TAKING THE STRESS OUT OF PLANNING YOUR WEDDING…
Almost 15 years ago when we planned our own wedding, we realised that the amount of stress what forms part of the wedding planning process is different for each bride.
Some – like me – do not feel a lot of stress at all {until I stood in the back of the chapel on our wedding day and realised that to get down the aisle to Steph everyone would be looking at me!!} where others are completely crippled by it!
All we really know is that tweaking your daily habits and your wedding planning techniques can make all the difference.
We wanted to share some of our own tips and a little of what we have learned from being wedding vendors ourselves:
BOOK YOUR FAVOURITE VENDORS EARLY
Even though it might seem that there are a 1000 perfect venues out there and even more photographers, florists and stylists, we can tell you that inevitably your favourites will not be available should you leave it too late.
Once you have drawn up a list of priorities, of what is most important to you and how you’d like to spend your budget, we’d suggest that you start booking those vendors. And preferably looking at enquiring and booking 6-8 months in advance.
With wedding venues, you might even consider booking earlier so that you are not turned away on the doorstep of your dream location. That way, with all the larger suppliers booked you can sit back, take a breather and only book the smaller stuff closer to the time.
KNOW YOUR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL DATES
Some dates during each year, and some seasons, are more popular than others and it’s always a good idea to know how this will affect your wedding budget and availability of your potential dream team.
If the flowers are a big MUST for you day – chat to a florist and find out early what impact special dates – think Mother’s Day!! – might have on the availability of your dream blooms and budget.
Spring & summer are always more popular than autumn and winter and a lot of places fill up fast and even bridal stores and designers might be pressed to fit you in for a consultation should you leave it too late and try to get it all done during the December holidays. Make a day of it rather earlier than later and try on beautiful dresses so once you are ready to make that big decision your homework is already done and the whole dress purchasing process will be a breeze.
EXERCISE & EAT WELL, AND TAKE UP MEDITATION
A big one! And something that you cannot skimp on. Not only will you feel your best when you look your best but some exercise each week – aim for about 3 times a week – be it yoga, running, cycling, walking or going to the gym. Also, finding some exercises to tone, especially the areas that your dress will accentuate, will work wonders for your stress levels and self-esteem.
The same goes for your eating habits; focus on lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, health meats and plenty of water. Your skin will be glowing and all lethargic days brought along by processed and sugary treats will be long forgotten!
And lastly – MEDITATION. If you haven’t meditated before this might just the perfect antidote to the “wedding planning jitters”. An app like Headspace is a great way to start out and even just a few minutes a day works wonders to reduce stress and allow your mind to rest a little.
FIND A SKINCARE ROUTINE THAT WORKS FOR YOU
All the excitement might have you glowing from within but the added stress might show though skin breakouts, uneven skin tone and pigmentation etc.
We are no skin experts but we do know a few simple tricks that will go a very long way in assisting with your skin:
• Drink water and stay hydrated daily!
• Clean your face thoroughly and even after a long day of dress shopping do NOT go to bed with your makeup still on.
• Wear a good SPF50 sunblock daily {this one we swear by as the African sun is harsh and we wear a vegan SPF50 366 days of the year!}
• See a dermatologist or just visit the skincare counter at ant pharmacy if you have any skin concerns. Those ladies know their stuff!
• Lastly, we are back to eating healthy! You skin will thank you for it.
STAY ORGANIZED
Even if you are a bit of a scatterbrain, take some time to plan your wedding carefully. A dedicated file, notebook or ledger with all the necessary documents, a Pinterest board and an online calendar can do wonders.
Or opt for one of the beautiful bridal diaries out there to make your planning even more attractive.
CHOOSE YOUR BRIDAL TRIBE WELL AND HANG OUT A LITTLE
We are not talking a crazy night on the town but rather a day spent with the girls, feet up, face masks on and maybe a glass of champagne on hand!
We are talking about some pampering!
And sometimes just a short break and some of your favourite people to add some perspective to some stressful decisions will be all you need.
Also, it will give you time to really think about finding that perfect treat to spoil your bridesmaids on the day with… be it silky, monkey-pyjamas, a custom-made linen robe or some fluffy slippers.
{ some pretty lounge wear designers we have been swooning over is Pretty Plum Sugar, Cara Luxury Sleepwear and the beautiful sleepwear range you can find in all the Poetry Stores }
DO COMPLETELY UNRELATED {AKA NON-WEDDING} THINGS WITH YOUR SOON TO BE OTHER HALF
Because before you know it the big day will be here!
Take some time to enjoy the last months before the wedding and really make an effort to set aside time away from wedding planning and wedding talk – go for coffee or lunch, spend some time discovering new walking trails with your dogs or go to the gym together. Anything to take your mind off the wedding for a couple of hours!
And when you do chat about the wedding again it will be conversations of excitement and not stress!
