Wedding Planning From the Heart:

Tips for Keeping the Love in the Wedding Planning, and the Bridezilla at Bay

As women, we all dream a little dream about our big day. Some of us know from the time we are little
girls exactly what we want our wedding day to be. On a practical level, planning for a wedding and
everything that comes with it can be stressful and unsettling.

Our wish is that you stay positive, organized and peaceful as you go about planning your wedding. The
result? A blissful day, and nothing but wonderful memories for years to come.

Setting (and Sticking to) Your Wedding Budget

If you are one of the rare brides for whom money is no object, give gratitude to the abundance in your
life and move right along to envisioning the wedding of your dreams. If, like the rest of us, money plays a
role in the decisions about your wedding day, let's talk budget.

First, decide who will contribute to the costs (including yourself, your groom, family and friends) and
how much each of you plans to contribute. An open and honest discussion up front will help set a
peaceful and cooperative tone.

Next, decide how much you want to spend on each item (find sample wedding budgets in any bridal
magazine). Just remember – these magazines are in business to make money from weddings. Determine
what makes sense for you. Many of the "must haves" are simply that way out of commercial tradition.
Embrace the idea that this is YOUR day, and is a reflection of who you are as a couple.

Avoid the temptation to go over budget. Don't try on that gown if it's out of your price range; you are
only setting yourself up for unnecessary stress and heartbreak. Keep it all in perspective.

Whose Wedding Is It, Anyway?

Before you commit one dime on your wedding, spend some time with your groom and your family,
talking about your vision for your wedding ... the kind of setting, décor, music, food ... then share your
dream with the people who will help you plan it.

Write down your vision, answering a few simple questions like:

Family and friends can be a huge resource during the wedding planning, but they will always come to
the table with their own ideas. Welcome their input, and make it clear that this is your day. By sharing
your vision with them, they will be more likely, and able, to help make that vision a reality for you.

Of course, you'll spend lots of time reading magazines and browsing the Internet. You'll end up with tons
of creative, wonderful ideas that seem just perfect now. Think it through rationally; if you are hosting a
wedding for 200 people, and having a big rehearsal dinner the night before, will you really have time to
string handmade garlands onto all the guests' chairs the morning of the event?

Be realistic. Your job is to shine, and to begin your married life with love in your heart, not anxiety
attacks. Set limits for yourself, and don't over-commit. Keep the event sane, loving and warm.

Searching for the Perfect Wedding Attire and Accessories

With a realistic budget, and a clear vision of how you want your day to unfold, it's time to begin
searching for all those wedding accessories.

Finding your wedding dress should be high on your list of priorities. No matter how many magazines you
scour, or Internet sites you search, nothing compares to actually trying on those big white wedding
gowns. Bring a small group of friends and family with you, and leave your critical friends and relatives at
home.

For most brides, it's true that you'll know when you put the right dress on. You'll picture yourself saying
your vows, greeting guests, dancing and generally being absolutely fabulous. If you find it, and it's within
your budget, commit to it. Second guessing will only cause confusion and anxiety. Let it flow, and listen
to your heart.

Once you have the wedding gown, the rest of the wedding attire – the shoes, headpiece, jewelry, and all
the rest – will fall into place. Just remember, you will be the shining star that day, so choose wedding
attire that lets you shine, instead of overpowering you.

Calm and Collected Wedding Planning

Ah, so many details! The goal is to keep them all organized, without obsessing over them. Get a wedding
binder and set up sections for the guest list, seating, quotes for services and rental facilities, receipts,
and so on. This binder will be your wedding encyclopedia. Keep a running "to do" list in the front so you
can check your progress.

Do things for yourself during this time to de-stress. Get a massage, take yoga classes, meditate, go for
long walks, or do deep-breathing exercises. Journaling can also be very effective in trying to figure out
what to do next with your wedding and will help you stay calm and focused. It is also a wonderful gift to
yourself to read about what you were thinking and feeling 25 years from now on your wedding
anniversary.

If you find yourself getting anxious and upset, talk to your groom or a good friend, and ask them to help
you keep it all in perspective. Delegate some of the work. Stay focused on your vision, and remind
yourself of what you really want out of this day. This will make it a lot easier to let the little stuff go.

Your Wedding Day: Fully Embrace the Moment with Grace

It's finally here...your time to shine and show the world just how much you love this amazing man. Put
all the rest out of your mind; the wedding planning is done. Now it's time to relax, enjoy and embrace
this wonderful day.
The night before your wedding, get a good night’s sleep. Stay hydrated, eat healthy, and avoid
overindulging in alcohol, as tempting as it may be to party before the wedding.

Make sure that the women in your bridal party are in tune with what you need. If you need help, ask
them. They are your wall of strength, love and support on your wedding day. Let them be there for you,
and lovingly accept their help.

Unexpected things will always happen. You can remain calm and relaxed through it all by focusing on
what the deal really means. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the first day of the rest of your life being
husband and wife!