I was anything but healthy on my wedding day. I was worn out, stressed out, and my body showed it. I had gained over 20 pounds in just over a year.

No one prepares you for what it’s like to be a bride. Like never before, I felt that every minor disagreement, every point of difference needed to be resolved or even conquered. I felt tremendous pressure to throw an amazing party and experience some meaningful transformation toward becoming “wife”, all while holding it together enough to look smoking HOT on the big day.

I just couldn’t do it.

And so, I look back on my wedding pictures now and the stress is so visible in every shot. I was overweight, I was grimacing with fear, and I was so concerned with making everyone else happy. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are five ways to stay stress free during wedding planning:

Schedule ME time. Take time out of your day everyday to work out. Yoga, a good run, or some time at the Fitness Lab with a few of your favorite gal pals, will give you the energy you need to make it through your stressful days at home and at work.

Delegate. There are likely lots of folks who are close to you, and who want to help but all you need to do is ask. Try this: write a list of all the things you have to get done and then divide your list into two sections: the things only YOU can do, and the things you could pass off. Then, carefully and lovingly ask others to pitch in. I bet they’d be honored to be a part of your special day.

Don’t skimp on date nights. It’s amazing how when you are planning a wedding with someone, it can feel like you are spending LESS time together. If you are feeling like the only time you see each other is when you are getting things done, slow down and be intentional about spending time together where you’re NOT focused on the wedding. You’d be surprised how much better you feel.

Consider counseling. Ok, we’ve all seen the romantic comedy versions of couples therapy, but premarital counseling can be a great way to discuss some of those looming issues like joint finances, baby making, or differences with your soon to be in-laws.

Let go. Things don’t have to be perfectly planned to be awesome. All that matters on your big day is that you are marrying the person you love. Don’t let the other stuff get in the way of why you are tying the knot in the first place.

Looking back, it’s silly to me how much time and energy I focused on one day. In the end, it was a beautiful day with friends and family gathered and I married the absolute love of my life. It’s really too bad I was too stressed to fully enjoy it. Do what you can now to feel your best in every way on your wedding day.