12 Wedding Day Mantras for Worriers & People Pleasers

Planning a wedding with the weight of the world on your shoulders (or the glare of a guilt-tripping mother-in-law) isn’t much fun. But when you’re a worrier or people pleaser, it’s easy to get wrapped up in other people’s expectations, or the anxiety to get things ‘just right’ on the wedding day. 

 

In fact, you might get so overwhelmed that you forget to plan the wedding you want — the wedding you’ll truly enjoy!

 

To help you keep a level head during wedding planning, let go of perfectionism, and enjoy the wedding day, here are 12 of our favorite quotes about going with the flow, staying focused on what matters, and embracing imperfection.

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12 Helpful Quotes & Mantras for Your Wedding Day

 

Mantra #1: ‘Show up, get married, have fun!’

 

“Turn up, get married, have a party. Don't worry about the details or the politics. Don't stress about things running on time because they never do. Ever.” 

 

Turn up, get married, have a party? Sounds good to us! Wedding photographer Laura Babb wrote this wedding advice back in 2013, and it still rings true! 

 

 

Mantra #2: ‘Roll with the changes, join the dance!’

 

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” 

 

Change of plans on the wedding day? Join the dance! This famous quote by Alan Watts, from “The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message of an Age of Anxiety,” is a good tip for staying positive and overcoming unexpected changes on the wedding day. 

 

 

Mantra #3: ‘Embrace chaotic joy.’

 

“I had a marvelous time ruining everything.” 

 

Love wry humor and slightly-twisted optimism? Try this Lynn Painter quote on for size! This funny quote from “The Do-Over” is a reminder to embrace chaotic joy over perfection, and to enjoy every authentic moment — even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

 

 

Mantra #4: ‘Celebration, not stress!’ 

 

“It’s just a party, and we’re the guests of honor.” 

 

Your marriage is the real prize — the wedding day is just the celebration that helps you get there. Enjoy every moment, from the ceremony, to the license signing, to the last champagne toast, and remember that this is one party that can’t start without you! 

 

 

Mantra #5: ‘Be true to your nature. Go at your own pace.’

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

 

Imagine telling your most meddlesome family member “nature doesn’t hurry, and neither will I!” This helpful saying might not go over well in that context, but it’s a great mantra to use on your own when wedding planning gets overwhelming! Yes, there’s a lot to do. Yes, most of it needs to get done before the wedding date. But it will get done in time. At the end of the day, that signed marriage license is what matters most!

 

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Mantra #6: ‘Slow down to feel better.’

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.”

 

This incredible quote by Lily Tomlin (written by her wife and creative partner Jane Wagner) is a great reminder that this is your wedding day, it can happen at whatever speed you please. If you’re feeling rushed by circumstances or people, take a big breath and slow down. It’s the fastest way to relieve stress. Don’t worry, it will all get done!

 

 

Mantra #7: ‘Honest effort is better than perfection.’

 

“You are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.”

 

Author Tony Robbins got this one right! Five, ten, twenty years ago, could you have imagined you’d be where you are today — planning this wedding to the person you love most? No? Then give this wedding your best shot, and remember your effort puts you way ahead of anyone watching from the sidelines.

 

 

Mantra #8: ‘Rest is an important part of the plan.’

“I’m not lazy, I’m on power saving mode.”

 

This quote from an unidentified genius on the internet is your permission to take a night off from wedding planning — or a few quiet moments alone on the wedding day — to regroup, reset, and refocus on what matters most in your relationship. Taking a break might be hard for you to do, so remember: You’re not lazy, you’re prioritizing. Don’t lose sight of forever while planning a single day! 

 

 

Mantra #9: ‘I choose whose opinions matter.’

 

“Don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.”

 

Does this nugget of anonymous folk wisdom bring someone specific to mind? A meddlesome sibling, an overbearing elder, or a close friend who’s great at making you laugh — but has terrible taste in clothing, decor, or music? Brush off any well-meaning criticism and stick to advice from people whose tastes and values align with yours! Your wedding should reflect your style and future, not anyone else’s. 

 

 

Mantra #10: ‘The rewards are worth the effort.’

 

“There are no gains without pains.” 

 

You’re gaining so much today: a new family, a loving spouse, so many new memories, and a brand new chapter! You might also be gaining a few new pains (in the ass), but remember — short term pain for a long term gain is totally worth it. This original quote is from Benjamin Franklin, but we’ve heard it a hundred times in a hundred different ways. The wedding is just one day, your love is forever! 

 

 

Mantra #11: ‘Accept what I can’t control. Focus on love.”

 

“Just go along with things and let your mind move freely. Resign yourself to what cannot be avoided and nourish what is within you - this is best.” 

 

Translated from the Zhuangzi by Burton Watson, this Taoist quote is a fitting mantra for any wedding day. Lean into the unexpected moments, forgive any small mistakes that you or others make, and nourish what’s within your heart — your love for each other! 

 

 

Mantra #12: ‘Have the hard talks early.’

 

“When we avoid difficult conversations we trade short term discomfort for long term dysfunction.” 

 

If all this ‘go with the flow’ advice is falling flat, maybe it’s time to shake things up instead! After all, if a close friend or relative is stepping on your toes during wedding planning, there’s a good chance they’ll still be stepping on your toes in marriage — unless you can clear the air. Our only suggestion if you follow this advice from Peter Bromberg? Do it before the wedding day. Emotions will be high enough the day-of! It’s your wedding, you’re allowed to have the hard talk. 

 

 

Which mantra will you repeat on the wedding day? 

 

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Have a Friend Officiate Your Wedding with Help From American Marriage Ministries!

 

The best officiant for your big day is someone who makes you feel comfortable, confident, and supported. And we bet there’s a close friend or family member who fits the bill! 

 

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We make it easy for your loved one to get ordained online – it only takes a minute – and give step by step instructions on how to write a wedding ceremony script, deliver an officiant speech, and sign the marriage license. 

 

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And with over 15 years of experience providing online ordinations as a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization, American Marriage Ministries is one of the most respected and trusted places to get ordained to officiate a wedding. Our online ordinations are recognized in every state (except Virginia), giving you the authority to perform weddings anywhere you choose.

 

Click the link above to start planning your wedding ceremony today! 

 

 

Become an ordained minister with free online ordination from AMM to officiate weddings for friends and family! (Photo: omelnickiy / Adobe Stock)

 

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