In today’s world, social media significantly influences our views and anticipations of weddings. With a quick search, you’re bombarded with more ideas for one wedding detail than our grandparents encountered in a lifetime, leading to an information overload.

Starting this journey with intention is crucial for maintaining mental health. Let’s explore four reminders to keep you anchored as we navigate the wedding planning process.

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Whether you’re navigating a $30k or a $130k budget, adjusting your wedding expectations to fit financial constraints is entirely normal. The grandeur often portrayed on social media can set unrealistic standards, potentially dampening enthusiasm for those with more modest means. However, it’s important to remember that your wedding should reflect your personal joy, not the opulence flaunted online.

Your celebration is exclusively yours, not a spectacle for social media approval. A stunning wedding isn’t about outshining others, but cherishing your unique love story. As you embark on this planning journey, your planner will guide you in wisely distributing your budget, helping you identify where to indulge and where to economize. Embrace compromise as a natural part of the process, focusing on what truly enhances your day.

2. Set Intentional Boundaries

Social media, as we’ve mentioned, is a double-edged sword in wedding planning. It’s filled with endless inspiration and resources, yet it easily leads you down the path of comparison.

Setting social media boundaries is crucial during this time. Dedicate specific times for seeking inspiration and researching potential vendors. After that, continual scrolling through wedding content may not serve your best interests, potentially adding to the stress and pressure. It’s completely okay, and often beneficial, to step back and take a break from the social media frenzy, allowing you to maintain focus on what’s truly important for your wedding.

3. Practice Self Love

With all the talk about getting a “wedding body” and starting a “bride’s fitness journey,” it’s crucial to remember: you are more than enough as you are. The pressure to slim down or fit a certain mold for your wedding day can be intense, but your worth isn’t measured by the scale. The radiant “bridal glow” comes from the deep happiness of marrying your beloved, surrounded by those you cherish, not from meeting societal standards of beauty.

Focus on feeling healthy and vibrant in a way that benefits you, not on chasing an idealized image. Exercise and eat well because it uplifts you, enhancing your natural confidence and well-being. Your partner loves you just as you are — no weight loss required. Embrace your beauty, and let your wedding day be a celebration of your love, not a fitness goal.

4. Embrace Reality

Embrace the real beauty of your wedding day—it’s not a styled shoot or a staged showcase; it’s a heartfelt celebration of your love, surrounded by your favorite people. Just as some tend to design their homes based on Pinterest trends rather than personal taste, weddings can sometimes follow a similar pattern, losing the essence of the couple’s true style and story.

In today’s social media-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in materialistic desires, but remember, at the heart of it all is your love and commitment. Keep in mind that the act of marrying your best friend, not the extravagance of the event, is what truly matters and is already perfect in its own right.

Remember, your wedding will be stunning because it reflects your unique love story and authenticity. Strive to maintain a healthy balance between utilizing social media as a tool and staying true to yourselves, ensuring that your special day is a genuine celebration of your love, surrounded by meaningful moments and cherished memories.