outside of wedding prep. This will help avoid wedding planning burnout and keep it fun.

10. Prioritize What Matters Most

Focus on the things that are most important to you and your partner. Be it the venue, the dress, food, or anything else. Keep that in mind when planning, even write them down to help guide decision making. There will be so many cool and exciting ideas and add ons that will pop up, keeping your priorities at the forefront will prevent things from getting out of hand.

As 2025 begins and you embark on your wedding planning journey, remember that the process should be filled with fun and excitement, not stress and overwhelm. By sticking to these mindful resolutions, you can stay organized, keep stress at bay, and enjoy this truly special life experience. Take a deep breath, remember what matters most, and lean into the love and happiness that brought you to this point. The wedding may last only a day, but the memories you create will last a lifetime.