Weddings are wonderful, joy-filled events, however the planning required to create a wedding is stressful for even the most organized and calm bride! Follow these seven tips to help reduce stress for YOU as well as for those who are assisting you!

1. Only invite those you really care about.  
   When your guest list tops 100 people, think carefully about who these guests are and why they are being invited.  If you’re only having a large wedding because your parents insist on inviting all of their social and business acquaintances, think again!
    

2. Don’t have a large bridal party.
   You may have 14 best friends, but they don’t all have to be in the bridal party.  The larger the bridal party the more stressful your wedding will be as you try to keep all of these people happy!
    

3. Hire vendors you like.
   You have to spend a lot of time and put a lot of trust in the vendors you hire.  In addition to hiring people who are the best at what they do, make sure you like them!
    

4. Make your own decisions.
   You mother-in-law may be very well meaning and want to help you, but always remember that this is YOUR wedding and what you want goes.  This is not a time to try to be nice and make everyone happy!
    

5. Learn how to delegate.
   You make the decisions and let others help you to carry them out.  Weddings are too complicated to manage on your own, and even if you have hired a wedding coordinator, make sure you allow people to help you who will carry out your wishes.
    

6. Don’t expect perfection.
   Weddings are beautiful, but never perfect!  If the flowers on the cake are not exactly the shade of blue you specified, no one will ever know but you, and you have much more important things to focus on!!!
    

7. Remember why you are getting married!
   The most important moment of your wedding is when you and your fiancé exchange vows with each other.  Nothing else matters in the long run!