🤝 Set clear boundaries: Open and honest communication is key! It's important to let your family and friends know that while you appreciate their enthusiasm and support, you and your partner also need space to make decisions that reflect your own vision for the big day. Boundaries may include specifying which aspects are open for discussion and which are non-negotiable or off-limits.

💖 Embrace their enthusiasm: Remember, your loved ones are genuinely excited for you! Instead of feeling overwhelmed, try to channel that energy in a positive way. Create a list of tasks where their involvement would be most helpful, such as researching vendors, DIY projects, or even organizing smaller pre-wedding events. This way, they feel included without encroaching on your final decisions.

💬 Share updates selectively: If constant inquiries become too much, providing periodic updates can help manage expectations without feeling overwhelmed. Share updates on specific aspects of your wedding planning process, such as the venue, theme, or menu, to keep everyone involved and excited, but maintain control over the final details.

💌 Remember it's your day: At times, people may impose their own preferences onto your wedding plans unknowingly. Politely remind them that it is you and your partner's special day and that you value their opinions, but ultimately, the final decisions rest with the two of you. This gentle reminder reinforces that you appreciate their input while ensuring that you maintain control over the overall vision.

🤗 Seek support from the pros: Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator who can help mediate tensions and provide professional advice. They are experienced in managing expectations and can help strike a balance between incorporating loved ones' wishes while maintaining the couple's desired outcome.

💕 Remember the love: Lastly, during times of stress or overwhelming expectations, never lose sight of the love and joy that surrounds your special day. It’s all about celebrating your unique journey as a couple. Focus on what truly matters: marrying the love of your life and creating beautiful memories together!

Your parents are a big part of who you are and can be eager to want to help you get ready for arguably one of the biggest days of your life. To help you figure out what you can ask your parents to do, here are 6 of our favorite mother and father of the bride duties from WeddingWire's Wedding Trends Expert, Anne Chertoff. 

Through every important milestone, your parents have been right there with you. They've wiped away tears, shared in your laughter, and offered invaluable wisdom every step of the way. Now, they're going to show the same love and support on your special day. Choosing thoughtful wedding gifts for your parents and new in-laws is a sweet way of saying thank you for everything they've done. After all, these special humans are responsible for making you and your S.O. the people you each fell in love with. To help you show your appreciation (and impress those new in-laws!), we've gathered some of our favorite gift ideas they're sure to love.