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Many brides-to-be feel the pressure, but when does it go too far? Here’s a quiz to see if you’ve turned into a Bridezilla. Answer the questions and find out if you need to wind down ahead of the wedding

How to tell if you’re a Bridezilla and how to avoid becoming one

Planning your wedding is one of the most special times in your life, but sometimes this process can lead to an overwhelming obsession with perfection and control.

When this happens, the bride-to-be may gain a reputation as a ‘Bridezilla’ – someone who is excessively controlling and stressed about the details, sometimes at the expense of loved ones. Here are some signs that you might be on the verge of becoming a bridezilla, and tips on how to maintain balance and joy whilst planning your wedding.

What characterises a bridezilla?

You have a long list of specific requirements
If your wish list is starting to resemble a set of rules and you have strict requirements for everything from the colour scheme to the exact flowers, this could be a sign that you’re over-focusing. It’s natural to want a dream wedding, but micromanaging every detail can make the process difficult for everyone involved.

You’re constantly
changing your plans. If you’re constantly changing your mind about decorations, the menu or the music, this can cause stress for your friends, family and suppliers. Planning is a process where changes happen, but if decisions are constantly being changed, it’s difficult to find stability.

You get easily annoyed with those closest
to you If you find yourself often getting annoyed with your partner, friends or family members when they don’t live up to your expectations regarding help, this could be a sign that wedding planning is affecting your mood and relationships

You’re prioritising the wedding above everything else
If everything else – such as work, social life and even your health – is starting to take a back seat, it may be time to reflect on whether you’re losing your balance.

Tips for stress-free wedding planning

Remember that you can’t control everything
. It may be easier said than done, but letting go of some control is key to avoiding stress. Once you realise that it’s OK if things don’t go exactly as planned, you’ll feel more relaxed and enjoy the process more.

Draw up a realistic plan
. Make a list of what’s most important to you, but try to keep it short. If you focus on just a few key elements, it’ll be easier to manage the planning without losing focus or feeling overwhelmed.

Use your friends and family for support, not control
. Having help is invaluable, but try not to boss your loved ones about as if they were wedding planners. Assign roles and tasks if they offer to help, but remember that their involvement is a gift, not a right.

Take it easy instead

Take breaks from wedding planning
Make sure you have time for other things, whether it’s going for a walk, exercising or meeting friends without talking about the wedding. Having a balance in life is crucial for keeping stress at bay.

Communicate with your partner
The wedding is about the two of you, and it’s vital that you’re both on the same page and understand each other’s visions and boundaries. Talk openly about your feelings and listen to each other to avoid misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations.

Avoiding becoming a ‘bridezilla’ ultimately comes down to keeping things in perspective and seeing the bigger picture. The day will be special even if a few details aren’t perfect. The most important thing is to celebrate your love and create memories to cherish for the rest of your life – filled with joy, laughter and the people you love.

Before you get too stressed about the details, have a look at our wedding photo checklist to help you organise your planning.

Do you feel the stress taking over? Here are some great tips on breathing exercises to help you find calm.

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