A Reluctant Bride:
Hello, dear friends and fellow reluctant brides,
I know—it’s been a little quiet over here. Truthfully, the past few months have been some of the most difficult of our engagement so far. As 2024 came to a close, we found ourselves facing a wave of turbulence that neither of us quite expected. While we thought a two-year engagement would feel spacious and full of possibility, reaching the halfway mark made the finish line feel somehow further away than ever.
Catch up on the latest from The Reluctant Bride
Part 1: Navigating The Wedding Maze: A Reluctant Bride’s Journey Begins
Part 2: Family Dynamics and Guest List Dilemmas: The Hard Truths of Planning a Destination Wedding
Planning a wedding is supposed to be joyful, right? But when you’re navigating emotional challenges and mental health struggles within your relationship, it can cast a long shadow over what should be an exciting chapter. There’s been a lot going on beneath the surface—moments of disconnect, strain, and days when the idea of planning a wedding felt completely overwhelming.
Back in December, we made the decision to pause our wedding plans and postpone the date. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it felt like the right one at the time. We needed space—to breathe, to reflect, and to focus on us without the pressure of planning layered on top. At points, I honestly wondered if I’d ever find the motivation again, let alone the excitement.
But something about the change in season—the gentle shift into spring, with longer days and little signs of life appearing again—has sparked a flicker of hope in me.
For the first time since the end of last year, I’ve started to feel drawn back into the idea of wedding planning—but this time, with a different perspective. I’m not chasing the perfect Pinterest aesthetic or the pressure of a grand production. I’m focusing on what really matters: our relationship, the people who love us, and creating a day that reflects who we truly are.
Our wedding might look different to how we first imagined it—and that’s okay. The priority now is simply getting there together. The details, the timeline, even the location may evolve, but the heart of it remains the same. And maybe that shift in thinking is the most meaningful part of all.
Another wedding trigger for me stems from past experiences of witnessing friends become overwhelmed with wedding planning, leading to strains and fractured friendships. Recognising my own detail-oriented nature, some might even call it obsessive (!), I harbour concerns that delving into wedding preparations could unleash this less savoury aspect of my personality. The prospect of being consumed by the minutiae of flower arrangements, seating charts, and colour schemes leaves me apprehensive, wary of the potential strain it could place on both my relationships and my sanity.
Throughout this series, I’ll cover a range of topics essential to crafting the perfect wedding experience. We have decided to have a registry office ceremony in the UK prior to our destination wedding, so I will share our insights for both events. From managing guest lists and designing invitations that set the tone for our celebration to selecting ideal venues that accommodate our vision and needs in both locations. Additionally, we’ll explore digital wedding planning by setting up a wedding website, an invaluable tool for keeping guests informed and organised, regardless of the wedding location. For brides-to-be, we’ll embark on the quest for the perfect dress, shoes, and accessories, with a special focus on options tailored for plus-size brides like me!
So thank you. To everyone who’s been patient and understanding while we took a step back. I’m easing back into this space, gently and honestly. And I promise, there’s more to come—some brighter posts, some pretty things, and hopefully some new plans as they begin to take shape.
Here’s to finding our way back, to growth, to spring, and to a love that’s real—not perfect, but ours.
With love and reluctant bridehood, always,
Hannah
IG: reluctant_bride