While I am no relationship or wedding expert, I decided to post a few tips on how to stay sane while planning a wedding. Actually scratch that, I AM an expert...lol...I have been juggling family drama, graduate school, my rotations and now studying for my license while planning this wedding. In fact we are all experts because unfortunately life does not stop just because you are planning on saying "I do". To all those brides who are living real life which comes with drama, unexpected twists and turns; here's to you!
1. If you have any spiritual affiliations, use them all the time. Planning a wedding requires lots of prayer. Meditation is another good way to keep the stress down.
2. Exercise: I know many brides are working to tone and sculpt that body but exercise is great stress reliever. Whenever your FH or FMIL, or Mom get on your nerves, pound the pavement or lift some weights. You'll be pleased at the end results as well.
3. Communication: It is so easy to get into heated debate with your FH about the difference between calla lillies and geraniums. I have to agree, there is a huge difference but there is no need to get into a HUGE argument about it. Take a deep breath, relax, and start over. Remember that this wedding is about the two of you proclaiming your love before all your friends and families. Its not the same if you guys hate each other.
4. Dig your feet in the ground: As a bride who has been turned around many times by family, stick to your guns. If you want the postcard save the dates, get the postcard save the dates. Its your day and it should reflect that. Everyone else will attempt to have you change your mind so that they can get some control, don't let them. It will only lead to deep resentment if you are not satisfied and then the cycle will continue with your kids. Lets break the cycle, please.
5. Wedding Planning 24-7: Its so easy to have Bridezilla and Platinum weddings on TV in the background while you are trying to finalize your guest list as you keep up with twitters from Getmarried.com. Been there, done that. Give your mind some much needed wedding break. There is life after the wedding and you should live it to the fullest. Try to have at least one non wedding related conversation a day.
6. Spend time with your fiance, friends, and family. And I don't mean take them registry shopping or to a bridal show. Do something fun; like paint ball, or watch a movie, or go bowling. Build positive memories. This goes back to Tip #5.
7. DIY: Its nice to have the title of being an DIY bride. I personally, would love to be a DIY bride. But we are all not DIY brides. Just because you are getting married does not mean that you suddenly have that creative part in your brain that can make fabulous invitations or centerpieces. Don't stress yourself out by planning to do all these DIY projects the night before your wedding. Let it go.
8. Its not a Competition: This is your day with your fiance, not your chance to show up your best frenemie who got married last year. This isn't about her, its about the two of you. Who cares if she had nude Brazilian dancers at the reception with fire spewing out of their mouths? While very entertaining, it is not your job to top that. Your job is to enjoy your day.
9. Just Let it Ring: Sometimes you just have to let it ring; your cell phone that is. If the person on the other line is just going to stress you out, just let voice mail get to it. Nobody will know. Why let them ruin your day? Do you really want to hear that your parents invited fifty more people to the wedding than previously agreed upon? Yea...let it ring.
10. Hire a Wedding Planner: Even if its just for the day of; do yourself that huge favor. Do you really want your Aunt Clara rushing at you in the middle of your bridal party photoshoot to ask you where to seat Cousin Bobby who wasn't even invited? They are really not that expensive and they are worth the penny. Even if you don't hire a professional WP, make one of your friends do it. Take her out for a nice sushi dinner later.
11. Savor the Process: People have said this to me many times and I've never believed them. Enjoy every minute because before you know it, its gone. Take the time to enjoy picking out the linens, tasting the food, or selecting the song list.
12. Retail Therapy: Go out and buy yourself one item that is unrelated to the wedding. Just a lil' something to treat yourself. A cute pair of shoes that does not match the wedding colors, or a cute dress that you will not wear to your bridal shower/bachelorette party/rehearsal dinner. You deserve it, you're planning a wedding. Good luck!!
What are some of your tips to stay sane while planning a wedding?+
2 comments:
I love this post and agree with everything you said! I adore wedding planning and everything about weddings, but I think it is so important to take time away from it all, even when it’s something I enjoy. And I’m right there with you on DIY and not competing, too. Sure, I want my wedding to be fun and unique in my own way, and we are doing a few DIY projects here and there, but I’m definitely doing it because it’s what we want, not because we think our wedding has to be the “best” and show others up. I’ve seen too many brides fall into that trap, and I think it goes against the whole meaning of the day!
Haha, this was so entertaining. And helpful! Especailly the frenemies one and the one about sticking to your guns! Lol.
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