Ask any woman if she remembers how her husband proposed and she will say absolutely! It is one of the most important moments in your life.
Of course, once the excitement of the proposal slowly fades, it is time to for you to plan your big day!! This can cause a lot of stress, even for the most organized bride! (Where do you think the term bridezilla came from?)
Wedding planning should be a fun time for the bride, her family, and her friends. Here are some things you need to keep in mind to make planning your wedding fun!!
PLAN YOUR STRESS-FREE WEDDING
Determine your budget
Before you start planning, know how much money you have to spend. There is no reason to go into debt or overspend just for one day. Make sure you have written down exactly how much you have to spend and then track every expense. You certainly don’t want to get close to your big day and find you have no funds left to pay for your cake!
Use a planner
I don’t mean wedding planner. I am talking about a paper or digital planner. There are many apps and programs online to help you. I’m an old school pen and paper type of planner myself.
You can find all sorts of great planning tools and kits (reasonably priced) at Hello Bride. Some of them are pdfs, which means that you will be able to print them off right after you buy them.
Don’t lose your focus
Your wedding is one day, your marriage is for your lifetime. Don’t get so caught up in the details of your day that you forget why you are doing this. You are getting the chance to marry the person of your dreams!! You are getting ready to build a life together. Your wedding is a kick off to a fantastic life, but it is not the most important thing of all.
Don’t be afraid to say no
Your Great Aunt Louise may have had a beautiful dress she wore for her wedding, but that does not mean it is your style. Don’t be afraid to tell her that you appreciate the offer, but you want your own gown.
Being firm does not mean you need to be rude, but rather, just stand your ground and know what you want for your special day.
Vet your vendors
Take the time to research all of the vendors you may want to hire for your wedding day. Just because a friend recommends them, or have the lowest price, that doesn’t mean you should use them.
Discuss your ideas and what you want for your day to ensure they are on the same page for you. Ask for references and take the time to ask questions and even visit events they are working at to see them in action.
Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family to help. In fact, chances are that they want to help you make your day perfect. Delegate your smaller tasks and then allow them to actually do what you’ve asked.
Remember you can’t control it all
When your day arrives, there are things you will not be able to control, such as the weather. If your ceremony is outside, have a backup plan should it rain. That may mean an alternative indoor venue or a tent that will cover your guests.
Planning for the unexpected can take some of the stress off when things don’t go as you intend for them to.
