As a teenager, I began working in wedding catering. After college, I joined a society desk. I created wedding announcements for some of the most famous and infamous couples. It was so interesting that I wrote a book. You could say that I have a good understanding of weddings, both the before and the after. Over the past 20 years, I have learned a lot about weddings. It is important to remember that you should be focusing on the one you love, not the flowers and fuss.
There will be a problem.
It will be fine. It poured buckets during our outdoor wedding, an outdoor affair in spring with dinner under a pavilion. My husband vanished the morning of my wedding. We had the good sense to purchase a few umbrellas, and Michael’s groomsmen found him in the hot bathtub at his hotel. He was recovering from a hangover. Many things will happen on your wedding day, some funny, others not. Keep your eyes on the prize. You are getting married to the one you love with all your heart. Your guests will be able to find their seats even if the place cards are not printed correctly by your printer.
All emotions are OK.
The most memorable experience you will ever have is planning a wedding and getting married. All emotions you are experiencing now, including happy, sad and fear, love, anger, frustration, and fear, are normal. Before I got married, I was prone to crying at the most inconsolable things, such as trying on my wedding rings or going to yoga. A wedding is both the end of something and the beginning of another — it’s one of the most important traditions in life and one of the biggest changes. Allow yourself to feel the emotions you need and lean on your family and friends. However, there are some things you should know…
Remember that everyone you know is fighting an important battle.
This might seem a bit dramatic. When you’re busy planning your wedding, it can be difficult to remember that not everyone is equally focused on the event. Although she has seen the many tantrums of brides, your wedding dress fitter is still there, fitting your gown to your exact specifications. Although they cannot control the food supply chain, your caterer will work with you to ensure it is as good as possible. Even though your attendant might have lost their job due to the pandemic, they will still be available to you on the day. Even if you feel like you are being asked too much, a little perspective and kindness can make your wedding more joyful and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Get water.
I’m serious. My wedding was over, and I felt a bit numb. Although we had a wonderful wait staff that cleared the dishes and glasses quickly, my water glass was thrown away before I could drain it. You can pair it with alcohol by buying a “bride-only” water bottle and placing it under your seat. Next, assign one of your trusted attendants the task of making sure that you always have a full glass of water. They can do anything you want. Get water. Trust me. Your body will be grateful for you.
You may think that your wedding will be the most memorable day of your entire life. Wait until you witness what happens next.
It’s the ultimate goal. We want our weddings to be perfect, but we must remember what the other side is: a marriage with all its joys and challenges. My marriage has been 11 years. Life has brought us many challenges: moves, health problems, job changes, miscarriages, and some of the greatest joys and thrills one can experience. We have found a place in each other’s arms through all the chaos and joy that life can bring. Our vows still shape our lives together as a couple and as a family in April 2010. It is a blessing to be still able to speak that way.
