To the Girl Who Just Got Engaged

Congratulations!  Oh how I wish I could give you a hug and sit down with you over a cup of coffee and hear all about the excitement in your life.

You are about to embark on a great journey.  You are making plans to spend the rest of your life with the man you love.  You are dreaming of a beautiful life that begins with a happy day.

There is so much I’d like to say to you.  Advice on planning your big day down to the details, for selecting your bridal party, budgeting and hiring vendors.  But that will have wait for another day.

Today, I want to talk to you about something that will make or break your wedding planning experience.  Today is about perspective.

In all my years as a Wedding Planner and the over 40 brides I have worked with, I have never seen a bride who didn’t dream of the most amazing day.  There is no one who hopes for rain, late groomsmen, a demanding mother-in-law, missing flowers or vendors that turn out to be difficult to work with.  Every bride has hopes of a perfect day.

But in the planning of a wedding and on the wedding day itself, nothing is ever completely perfect.  Something will go wrong or not as planned.  It always does.  (Believe me, I have seen a lot.  Although, my job as a planner was to make it as invisible as possible to the bride.)

I will tell you that the brides who enjoyed their wedding day the most were the ones who saw it for what it was.

One day.  One very special day to marry and commit to the incredible man they had fallen in love with.

One day (Lord-willing) among many, many more.

It was these brides who dealt with arising problems with a realistic attitude but kept on smiling.  It was these brides who handled rain at their no-longer outdoor ceremony with grace.  (Someday I will tell you about the florist who was nearly struck with lightning while trying one last effort at an outdoor chuppah – dedication!)

 

The secret to any wedding day drama?  Be the bride who remembers that at the end of the day, she will be married to her groom.

It is all perspective and a deliberate choice of joy.  Not getting upset over food that is delayed or guests who are late.  But a decision to enjoy the day with a perspective that brings a euphoric happiness and reminder of young love to all.

And it starts with the planning.  As you prepare for your wedding day, remember it is a celebration of your love, commitment and hope-filled future.  Although people say it is all about the bride, it is about so much more than you alone.  Your guests have come to share in your monumental day.  Consider their comfort.  The best weddings are the ones that invite the guests to enter into the joy and not simply observe.

 

 

Yes, there is much to do.  Yes, you have big plans and a lot of work ahead of you.  But from a former wedding planner, let me remind you to enjoy every minute.  Keep the right perspective and have fun.  You’re beginning a wonderful journey.

Congratulations, sweet bride!

 

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