Planning a wedding is one of life's great joys, full of opportunity for creating an event that will capture all your hopes and dreams and provide a lifetime of memories. However, it's no secret that wedding planning can be stressful, so self-care should be a priority throughout the process. From booking a wedding reception venue to choosing flowers, music, and food, keep your stress levels in check by following these three tips.

How to Reduce Stress When Planning a Wedding

1. Prepare & Communicate

The more prepared you are, the more relaxed and confident you will feel, so it’s best to start planning at least two to three months in advance. If you're getting married at a peak wedding time like June or September, be sure to secure a wedding reception venue early. Send out invitations six to eight weeks prior to the scheduled date.

Have a point of contact with all venues and vendors, and communicate your needs clearly and respectfully, and keep in regular touch with them throughout the planning process. Also, remember that part of planning is sharing the workload, so don't be afraid to ask for help from loved ones and delegate responsibilities as needed.

2. Take Breaks

Wedding planning can quickly become an all-consuming task, but try not to let it overwhelm every waking moment. Schedule regular breaks throughout the week where you do no planning whatsoever. Take time to read a book or go on a walk. You can also schedule to watch a movie with your soon-to-be spouse. Just as one should maintain a work-life balance with a job, maintain a healthy balance with wedding planning and the other areas of your life.

3. Keep Organized

Organization will minimize stress by holding all important information in one central place and helping you keep track of all the little details that need to come together. Fill a spreadsheet with the names and contact information of those whose services you are utilizing. This includes the wedding reception venue, the florist, the catering company, the deejay or band, and the clothiers.

Make to-do lists for every component of planning. Maintain a roster of guests and promptly update it with RSVP information. Keep a running tally of expenses to stay on budget.

When looking for a wedding reception venue in the Lincoln, NE, area, contact Havelock Social Hall. Since 1995, they have been providing banquet hall rentals for weddings, corporate events, and other gatherings. They can accommodate up to 400 guests in clean, sophisticated spaces that can be customized to meet your needs. Call (402) 467-­3002 or visit their website to schedule a tour.