Who doesn’t want the perfect wedding with as little stress as possible during the planning process? But it’s easy to get frustrated when the to-do list is never ending.
For starters, take slow, deep breaths. You’ve probably heard this way too many times, but it really does help calm the mind by slowing your heart rate, which will release tension and stress from your body. Pilates and yoga are great for this as well, but putting aside a couple minutes between your appointments to simply breath will work too. 

Meals are also a great time to de-stress because it’s already in your schedule. Instead of trying to inhale a salad while driving to your next vendor, enjoy a 30-minute lunch break. You don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant and eat a five-course meal, just find a peaceful atmosphere and focus on the food in front of you. You can also have a romantic dinner with your fiancé and enjoy a special moment with him.

Unwind by turning to nature for a helping hand. If you’re going to the beach for your honeymoon, imagine the waves rolling onto the sand and reaching for your toes. Do this for a couple of minutes and you’ll feel better in no time. It would be even more effective if you go to the park or simply sit in your backyard for a moment. If you live in the city, put flowers by your bed so you can see them first thing in the morning.

Most of all, remember the reason you are planning a wedding in the first place, and focus on the love you share with your intended any time you begin to get overwhelmed.

Best Wishes,
Tina

by Cornelia Powell

Sometimes it’s hard not to lose yourself when planning your wedding. There are so many distractions vying for your attention that not only can it become rather daunting—making you a bit dizzy—but you can also lose your connection to your relationship. So how do you keep your cool, your heart open, and your attention on what really matters?

Before you look “out there” at the smorgasbord of choices when planning your wedding, look inside to help soothe any frayed edges and get centered again. Here’s a tip: Slow down and put attention on your breathing.

Try this now as you’re reading: Begin taking deep, slow inhales and long, gentle exhales—breathing through your nose for even more relaxation. Let your body relax (drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, soften your focus) and imagine your breaths going in and out of your heart. Soft, easy, flowing breaths.

Just slowing down and taking some deep, easy breaths for a few minutes each day—especially when you feel the busy swirl coming on—will bring you some much needed calm and ease. This helps your heart stay open and your attention stay on your relationship!

Now, breathing deeply into your heart, look inside to find yourself. And do you know what you’ll find? A more relaxed bride is a more beautiful bride and more deeply connected to love. Breathtaking!

[Cornelia Powell, known as “the bride’s sage” for over 25 years, is the author of the Amazon best selling book, The Bride’s Ritual Guide: Look Inside To Find Yourself (http://www.weddingsofgrace.com/store/TBRGSpecialOffer.php) that is full of ways to be a beautiful bride! See her popular online magazine, Weddings of Grace, (www.WeddingsOfGrace.com) for a special offer: order a copy of the book and receive free gifts you’ll love!]