Planning a wedding when you have ADHD feels like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. One moment you’re hyperfixating on centerpiece options at 2 a.m., and the next, you’ve completely forgotten to book the photographer. I’ve been there, and I’m here to share what actually works. Read on for some great ADHD tips and tricks for planning a wedding!
Start With a Brain Dump
Your brain is already swimming with ideas, so let’s get them out. Grab your phone, a notebook, or whatever works for you, and write down every single wedding thought bouncing around in your head. No judgment, no organization—just pure stream of consciousness. Once everything’s out, you can start grouping similar items together.
Create a Visual Timeline
Traditional wedding checklists can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at a wall of text. Instead, I recommend a visual timeline that shows you exactly where you are in the process.
Use a whiteboard, poster board, or digital tool like Trello to map out your wedding journey. Color-code by category: venue in blue, catering in green, attire in purple, and so forth. Seeing progress visually provides that dopamine hit we need to stay motivated.
Set Specific Appointment Alerts
“Book the venue” is too vague. Your ADHD brain needs concrete details. When you schedule something, immediately set multiple reminders with specific information.
Additionally, build in buffer time. If you need to prepare for a venue tour at 2 p.m., set your first alarm for 12:30 p.m., another for 1:00 p.m., and a final one at 1:30 p.m. This gives you time to gather your questions, check the address, and actually arrive on time.
Embrace the Power of Body Doubling
Body doubling—working alongside someone else—can transform your productivity. Invite your maid of honor over while you address invitations, or video call a friend while you research florists.
The presence of another person helps anchor your focus. They can gently redirect you when you get off track.
Break Tasks Into Micro-Steps
Don’t tell yourself to “choose a wedding dress” or do any other task without breaking it down. Your to-do list could look like this instead:
- Research dress styles online for 20 minutes.
- Save 5-10 favorite photos.
- Call three bridal shops for appointments.
- Visit one shop this weekend.
Each completed micro-step gives you momentum. As a result, you’re more likely to keep going instead of abandoning the task entirely.
Use Decision-Making Shortcuts
Analysis paralysis is real. Limit your options intentionally. Pick three florists to contact, not fifteen. Choose between two cake flavors, not eight.
Furthermore, set decision deadlines. Give yourself until Friday to decide on invitations, then commit. Perfect doesn’t exist, and delaying decisions creates more stress than choosing the “wrong” napkin color ever could.
Celebrate Small Wins
Booked the venue? That’s huge. Sent the save-the-dates? Amazing. Remembered to eat lunch while planning? Honestly, that counts too.
Your ADHD brain needs positive reinforcement. Acknowledge every accomplishment, no matter how small it seems. These celebrations will fuel your motivation for the next task.
In the end, planning a wedding with ADHD requires working with your brain, not against it. These strategies help you stay organized without forcing yourself into neurotypical planning methods that simply don’t fit. You’ve got this.
