Megan and Carl ~ Image by Chris Hall Photography via Urban Edge Engagement Shoot

Having got engaged well over a year ago, everyone said that the wedding date would be here before we know it… and with less than two months to go, boy were they right! The past few months have been all consumed with every minor detail of our upcoming wedding. We make a decision, then I spend the next two weeks thinking “did we make the right decision”?  I blame Pinterest for this. It is so easy to get caught up in the planning process and not take the time to step back and realise that you are both about to enter into a very serious (and legally binding) life long commitment.

So with only two months to go, almost every major (and minor) detail of the wedding has been decided. The invitations have been sent, the rings have been designed, the dress is being altered, the shoes are being worn in and it’s now time to begin thinking…. do I want my hair up or down? Curled or straight? Hair accessory or not? (Again with the over thinking).

If you are newly engaged or like me, creeping up towards your big day, this would be my advice to you.

1. Make a decision and stick with… don’t second guess yourself as your first thought probably is what you will end up going with anyway.

2. When dress shopping don’t invite every single sister, cousin, friend, aunt or grandparent that you have. It will make you more stressed and you might end up choosing a dress which they like rather than what you wanted. Take your mum and one or two close friends whose opinion you trust.

3. Don’t set your expectations too high. This is something I am guilty of. Whilst it is great to get inspiration from other people’s weddings, your day is about you and your partners love for one another. Don’t lose sight of that and ensure that your personalities shine through in elements of your wedding.

4. Hire professionals but also don’t be afraid of a little DIY. It seems as soon as the word “Wedding” is mentioned most businesses bring out a separate price list. Don’t be scared to get your girlfriends and family over to help cut up name tags or decorate picture frames for table names. This won’t only save you some money but also serves as a great excuse for a get together.

5. Adopt a healthy eating and regular exercise regime. Also, remember to drink lots of water and herbal teas. Not only will it make you look fabulous of the wedding day you will more than likely be less stressed in the lead up. Remember in the wise words of Elle Woods…”exercising releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy”! Just be sure to keep this going after your wedding day…!

6. Make some time for your partner. Let’s face it… guys haven’t dreamed of this day since they were 10 years old. Don’t make every discussion you have with him revolve around the wedding. Make sure that you use the wedding planning as an opportunity to build and strengthen your relationship, not get frustrated at him because he doesn’t mind which shade of pink the flowers are.

7. Establish a budget and try and stick to it. Weddings can be expensive… and there are costs even now that are occurring that I didn’t budget for six months ago. Whilst everyone would love to have the best of everything, sometimes you need to prioritize so that you have a beautiful wedding day, but also don’t walk away twenty thousand dollars in debt.

8. When it comes down to the last month of your planning (and when you’re particularly harried), look at your to-do list and cut three things (well at least not crucial things like picking up your wedding dress).  Eliminate only the over-the-top tasks like hand-painting “Just Married” signs, or baking cookies for all of the welcome bags. Focus on what is needed…. not what is wanted!

9. Enjoy the process. You are so lucky to have found the person who wants to spend the rest of their life with you… don’t let the stress of the wedding break that bond. Take a deep breath and know that everything will work out in the end.

Best of luck to all those Bride’s to Be!

Ms Gingham says: Such great advice! We’re really looking forward to seeing your wedding on the blog Megan! Good luck!

Megan says: “I am a 24 year old high school teacher in Brisbane. Getting married in April to a man that makes me laugh every single day.”