Planning a wedding is hard work. There are so many details that you never would have thought of and being the bride, you have the final say. I was crazy enough and had to plan a wedding during a semester of college, across the country from where we are actually getting married. Thank goodness for my amazing mom who has done so much. Throughout the process, I’ve learned some things. I’ve narrowed it down to seven pieces of advice for all of those future brides out there.

1. Take a deep breath

Being overwhelmed comes with the territory of being a bride, but the most important thing I’ve learned is to take a deep breath. Everything is going to work out and there is no reason to stress over every detail. Put down whatever you’re working on and relax for a minute. If you’re really stressed out, put the wedding plans away and go do something else. Marriage is supposed to be exciting, not a chore.

2. Have a planner

I would have lost my mind without my planner. I had a to do list each week with a couple wedding tasks to get done in that week. Looking at plans week-by-week, instead of the whole process, really helped me keep my sanity.

3. Let people help you

I’ve learned over the past couple of months that I’m very independent and like to think that I can do everything myself. Unfortunately, that’s not true. There are so many people who are willing to help you, so delegate the work! There’s no need to stress over everything when there are so many people who want to help.

4. Write it down

If you don’t write it down, you will forget. I’m always thinking about different wedding ideas and details that if I don’t write down a great idea, I will forget about it. This goes back to the idea of having a planner. If you write it down, it will get done. If you don’t, the task will get lost in the black hole that is my mind.

5. Don’t take the stress out on other people (especially your fiancé)

Wedding planning can get stressful, especially if things aren’t going the way you would like them to. The most important thing is to not take your stress out on people. They haven’t done anything wrong. With this, don’t take your stress on your fiancé either. They love you so much and they don’t deserve that. Take a deep breath and relax before hanging out with other people when feeling stressed.

6. No one is perfect

In my mind, there will be a perfect wedding, with a perfect cake and a perfect dress. Obviously, there is no such thing as perfect; especially when working with other people, who aren’t perfect either. Things will fall apart and something could go wrong with wedding planning. It’s important to remember that no one is perfect, and that’s okay!

7. You will live happily ever after

At the end of the day, the wedding will be amazing. I will get to marry the love of my life and we will spend forever together! How incredible is that?! It doesn’t matter if the little details aren’t exactly how you imagine. The love between you and your spouse will be so strong that the day will be amazing no matter what.