Lessons From Planning A Wedding

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of planning a wedding? It’s a whirlwind of dates, decisions, and details. On this episode, I reflected on my own experience planning my second wedding and how being aware of my dyslexia and neurodiversity made everything feel more manageable.

The episode digs into what changes when you mix wedding planning with the unique way our dyslexic minds work. We explore strategies for creative thinking under pressure, tasks that seem tricky, and the sense of relief when you accept how your brain naturally operates. It’s about using our dyslexic gifts to shape a celebration that’s both practical and personal.

Why Dyslexia Awareness Helps

Knowing I’m dyslexic means I see things differently. Some details might slip my mind, but I excel at out-of-the-box thinking. That awareness has helped me plan everything from the theme to the guest lists without losing confidence.

In the podcast, I share how this realisation keeps me calm when others might be panicking. I’m not perfect. Yet, I’ve learned that the more I lean into my strengths, the easier it is to make quick decisions without second-guessing myself.

Setting Realistic Expectations

It’s easy to be swept away by fancy table settings and endless Pinterest boards. But if you have dyslexia, juggling too much detail can become incredibly draining. I discovered that I needed to keep things simple.

• Pick a few colours and stick with them.
• Limit the menu options so you’re not stuck trying to remember each dish.
• Ask a friend or family member to help with the spot checks, like spelling names on invitations.

This approach saved me a lot of stress. And it gave me time to do what I really love—adding personal touches that reflect who I am.

Using Visual Tools

I’m a big fan of mind maps and visual planners. If I tried to organise my wedding with just words, I’d lose motivation. When I can see everything in a more creative layout, it becomes fun.

“I now swear by colour-coded sticky notes and visuals. It stops me from ignoring the to-do list until the last minute.”

A big takeaway from the episode is to use whatever mediums help you stay engaged, whether it’s sketches, diagrams, or voice notes. There’s no single correct system. Find something that suits your brain.

Communication Is Everything

One lesson I learned was the importance of telling others what I needed. It’s tempting to hide dyslexia and hope everything magically sorts itself out. In reality, I needed to speak up. My second wedding felt less stressful because I was open.

For instance, I asked my partner to handle tasks that required careful reading. I delegated detailed emails and contracts to a trusted friend who loves that level of detail. The result was a balanced workload and fewer mistakes.

Enjoying the Build-Up

Sometimes, we focus so much on the wedding day that we forget the process can be exciting. If you’re dyslexic, this is your chance to let your creativity shine. Embrace the high-level planning first, then fill in the gaps.

I also talked in the episode about setting mini deadlines. If I had left everything until the final week, I’d have been an anxious mess. Instead, I celebrated small wins, like finding the perfect music playlist or finalising the flower order. That feeling of progress kept me motivated.

• Remember: you’re allowed to say no to extra details.
• Slow down and enjoy the new ideas popping into your head.
• Ask for help and share the load when you can.

Marriage is a big deal. Planning it in a dyslexic-friendly way can make it feel more like a creative project and less like a stressful exam.

• Stay aware of your strengths—lean into them.
• Delegate what drains you—people love to support.
• Use visuals—mind maps, colour codes, and diagrams help.
• Keep it simple—don’t overcomplicate small details.

Curious to hear the full discussion? Listen to the full episode using the player at the top of this page. You’ll discover more personal stories, a few light-hearted moments, and even more wedding-specific tips that might spark new ideas for your own big day.