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Minimize the Stress of Your Wedding
by Caprice Pettit
Is stressing about your wedding taking most of your energy? You
need that energy for running errands and making decisions. To
harness the energy you spend stressing and put it to good use,
you first need to find out what exactly you are stressing about.
Many aspects of a wedding cause stress and you need to figure
out what that aspect is before you can rid yourself of it.
One major cause of stress is the idea that you need to keep up
with social and personal expectations. Stop worrying about other
people; this is your day, and you should have it how you want,
not how your family or friends want. Many couples also stress
over getting the wedding and reception perfect. Perfection
rarely happens, so don't go overboard in trying to get
everything that way.
Another cause of stress is disagreements between the couple and
whoever is actually planning the wedding. The couple is very
involved in the planning, but most of the time someone else,
such as a family member, a friend, or a wedding coordinator plan
the event. This shift of control can sometimes take a toll on
the bride or groom if they are used to controlling everything.
When disagreements occur, don't start a fight or raise your
voice. This will just make things worse and add to your stress.
Your wedding day will be one of the best days of your life, so
you don't want hard feelings to be present during this special
time. But you don't want to give the silent treatment, either.
Rational communication is your best bet. Calmly and politely
talk out your problem with whomever you are having a
disagreement with. Also, try to compromise. If the person
planning your wedding has an idea you just aren't sure about,
give it a try! People who plan weddings for a living usually
don't go too wrong with their ideas. It might even turn out
better than you could imagine. And remember; be thankful that
you aren't in control over everything detail of the wedding.
Accept help in planning and delegate as much as you can.
Here are some ways to cut down on stress:
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Don't waste time and energy sweating about the little things. You
should concentrate your energies on the more important things.
Spend time worrying about the dress or cake rather than worrying
about which guests will sit next to each other.
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Get plenty of sleep. If you're like most people, sleep is last on
the priority list. But in actuality, it should be on the top.
Not getting enough sleep, or getting too much sleep, will drain
you, wear you out, and make it harder to deal with the stress. A
good amount is probably 8 hours. You may not think you have the
time, but make the time; you'll be glad you did.
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Smile, be happy, and think positively. Don't say things like
"this idea will never work out." If friends and family see you
smiling and being happy, they will be more likely to do so. All
of this planning is for you, anyway. Also, don't forget to
laugh.
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If you want to lose a few extra pounds before the big day, do not
crash diet. Just like not getting enough sleep, crash dieting
will consume all your energy and you will end up cranky and
irritable. Just exercise. Go running or biking a few times a
week, or join an aerobics class. Exercising causes endorphins to
release into your body, which give you energy and help you to be
happy. Exercising is not only a good way to lose a few pounds,
but it also releases the stress that is built up inside of you.
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Pamper yourself! Treat yourself to a day at the spa, and get a
massage, a facial, or manicure. If you can't afford to go to a
spa, relax at home: take a hot bath, light aromatherapy candles,
and listen to some of your favorite relaxing music.
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Instead of stressing about before the wedding, spend time
thinking about after the wedding. Envision the honeymoon; think
about spending time with your companion for all time.
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Just get out of planning and get out into nature. Turn off your
phone, TV, and computer and go for a walk, anywhere. Enjoy the
beauties of the natural world.
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Plan a fun date with your fiancé. Pretend like you have no
wedding to talk about, and just have a fun and crazy time. Or do
something romantic like relive your first date, or give each
other massages.
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Not everything will work out perfectly, so have a sense of humor.
You'll find it's the only way to get through the planning and
still keep your sanity. Blowing up and yelling at people will
only make things worse for everyone, including you.
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Take a girl's night out. This is especially good if you and your
fiancé are irritating each other because you've been spending
too much time planning together. A good old fashioned girl's
night will help you take a load off: give each other facials,
manicures, pedicures, and watch your favorite chick flick.
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Help others. The best way to get rid of stress and get your mind
off yourself is to help others in need. You will feel so great
after seeing how grateful someone was for your help.
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Keep everything in perspective. Remember that all this planning
is for one wonderful reason.
Remember that feeling overwhelmed is very normal. If you're not a
wedding coordinator, then you're probably not used to all that
goes into planning a wedding and reception. Don't get frustrated
if you aren't on Cloud 9 all the time. Stress will come, so just
keep your mind on the outcome of all the work you're doing. Once
the big day comes, you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself
and your lifelong love.
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