Photo from http://bitchburgh.wordpress.com
Written by Guest Blogger, Cheri Tetreault, WPICC
Congratulations! You’re engaged! From the moment that ring was slipped onto your finger you already had your color theme and first dance song picked out, not to mention the first 50 people on your blackberry call list that you MUST CALL NOW to let them know they are invited to a wedding…a date in which has not been set yet…oh yeah, and you’re going dress shopping tomorrow!
Planning a wedding can be very exciting, it can also be very stressful. Not only is this going to be one of the most important days of your life, to share with the one you love (remember forever), you never imagined how many things you needed to do, at this moment, next month, three months from now-and what all the planning entailed. Before you know it you’re sucked into a third dimensional vortex of stress and spit out as …dare I say it…BRIDEZILLA!
We all know that you’re not always a version of Miss Piggy hopped up on a litre of Red Bull who wants to “Hii Ya!” her Kermie across the room; so to avoid that scaring label; here are a few tips to ensure that you are able to enjoy, not only your wedding day, but the months leading up to it…and keep your fiancà© intact. 
1. Communication is key-it seems like such a simple concept, but the voice of planning and budget often gets lost in translation. Mr. Perfect is not necessarily going to understand why you needed to pay $75 for a hair trial, and pay $75 for the day-of the wedding hair. So to avoid inanimate objects being thrown across the room, sit down and look over your budget. Let Mr. Perfect know that this is standard, and getting a hair trial will avoid the chance of you looking like you just emerged from a cave as the wife of Grizzly Adams. Chances are he’ll understand. Also, being open about what you’re spending on the wedding and keeping to the budget will ensure there are no surprises for the both of you.
Bonus-communication is always a good practice for when you’re actually married!
2. Delegate-Don't be afraid to ask for help. We know you CAN do it yourself and you probably CAN do it perfectly, but give family and friends the benefit of the doubt that they are capable of handling certain tasks, that, in all honesty you don't feel like doing. Not only will your task list decrease, but your bride-zill-o-meter will be at low when you don't have so many small things to worry about. More often than not, your friends and family will be more than happy to oblige with any of the wedding plans. And asking Mr. Perfect is ok too! If he can't write the addresses on the invitations because of his Grade 2 handwriting, get him to stamp and mail the invitations. Simple tasks delegated to willing helpers will ultimately save your sanity.
3. Avoid Negativity-critical comments on the "crazy" amount of money you're spending for "one day" will eventually wake the sleeping bear. This is your day (and your fiancà©'s) and your budget-you have the ultimate say (oh yes, so does your fiancà©). Also, be proactive with potential wedding-day conflicts. If your separated in-laws haven't spoke, seen, or heard from one another and are on tight wire tension terms, speak with them individually, and privately PRIOR to the wedding. Let them know that confrontation will not be tolerated the day of, and no matter if you are the mother, father, aunt, uncle, Queen of Sheba, or son of God, you will be asked to leave. Family conflicts should not take away from an event that is supposed to celebrate your love and unity.
4. You're free to date-each other of course! Plan a "wedding free" date night with Mr. Perfect. Not every waking moment for 365 days needs to be about your wedding. Take this time to apologize (if you need to) about not being yourself, and reconnect with the man you fell in love with. He'll appreciate having YOU back for awhile. Also, take time to visit those friends who you haven't had a chance to girl bond with for weeks-and chances are they'll be grateful that they don't have to hear about your wedding for the millionth time this month.
Bonus-you'll enjoy planning your wedding much more if you`re not having to think about it 24-7.
5. A coordinator in need, is a coordinator indeed-if everything becomes too overwhelming for you to handle, jeopardizing your relationships and your emotional well-being, you can take some comfort in knowing that there are actual certified PROFESSIONALS that plan weddings! The stress of your everyday life can be overwhelming enough, not including your second job of planning a wedding. Wedding coordinators are there to take care of all your leg work. Managing your budget, calling vendors, setting up appointments, making sure you have contracts, insurance, fees, ect., is only a fraction of what a coordinator will do. All the things that you didn`t think of (not that we blame you), can be done by the coordinator. Such a small fee for such a big reward!
6. Take care of yourself and Unwind-take some time once a month and a few weeks before the wedding to head to the spa for a massage, or rent a comedy and snuggle at home. Eat well, stay hydrated with water and get plenty of sleep. Not only will you feel relaxed and refreshed-your skin will look and feel great-just in time for your photo shoot!
Engagement ring $2,000
Professional Wedding Coordinator $1,500
Having your BRIDE-ZILL-O-MET
ER at ZERO…Priceless.
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