The date is closer than ever and there’s nothing more pressing than the Big Day. You’re marrying your soul mate, but you still feel overwhelmed. You’re snapping at your parents and getting annoyed with your bridesmaids. You’ve got a list of “what if’s” that have put you in panic mode.
Brides have cornered the market on worrying. One of their biggest concerns is the weather. What if it rains and what about the shoes, the dress, the hair? There’s no way to control Mother Nature or guarantee her good graces. So, if you can’t control it, then outsmart it by being prepared. Have a weather plan: wedding shoes in box, sneakers on your feet. If you can, get dressed at the church, synagogue or reception venue. If you’re going to be overwrought with worry, opt for an indoor wedding. If it is outdoors, be sure you work with a top purveyor of high quality party tents.
#2: On the anxiety chart is family feuds. With parental divorces, step parents and relatives that aren’t speaking to one another, brides stress over angry feelings clouding the air at the wedding. Trying to please everyone can make creating a seating plan next to impossible. Be as sensitive as you can, but remember it is your day and they’ll just have to grow up and get over it.
#3 and #4: How many people can you invite and who should get plus ones. Cutting back on your list of invitees isn’t easy. If your single friends are not dating someone steadily for at least 3-6 months, explain to them you can only have a limited number of people and unfortunately cannot offer them a plus one invite.
#5: We won’t have enough money to create the wedding we really want. Money is one of the leading hot buttons for couples. Brides can allay some of those fears by thinking creatively. Break out of tradition and add your own clever touches that make the wedding uniquely yours. This is the place you may have to review your guest list and pare back.
#6: “I won’t look perfect.” If you stress less, the tension won’t show on your face and you’ll ward off the chance of an unexpected blemish. Give your make-up person clear instructions as to how you want to look. Have your hairdresser do one or two practice runs. Remember, your intended thinks you are perfect no matter how you look.
#7, #8, and #9: Dress fitting, feet hurting, tripping in your shoes. If you feel your weight may have changed since your last fitting, try on your gown at least two weeks prior to the Big Day in case you need last minute alterations. When it comes to your shoes, if you insist on skyscraper heels, wear them for an hour a day to break them in. Practice walking and buy a pair of bridal flats as a backup.
#10: The photos won’t look good. This is not the place to cut back; work with a professional whose portfolio you have reviewed. Trust that he knows how to capture the right lighting and angles to shoot from. Give him a list of the type of shots you want. Remember, photographers generally take several of the same shots so you’re bound to find that perfect photo.
Of course you want your day to be just as you envision. 99% sure it will be. But, if there are a few bumps in the road, more than likely, you will be the only one who knows. Before you panic, look for solutions. All the people who are trying to keep you calm love you and have your best interest at heart. Enjoy the present moment and revel I the fact that you are marrying your best friend.