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Top 10 Ways to be a Better Bride

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Anyone remember David Letterman’s Late Night show?  David Letterman had his Top Ten lists.  With that in mind, I put together a Top Ten Guidelines to be a Better Bride.  This list is designed to help you really enjoy the most important day of your life AND at the same time eliminate the stress of wedding planning.

Number 10:  Flexibility.

Have you been planning your dream day your entire life?  Your wedding is more likely to go off without a hitch if you are open to options, suggestions, and recommendations.  For example, you picked a date in October (one of our most popular month’s here in the St. Louis area) and the venue that you adore is booked!  Don’t stress out, look for alternatives.  Choose a different date or a different venue.  Don’t let your emotions spoil a “vision” that is not set in concrete.

On the day of your wedding issues may arise that are beyond your control.  Okay, the flowers are not the exact shade of purple that you wanted….but people will never know, and it’s not all that important in the big picture of the day.

Number 9:  Make Decisions & Go Forward.

Everyone will have an opinion about the decisions you make.  For example, “What! Your bridesmaid are wearing different style dresses!  Or, “I think the cakes from XYZ Bakery or so much better.  Maybe you should talk with them.”   I know that friends and families mean well, but it is YOUR wedding, so go with your choices.  If you second guess yourself every time someone questions your decision, you’ll drive yourself crazy.

Number 8:  Make & Keep Deadlines.

Be a good bride.  If the DJ needs his payment two weeks prior to your event, please make sure that it is done.  Be organized and keep notes, and you will feel so much better.  If you have an appointment to get your fitting for your dress, be there and have the proper underwear.  It’s when things are not done as scheduled, that stress starts to creep in and that creates anxiety.

Number 7:  Delegate.

You are not a “Super You.”  You can’t do everything.  Weddings take a lot of effort and you must learn to request help from family and friends.  On your wedding day there is so much going on that the last thing you want to deal with is the missing cufflinks or the cake that has not yet arrived.

BN6A8421Number 6: Make It Real.

Are you a Pinterest addict?  Have you watched every episode to “Say Yes to the Dress” marathons?  Throw all of that away and take a quiet moment and decide what YOU want your wedding to be.   By keeping the wedding representative of you and your fiancé’ personality, style and wishes, you will be able to enjoy your day and focus on just having a wonderful time.

Number 5:  Treat your vendors with respect & you’ll receive a whole lot more.

Trust your vendors to do their job.  Do not try to micro manage.  Be courteous and respectful as they work really hard to make sure that your day is super special.  Thank them at the end of the night.  And a tip to show them that they are appreciated is always a thoughtful gesture.  Later, after the wedding, a nice thank you note is also welcomed.

Number 4:  Don’t drag your fiancé to all your appointments.

Most guys are not really into all the details of the wedding day.  They want to get married and they have chosen you to be their wife.  Understand that getting married has a different meaning to them than to you.

Number 3:  Communicate clearly and promptly.

Communication is the most important aspect to insure all parties are on the same page.  You need to take the initiative to make sure everyone knows what is expected of them.  For example, if your bridesmaids are expected to arrive early for photos, you need to let them know precisely what time they are expected.  Don’t say, “Come Early for Photos”.  Tell them, “You need to be here no later than 2 pm to take photos.”  And don’t tell them at the last minute.  One late person can disrupt the entire schedule for the day.

Number 2:  Listen.

The strong skill to learn is to listen.  And that goes for the rest of the marriage as well.

BN6A9511Number 1:  Relax.

Don’t suffer a bridal meltdown.  It is often the case that as a bride you are so wound-up and worried about every aspect of the day, that you have failed to add yourself to the “take care of” list.  Find whatever works for you to find relaxation.  You will look and feel gorgeous and glowing on your wedding day by taking a little time to pamper yourself.  Arrive to your wedding relaxed and refreshed!

If you do all of the above, you will be a way cool bride!  Your wedding will be great.  It will be flawed but fantastic, insane but incredible.

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