Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times in any bride’s life

10 Ways To Decrease Stress While Planning A Wedding by Stephanie Elms -

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times in any bride’s life…but it doesn’t have to be. With a few tips on how to decrease your stress you can make planning your wedding a joy. Remember you can only control what you can control. If you recognize this one fact then these tips will be easy to follow and will prevent the development of a bridezilla.

1. The first most important tip is to learn to pick your battles. You will have to determine what elements are important to you regarding the wedding and go ahead and be firm on your preferences with these; however, you can’t decided that every little detail is the most important element if you want to decrease your stress level. If you are passionate about the wedding and honeymoon locations make those happen, but maybe compromise in other areas such as the flowers or invitations.

2. Give yourself plenty of time to plan. Trying to plan an elaborate wedding in six weeks is not only a crazy idea but stress provoking. Again, pick your battle. Which is more important…the elaborate wedding or getting married in six weeks. Based on which you choose, plan accordingly with either more time or a simpler wedding.

3. Enlist help from others. This one is particularly difficult for the control freak bride. We feel like we know exactly what we want and that no one on the face of the earth can do it like we can so we may as well do it ourselves. Wrong! Did you know that one of the consistent characteristics among top leaders in the world is that they surround themselves with strong people to help them? You can do that as well. Just pick people you know you can trust and that will accept guidance from you. Notice I said guidance and not bossing. Make your desires known and then let them do their work. If you try to control them, then you are not only trying to plan a wedding but also trying to manage a group of people…stressful!

4. Always have back up plans. When you sit down to plan out your ideal wedding in your head, think of secondary choices for things as often as you can. That way if you get a phone call that the invitations you want are on back order and won’t be ready in time it doesn’t faze you. You go to plan B and move on to the next item on the to-do list.

5. Save money for the wedding. This one is a bit difficult to do because many of us don’t start saving for our wedding long before the engagement. If you have sufficient funds for the wedding you want it can really decrease your stress. If you don’t have the funds already saved and the wedding date has been set, consider getting an extra part-time job, having a garage sale, utilizing ebay for your spring cleaning, or doing something creative for some extra money. This will help cushion the wedding fund and decrease your stress level when picking out things you really want that may be more than you originally budgeted for.

6. Look for package deals. Many wedding sites now offer package deals that include the food and drinks, flowers, reception site, decorations, and a wedding coordinator for use at the rehearsal. Even though this is a package deal there is often the ability to customize based on your preference for services they offer. This option can decrease planning time and therefore stress, but can be more expensive.

7. Opt for a destination wedding. Often destination weddings offer package deals as well and the planning on the bride and groom’s part is very minimal.

8. Remember there is no such thing as perfect. I once heard someone say that what separates the millionaires from the non-millionaires is that they anticipate things will go wrong. Because they already know that on occasion things may not go exactly as planned they don’t get discouraged or give up when they do, thus leading them to become millionaires. If more things go right then go wrong it is technically a winning situation…at least when it comes to money.

9. If you absolutely cannot take the stress and you really just can’t manage the previous tips then consider eloping. There is very little planning involved in eloping if you go with a very simple arrangement.

10. Lastly…remember to stop often and look at the big picture. The entire reason you are even planning a wedding is to join two lives together forever. You plan to marry your best friend, your sole mate, your love.

No matter what things possibly go wrong, at the end of the wedding you will be married. That is the ultimate goal and as long as you keep your eyes on the prize everything else is just details.

And for those of you that require additional convincing that you should not allow yourself to get stressed out while planning your magical day here is one last attempt. When your stress levels increase you release stress hormones. These hormones can cause you to feel less then your best, decrease your immune system’s ability to fight off illness, and worst of all can show in your face as a less than perfect complexion. That, my friend, should be enough because I know every bride wants to look like a princess on her wedding day.

For additional wedding tips visit www.verysupersexylingerie.com


Stephanie is the owner of La Bella Amour Lingerie, the premier on-line boutique offering a full line of bridal lingerie, bridal registry, unique shower invitations and thank you cards, and classy bridesmaid gifts. You can visit the boutique at http://www.labelleamourlingerie.com

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

How to Save a Marriage...What you need to know

How to Save a Marriage: Where to Start by Mary Goodwin

First off, when you've reached the point of actually searching for information on how to save a marriage, you're probably feeling pretty lost, desperate, scared and alone. Let me assure you, you're not alone!

More than half of all marriages end in divorce. That's a sad, depressing and very unnecessary statistic.

There really are ways to reconnect to your partner. To fall in love all over again. Remember how it was in the beginning? That passion can be rekindled.

Many of us have been where you're at. We've felt that hopeless feeling. Then we reached out for information on how to save a marriage and advice from those who've been there, and we pulled ourselves out of that depressing hole.

You need to sit down and formulate a plan to save your marriage. To reclaim your future and your happiness. And you need to take real, positive action.

