Keeping the “Bridezilla” at Bay
- by Makana Shook, contributing writer
After dating for approximately nine years, my fiancé proposed by candlelight in a beach-front cabana at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki on November 9, 2010. The location was the famed “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” overlooking beautiful Kuhio beach and majestic Diamond Head by city light. Our wedding day will be on May 12, 2012. Having 18 months to plan our wedding was extremely important to me and proved to be one of the best decisions we’ve made as an engaged couple.
To date, my close friends and family would probably say that my “bridezilla” has been kept at bay, though we still have the most crucial two months left in the planning process! Here are three decisions that were made from the time of proposal leading up to the wedding that helped to keep the “Bridezilla” at bay:
To date, my close friends and family would probably say that my “bridezilla” has been kept at bay, though we still have the most crucial two months left in the planning process! Here are three decisions that were made from the time of proposal leading up to the wedding that helped to keep the “Bridezilla” at bay:
- Take the time to enjoy the proposal and engagement, especially with your significant other. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to experience Europe for the first time during the exciting weeks that immediately followed our engagement. Through this time together, we developed lifetime memories and were able to celebrate the true meaning of our love and our impending wedding. Your experience can be much simpler. Try going on a new hike together and having a picnic for two at the end!
- Give yourself ample time to plan the wedding of your dreams. Some brides prefer simple and casual affairs, while others prefer grand and classic. In either case, wedding planning is wedding planning. It is vital to understand how you handle stress and adjust your planning timeline accordingly. This should be a grand experience for all, especially the bride. You deserve a planning process that’s as drama-free as possible. Give yourself that possibility. You’ll be thankful in the long run. NOTE: I gave myself 18 months to plan because I’m mildly neurotic. At least I own it.
- Always go back to square one. When you feel the pressures of wedding planning rearing its ugly head, follow these simple steps: stop and proceed to take a walk outside, get some fresh air, and remind yourself of the real reason you’re getting married. This is square one. Breathe in and out. Whoosah… Now go find your fiancé and give him a big bear hug and a soft, tender kiss. If this works, you’re welcome. You know I got your back! If it doesn’t, you have an extreme case of “bridezilla.” Do yourself a favor: spend an entire weekend alone. It could put things into perspective. Appreciation and love goes a long way when asking others for help. The more of it you show, the more help you’ll get.
