- Focus on What is truly important-The stress of future in-laws, the pressure to live up to the dream that you've had since you were a little girl, and all the little details that seem to arise cause us to lose sight of what is actually important: the love shared between you and your fiance'.
- Prioritize with your Partner-Talk with your partner and make sure that your wedding plans reflect your wishes. An extravagant wedding is wonderful, so long as it is what both actually want. Many couples begin the planning process without taking the time to talk with their partner to determine what each other truly wants. If a big wedding is in your plans and your budget allows, consider hiring a wedding coordinator to handle many of the details for you.
- Accept that you have limits-You may need to examine your assumptions about how much you expect yourself to handle. It can be hard to admit what we can't necessarily do and accomplish everything that we would like during the time we have in mind or have available.
- Support yourself during the stressful time-Make sure that you treat your body right. You might think that it is impossible to get eight hours of sleep or eat properly each day, but neglecting this basic needs is only going to make your wedding stress worse. Lack of sleep and improper eating habits tend to increase feelings of anxiety, and when you're tired or hungry, you're more prone to making bad judgments. Try to condition yourself to go to bed and wake up at consistent times, and make sure you're eating protein, whole grains and fresh vegetables or fruit with every meal.
- Exercise-Exercise relieves stress, and you don't have to be an athlete to walk or even run moderate distances. The stress that comes from organizing and planning a wedding can be effectively balanced with some good old fashioned burning of energy and frustration.
6. Delegate-Many of the chores and tasks that are mentally bogging you down can and SHOULD
be delegated. Don't be shy about asking your partner, friends, and relatives to help you with
some of these items. Be selective about which tasks you really need to supervise personally.
7. Maintain perspective-Despite how you may be feeling, you are not alone! Talk to others about
the stress you are experiencing. Everyone currently has or has had stress.
8. Reduce social obligations-Many of your normal social obligations can be deferred until after the
wedding. Sometimes it seems that everyone wants to get together and share the excitement of
the pre-wedding months. This can be fun, but sometimes it becomes too much. There are only
so many hours in the day, so don't be shy when communicating to people that you are feeling
overtaxed. Your friends, coworkers, and family will understand!
9. Find some "me" time-Try sitting alone for a few minutes each day and meditate on the
blessings of your life. It is easy to get wrapped up in the craziness of the moment, so just take
time to reflect on the positivity that comes with this joyous occasion.
Remember that this day you are planning is all about the two of you celebrating the love you share. It is a ceremony to declare this love to the world and to share the vows that bind you each other. Try and keep in mind that the food, flowers, guest list, music, venue, and every other "detail" are just temporary. Your love is what's going to last forever. Focus on the relationship you share with your partner, and the memories of this day will take care of themselves!
