Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst
“Hope for the best and plan for the worst.” You hear that phrase a lot in wedding planning but the sentiment carries a lot of truth. You can plan every detail of your big day but no matter how much time and money you invest, there’s not a 100% guarantee that something won’t go wrong. So, take a deep breath and use these tips to ensure no matter what, you’re blissfully happy at the end of this all-important day.
Stay positive. Without a doubt, the mindset you have going into your big day will dictate how it will go. By staying positive and upbeat, you’ll be less stressed and happier as the day unfolds. Your pictures will be that much more beautiful and you will look back on your big day with ultimate satisfaction.
Keep an open mind. So, your favorite cousin shows up wearing a shade very close to white. Do you panic? Do you freak out? No. Ask yourself – does she look nice? If the answer is “yes,” which we hope it is, then think about it this way: she feels beautiful on your wedding day and she’ll look lovely in your family pictures. You are still the bride and everyone in the room knows you’re the one getting married. And no matter what anyone wears, they can’t outshine you on your big day. Brush off minor inconveniences. They’re not worth your smile.
Anticipate what could possibly go wrong on your big day. The forecast is calling for rain and it’s an outdoor ceremony. Your mom and aunt are feuding and you’re not sure if your aunt will show up to pass out programs. The custom-made bow tie your husband ordered hasn’t been shipped. If you anticipate that something could potentially happen, you can consider solutions beforehand. Move the ceremony inside. Call your aunt and tell her how much it means to you for her to be there. Rush another bow tie or have your fiancé go buy one locally that he’ll love. And if nothing else, call your planner and get reinforcements. They most likely will have a creative solution!
Think about what you can control and be as organized as possible. There are so many things around wedding planning you can control: you can buy your dream dress, you can book your dream venue and you can purchase your dream cake. You can pay your vendors beforehand (get receipts). Pack your honeymoon luggage and have it dropped off at your hotel. Put all of your wedding items in one place the day before, well-secured and well-labeled. If there are things you can control, be mindful, be detail-oriented and make sure you get exactly what you want. Extra care and attention to these items will diminish the chance of something unexpected happening.
And forget those things you can’t control like the weather, the time your guests show up and how they behave, and even the DJ’s playlist. In the grand scheme of things, those things don’t matter and they are not what you’ll remember about your wedding day.
Keep your focus on having the best day of your life with your fiancé by your side. No matter how much you plan and how much you hope, your day is what you make of it and your attitude is everything. If something goes wrong, take it in stride. And if everything goes right, well done!
