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FeedAisle Style . Planning
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Plan to Have Fun
Avoid the stress. Plenty of people want to help.
Why do so many women get stressed while planning their weddings? “They want everything to be perfect,” says Samantha Diedrick of Secretariat—Wedding & Event Planning. But managing the multitude of details, finances and unsolicited opinions can be overwhelming. “Even the most ideal couple will fight when planning a wedding,” says Diedrick. So what’s a bride to do?
Get a Planner “We know the vendors in the area and what they charge, can review contracts, and can tell you where you can save money,” says Diedrick. Mark Kingsdorf of The Queen of Hearts in Philadelphia says, “Whether you hire someone or get a planning book and follow it, the trick to beating stress is knowing what to expect and staying ahead of the game.”
Watch Your Money “Set a realistic budget,” says Leanne Silicato Affeldt of Make My Day Event Planning in Milford. Know what you can afford and be honest about what you want.
“People like to take ownership of what they’re paying for,” says Kingsdorf. “If someone gives you money, tell them, ‘Thank you very much. We’ll put that toward the band—or the flowers or the hall.’”
Accept Help “Embrace friends and family as your wedding planning committee,” Affeldt says. “Start with the groom. See where his interests are and give him a task, whether it’s food tasting and menu selection or choosing the band or cars.” Recognize your helpers during the reception. It’s also important to appoint a bridal attendant for the day, “to greet vendors at the reception and keep things on schedule so you can relax.”
Have Fun “Don’t make it the most important day of your life,” says Diedrick. “It’s a five-hour party.” And keep in mind what is truly most important. “Go out with your fiancé and take time to do the things you normally do,” says Kingsdorf. “Don’t be all about the wedding, because by the time it arrives, you may not even know each other anymore.” —Susan Oates
