Wedding Planning - The Stress-free Bride

Brides seem to face a barrage of planning, prepping and decision-making tasks shortly after the day they become engaged. Whether it’s a meeting with one of the wedding vendors or a trip to the bridal salon, the wedding planning routine quickly weaves its way into your life-- often becoming a regular addition to your weekly agendas. And as the days roll on and draw closer to your wedding date the planning schedule seems to become even more hectic. For some brides the prenuptial period seems more like a harried whirlwind rather than an exciting time of planning and celebrating. All too often we hear about brides-to-be becoming so overly consumed with their upcoming wedding that they completely forget about the life they led pre-engagement. Understandably, this can lead to even more unnecessary stress and even tension between herself and those around her.

If the last time you spent quality time with your fiancé or hung out with your maids (for activities other than a dress fitting at the salon) predated your engagement, then it's suffice to say you’re probably heading into the same predicament. Before your entire life becomes overshadowed by wedding plans, take a little breather from it all. You deserve it.

We aren’t suggesting that you halt your wedding plans for long periods of time or completely forget about your wedding day until the week before you walk down the aisle, but an evening out-- or a weekend away from everything-- wouldn’t be detrimental either. A chronically overwhelming schedule usually leads to stress, which isn’t healthy, especially for someone prepping to soon get married. In order to remain relaxed, looking radiant and feeling great on your wedding day you need to begin thinking about your well-being now. Reevaluate your busy schedule if possible. Make sure you’ve saved some room for outside activities other than that of wedding planning. Indeed, your upcoming big day is important, but the many other aspects in your current life are important, too.

For starters, pick up the phone and call your fiancé. Find a time you can both meet up for dinner and go ahead with making reservations at a favorite restaurant. And, leave the wedding magazine at home-- no need to tote that along on your dinner date. Maybe you both have had plans for a weekend outing, but never actually follow through with the plans. Go for it and don’t put it off any longer. It’s important to keep time open for each other and some of that time should be spent alone together discussing your future, your upcoming marriage and your lives together. A strong, healthy marriage must begin with a strong and healthy relationship long before the walk down the aisle. With that said, understand that quality time spent now with your soon-to-be spouse is key.

Next, think about your families. Wedding plans are important during the engagement period, but so are bonding healthy relationships with your soon-to-be in-laws. Your future spouse should consider doing the same with your family. And quality time with both families may have even become rather scarce lately. Make a lunch date with your mom or visit your parents one evening for dinner at their place. This is much easier said than done of course if your family lives out-of-town from you. If this is the case, pick up the phone or write. Your busy schedule can afford a 30- minute break to keep in touch with those you love.

Don’t forget about your maids and other close friends. Remember these gals are good for more than just their opinions on centerpieces and their measurements during dress fittings. Invite your friends over for dinner or enjoy a girl’s night out. We aren’t suggesting that you should revert back into single life and party every weekend, but it is OK to retain your social life. Double dates are a great way for the two of you to still be together while going out with your friends, too.

Most importantly, remember that you do have a life outside of your wedding planning agenda. Every once in a while pamper yourself and take a break as well. A trip to the Spa, a long walk or a relaxing soak in the tub may be just what you need to remove yourself from the stress that wedding planning can sometimes create. Along with allowing for special ‘me’ time, remember to eat right, get plenty of rest, be good to yourself and relax; your wedding will be beautiful.