That’s an attractive picture, isn’t it :) 

Wedding planning can be fun and it can be stressful.  Imagine doing 15 of them at one time.  It is very important that you keep your wedding in context of the big picture.  Remember, it’s a celebration of a marriage; a new life created from two lives coming together.  What may seem like a big deal now, may not be two weeks or two months from now.  Remember, your fiance should still want to marry you during the planning.

Find an outlet, get a hobby, take a mini-moon, but do something.  Don’t let planning consume you to the point where friends and family take of running the minute they see you coming. Their first immediate thoughts are “Please shut up about your wedding”.  Also, get help if you need it. The biggest factor of bridal burnout is that brides and/or moms do not delegate.  If you can, enlist the help of a professional.  Remember, this may be the only wedding you’ll ever plan. An experienced planner can steer you from costly mistakes and save you time from looking for vendors or products.  If you still opt to not get any help during the process, at least enlist th help of a day of coordinator.  You don’t want to be consumed with the details on the wedding day, nor do you want to burden your family and friends. (You tell me the last time you heard Angelina Jolie concerning herself with props, lighting, sound, etc. when she’s starring in a blockbuster.  Don’t worry. I’ll wait…)

Here are some other ways to avoid Bridal Burn Out:

• Get a hobby. Seriously, no joking.  Start crocheting, skating, shopping, something that is not related to your wedding.  You need an outlet.
• Don’t take on more than you’re supposed to.   Stay on track with a timeline– don’t skip ahead, but don’t drag your feet.  Do what you are supposed to in a specified time.  It’s great to gather ideas and research, but don’t go into overdrive and execution.
• Get some friends.  They have lives too, and surprisingly enough they do not revolve around the dress for your wedding or getting an invitation to your wedding. Show your interest in their lives too.  It will be all about you on your wedding day, and until that day comes…
• Just go away.  Sometimes you need to get out of Dodge for a breather.  Take a Mini-moon (see our other blog entry about mini-moons).  Make a deal with your fiance that will not discuss anything wedding related for a weekend while you are away enjoying yourselves.  Go back to the original purpose of this wedding:  the two of you. 
• Join a message board.  If you can’t seem to tear yourself away from the wedding goodness, then join a message board to converse with other brides/moms.  Seeing other people’s ideas, problems, advice, etc. can be very therapeutic.  Sometimes, you’ll see exactly how good you have it.