Happy New Year! Today, I am ringing in the new year with a cold. If there is a record for how many times someone can blow her nose in one day, I am certain I broke it today! At one point this afternoon, I just squealed in frustration. Thankfully, Eric was outside with Ramsey (our golden retriever) and completely missed my mini-meltdown.
I didn’t think much about these completely crummy and gross days when I was a blushing bride to be. Last night when the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball dropped and hit midnight, I blew Eric a kiss from across the room (instead of kissing him with my cold). Today is a pajamas, cold medicine, red nose, and balled up tissues kind of day. Days like this are bound to happen, so be sure to marry for more than good looks!
Sick days do have a few perks. Eric did allow himself to be lazy long enough to watch a movie with me this afternoon. He sprawled out on the couch; whereas, my box of tissues and I cuddled on the love seat while we watched Bride Wars. Guess who picked the movie. 🙂 Watching two women stress about getting married and having the right dress, the right venue, the right cake, and the right everything, made me think back to when I got married.
Because I am typically more laid back about such things, I did not stress as much about our wedding as the typical bride; however, I did have my bridezilla moments. There was so much emphasis on that day and as it got closer, I was just ready to get past that day so I could live and breathe again! Your wedding planning considerations are important!
After the ceremony was over and we were both wearing rings, I didn’t understand why there had been so much stress involved. We were married and we would’ve been married even if Eric didn’t buy me a garter (he remembered that missing detail the morning of our wedding). We would’ve been married even if the centerpieces weren’t on the table. We would’ve been married regardless of where we got our wedding cake. Once we became man and wife, the emphasis shifted from away from our wedding day and toward all our future days. The wedding itself was just a commencement ceremony.
This is not to say that you should not put thought into your wedding, or that you should not have what you want; but, remember to think past the wedding day. If the florist is not able to get a specific flower or floral arrangement that you prefer, remind yourself that flexibility will get you a lot further than unnecessary stress. Some stress is expected when planning a large gathering; but, after the day has come and gone, you will realize how many things did not deserve so much time and attention.
Maybe 2012 is your wedding year. If so, this is my advice to you as you plan your wedding. Ladies, focus on your wedding dress more than your cake or any decorations. People at your wedding will be interested in seeing you and are rarely concerned with the perfection of the decor (those who are should really get a life). If you don’t feel comfortable and beautiful in your dress, you won’t care how gorgeous everything else is because you will be worrying about how you look.
If you have money set aside, use it on a dress before you begin spending on decorations or food. Borrowing a dress is fine, but be sure you love how it looks on you. Don’t settle just to save money (though, don’t go into debt either). Saving money is great, but cut other areas before you cut on your dress.
Gentlemen, your sweetheart may seem a little less than sweet during the few days leading up to your wedding. This is a good time to practice your listening skills. She will likely need a few more hugs than usual during this time. Remember to put everything else out of your mind and focus on her walking down the aisle to you. That moment is priceless and you can’t get it back.
You and your spouse-to-be will want to remember this day forever, so be sure to have a reputable videographer film your wedding. If you can afford it, hire someone who has raving reviews. If not, be sure to choose someone you trust who has experience filming weddings and who will be sure to get you your video in a timely fashion.
The wedding cake is a star of the reception, but it doesn’t have to strip your budget – shop around. If you cannot find one for a decent price from a professional bakery, look into finding free lance bakers (often sweet ladies) who have done wedding cakes in the past. I’ve been to several weddings where the cakes had been baked and given as gifts. At the end of the day, cakes are made to be eaten. Other than my own wedding cake, I cannot remember specifics about any wedding cake I’ve ever eaten. It can be beautiful and economical.
If 2012 is your wedding year, we offer you our congratulations. We hope it is an exciting time with as little stress as possible. Whether or not this is your year to get married, it is never too soon to prepare for your happily ever after (after the wedding). We hope you will continue to read our blog and let us know if you have any relationship questions you would like us to answer. Happy New Year to you all!
What elements have you seen in other weddings that you want to include in your own?
Leave a Reply