Planning a Stress-Free Wedding

Whose Day Is It?
Remember that it's your wedding so this special day should be about what your partner and you want. It is impossible to please everyone when planning a wedding so don't worry about it too much. Please the two most important people, yourself and your partner. If you really want to avoid upsetting people try compromising with them over some aspect of the wedding.

Wedding Planning
Start organizing your wedding immediately. Use a folder/exercise book/index cards or a computer program to list everything you can think of in relation to your wedding - and don't forget the honeymoon. List dates when jobs need to be completed by and tick them off once done. Keep a record of everything - written confirmation of bookings, phone calls. deposits and receipts.

Budget
Work out a budget for your wedding and once set do your best not to exceed it by more than the tiniest of margins. Wedding costs have a habit of growing out of proportion. If you have difficulty staying under budget, look for areas where you can cut costs. Could you borrow a friend's car instead of hiring one? A wedding doesn't have to be expensive to be wonderful.

Spread the Workload
Once you have compiled everything that needs to be undertaken prior to the wedding day, enlist all the help and support you can. Ask your attendants, family and close friends to help out with various tasks_details. People love a wedding and love to be involved so let them.

When Things Go Wrong
Keep problems in proportion. There's no point in getting upset over minor details. If the bridesmaids' dresses are one shade lighter in color than you wanted it's not the end of the world. Study up on some relaxation techniques or have a soothing massage if it all gets too much.

Have Fun Preparing
The time leading up to your wedding is a very special time but it will go very quickly. Don't spend it going nuts over wedding preparation details or arguing with everyone around you. Watch what you say is you are stressed - you might regret it later. If you think you're losing control walk away for a while and calm down.

Learn To Relax
Each week take time out with your partner and agree not to discuss the word 'wedding' or anything related to weddings. Chill out with a good bottle of wine, a tasty meal and enjoy each other's company.

The Wedding Day
Finally, enjoy every moment of your wedding day. It may only come along once in your lifetime so savor every moment of it.