Avoiding Stress

Communicate Your Feelings. Be open and honest if you're feeling upset. Tell your fiancé or family what's bothering you. Don't try to keep stressful feelings to yourself . . . they may transfer to something or someone else. Take positive action whenever possible. Worrying never solved a problem.

Share Responsibilities. You don't have to do everything yourself. This idea is old-fashioned, as well as exhausting. Ask your fiancé' to go over the Groom's Checklist in this book and handle as many of those planning functions as possible.

Follow A Planning Timetable. It will give you the secure feeling that you're not forgetting something crucial.

Have A System. Try to break down each task into organized steps. Next, decide how long it should take and who will do it. Then, set a completion date and stay on schedule.

Pace Yourself. In the beginning stages of planning your wedding you have several major areas to decide upon . . . don't try to tackle them all at once. Try to accomplish one major task each day.

Take Care of Your Health. Eat right and be sure to get enough rest and exercise. Take advantage of time-tested soothers at night . . . a hot bath, warm milk or a back rub.
You will keep stress under control if you allow plenty of time to plan your wedding and then follow through on your schedule in a timely manner.