Wedding planning can be stressful at times, but if you make these vows, you’ll be one happy bride!
I vow to spend time with my fiance- not planning the wedding. Whether it’s deciding who’s second cousin twice removed makes the guest list or whose paying for what, wedding planning can cause a strain on the engaged couple. Remember to take some time each week to spend with each other engaged in activities that are not wedding related. If a night out each week isn’t in the budget, consider a night in, just don’t talk about the wedding!
I vow to control only the things I can. While you can plan every moment of your wedding day, the reality is there are some things that are simply out of your control. Travel delays, weather issues, the guest that had one too many wines, are out of your influence. Brides who can keep the focus on enjoying their wedding day remain the happiest.
I vow to remain focused on our wants. Whether it’s the well meaning mom, the one-upper friend or the must-do column, you will be bombarded with voices telling you what your wedding day should be like. The voice that you should pay attention to is that of your fiance. You are planning your wedding day. Together. Be sure to remain as a team as you work through the process.
I vow to stay organized. You don’t have to buy the latest app or bridal planning books to be an organized bride. Whatever method you were using to be organized before your wedding planning began, is a good one to use once started. You’ll be most confident in a system you know. It is important to have a system, any system, though. You need a central place to keep contracts, contacts, budget information and guest list RSVPs.
I vow to plan ahead. Wedding day services often book far in advance. Allow your self as much lead time as you can and secure the services of the professionals that will make the most impact to the success of your day first. As far in advance as you can, book your ceremony and reception venues, DJ, photographer and videographer as they will host and preserve your wedding memories.
I vow to stay in budget. It’s easy to design your dream wedding when the sky is the limit. Now, how easy is it do it on a budget? You don’t want to start your lives together drowning in debt! Planning a budget and sticking to it can be done with the right planning. You may even want to set aside a contingency budget for last minute surprises. It is important to take a look at the wedding you want, set a budget and stick to it. And in the end, you'll be happy that you did.
I vow to be open minded to savings. If your heart is not set on a summer wedding, choosing a late fall, winter or early spring date can be a budget saver as many wedding vendors will offer better pricing or extra services during their slow season. When you choose your wedding date, it is important to factor the costs of flowers and food items into the budget to make sure the off season date doesn’t end up costing more than expected. Whether it is flowers or fruits, choosing in season options will always be best for your budget. If you like the look of a flower, ask your florist if there is an alternative flower in season with similar texture or color. (For more flower ideas, click here.) Whenever possible, bundle multiple services with one vendor. This will allow you to have a single point of contact, typically offer savings with multiple services and may result in extra offerings to you.
I vow to have a Plan B. It has been said that what can go wrong will. For your wedding day, it’s important to know what you will do if it does. If you are having an outdoor ceremony, do you have a backup plan if the weather is bad? Do your wedding vendors have a backup system in place? Knowing the answers to the questions in advance will avoid potential disasters.
I vow not to let DIY projects drive me crazy (or wreck my budget). Many couples choose to DIY elements for the wedding to both personalize the event and save their wedding budget. But how do you decide which elements to do yourself and which to leave to the professionals? Before taking on any DIY projects, you should calculate the cost of materials and time versus hiring a professional to handle the project. You should also consider how close to your wedding you would have to complete the task. (For tips on what to and not to DIY, click here.)
I vow to ask for help. You want to enjoy your wedding day, but there may still be issues. Designate someone you trust, that isn’t part of the wedding party, to be your contact for the day. If a question does arise, this person can make decisions on your behalf, contact venues or vendors and determine what needs your personal attention.
I vow to practice effective communication. While technology has made it easier to communicate quickly, it can also lead to misunderstandings. Short text messages can seem demanding or email tome misunderstood. If you need to communicate big concepts consider using phone, face to face or Skype to do so. This allows the recipient to hear your tone, see your body language and better understand your message. If you have a message that might be hard to hear, or a big request to make, do it in person whenever possible.
I vow to have a great attitude. Planning a wedding can be a stressful and emotional time. Wedding budgets, merging families and a big event are a lot to deal with. Decide in advance that you will roll with the punches and keep smiling because those around you will look to follow your attitude. If you continue to smile, so will everyone else. Remember to say please and thank you as it will go a long way. Being gracious will leave family, friends, and guests with positive memories of your wedding day. Having their support for your relationship after the wedding will help you have a happy and healthy marriage. And isn’t that the point of the wedding day after all?
