Let me tell you – post-wedding blues are a real thing.
I struggled for nearly eight months after our destination wedding. I had regrets, wishing I had done things differently, and just downright sad it was over.
I say this not to scare anyone, but to be prepared that you may also feel this way. Because to be honest, I wasn’t prepared to feel that way at all.
Are you currently experiencing some wedding blues? Or are you getting married soon and are worried about feeling this way? It’s normal. You aren’t alone.
Post-wedding depression is something that a lot of us deal with, but it’s not widely discussed. You may feel as though you don’t want to tell anyone you’re sad your wedding day is over, well, because you’re married to the love of your life!
But the wedding blues are so real, especially (and understandably) because you’ve invested so much time, energy, and tears into your wedding day. I think that’s why it’s so hard.
It doesn’t matter if you had an amazing day and it was everything you’ve dreamt of; all of the planning, excitement, months and months (maybe even years) of planning, and it’s all over before you know it. I get it. I’ve been there.
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9 Ways to Help Deal with the Post-Wedding Blues
If you’re looking for some ideas to help deal with how you’re feeling right now, these ideas may help. I’ve done a lot of these myself, plus these are words of wisdom compiled from over 5,000 past destination wedding brides!
Talk to a therapist
I wanted to preface this list of ways to combat post-wedding depression by saying I am just a person who has gone through this and have found things that work for me. I’ve also compiled ideas from past brides and what has worked for them.
This doesn’t mean these will work for you. So, as someone who has spoken with a therapist, I cannot recommend them enough. There is no shame in talking to someone who can help you work through your feelings. We’ve all gone through it, and you aren’t alone.
Talking to a therapist can help you make sense of what you’re feeling – and you will leave your session (phone or in-person) feeling better or at the very least, more clarity. You may even have some ideas of your own (and in which case, please drop a comment below or contact me and let me know!).
Plus, part of your therapy sessions may even be covered under your work benefits or insurance!
Delay the honeymoon
A lot of destination wedding brides will tack on an extra few days or a week to extend their wedding trip and relax after their guests depart. This saves money (big time!) and gives you some time alone.
That being said, your wedding and honeymoon will all take place during the same time period, so when you come home you don’t really have anything “to look forward to.” I put that in quotes because people who aren’t in your shoes will tell you otherwise (“what do you mean you have nothing to look forward to, you have your whole lives together!”).
Many brides will have their destination wedding, come home, then plan their honeymoon a few months after. This may help ease any post-wedding blues and help you combat the depression you feel after your wedding is over.
Related: The Best Adults-Only Resorts in Mexico (perfect for honeymoons!)
Redesign your home
Have you been thinking about renovations? Or maybe wanting to switch up some paint colours? Start a garden? Maybe even take on a DIY project? Now you have the time to do so!
Starting little tasks each day around the house will give you some purpose and focus.
Hang those wedding photos in cute frames, make a collage, go Pinterest-crazy!
One fun project I did was making a shadow box full of wedding memories – our board passes, my barefoot sandals, invitations, a wedding photo, one of my hair clips, etc. It’s a fun way to commemorate your day and display it in your home!
Find another hobby
Want to learn a new skill? Maybe you want to perfect your cooking skills, or go back to school and take a night course, or maybe even start a business! Taking up a new hobby or new venture will shift your focus on a new project.
Lots of brides will tell you that picking up a new hobby is one of the best ways to get over the post-wedding blues.
Mine ended up being the gym until Covid hit, then I took up hiking. Finding projects that challenge your mind (and your body!) are healthy coping mechanisms and will direct your energy into something new.
Set goals
The best thing you can do is keep making goals and plans for life. Big or small. Start a checklist of things you want to do for yourself, your family, your career, your savings account, etc. Work towards those goals and set little rewards along the way when you accomplish them.
I’m one of those types of people that always has to have something to look forward to, which probably isn’t healthy. BUT I find that creating a list of goals and tasks to complete helped me a lot.
Plan another trip
My family always laughs that before I head home from one vacation, I have the next one booked already. But it’s true!
Planning a trip is such an exciting time – as you know! Of course this may be one of the most expensive cures to post-wedding depression but man is it ever fun. 😂
Getting involved with trip planning eases stress, releases endorphins, and can very easily and quickly improve your mood. It doesn’t matter if the trip is a week from now or a year from now, it’ll be in the back of your mind and can also help you work towards any goals you have for yourself.
Related: What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Vacation (plus free printable!)
Get involved with helping other brides
After my destination wedding, I felt low. Really, really low. I’ve been a part of numerous destination wedding Facebook groups for 7 years now and seeing all these beautiful weddings made me almost resentful of mine.
I stepped back and almost left entirely. It took a few months to come around but then I fell in love with helping other brides plan their day.
By sharing your own tips, advice, and photos, it can help take away some of the sting that your wedding day is over. It’s been a healing outlet for me and many other brides, plus new brides appreciate your tips and insight!
Start a business
New projects are great, but what’s even better is a new project that can make you money!
This is how I ended up with my blog, sharing some of the my best tips and advice when it comes to travel and destination weddings!
Many brides have become travel agents, started their own custom invitation business, became photographers, etc!
Maybe you’re really good at graphic design? Sell your work on Etsy! Want to share your own ideas with the world? Start your own blog (it’s one the best things I could’ve done!).
You never know – your creative juices might start flowing after your wedding – and you may want to fill any missing gaps that weren’t there while you were planning your own wedding!
Allow yourself to feel what you feel
Above all else, be gentle with yourself, and allow yourself the time to heal. There is no deadline to get over the wedding blues, and you don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself.
Related Posts
- How to Travel with Your Wedding Dress (Stress-Free!)
- Fun Affordable Destination Wedding Favours for All Budgets
- What to Include in Destination Wedding Welcome Bags
- Questions to Ask Your Destination Wedding Resort
- Beautiful Barefoot Sandals for your Destination Wedding
- The Ultimate Guide to Tipping at Destination Weddings
- Best Destination Wedding Tips and Advice from 30+ past brides!
- Alternative Destination Wedding Guest Book Ideas
- 8 Reasons to have a Destination Wedding
- Best Adults-Only Resorts in Mexico (Perfect for Honeymoons!)
- Awesome Private Airport Transfers in Cancun
- Fun Excursions in Cancun & Riviera Maya
- What to Pack for an All-Inclusive Vacation (plus Printable Checklist)
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