My 10 Commandments for Wedding Planning

My final blog for Wedding 101 was my favorite to write. I didn't have to write about a certain company. I didn't have to write about anything generic or "typical" for a wedding blog. After spending 4 years talking to brides, I have learned a lot about how a wedding proposal and the planning process can consume a woman...and the relationship. Being that I have never been engaged or been through the process as I bride, I can't imagine the stress one would be under. But, what I do know is what kind of bride I would be because I know what type of person I am.

 Truth is, you don't have to be wedding planning to follow these 10 commandments.

1. Be Nice- While you should be nice all the time,  make sure to be extra nice to all of the people helping you with your wedding planning, especially whoever is paying. No one has to help you, but people do because they are excited and happy for you! Don't snap on people during times of frustration. Take a deep breath, smile, and be a sweet Southern lady.

2. Be Thankful- Not everyone gets to have the wedding of their dreams. Be thankful for the amazing man you call your fiancee, your supportive family and friends, and this moment in your life.

3. Don't Bend to Pressure- You will be getting pressure from everyone about your wedding; family, friends, wedding professionals, and yourself. The process can be difficult and challenging, but have the wedding that's perfect for you and your groom. Include what's important to you, your fiancee, and both of your families.

4. Don't Make an Impulse Buy- Ladies, you don't have to book a vendor at a bride show because they are offering an amazing deal. If you book on the spot, you are making an impulse buy. I once bought a hair straightener from a woman off the street because it was a "great product at an affordable price." It was terrible. I'm not saying that those vendors are terrible...I'm saying sleep on it before you make a final decision.

5. Love Your Body- Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT decide to start dieting during your engagement (which happens to be an emotionally and physically stressful time). It will not work, and you will be so disappointed and hard on yourself. You are beautiful, and your wedding dress will be beautiful...both of those together makes you a beautiful bride. Love yourself and your body. In fact, shake what your momma gave ya.

6. Don't Worry About Crowd Pleasing - News flash! You are planning one of the biggest parties of your life. There will be music, drinks, food, your friends, and YOU! That is pleasing. Your guests will have a blast. It's not about pleasing them. You are inviting your friends and loved ones to a free date night. Don't put your focus on that. Your guests will have a blast.

7. Mandatory Date Nights- Make sure you and your beau have regular date nights during the engagement...and do NOT talk about the wedding. Couples can lose themselves in the process, so this is very important. The wedding doesn't define your life or relationship. It defines one day that starts the rest of your life. So keep up with those date nights where ya'll can relax and unwind!

8. Consider Your Groom- While he may pretend not to care, he really does. He wants to see you happy. Be open and keep him in the loop of the planning. Ask him for his opinion and input on  He is your partner...share the planning details, but also share how you are feeling. He will be able to help you take on the stress.

9. Laugh- Whenever you feel like crying about how stressed out you are, find something that makes you giggle. Get on Pinterest and look up "funny baby animals" or "wedding planning ecards." You'll laugh. Don't let this get you down. Keep on smiling and laughing, and remember, things could be worse!

10. Remember Why You Are Doing This- Ladies, remember the reason you are doing this. It's not about the wedding. The wedding is a symbol for the bigger picture, which is a marriage of two people and their families. You are doing this because you have found the one you want to share your life with. Not just share your life, but you want to create a life with him. It's hard to find that these days, ladies. You are about to embark on one of the happiest and most difficult challenges of your life.

While I targeted brides for this article, these are commandments that I try to live by on a daily basis. I should've called these " My 10 Commandments For Being A Nice Person." I needed a reminder of the type of person I want to be and continue to attempt to be each day. Thank you, Wedding 101 for the love, lessons, experiences, and amazing opportunities over the past several years.

Now, cheers to moving onto the next chapter carrying these lessons and aspirations with me! :)