How I’m Making Wedding Planning Feel Fun Again

Let’s be real. I’m a 2026 bride, and some days I’m thriving… other days I’m wondering if we really need a cake at all or if we should just elope and call it a day.

I started so excited. I had Pinterest boards, color-coded checklists, and a playlist titled “wedding vibes only.” I was fully That Engaged Girl™, but somewhere between budgeting spreadsheets, vendor ghosting, and everyone and their aunt weighing in, it started to feel… less fun and very lonesome.

If you’re also knee-deep in decisions and drowning in inspiration overload, just know I’m right there with you. Luckily, I’ve been slowly figuring out how to bring the magic back, and I want to share a few things that are working for me.

1. I Stopped Trying to Be the CEO of Wedding Planning

At one point, I had 14 tabs open: venues, florists, photographers, DJs, and a Google Doc labeled “maybe.” I was spiraling. Now, I'm just focusing on one thing at a time, slowly going down the checklist. I started using my The Organized Bride Mini Planner because I needed something that didn’t make me want to cry. One task per week. One category at a time. No more panic-planning at 1am.

2. I Romanticize the Planning

Look, if I have to answer emails about chair rentals, I’m doing it with an Iced chai in hand, at a cute boho bookstore, while jamming to some Renee Rapp. When at home, I light a candle, wear something soft, and pretend I’m the lead in a Netflix bridal rom-com. Even the boring stuff feels better when you make it a ~vibe~.

3. I Focus on the Little Things That Spark Joy

Yes, venue hunting and budgeting are important. But what really lights me up is picking out adorable bridesmaid gifts or naming our signature cocktail something mildly ridiculous. And don't get my started on crafting cute signage. The tiny, personal details are where I feel the most like a bride.

4. I Fully Embrace the Breaks

If you’ve taken a full week off from wedding planning, congrats, you’re doing it right. I’ve had entire weekends where I didn’t think about the wedding once, and spoiler alert: the world kept turning. Sometimes your brain just needs to rest so it can come back with better ideas and less burnout.

5. I Use Tools That Don’t Make Me Hate Planning

I’m for sure a three-ring-binder and 10-page Google Doc kind of bride, but I also want something esthetic, digital, and not terrifyingly complex. That’s why I created my Canva-based digital wedding planner, and it’s honestly been my secret weapon. It helps me

• Stay within budget

• Track vendors without losing my mind

• Picture my guest list

• Help my vision come to life

• feel like I’m making progress

  
  

I hope that this planner is helpful for all kinds of brides, the type As and the type Bs.

Final Thoughts

I know it feels like your wedding is the most important day ever, and yes, it’s a big deal. But here’s your gentle reminder that it’s still just one day. I know we all want it to be beautiful and perfect, but what really matters is everything that comes after. The marriage. The memories. The everyday life you’re building with someone you love. So try not to let the pressure steal the joy.

Let yourself slow down.  Try to keep perspective. Be picky about what you care about. Say no to things that don’t feel like you. Laugh when it gets weird. Let go of the pressure to be perfect. And permit yourself to enjoy the ride, even when it feels like a hot mess express. We’ve got this. If you need someone in your corner who gets it, I’m right here.

Thanks for reading!

<3,

Delilah

Bride-to-be, life coordinator, and your virtual maid of honor @the.delilahdiaries (on insta)