HOW TO GIVE UP CONTROL SO YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY

It is the wedding ceremony that is at the heart and soul of your special day. The ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make your declaration of love and commitment before the world (or at least your guests). It’s a rare moment when you can stand before a captive audience to express your unique relationship, why you have chosen your partner, and your visions for the future. Think of this as an honor, not to be taken lightly. Every word, gesture, ritual, poem, reading, or song counts.

But all too often choosing your vows, rituals, and symbols take back seat to the more mundane task of food, seating arrangements, attire, and flowers. And when family dynamics – complicated or not – enters the scene, the whole process of thoughtfully choosing meaningful ceremony elements can become overwhelming.

When I first meet my couples and sense the “stressors” are too high, I often advise them not to get so caught up in the moment that their search for perfection makes them crazy. Choosing center pieces of wild flowers over traditional roses or pink bridesmaid dresses over blue ones, will not set the tone for the kind of life that you as a couple envision. So don’t sweat the small stuff. If there’s any part of planning your wedding that causes you undo emotional stress, either get rid of it or delegate to a TFF (trusted family friend).

Remember why you’re doing this. Stay focused on what truly matters to you and your partner and delegate wherever possible. Why not let a trusted family friend be in charge of the more mundane planning something refer to as “detail management. You’d be surprised at how much more time you will have if someone keeps a date book, runs to pick up the invitations, or is in charge of party favors.

When planning your wedding, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to get rid of as many stress factors as possible. Remember, this is your wedding and you’ll want to remember the happiness and love of your special day for years to come. So don’t set out for perfection by trying to do it all yourself. Engage your friends and family lovingly and use them to best suit your needs.