Lisa Furgison
Weddings are full of teary moments of joy. From the first kiss to the father-daughter dance, guests will snap pictures and reach for tissues during your ceremony and reception. While there are plenty of precious moments on the big day, leading up to it is a bit more stressful. As the bride, you've likely hit a few snags in the planning phases. From overbooked caterers to opinionated family members, you'll probably need to find ways to unwind before you walk down the aisle.
Here are a few ideas to help you keep your cool before you become Mr. and Mrs.:
Buy reading material that isn't wedding related
Have "relief materials" on hand to distract you from planning problems. Don't flip through a bridal magazine when you're upset; flip through a gossip magazine, newspaper or a good book. Sometimes just spending ten minutes thinking about something completely different is all you need.
Have a planning party
Everyone always says, "Let me know if I can help with anything." Well, why not take people up on their offer? Host a planning party where you invite the ladies in your life over to help make your wedding day a reality. Break out some finger foods and a few bottles of wine and give each person an assignment. From collecting catering quotes to investigating photographers, you can get a lot accomplished in a fun atmosphere.
Set up a spa day (or two or three)
Nothing wipes wedding tension away like a day at the spa. While a lot of brides-to-be hit the spa a few days before the big day, it's not a bad idea to schedule a few spa services in the months leading up to your wedding. Set up a facial a few months before the big day. Have a mother-daughter massage day a month before the wedding. It's a good way to keep the wedding stress to a minimum.
Get a mani-pedi
You probably plan to get a mani-pedi the day before you get married, but there's just something about perfectly polished fingers and toes that makes you feel good about yourself. So, when your mother-in-law is insisting that Aunt Edna and Uncle John be seated at different tables, nod your ahead in agreement and hit the nail salon later as a treat.
Take a yoga class
It doesn't matter if you know what downward dog is; going to a yoga class can help you kick pre-wedding stress. By taking an hour to go through some body poses and breathing exercises, you'll be able to find your "center" once again.
All of these tips will help you step back, take a moment, and remember that your relationship with your soon-to-be husband is what's important. A wedding is meant to celebrate love, but it can get lost in a sea of dresses and decorations. Don't let the reason you're getting married get lost. Plan your wedding in easy-to-digest phases and remember to take care of yourself along the way. The rest will fall into place.
