Planning your dream wedding? Congratulations! You’re probably buzzing with excitement, armed with Pinterest boards, venue brochures, and maybe a cheeky wedding countdown app on your phone. But what no one warns you about is just how many opinions come flying your way the moment you announce “We’re getting married!” In this blog post, I’m sharing 5 tips for dealing with wedding planning opinions—because yes, everyone has them, but no, you don’t have to absorb them all.
From your mum’s insistence on chair covers, to your cousin’s outrage over the lack of a plus-one, navigating other people’s expectations can get overwhelming fast. So how do you stay true to your vision while keeping your sanity intact?
Tip 1: Set boundaries early
One of the best ways to protect your peace during wedding planning is to set clear boundaries early on. Let friends and family know that while you love and appreciate their input, the final decisions will be made by you and your partner. This doesn’t have to be dramatic or cold, it can be as simple as saying:
“We’re so grateful for your suggestions, but we’ve decided to plan this in a way that feels right for us.”
By establishing that you’re steering the ship, you’ll avoid a lot of future stress. Trust me, future you will thank you.
Tip 2: Communicate kindly but confidently
It’s totally normal for people to get excited (and even a little over-invested) in your wedding. Emotions run high, especially in families! If someone’s upset or disappointed about one of your decisions, approach the situation with empathy—but don’t backtrack just to please them.
You can be kind while still standing your ground. Try something like:
“I know you were hoping for a different setup, and I really value your thoughts, but we’ve chosen what works best for us.”
Remember, confidence isn’t about being dismissive, it’s about being clear. And clarity saves a lot of drama.
Tip 3: Appoint a ‘people manager’
This is a game-changer. If you’ve got a particularly vocal family member, or someone who tends to stir the pot, ask a trusted friend, sibling, or even your planner to step in as your buffer.
Let’s call them your “people manager.” They can help redirect tricky conversations, answer questions on your behalf, or gently manage expectations so you’re not handling every emotional outburst or passive-aggressive comment yourself.
You don’t have to do everything alone, and this small delegation can make a big difference to your stress levels!
Tip 4: Don’t over-explain
You might feel the need to justify every decision you make—but here’s the truth: you really, really don’t. Choosing to have a small wedding, skipping traditions, or going all-in on a moody colour palette isn’t something that requires approval or endless explanation.
“We’ve chosen what feels right for us.”
“It’s something we’re really excited about.”
“We’ve made that choice together.”
These are all full sentences. You’re not applying for a wedding permit—you’re celebrating a milestone with the person you love most. Keep your explanations short and sweet, and move on with a smile.
Tip 5: Focus on your why
This is the heart of it all. When things feel chaotic or when you’re knee-deep in family politics, come back to your why. Why are you getting married? What does this day mean to you?
It’s easy to get caught up in the small stuff…guest list tensions, table layout debates, the classic “chicken or beef” dilemma. But your wedding is ultimately about love, commitment, and the beginning of your next chapter. When you focus on that, the noise starts to fade.
So when you’re faced with the millionth opinion you didn’t ask for, take a deep breath and remind yourself: You’re creating a day that reflects you. And that’s more than enough.
Final Thoughts: Your Day, Your Way
Dealing with wedding planning opinions is one of the biggest emotional hurdles for modern couples. But with strong boundaries, honest communication, and a solid grip on your vision, you can navigate it all with grace and maybe even a little humour along the way.
Whether you’re planning a lavish luxury wedding or a low-key celebration with just your nearest and dearest, these 5 tips for dealing with wedding planning opinions will help you stay true to yourselves, while still keeping the peace where you can.
Need more wedding planning advice, or just want to chat with a photographer who gets it? I’m here for you. Reach out any time, and let’s make magic together—your way.
For more tips and helpful blog posts, check out the helpful resources section of my website.
Check out Bridebook: UK Wedding Planning Tools & Budget Planner which is useful for setting up timelines, budgets, and managing RSVPs.
