Wedding planning is not for the faint of heart. Cue frantic searching for shiny new event planning skills and the primal need for a vortex where time stands still for wedmin purposes.
Although many of us have not-so secretly enjoyed the looming possibility of a wedding for some time, maybe even purchasing copies of Wed magazine before the ring was on your finger (just me?), when faced with the reality of an actual wedding day, it can be hard to stay strong, have fun and avoid feeling totally and utterly overwhelmed.
Bravery may evoke visions of Mel Gibson painted blue on horseback, but actually it's the inner power of allowing yourself to be the unique, wonderful person you are. The sheer gravity of such a momentous event, both logistically and emotionally, can be enough to bury your head in the sand, but a side order of humour alongside that courage can make for an enjoyable journey to wedding glory.
Guest list stress
Firstly, that all important guest list. Boldness dictates that you only invite people that you actually want to come. This notion is much easier said than done, but its implementation welcomes a fresh wave of excited ideas, relaxed silliness and a warm knowledge that everyone present will recognise, love and support you and your day in its entirety. Frankly, the subject of guest lists could fill a whole magazine, but be bold and ask yourself: do I want to share this moment with them?
Tradition omission
Formalities can be firmly pushed to one side, with decisions based purely on what feels right for you and your favourite person. Want to tick every wedding tradition box? Do it, in gleeful, veiled fashion. Prefer to somersault down the aisle accompanied by your dog on a keyboard? I would like to be invited. The beauty of a wedding industry boom is the infinite amount of choices now available, ready to tickle even the most alternative of fancies.
You'll want to happily skip past other people's expectations and go easy on your own, while hugging boldness to your chest. Bottom line: you'll marry the person you adore above all else, the rest is all additions to that fact. Weddings are now so personal, meaning you get to fulfil your own specific dreams; your Auntie Doris can satisfy hers however she wishes, but the two do not need to compromise.
Divine inspiration
Find inspiration and imagined high fives from real life weddings that were bold, bright and beautiful. Spend time seeing and believing by exploring the treasure trove of magazines and blogs that allow a glimpse into the beauty of other people's boldness. Our real wedding features at the back of the magazine showcase a host of wedding tastes and styles, all within our stunning county!
Dream team
Involve and delight in the people around you. Your wedding is an inclusive celebration that will make many people cry tears of joy; its momentous waves of squealing excitement will resonate with many family members and friends. Making, planning, choosing, tasting and laughing are all opportunities to make memories with the people that matter: be bold and ask them to join in the fun. Draw strength from these chosen humans and talk to them openly about how you feel, there is so much boldness in truth.
Good vibes
Contemporary culture has a knack of making women feel a bit pants, mainly when just in their pants. Body image and hang-ups can become a hamster wheel of worry when imagining the attention that being a bride brings, but with your new-found bravery, this need not affect you. Being healthy and strong comes in all manner of shapes and sizes, so ditch that self-doubt and appreciate the body and brain that has brought you to this moment, gazing at a shiny engagement ring and planning a future of blissful togetherness.
Comfort zone
Be bold enough to feel comfortable. Many months of your life spent planning a day where you will feel like a bridal fish out of water? That doesn't seem right. Choose a venue where you feel happy and relaxed, not nervous or uncomfortable. Don't buy a dress that means you can't taste every single one of the desserts you have specially chosen. Feeling anxious about wearing heels? Wear flat shoes and rejoice in the contentment they bring. The beauty of it being YOUR wedding is that - spoiler alert - you make the rules.
Listen to the inner voices of boldness who are just dying to get out. Those voices are fun! Unpack ideas labelled 'I couldn't pull that off' or 'what would people think?!' from within your bridal brain and put them into action with a giggle of glee. Don't look back wishing you'd been bolder; this wedding malarkey should be fun and a real representation of you!
Embracing opportunities is part of life, right? See your wedding as an opportunity to celebrate all of the goodness you've found in your life and everything that makes you smile. While the obvious starting point will be your partner, these pockets of happiness can be found in everything, from a certain type of chocolate bar to a song or friend that fills your heart with joy. Compile these things into a wedding like no other, built from the unique elements that make your life, love and laughter yours and yours alone. It can be bold and bright, or bold and mellow, without a wedding-y element in sight. Grasp the opportunity to be thoroughly YOU in what is, ultimately, a celebration of finding that one special person who enables this dazzling emergence of your true self (threadbare pyjamas and all). Boldness breeds contentment, and a calm allegiance to the knowledge that you are being honest to yourself and to others - so go on, enjoy it!
words Emily Colwill
Copyright Wed magazine 2017
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