From Bridezilla to Bridechilla
Here’s how to remain calm, cool and anxiety-free during one of the most stressful times of your life — your wedding
Everyone has met a Bridezilla or at least knows about a bride-to-be who turned into an overstressed, crazy person when planning her wedding. That’s because wedding planning can be one of the most stressful endeavors known to the bride. Let’s face it; you and your family are spending literally tens of thousands of dollars on an event that will only last a few hours, but will remain in your memory (and everyone else’s) forever. You want every detail to be perfect, from the flowers to the seating arrangements and of course, how you look on your special day. No pressure there, right? But you don’t have to succumb to being a Bridezilla amidst all the planning. You can get through all of your wedding planning and wedding day as a Bridechilla — calm, cool, and stress-free. Here’s how:
Tip 1 - Remember, it's your day It’s not everyone else’s. One of the biggest mistakes a bride makes is to assume that her wedding is their top priority for everyone. Quickly accept that the people you love cannot put their entire lives on pause for your big day, and you shouldn’t expect them to.
Tip 2 - Invest in a wedding planner Wrangling with suppliers, caterers, and DJs can be a full-time job and can also take the fun out of your own wedding day. Hiring a wedding planner who is friendly, experienced, and professional will magically remove much of your stress. Tip 3 - Make a budget and stick to it A huge contributing factor to wedding stress is money. Create a budget list and then stay within your budget. That will rein your costs in and keep you out of debt.
Tip 4 - Be flexible and willing to adapt Everyone has their own life and schedule, even your bridal party and wedding suppliers. A flexible attitude will help you keep things in perspective as you deal with vendor changes, guest list glitches, etc.
Tip 5 - Take a break from planning Get a massage, take a nap, watch NetFlix — do something for yourself that’s not related to the wedding. That will allow you to step back from the whirlwind and grab your breath.
Tip 6 - Avoid an event overload Keep the pre-wedding events to a minimum. You don’t need an engagement party, a bridal party, a bachelorette party, a pre-wedding dinner, a wedding party party, and an after-party party. Keep the main thing “the main thing.”
Tip 7 - Accept that things will go wrong That’s just part of life. It rains when you want it to be sunny, a bridesmaid may break a leg before the wedding, and maybe the DJ will get drunk and fall off the stage. If you realize from the beginning that things might not go as planned, then you’ll be OK.
Tip 8 - Vent in a healthy way Have an outlet to release all your stress and frustrations, so that it doesn’t come out at an inopportune time on an innocent victim. Don’t bottle up your feelings. Talk to your fiancé, your mom, or your girlfriends. Go to the gym and work off some of your frustrations.
Tip 9 - Don't compare Don’t compare your wedding to the weddings you’ve been to as a guest. Each wedding is as individual as the person getting married. Breathe, this is not a competition.
Tip 10 - Ignore unnecessary input Do know that it’s OK to assert yourself so that your opinions and desires are heard above the chatter of well-meaning friends and family, as well as sometimes pushy vendors.
Tip 11 - Nourish your body Fuel your body with the right nutrients and stay hydrated so you have energy to complete all your tasks. Eat a healthy breakfast and keep up your nutrition throughout the day.
Tip 12 - Decide to have fun When you open your eyes on the morning of your big day, decide right then that you’re going to have fun, no matter what. This day is about marrying the one you love, showing your commitment to each other and the world, and celebrating with those most dear to you. Then your wedding is bound to be a huge success. Source: All4women.co.za
A Bridezilla is a bride-to-be who: • Is probably overstressed, and not getting enough sleep. • Is a perfectionist who seems impossible to satisfy. • Is obsessed with every single part of her wedding. • Constantly feels, and creates, high levels of frustration.