And no, it doesn't matter what's been done or what's been said. You can save a marriage no matter how much damage has been done. You can even begin to take concrete steps to save your marriage even if your partner isn't yet motivated to do so.

Saving a marriage is very hard work and it takes time. You need that time to rebuild the love and trust that you've lost. You need to create new, happy memories together. You need to reduce the tension, have fun and laugh with each other again.

So, here we go with some step-by-step advice on how to save a marriage:

Step one is to change how you respond when communicating with your partner. Don't fall back into the trap of fighting. Be positive, if they're looking to fight, separate yourself from them until they calm down.

Fighting is a two-way street, it takes two to tango. Change your responses and eventually they will be forced to change their approach to a more positive one as well. To save your marriage, you will have to break the negative patterns.

After the tension has calmed down, step two is to give them a gift, "just because I love you". Choose a gift that will remind your partner of your earlier, happier days together. See how we're connecting the happy past with the present?

Step three is to start dating again. Have a date night once a week, no matter what. You need this time together to reconnect to the feelings you both had when you first fell in love.

Step four on how to save a marriage is a biggie: go away together on a romantic vacation. Just the two of you. Even if just for a weekend. Don't fill this time with a lot of expectations, just have fun together!

There you go, how to save a marriage, from someone who's been there. You've got some work to do, huh? But those of us that have been through it, and rebuilt our marriages, know that it's well worth it to feel that love and closeness with your sweetie again!


For much more in-depth, step-by-step information on how to save a marriage, go to relationship expert Mary Goodwin's website which features reviews of all the best products on how to save your marriage: http://www.savingourmarriage.com/

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

You too can have a happy, fulfilling Marriage

The Secret To A Great Marriage, by Nily Glaser -

You too can have a happy, fulfilling Marriage

The Secret to a Great Marriage, Should not be a secret at all.

My husband and I were married in 1965, raised a family and still feel about each other as though we are newlyweds. Brides, grooms and married couples who know us, often ask us something akin to: "What is the secret to your relationship and happy marriage?"

Since I write for brides and grooms and married couples, I thought this is an important topic to write about.

When you first decide to marry, you are very much in love. It is this flame that you need to nurture so it does not dim. If you do, you too will enjoy the bliss of a happy fulfilling marriage. But how do you do it?

There are many aspects to married life and all are crucial. Some couples look at the movies for fairy tale marriages where all is always rosy and nice. Reality however dictates that you should never take your spouse for granted and that each of you needs to give MORE than 100 percent but expect less.

Of the highest priority is that you make your marriage the MOST important part of your life and your spouse the most important person. Never compromise the place of your spouse or marriage relating to anything else.

We often hear married people say that the kids come first. We say that the only exception is your spouse. After all, your children are invited guests in your marriage. Guests that eventually will leave you empty nesters. Once more, you are a married couple without children at home. Is your flame still burning? It should be!

Following are suggestions that are the results of our experiences as husband and wife.

SET ASIDE TIME FOR EACH OTHER

We are all very busy. Our days, weeks months and years are filled with many obligations and responsibilities that are demanding of our time and energy. From work, house keeping, child rearing and volunteering even to socializing, our calendar is full. Yet we make sure to devote special time for each other. It does not have to be a large block of time. A phone call during the day just to say "“I love you", "I miss you" or "I was thinking about you"” or placing a love note in your spouse’s car does not take much time yet warms the heart.

PRAISE, COMPLIMENT AND ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER

It does not take but a moment to share kind words, compliments praise and encouragement. Yet they are very important to a great relationship. Both my husband and I have and will continue to tell each other how grateful, how fortunate, how lucky and how fulfilled we feel for having the other as our partner in life. Yes! Marrying my husband is the best thing that ever happened to me.

We find opportunities for sentiments such as:

“you look great.
I really like your…,
I am proud of you for…,
Your idea is terrific. You should pursue it.
Thanks for your input it really helps.
I am glad I asked for your opinion.
You make my life complete.
What would I do without you?
etc…

DO THINGS TOGETHER

It is always fun to be together. So find things that both of you can participate in and do them together. Whether it is entertainment or household chores, visiting or going on vacation nothing can bring you closer than sharing and being with one another, showing interest and participating in what is important to your mate.

Take Chiho for example. She does not particularly enjoy going to the movies. Yet, she surprised Dan when she took him to a movie he mentioned he would like to see.

Just as doing things together is crucial to a great marriage, it is also crucial to remember that occasionally we all need our own space. Do not always hang around. Allow your spouse his or her own space.

DO FOR EACH OTHER

It is expected that married couples will remember and celebrate each other on special occasions such as birthdays, holidays and anniversaries. Ours happens to be easy to remember as we got married on the 4th of July.But the beauty and warmth of a surprise exceeds them all. Small and large gestures done without fanfare say, "I love you and think of you." And "“you are important to me".

