The Unfiltered Reality of Wedding Planning from a West Virginia Wedding Venue
- evermoreridgewv
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Planning a wedding is often portrayed as a fairy tale filled with love, joy, and magical moments. Social media highlights couples enjoying cake tastings, trying on gorgeous dresses, and celebrating while touring beautiful venues, like our wedding venue in Charleston, WV. The real story often includes sleepless nights, emotional ups and downs, many cry sessions and a barrage of decisions that can feel paralyzing.
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, scatter brained and exhausted while organizing one of the most important and emotional days of your life. So, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, take a deep breath, and let's discuss the aspects that people don't share on social media because they might not be glamorous or picture-perfect.
Real Talk: The Difficulty of Wedding Planning
The Weight of Expectations
You may encounter well-meaning advice or traditions that weigh heavily on you. Family, friends, and cultural norms often unknowingly add extra pressure to wedding planning. For instance, your mom may have strong opinions on your guest list, while your grandmother might insist on a traditional ceremony. These expectations can create tension and doubt.
Navigating your vision alongside others’ wishes is challenging. You might find yourself questioning your instincts or worrying about disappointing loved ones. Remember, it’s essential to focus on what feels right for you and your future spouse. This is your wedding. You have every right to ignore certain conventions if they don’t resonate with you. Allow yourself the freedom to create a celebration that feels authentic.
If you're dreaming of a summer wedding in Charleston, WV, or a rustic outdoor venue closer to home, trust your gut. Your wedding should reflect you, not just satisfy others.
The Financial Burden
The cost of wedding planning can trigger anxiety, but here's a gentle reminder:
Pinterest is misleading. It doesn't set realistic expectations. Many images you pin to your wedding board are staged and not from actual weddings. As a real person planning a genuine wedding, you naturally want it to be beautiful, but it also needs to be practical and fit within your budget. Follow our Pinterest page for ideas that come from authentic West Virginia weddings!
Remember, you can have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank. Affordable venues in Charleston, WV, and surrounding areas offer fantastic options that suit various budgets. For example, Evermore Ridge provides various packages at different price points, all of which include the use of our decor. This can help couples save a significant amount of money.
Always keep in mind that meaningful moments can happen without extravagant details, and your wedding day will remain special regardless of the budget.
The Decision Fatigue
From selecting the perfect wedding venue near Summersville, WV and beyond, to choosing a color palette, wedding planning often involves an overwhelming number of choices. Decision fatigue—mental exhaustion that comes from making too many decisions—can lead to frustration, stress and even a full mental breakdown.
It's important to recognize when you need a break from decision-making. If you're feeling stuck, step away for a while or ask your future spouse to make the decision—and if you are the person being asked to make the decision, please just make it!
Wedding Planning is Hard (And That's Okay)
During the planning process, you will have magical days and days filled with frustration. In these tougher moments, you may find yourself asking, “Is it supposed to feel this hard?”
The short answer is yes. Many couples go through these emotional highs and lows while planning their weddings. You're preparing for one of the most significant days of your life, and it’s natural to feel the pressure. Always know that you are not alone in these feelings! Try to Embrace every moment, even the hard ones, and remember that these moments contribute to lifelong memories, even if they don't feel picture-perfect.
Managing the Challenges of Wedding Planning
You’re Not Behind
As you navigate this planning journey, keep in mind that timelines are personal. Some couples plan weddings in as little as six months, while others take their time over a year or more. Don’t let societal pressure rush you into a timeline that doesn’t suit you.
If you find yourself planning a wedding in a shorter timeframe, remember that you can still make thoughtful choices that align with your needs. At Evermore Ridge wedding venue, we have had couples plan stunning weddings in less than two months! Find yourself a good wedding planning notebook and take it one task at a time.
Staying organized will help you avoid the feeling of being rushed. Focus on what matters to you while remembering that you're on your own unique path.
Give Yourself Permission to Breathe
In the midst of the hustle, remind yourself that it's okay to take a break. It's crucial to pause for reflection, even when it feels like a luxury you can't afford.
Allow yourself the space to breathe. Incorporate mindful activities into your routine, whether it's meditation, watching a movie, or simply enjoying a coffee break. Taking time for yourself also helps alleviate decision fatigue and overall stress as you prepare for your wedding day.
It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect
Finally, let’s address the idea of perfection. Chasing perfection can lead to unnecessary stress. Stunning wedding photos on social media creates unrealistic expectations about what your big day should look like.
Your wedding does not need to be picture-perfect. What truly matters is that it reflects your love story and feels genuine. Embrace the little imperfections; they often lead to cherished memories filled with laughter, joy, and love.
The moments that make you smile—whether from a spontaneous dance-off with friends or a minor hiccup with your seating arrangements—are the memories you will treasure most. Your wedding day doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to feel like you.
Lean on Your Support System
When feelings of overwhelm arise, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Discuss your feelings with your partner, family, or friends. Sharing your struggles not only helps you feel validated but can also provide insights when you're feeling uncertain.
I always recommend hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator (check out Imagine Designs by Beck!). These professionals can handle numerous tasks and guide you through your wedding planning, easing the load and allowing you to focus on enjoying the planning journey instead of dreading it.
Additionally, choosing locally owned venues and vendors can also provide you with a better support system. Locally owned venues and vendors go above and beyond for their clients, often offering superior hospitality, improved communication, and a stronger commitment to making sure your wedding surpasses expectations.
To my Evermore Ridge couples: I would like to take a moment to convey my sincere dedication to all of you throughout your wedding planning process. You can always reach out to me whenever you have questions, concerns, or simply need someone to bounce ideas off of. I understand that planning a wedding can be both exhilarating and overwhelming at times, filled with a whirlwind of emotions, choices, and expectations. Remember, you are not alone in this process. So, never hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, ideas, or any assistance you may need. I look forward to being a part of your journey and helping you create unforgettable memories at Evermore Ridge!
I've created a community for Evermore Ridge couples to connect, support, and inspire one another. Click the link to find the group and request membership.
Normalizing The Reality of Wedding Planning
Social media has led to unrealistic expectations for wedding planning. It's normal to be filled with emotional highs and lows. Don't be misled by the picture-perfect days posted on Instagram; every couple planning a wedding are facing struggles. Your wedding day will be perfect for you if you plan a celebration that genuinely reflects who you are.
When the burden of expectations becomes overwhelming or you've been driven to the brink after being asked for the tenth time about the napkin color you prefer, take a moment to release it with a cry session and breathe. It feels endless, yet before you realize it, you'll be walking down the aisle, prepared to meet your future spouse. You've got this and I am here for you throughout your wedding planning journey!
Weekly Shoutout from Our Wedding Venue in Charleston, WV
Our locally owned wedding venue in Charleston, WV sincerely hopes to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map. Help us continue our passion and assist future couples by offering your support!
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