Even if you're not engaged, you've definitely had one of those days/weeks. It usually ends looking something like this:
Much like Supernatural, there's a Betty White GIF for everything.
It's a natural part of planning. It's almost certain. If you're reading this and feeling this way-
You are going to be okay.
I'm not being facetious here; things will work themselves out. Whether you take care of it, or you hire someone like me, it will get done. That, or you'll elope. No matter what, you'll get married. Huzzah!
When you're in this slump, it can feel like there's a crush of things to do. What will your first dance song will be? What kind of flowers will you have on the altar? Vendors are asking you a million questions and you still need to develop an itinerary and an inventory. It's a lot, and a lot of people break down at this point.
This was not what I anticipated when I typed in "break down".
So what are you to do?
Pick and choose: If you're deep in DIY projects, take a look at what you're making. Is it essential to your wedding? Will your guests fall through the floor? If so, pick your least favorite relative and stand them nearby. Problem solved.
Break it down: Make a list of things that need to be done. Move non-essential things (like favors) to the bottom. Put vendor questions first (e.g.the photographer's shot list, the venue walkthrough). Assign one or two per day, and make sure to put at least one full day to yourself in there per week.
Aziz Ansari, channeling bridesmaids the day after the wedding.
Delegate: If you don't have a planner, rope friends and family into helping. I recommend pizza as reward (wine also is an acceptable form of currency for most friends helping out).
Hire someone: If it's not a professional, hire a friend. $200 goes a long way to making sure the reception venue looks right, and calls from your vendors are answered. However, don't treat your friends the way you would a professional. Once they're done setting up, that's it. Adjust your expectations accordingly. Even if your friend rivals Martha Stewart, they likely won't have the tools that a professional has to fix problems.
Take a day to breathe: If work and life are stressing you out, put the wedding on the back burner. If a vendor is pestering you for an answer, just let them know when you'll get to it. We do listen!
But not as well as a dog does.
The most important thing to remember is to take care of yourselves! The wedding is not the be-all-end-all, and it will be fun. As long as you, the food, and the alcohol (if applicable) show up, it's going to be a grand time.
Lucille Ball, you are a national treasure.
'Tis the wedding season, so hopefully I will have some gorgeous pictures to share with you soon!