If you are a bride, groom, or parents of the bride or groom, this blog is for you! I am writing this blog from personal experience and wanted to offer several suggestions of how to enjoy the process with minimal stress. My daughter is presently planning her wedding and we have both noticed that stress is creeping in which is taking away from the enjoyment of the journey.
In the early stages, I specifically told my daughter and her fiancée to focus on enjoying the process and push away the stressors. It is much easier said than done, that’s a given. Ignoring the stressors are only going to make it worse. Address the stressors one at a time and understand how you are feeling about them. The more individuals involved in the preparation process, the more you may feel stressed. Other people’s opinions and suggestions are important, but they are not the deciding factor. As the bride and groom, constantly remind yourselves of your vision of your special day. Kindly respect other’s suggestions and let them know that you will take them into consideration during your planning process.
Bride and Groom
Carefully choose who you would like to help during the wedding planning process and in which ways you would like to implore their support. Be direct, but kind and gentle. Describe your individual visions to each other and exercise open communication. Avoid build up resentments by sharing your desires, hopes, visions, thoughts, and emotions effectively. Take time away from your planning process to create memories with date days, nights, weekends, etc. Balance your talk and avoid discussing your wedding plans daily. Focus on your end goal and what you are both attempting to accomplish.
Parents of the Bride and Groom
As the mother of the bride, I understand that parents want to support their children during this exciting time. However, ask them in what ways they would like your support. Offer your support and then step back! This is their wedding, not yours. It is very easy to fall into the trap of imposing your vision. Listen to the bride and groom and gain a deep understanding of their vision! Be kind, courteous, and loving during the entire process. Many parents feel that if they are financially providing for the wedding, that they should tell the bride and groom exactly what they should and should not do! If you want a future relationship with your adult children, please avoid doing this! Only offer suggestions when prompted.
To conclude, expect surprises, especially financial ones. It is best to adjust your expectations during this process and take time to laugh!! Please also remind yourselves that the most important part is marriage, which is a lifetime. A wedding is a beautiful day of celebration, and it is only one day.
