It’s easy to get swept away in the wedding planning process and lose sight of WHY you’re doing it in the first place.

After all, what would wedding planning be without having a loving, dedicated partner that you get to spend the rest of your life with?

During the stressful moments of wedding planning (and we know there can be many of those) it’s important to try to take a step back and think about the positive aspects of planning this celebration to get married to the love of your life.

According to Brides.com, about 40% of people characterized wedding planning as one of the most “extremely stressful” events in their lives.

But it doesn’t necessarily have to be this way. Remaining thankful can positively impact your mindset during the wedding planning process, and helps you keep sight of the amazing reasons why you should find happiness in the planning.

Here are five ways to remain thankful, even when planning gets difficult…

1. Be mindful

Practice mindfulness! Wedding planning can distract your mind from focusing on what’s truly important, the fact that you are marrying your best friend and creating a life with your wonderful partner. Keep this in the back of your mind during any difficult or stressful wedding-related tasks, and you’ll find it easier to keep a positive mindset when it’s tempting to turn negative.

2. Make a list of positives

It may sound cheesy but write out a list of all the positive things that you must look forward to, either during the wedding, leading up to the wedding, and beyond. What are you truly most excited about? The honeymoon, first dance, taking professional photos? Think about what will make you the happiest and write it all out. It will help to see it on paper!

3. Have honest conversations

Be honest with your partner when your mind strays to a negative place leading up to the wedding. They may be feeling the same way, and you can help each other ease the stress. You will feel better getting it off your chest, and you can both find things to be thankful for together. Don’t stress on your own– let your life partner help take the load off.

4. Find joy in the little things

Is there a specific wedding task that you are particularly worried about? Find a way to create joy in that situation. Are you dreading going to walk-throughs at the venue, meeting with the photographer, or picking out entrees or cake? Reward yourself for checking things off the list and be thankful in seeing that to-do list gets shorter.

5. Lean on your friends

Don’t forget to lean on your wedding party, loved ones, and close friends when things get difficult. They can help you become thankful about things that you may not have considered and will provide a fresh shift in perspective. Be honest with your loved ones just like you were with your partner, and maybe they’ll even help you with some planning tasks.

©CTW Features