Exactly two months ago, I got married to the man of my prayers! Looking back, I can’t help but miss the wedding preparations we had gone through. While weddings can be so fun and exciting, it can be so stressful too. Here are my top 10 things that I’d like to share to the bride-to-be’s out there:
- Perfection Is Not The Goal. Having 13 months to prepare before the big day and being the slightly obsessive-compulsive that I am, some things still didn’t go the way I wanted them to be. My hair that was a little messy during the ceremony because of the wind, incomplete family members due to rejected vacation leaves, missing wedding shoes, and I could go on with my list. I am reminded that though the program might not be perfect, the idea of marrying the man I will be spending the rest of my life with is already enough. Everything else beyond that is already a bonus!
- Don’t Burn Bridges. Some people from your guest list won’t make it, suppliers will sometimes disappoint, and other relatives can be hard to talk to. Learn to stretch your patience and understand them. After all, REALationships are more important than your DREAM wedding! You can’t afford broken ones after the big day!
- Consider The Fiancé/Fiancée. The wedding preparation is also a good training ground for the future couples. It is like preparing for a big project and both of you are the ones who are mainly responsible to it. Learn to compromise and communicate with each other for small and big decisions you have to make.
- Hiring Professional Suppliers Is So worth it! I suggest on hiring a team of professional suppliers for: on-the-day coordination, photographers/videographers, caterers, hair&makeup artist, and even the host! It would really make a difference when you do this. They can be pricey but if you make some time to research, there are affordable ones out there who can also give quality services.
- Stay Within Your Budget! Upgrading your packages, buying additional decorations, and hiring more well-known suppliers are just some of the things that can be so tempting to do. At the onset of your wedding preparation, it is but necessary to set a budget and to stick to it! Yes, there are last-minute unexpected expenses as the big day approaches but be disciplined not to go overboard.
- Be A BRIDECHILLA. Do you want to be tagged as a bridezilla or a bridechilla? As women, we can be so detailed and perfectionist when we envision our wedding day. Do not be consumed by the small stuff and be missing out on the bigger ones.
- Pinterest Can Be Your Bestfriend! Pinterest is an application worth downloading for hacks, DIYS, entourage gowns inspiration, and more! Dear bride-to-be, do yourself a favor and download this for yourself too!
- Choose Wisely Your Entourage Members. Personally, my entourage list was not too long. Some of the things my husband and I considered were their significance in our lives when we were still single and their commitment to stand with us during and after the wedding day. I’m so glad we had such an amazing line-up!
- Prepare For Your Wedding Vow. The goal is not just about to enthral the viewers of your same-day-edit video and your lovely guests but to also come up with a weighty list of promises for your lifetime partner. During the times that life can be challenging between you and your partner, it’s so helpful to remind yourself of the things you have pledged before God and before the eyes of men. And with that, i think you really need some alone and extra time to come up with a beautiful vow. Set a time to do it!
- The Wedding Day Is Not About Me. I had made a conscious effort to remind myself that it’s not about how beautiful my gown is, how famous my suppliers are, or how many likes will my pictures get on social media once they see that I’m married already. Of course that can be too shallow but if you’ll really be honest, we can be so consumed about it. Do not forget that marriage is an institution ordained by God. As you celebrate the day, be reminded that it is not just about the bride and the groom but it is a special day where we can honor Him the most!
Carlyn Jayne 