Here again, you do not have to be rich to surprise each other as acts of kindness go a long way. Neither my husband nor I ever surprised the other with a diamond ring or a new car sitting in the driveway. We just do little things for each other, sometimes serious sometimes humorous, but always with love. In fact, just yesterday my husband walked in with a lovely bonsai tree in a planter and said: "When I saw this beautiful little tree I thought of you and how much you’ll enjoy it."

Put on your thinking cap and come up with ideas that will please your mate and reflect your love.

Take your mate on a surprise day outing just for enjoyment.

Set a special dinner table and if you have no children light candles for a romantic atmosphere.

Bring home a box of candies, a bottle of wine or champagne, a dessert your spouse likes a book he or she will enjoy, a movie to watch together.Or how about a bonsai tree?

Bring your spouse a stuffed animal, a piggy bank for the laundry room for loose change that falls out of pockets, a flower or even just a card.

Surprise your spouse with a new outfit or sexy lingerie and he will cherish the moment.

Prepare a bubble bath for your un-suspecting wife complete with romantic candles and she will thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Warm your spouse’s car on a cold morning.

Share in doing the chores.

You know what your spouse will enjoy and appreciate. Use your imagination and surprise him or her.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

We are all human and no one is perfect. Every marriage includes two individuals with their unique personality traits, some wonderful and some faulty. Yes! We all have our faults. So how do we handle the faulty traits yet love, respect and be thankful for having our spouse?

Rather than criticize, we do our utmost to understand each other and turn the faults into positives.

Let us say that others think of your spouse as touchy. Why not describe him or her as sensitive?
How about turning the tables from a manipulative person to a person who is very resourceful with many creative ideas?

Have you got a fussy spouse? Or is he or she simply very organized and efficient?

Your spouse is not messy. He or she simple is very creative and creative people work best when they are not restricted.
Here again, you know your spouse better than anyone else. Get creative.

Talking about personality traits raises the question of disagreements. Since each of us is an individual, we each have our points of view and ideas that may differ and even contradict our spouse’s. This may cause disagreements and even fights. Anger and resentment may build and affect the relationship. Should you allow it? Absolutely not!

Act maturely about disagreements and do not let them escalate and become actual fights.

Ask our sons who are in their thirties, and they will tell you that they can not recall us ever fighting exchanging harsh words or raising our voices. This is because we never allowed a disagreement to become more than an argument. And we settled our arguments over a cup of coffee.

It is crucial that you resolve your misunderstandings and arguments and kiss and make up before you go to bed.

NEVER go to sleep angry at one another.

ALWAYS kiss and say “I love you” before you go to sleep.

SHOW AFFECTION

Some individuals do not mind showing affection in public, while others are reserved. Yet we all like and need to be reassured that we are loved.

Small gestures of love even as small as an unexpected touch, kiss or even a pat on the head can make us tingle and give us butterflies. Think about how you’d feel when you are watching TV or are at your computer and your spouse plants a kiss on the back of your neck or passes a loving hand on your head or back and leaves the room. That is right! He or she came into the room just to touch you with love. So, how do you feel about it?

ALWAYS STAND BY YOUR MAN – WOMAN

If not for my husband’s encouragement, patience, understanding and support, I would never have written this article because I would not have become involved with weddings.

The books I have written and published, Candles By Nily and A-wedding Day would not have been born if not for his love and caring, interest and actual devotion to seeing me happy.

Though my husband may not see it this way, he made many sacrifices to allow me to pursue my dreams. I am and always will be grateful to him.

Many couples do and will, and we too encountered rough spots throughout our marriage. Some such as a lengthy period of unemployment could have caused us to separate yet, because of our deep love and devotion to one another, brought us closer together. We stood by each other just as we vowed "for better and for worse" and nurtured each other knowing that "“this too shall pass" and that we shall stay together and thrive.

We are not angels and each of us made some mistakes along the way. We could have gotten upset and angry with the other. However, we took the route of rationalization. Our usual reaction has been that we learned an important lesson, it cost us less than college tuition and we can chuck it to experience and go on with life.

As the author of this article, I concentrated on my husband and what he did to strengthen our marriage, as I did not find it appropriate to toot my own horn.

Permission to re-print

If you would like to add contents to your site, newsletter, or publication, we grant you permission to post this Article and forward it to your friends. You must include all copyrights information, keep each articles AS IS with no additions or deletions, actively hyperlink to A-wedding Day and to any links within the article, and post the entire by-line.

Set By Nily Glaser of A-wedding Day

right under the title of the article, as a hyperlink.

Copyrights © 2007 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser, Nily Glaser is the CEO of A-wedding Day
A-wedding Day is a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories.


Nily Glaser, the CEO of A-wedding Day at: http://www.a-weddingday.com She is a published author who writes important articles, and has presented workshops for wedding professionals all over the USA.

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com