|
|
 |
Ceremony Survival |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
While most newlyweds agree their wedding was well worth the effort, few to none say it was easy. In fact, don't be surprised if making wedding plans is the most complex project you've ever undertaken as a couple.
Looking for ways to better enjoy this always-challenging, sometimes-crazy time in your life? We are here to help. Here are some tried-and-true survival tips to get you through your wedding day - from the start of planning to the ceremony.
|
|
Survival Tips |
- Since much stress is money-related, plan your budget upfront and stick to it. Try not to start your life together in debt from your wedding!
- Take a breather from your wedding planning once in awhile. Schedule some get-away-from-it-all outings with your intended. Have a romantic dinner or take a bike ride - just don't discuss the wedding!
- Be flexible! You can't have your way on every wedding detail, so don't try. Compromise on the less-important aspects.
- Remember that brides are almost always more interested in the details than grooms. And don't get so crazy over every detail that you lose out on the fun.
- Expect a terrific wedding, not perfection. It's a no-win situation when you set your expectations too high and try to please everyone.
- If you find yourselves at an impasse on some important issues, your wedding officiant or a counselor may offer help.
- Remind yourself that your love and partnership are worth celebrating.
- Ease your time pressure by delegating as much as you can to others. However, when you give a task away, make a special effort to be happy with the choices the other person makes.
- Hire only wedding service professionals that you like and trust.
- Does a friend or family member bring you down? When your stress level is high, try to stay away from him or her. Or at least try limiting your time together.
- Does the prospect of saying your wedding vows or taking the first dance as a couple make you uneasy? Reduce your fears through an exercise used by professional athletes and performers: positive visualization. Relax, close your eyes and really visualize the event going smoothly from start to finish. Repeat this exercise several times daily if you need to. It can make you feel - and perform - much better!
- Realize that your parents' and in-laws' stress may be about more than the wedding itself. They may be feeling anxiety over your leaving "the nest." This is commonly known as separation anxiety. It may help if you make a special point to reassure them of their importance in your lives.
- Expect to be feeling more stressed than usual during your engagement, and plan accordingly. Exercise is one of the best and healthiest ways to reduce ongoing or occasional stress. And don't overlook deep breathing as a stress reliever - it can bring down your anxiety level right away.
- Are you eating right? You'll stay calmer when you eat more vegetables, fruits, potatoes, beans and whole grains, and less caffeine, chocolate and alcohol.
- Put together a wedding-day schedule and provide a copy to each member of your wedding party. They'll be better prepared with this detailed timetable of events that starts with the day's earliest preparation and ends with your departure hour after the reception.
- If you get dressed for your wedding at home, put on some relaxing music, take a bubble bath and allot plenty of time to get ready. How long does it usually take you to get ready? Give yourself double or triple that time. Another alternative is to hire a professional stylist to do your hair and make-up, and help you get dressed before your wedding - if you can afford it. You can have a friend drive you directly from the beauty salon to your ceremony site.
- At your wedding, keep handy contact names and phone numbers for all of your wedding and reception vendors, along with copies of contracts and receipts. Be sure all this paperwork lists the correct date, time and place of your ceremony and reception. Also confirm that you've made required payments to avoid service cancellation.
- Everyone wants to help the bride. So assign last-minute details to someone else.
- Even if a mistake is made, try not to get truly upset. Your wedding will probably go on just fine. It's hard to believe at the time, but a faux pas may even go down as a favorite wedding memory.
- Set aside family conflicts on your wedding day, and be happy. Your guests - even those family members you're at odds with - will find your joy contagious.
- Are there special friends or family members who can't attend your festivities? Make it less upsetting for all by sending them a videotape or photos of your ceremony and reception. That way, they won't miss out entirely and you can still share your special time with them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I purchased two wedding rings through your site and was amazed at the dedication, knowledge and friendliness. I will never go anywhere else for our jewelry needs.
Karen D. - St. Charles, MO
|
For delivery by Friday, May 9th, follow the shipping guidelines below.
