Minimize the Stress of Your Wedding

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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.