1. Be organized and plan ahead
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. There are so many tasks to complete and you usually have a minimum amount of time to get everything done. In order to keep yourself feeling stress-free, I recommend keeping a list of your wedding tasks along with a timeline associated with each task and add to the list as you go along. Do your research early on all your vendors, keep notes on your favourite vendors and then touch base early with them. Commit when you find the one you like. When it comes to your makeup and hair requirements, don't wait too long to book your favourite artist or you'll find yourself panicking - I hate it when I have turn down a bride with panic in her voice! (honestly, it breaks my heart) : (
2. Keep things in perspective and remember why you're doing this
As with anything in life, try and make the planning of your wedding a fun and exciting time for yourself and your partner. It really should be a fun and exciting time in your life! Take time out for each other and remove yourself from the wedding stresses that are all around you. Spend one weekend a month pampering each other. Remember to pamper yourself as well. Keep up with your facials, make sure your nails are taken care of and add a massage every so often into your routine. You need to take extra special care of yourself right now and if you don't do it no one else will!
3. Add some aromatherapy into your lifeI love scented candles and essential oils. Somehow adding a lavender oil into my bath water and burning a lavender candle relaxes me and helps me sleep better at night. There are all kinds of essential oils (I find mine at The Body Shop) to help you relax, rejuvenate you and even give you some extra energy! They really don't cost that much and they work! Try one out next time you're feeling you need a little down time.
4. Meditate
I saw Goldie Hawn on Oprah this week (I love Goldie Hawn and of course I love Oprah!!!) Goldie Hawn was talking about deep breathing, meditation, relaxation and about giving yourself 10 minutes every day of complete silence. It's supposed to be healthy for us to be in silence while we take some slow long deep breathes. And get this.....it's supposed to make us feel happier! Oprah asked her audience to try 1 minute per day and work yourself up to 10 minutes per day.
Hey, if Oprah says it's good - I'm doing it! You should try too! : )
5. Don't forget to laugh along the way
Sometimes you need to just laugh and let the negative stuff roll off your back. When some of your plans get knocked out of place, put a smile on your face and try again. A smile will make you feel better and relieve stress even without you realizing it! Not just that but you will look better and people will want to be around you more. It's a simple thing really! Give it a try and see positive change happen around you.
