Real weddings are near and dear and close to our hearts. As planners, we are honored to be charged with planning the most important day of your life. We pride ourselves on being up to date on the newest trends, knowing the best vendors in our area and assembling a rock star team. We meet with brides and they give us their list of questions, pour out their ideas and enlist their trust in us. Bring a bride is tough business and that is why we are here, prepared to answer all your questions, make [most] of your dreams come true and send you down the aisle.

One thing that makes working with brides so rewarding is helping alleviate necessary stress, and boy do brides have a wealth of that! It is one of our biggest joys to take the reigns and leave you feeling calm. After planning countless weddings it is pretty safe to say that we have experienced our fair share of pitfalls and triumphs. We learn from both, and go forward even more prepared.

I remember when I was a bride, my vision clouded with peonies and paper goods, my ring still sparkly and practicing my new signature. I remember I was beyond excited. I also remember one of the first meetings I had with our planner, and all the insane questions I flooded her with. Most brides sit in the same chair I sat, a huge looming to do list before them and no clue what to do next. And that’s where we come in!

Helping not only plan but also keep brides and grooms happy and calm it is important that we keep some key factors in mind when beginning the planning process. Here are some examples of some of the most important real life issues and topics we deal with-

• Have the money talk early. Don’t write a single check or wait for any time to pass by before having “the talk” with all contributing parties. I know it is uncomfortable, but it is so incredibly necessary. After this is done you can move forward knowing exactly where you stand without breaking your budget. Remember, no budget is right or wrong, it’s just important that it fits your needs.
• Enlist help! This is where we come in, the professionals. Whether you want to plan the entire day yourself and just want help along the way and on the day of or you want to hand everything over at the beginning, hire a professional! We are here to be your advocate, your expert and your worker bee.
• Make time to not plan. While you are engaged you will be engrossed with all things wedding and it is important to know when to step away and spend some time with your hubby to be. Designate one night per week where you and your groom talk about anything but the upcoming wedding. This will help keep stress levels down and lighten the mood.
• Exercise! In the immortal words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” Exercise not to lose weight but to feel happier and less stressed. Find a fun workout class like TRX or Barre and make it a priority to go.
• Remember that weddings are emotional. You and your groom may be the ones saying the “I do’s” but don’t forget that family and close friends can, and will, get super emotional during the planning process. You might not understand why mom and dad insist on inviting their neighbors from 1983 but try to remember that this is the day they have been waiting for too, and they still want to have an input.
• Get extra cooks out of the kitchen. We all know the saying and we all have been in situations where there are just too many opinions flying around. Prepare to make decisions on who will be involved with what. Have 15 bridesmaids? It might not be the best decision to take them all bridesmaid dress shopping at the same time, holy drama! Staff your crew with the people who’s opinion you value most but never forget that this is your day and you and your groom have the final say.

Wedding planning is enjoyable but at times stressful. Remember not to forget why you are getting married in the first place, because you found love! Enjoy the ride and savor all the moments.