Most couples have spent upwards of twelve months arranging the wedding.  That’s a long time.  It feels like every conversation comes back to the upcoming nuptials and planning out the details.  Significant time and money is spent.  So, it’s understandable that we have ideas and expectations for your special day.  The thing is, couples who have fun at their weddings are the ones that are able to let go of that attachment to a point – to roll with whatever may come down the pike.  Those who manage this potentially challenging task of rolling with it and who can choose good helpers can actually enjoy their own wedding.  Sounds good, huh?.  And while Grooms are doing more than they ever have, it is still the Bride who has more of herself invested in the day.  Therefore, generally speaking, the Bride’s attitude and style have a greater impact on the day than anything else.  Ergo, ‘Happy Bride, Happy Day’.  A calm Bride, which often leads to a chilled out Groom, promises a happier day, as well as better wedding photography.

But, depending on the people involved, this is easier said than done.  That includes the Bride and Groom, the Family members and the Vendors.  Still, the wedding day is largely centered around the Bride.

First to the easy-going Bride.  You have a distinct advantage.  That is because something will definitely go wrong – which will probably not be anything of any significance.  Maybe the flowers aren’t ‘precisely’ what you had in mind.  Maybe there isn’t a place card for one of your guests.  Maybe your dress rubbed against something and there is a little mark.  Maybe one of your always irritating family members is, not surprisingly, being irritating.  Maybe after four glorious days of sunshine, it’s pouring rain.  Etc. etc…  Fortunately, you are the ‘whatever’ Bride, so you go with the flow, more attuned to the bigger picture – oh that’s right, you’re marrying the love of your life!  So, you take it all in stride and revel in your special day.  And the wedding photographer loves you.

For the edgy lady, this could be an extremely challenging day.  Your intention will certainly be to have an awesome day, but sometimes it doesn’t take much for the heart rate to skyrocket.  While the following advice apply to all couples, they may be essential for the overly sensitive Bride:

- Select a trusted person to handle snags, preferably your Matron of Honor.  She will be your point person who will deal with issues as they happen, only involving you if it’s a major decision.

- Finish all wedding prep a week before the day so you can really enjoy the build-up.

- Visualize in advance.  Anticipating it’s going to be a stressful day, set your intention to center yourself.

- Try to identify doubt and exasperation within yourself asap so it doesn’t grow out of proportion and become a distraction.  In short, let it go.

- That detail you are so worked up about…  Chances are your guests will not see or care – unless you bring attention to it.  Most of the people there are there for you.

- Family Funny Business.  You both know who in your families drove you up the wall (nobody does that quite like family).  The great thing here is that if there is a specific individual who just gets your goat, you can see it coming from miles away.  Don’t permit avoidable outside forces from throwing you off.  Own your own emotions and responses.

- Be open to a change of plans.  Rainy day?  Be receptive to your photographer’s suggestions because they should be doing their utmost to capture good couple shots (arguably the most important pictures).  In short, be flexible.  Occasionally, an plan B actually ends up being more interesting than the set plan.

And what of the Groom?  Needless to say, he can also make things difficult, but generally speaking, he is usually trying hard to keep his Bride cheery – unless he’s a butthead.  The wedding day is an intensified practice session for marriage.  ‘Happy Bride, Happy Day’ segues perfectly into both ‘Happy Wife, Happy Life’ and sets the stage for creative wedding photography.

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