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The Ultimate Bride Guide
So you just got engaged?
Congratulations!
The excitement is shared by friends and family. Everyone is really happy to see you and your future spouse get ready for that next step.
Did you set the date?
Where is it going to be?
How big is your bridal party?
And the questions just keep coming!
It’s been weeks since you said yes! And now you are starting to feel the pressure of your growing “to-do” list.
There is no need to panic. I have created this Ultimate Stress-Free Bride’s Guide to help you navigate the upcoming months without feeling overwhelm.
Where do we start? Let’s identify 3 key points you need to pay attention to while planning your wedding.
#1. Create a priority list for yourself and ask your future spouse to create one too. This way you start the planning with clear intentions on what each one of you is expecting from that day.
Pick a specific time on a weekend or weeknight to talk about each of your priorities so you can create the ultimate’s couple PRIORITY list.
Everyone’s priority list may look different.
Keep an open mind and think about what is really important for you and your spouse on that day. Let’s call these things non-negotiables.
Talk about some “priorities” that do feel like they can be compromised. Examples may include: wedding size, type of venue, live band vs. DJ, etc.
Create the COUPLE’s PRIORITY LIST. Print it or put it somewhere visible (computer or phone screensaver, your bathroom mirror, or place it on the back of your entrance door so you see it everyday right before you leave the house).
Revisit this list as often as you need to throughout the planning process to keep the couple’s non-negotiables top of mind at all times.
#2. Delegate and ask for help. For anything that does not fall into the priority list, ask for help or delegate to your closest friends or family members. If they cannot help, hire outside help.
One of the most common sources of stress for brides is that seemingly endless “to-do” list. By delegating some of the smaller or less relevant items you can cross items from that list faster.
Make sure to ask people for their willingness to help before assigning some of the tasks. Pushing certain items to someone who may feel insecure about making decisions could end up causing more work for you. Create a reliable team that can make things easier for you and ask your loved ones to volunteer on helping you finish certain tasks.
#3. Communicate, communicate, and communicate! In order to reduce stress, be mindful of the stories you may be creating in your own mind versus true communication. Never assume when it comes to clear communication, assuming can lead to bigger stressors later.
One of the best ways to cultivating ease during hectic times is to journal. Journaling will help you let those thoughts and emotions out of your mind and body and into a page. It can be soothing and also can help you re-gain clarity and perspective on what the next step should be.
The best thing about communication is that you are setting a clear example to everyone around you to do the same. Create simple rules for communication such as:
- If a problem arises, bring it to my attention with a few options on how to solve the issue. It will also help you to go back to #1 – the couple’s non-negotiables list.
- Schedule major decisions for a time when you know you and your future spouse feel most at ease. For example: after Sunday brunch when you are both feeling relaxed, or after a nice workout session when your mind feels clear.
- Identify your preferred way to communicate, be it phone calls, emails, text messages, etc. Inform everyone who is helping you with the wedding planning (vendors, friends, photographers, venue organizers) which is the preferred way to exchange messages.
Weddings are about celebrating an exchange of vows between two adults who love each other deeply. It is a day to remember with joy and excitement. Feel free to break some traditional rules if they align with the couple’s personality.
To summarize the biggest takeaways from this guide:
- Create a Couple’s Non-negotiables Priority List.
- Delegate jobs and ask for help.
- Communicate.
By keeping these three key elements in check, your wedding planning will feel easy and exciting! Stay authentic and remember that a stress-free bride is a happy bride.
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