The do-it-yourself bride knows how to make the most of her creativity. Brave enough to take on duties that others wouldn't touch without the paid help of a professional expert, she rises to the challenge of translating her vision to a practical solution.
Because of her drive and ambition, the DIY bride wholeheartedly engages in the wedding planning process, which also means she is involved on a level that many brides are blissfully happy never to visit.
Do-it-yourselfers shouldn't forget to put their feet up from time to time. Consider these helpful tips for rejuvenation amidst the bustle:
Wedding Planning Should be Fun for the Bride
Typically not Bridezillas, DIY brides are often budget-conscious, self-reliant and resourceful. If this sounds familiar, remember that a bride is entitled to stop and enjoy her bridal status. Saying the phrase "I am a bride" every now and then helps one remember to celebrate the indulgent side of bridal bliss. This rejuvenation can lead to greater productivity when it's time to continue creating.
Mark the milestone this event truly is. Celebratory reveling can be as simple as sharing wedding planning highlights with a friend over coffee or as contrived as renting a few wedding-themed movies and basking in bridal glory for the afternoon.
Make a Few Frivolous Bridal Purchases
The engagement phase is one of those rare times when bridal merchandise is completely relevant to one's journey! While a wedding cake-shaped candle or white feather-clad hair ornament may elicit a wince or an eye roll on an ordinary day, such festive tokens add flair to this important life stage.
Purchase a bridal memento here and there if the mood strikes. While repeated expensive purchases are not ideal for many DIY brides trying to cut costs, the enjoyment of bridal baubles is a way to take a step back from the planning and commemorate the experience.
Take a Break From Being a Bride
While at times reveling in bridal bliss may be just what the doctor ordered, an escape from nuptial necessities is equally important. Because DIY brides are so involved in the wedding planning process, it may be extremely challenging not to think of or talk about wedding-related duties for any extended period of time. Making a conscious effort to step back from wedding planning may be a necessity.
Do not be discouraged. A break from the hoopla will only increase productivity when it's time to get back to the action. Enlist the help of friends and family to escape the matrimonial mania. Just as gushing about plans to friends may heighten the celebratory mood, banning wedding talk from a social gathering here and there is totally acceptable. Folks will most likely be more than happy to oblige, appreciating the suggestion of how to assist their loved one in relaxing.
The groom will also appreciate a chance to spend time away from the planning. Share a dinner with a "no talking about the wedding" rule in mind. Enjoying the present with one's betrothed can foster a reconnection, igniting the bond that is shared and highlighting exactly what the detailed planning is commemorating.
Taking Care of Oneself
Now is not the time to cheat when it comes to self-care basics such as rest, nutrition and exercise. No matter how much one plans, the days leading up to the wedding will be full. Enter this crunch time in a healthy state.
Think of each full night's sleep, each wholesome meal, and each walk, run or other mind-clearing exercise routine as building up armor. Now pack it on! As last minute surprises test patience, rely on these reserves, and make health as strong a priority as those floral arrangements.
In addition, make a list of all the things that bring peace and rejuvenation. Whether they include a night on the couch watching movies, a quiet coffee break with journal in hand at a favorite cafe or an afternoon at the movies, make time for these special moments.
If weekends are packed with wedding-related projects, perhaps an hour or two on a Monday night can provide a much-needed respite. Once again, making time for rest will only heighten productivity during planning sessions.
Relax
In the midst of repeated efforts to stay connected to the true meaning of the nuptials, it's okay to stray from the plan.
There may be times when losing touch with the essence of wedding happiness is unavoidable. Despite the best of intentions, aspects of the big event may not run smoothly. Learn from the experience, be at peace with feeling stretched at times despite efforts to remain in control, and know that all brides wish there are things she'd done differently.
Know that amidst any less than stellar moments, there will be facets of one's wedding day that are more splendid than ever imagined.
Above all, DIY bride, acknowledge success, and remember that self-determination and resourcefulness are worth celebrating.
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