A friend of mine wrote this article about planning engagements and weddings and gave me permission to post it here.
Low-Stress Wedding Planning
Whose Day Is It?
This is your wedding, so the day should be about what you and your partner want, right? Yes and no. You may want to remember that you can’t please everyone and therefore focus on simply pleasing yourself and your partner. On the other hand, when parents are footing the large bill for a wedding, they can feel they are hosting the event. Often parents pitching in financially may feel they are owed a say in how the money is spent and wedding or reception details. This is particularly true if a significant number of guests are their long-time friends or relatives.
Avoid upsetting people by learning the art of compromise. Making decisions that everyone can live with is a skill which will improve the odds of you having a happy marriage. Planning
Start planning right away. Use a folder, notebook or even a computer program to list all the tasks you can think of related to your wedding, including the honeymoon. List dates when jobs need to be completed and check them off once done. Keep a record of everything: deposits, receipts, phone calls and written confirmation of any bookings.
Budget
Work out a budget for your wedding and try not to exceed it by more than the smallest of margins. Wedding costs have a habit of getting blown out of proportion. If you are over budget, look for areas where you can economize. Could you borrow a friend's car instead of hiring one? A wedding doesn't need to expensive to be great.
Share the Workload
Once you have a list of everything that needs to be done, enlist help. Ask family and close friends to assist or even be responsible for various tasks. Many people love a wedding and love to be involved, so let them. But don’t begrudge those who politely decline.
Problems
Keep problems in proportion. If the bridesmaids' shoes are one shade lighter than you wanted, it isn't the end of the world. Learn some relaxation techniques or have a soothing massage if it all gets too much.
Enjoy the lead up The time leading up to your wedding is a special time that will go very quickly. Don't spend it obsessing over wedding preparations or arguing with everyone. Don't say things you may later regret. If you feel yourself losing your cool, walk away for a while and calm down. Sometimes it helps to pop in a movie or read a book about someone less fortunate than yourself. Those off-shade bridesmaids' shoes really will seem trivial when you consider people living in poverty or battling major illnesses.
Take Time Out
Each week take time out with your partner and agree not to mention the word 'wedding' or anything related to weddings. Go out to dinner, see a movie or enjoy other activities for two. (wink, wink)
The Big Day
Finally, enjoy every moment of your wedding day and help your guests do the same. It’s the shared moment of a wedding day that you will treasure the most.
P.S. Feel free to comment below on your own wedding plans!
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