| Weddings are already stressful enough as it is. Don't | | | | bedroom, whatever, to "Wedding Central." Put all of |
| let the planning get the best of you! Make sure you | | | | the wedding catalogs, all of the lists, all of the phone |
| have these recommended "preplanning" mechanisms | | | | numbers, everything that has to do with your wedding, |
| set up, so that your wedding doesn't have you tearing | | | | in this area. If you can't clear enough working space |
| your hair out. | | | | for that, use a large, three-ring binder. You've already |
| 1. Get Someone to Save You From Yourself | | | | got enough on your mind, you don't need to turn your |
| Weddings are hard to figure out already-trying to do it | | | | living space upside-down to find the caterer's phone |
| entirely on your own is impossible. Before anything else, | | | | number. |
| find someone (not your fiancé!) who will be | | | | 4. Know What They Want |
| there for you every step of the way. We can all use | | | | If you haven't done this already, sit down with your |
| a shoulder to cry on and a sounding board for our | | | | spouse-to-be and discuss what is the two of you |
| thoughts-and someone to tell us that the drab green | | | | want (and don't want) in a wedding. Make sure your |
| and maroon polka-dot bridesmaid dresses are not a | | | | expectations are clear and that you get any |
| good idea. | | | | misunderstandings or disagreements cleared up as |
| 2. Clear Your Calendar | | | | early as possible, including budget limitations. The last |
| This seems rather silly-clear your schedule up just to | | | | thing you want out of your wedding is for it to ruin your |
| plan?-but as much as possible, avoid timing things so | | | | marriage. |
| that you are not in the middle of other major life issues | | | | 5. Pick Your Battles |
| when you're trying to put your wedding together. Life | | | | Remember that it will be impossible to micromanage |
| happens, and what may have looked manageable six | | | | everything involved. Your attention and time are |
| months ago may blossom into something nightmarish | | | | valuable resources, so allocate them wisely. Decide at |
| and highly stressful. The less outside stress you have | | | | the outset where your priorities are: what things will |
| to deal with, the better you'll feel. | | | | need your strict oversight and input? What things will |
| 3. Find Your Center | | | | get by without it? If you can do this part well, |
| Transform a corner of your desk, your office, your | | | | everything else will be gravy. |