A BRADFORD district-based bridal shop owner has offered brides-to-be a guide for a stress-free wedding.
Tracy Butterfield, who owns Saltaire Bridal in Victoria Road, Saltaire, has more than 30 years' experience in the wedding industry and is a founding member of the UK Weddings Taskforce, which has worked with government ministers on helping the industry.
She has given advice as the summer wedding season gets well underway.
She said: “The first thing to say is it’s totally understandable to feel every emotion while planning your dream day. Couples across the world are feeling this way too. It's time to give yourself a break.
“The main reasons couples suffer stress during their planning are uncertainty (this is all new for you), overwhelm (so much to organise) and pressure; pressure to get it all perfect and pressure from outside forces.
“One of the easiest ways to resolve this is to book a wedding planner who will listen to your ideas making sure you get exactly what you want and usually in a more competitive way. You can book a planner for the whole of your wedding or a small part, you choose.
If that’s not an option - here are a few Top Tips to help:
1. Stay in charge – this is your wedding day, don't forget that. Take control of your decisions.
2. Stay calm – if you need to step back – do that! Try a form of exercise you enjoy; yoga, journaling, meditation, walking or dancing. If you need extra support call MindUK and The Samaritans.
3. Stay informed – keep in touch with your venue and your suppliers. Be patient as the venue and their team will be super busy at this time. Let them know the best way to reach you; Whatsapp, calls or emails. They want to help you as much as you want to be helped.
4. Stay focused – don't book anything when you're tired, hangry or rushed. Focus on the key elements of your day; What are they? What would you not do without? Put them in a priority list and work through.
5. Stay in touch – your family and friends are as excited about your wedding as you are. However they can be constantly asking you "how's it going?" and "what can I do to help?"
Choose a reliable bridesmaid or friend to be your 'messenger of all things wedding' between you and your guests. This gives you a break and they will be delighted to have that responsibility. A quick catch up once a month to update them and they can pass on to your guests.
Alternatively set up your own wedding website and update everyone at the same time. Pressure off.
6. Stay happy with each other – take time out to spend with each other; a film night, home spa day, date night or weekend away and have a rule that during those times you are not allowed to talk about the planning. You can even have consequences for the person that mentions the planning first; a free massage or they buy all the drinks – you can use your imagination for this.
7. Look for the positives – you get to marry your dream partner and live together forever. You’ll get to enjoy an amazing day with your loved ones around you.
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