Planning a wedding can be quite a challenge. It not only consumes months of your life, but consumes it in such a way that some days you find yourself on the brink of insanity.
I have talked to a few recently married women about some of the lessons they learned from planning their own wedding, and these are some of the lessons they’d like to impart unto you.
WEDDING PLANNING IS GOOD PRACTICE FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
There is nothing that sets the tone for your life as a married couple than the wedding you plan. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a courthouse ceremony or a big soiree, no matter what you choose to do, you will be making those choices as a team. When you’re planning a wedding, ideally, you should bring everything out in the open about your family, your money, your faith & how you handle stress. Through your wedding planning, you’re learning how to talk to one another as a two person team.
WEDDINGS ARE AN EXPENSIVE TEST OF YOUR VALUES
Weddings are expensive…really expensive! When planning a wedding, you have to decide how you’re going to pay for it, and what you’re willing to pay for. Talking about money opens up so many vulnerabilities, but it also opens up discussion around what you both really value. How you plan your money around your wedding can set the tone for bigger things – purchasing your first home, having kids, overcoming illnesses, paying down debts.
IF YOU WANT SOMETHING BUT CAN’T AFFORD IT, YOU HAVE TO GET CREATIVE
To plan a wedding – you have to set priorities! What are the things you really want the most? Are you looking forward to a jaw dropping gown, or an outdoor dance reception under the stars? Would you die if you didn’t have your favorite dessert or is it absolutely essential you need to get married at a significant place or date even if it costs more? If you want a wedding that has those key special elements you may need to get creative or compromise on other things to make them happen. For example, your wedding photographer may be your number one priority. Then, you will need to choose to cut in other areas to make that higher expense work within your budget.
PEOPLE MATTER MOST
Weddings prove it time and time again, that what matters most of all is the people you surround yourself with. Even if everything goes wrong – you will still be filled with the utmost joy because you’re marrying each other and are surrounded by your favorite people.
PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GIVE YOU A LOT OF UNSOLICITED ADVICE, LISTEN ACCORDINGLY
I think people mean well and just want you to have a happy life together, but the advice they give is sometimes downright offensive. People love to tell you what you should do and it’s going to be that way from the time you get engaged to the time you take your last breath. Wedding planning, I’ve learned, is great practice to combat the many well-meant (and sometimes not so well meant) shoulds that the people in your life like to throw your way. I believe a polite nod and a smile is appropriate but ultimately the decision is between the two of you.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS
You’re sure to be juggling work and family demands on top of all your wedding planning, so don’t forget to do the things you love – sing, dance, walk, stretch, paint, create, laugh, write as time leads up to the big day. If everything still feels overwhelming and you are just not sure how everything is going to come together, then considering to hire a professional wedding planner might be your perfect solution to help manage all the wedding demands so you can focus on the demands of life.
This is one of the most important times in your life. Don’t miss out on this great advice from those that have gone before. This kind of advice is free, but at the same time PRICELESS!
