3 Ways to Avoid Stress Before Your Wedding
By Diane Fisher-Simmons
Summer is fast approaching and so are the nervous soon-to-be Brides and Grooms who have the ultimate “save the date” on the calendars of countless friends and family members. So, what’s a Bride, Groom, Mother of the Bride, or Wedding Planner to do? Make sure you keep the first thing first!
If you want to bring blessing and the presence of God while avoiding strife and strain, here are 3 essentials that should be on your list of to-do’s before saying “I Do.”
Make Jesus First
Make Jesus the first on the invitation list and the most important party planner! In John 2:1-2, we see that “on the third day a wedding took place…and Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.” This marked the first of His public miracles, when He turned water into wine at this most sacred exchange of vows. While your covenant is being committed, do something to drive these points home. For us, I chose to be sure the numbers meant something, because numbers mean something. I picked July for our month (the perfect number 7) and the 3rd for the day in keeping with these important scripture verses. My wedding date was 07/03/10. The Lord is the most honored guest, so reflect this in music choices and specific scripture readings that mean the most to you and that usher in His presence. You and your guests will be keenly aware of a marked sweetness saturating the event when the Spirit purposefully has a place at the table.
2. Make It Your Own
Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you should do everything “they say” you should (from dresses, to name cards and party favors). We avoided getting too formal with name cards, place settings and everything else that costs extra. Simple Kisses from Hershey with sweet sayings on the bottom of those Kisses sufficed, alongside periwinkle colors and floral contrasts that didn’t cost a fortune. Also, when it comes to scripture, don’t feel like you have to use 1 Corinthians 13. It’s a beautiful choice, but you and your relationship are unique, and each moment of your ceremony and reception should tell your unique love story.
3. Make Your Guest List Intentional
Once Jesus has been invited and implemented in personal ways, keep the guest list intentional! There is no joy for a Bride or Groom in merely moving from table to table to simply say “thank you for coming.” Yet, sadly, that is all we are allotted if the guests outnumber the hours in the event. We kept our guest list under 100 so we could truly spend time with our guests, and each other! You want to be sure you don’t overlook pre-planning for time with your new spouse on this most important day. Dance, eat, laugh, pray! Stealing away for a few brief moments to pray and give thanks together can solidify a lifelong habit and enhance your wedding day memories.
If you are not strategic in the planning, doing everything “they say” can overshadow the precious moments of “from this day forward,” as it is the marriage that will take the most purposeful planning, prayer and persistence to glorify God and bless the union.
Diane Fisher-Simmons is an Arts & Fitness Professional, working as an Actor, Director, Writer & Personal Trainer in Chicago, and now on Hilton Head Island. She can also be seen as a TV personality on WHHI-TV and assisting her husband at Eyeland Optique on the Island. She's resided on the South end of HHI since 2014 with her Husband, Billy and 2 fur babies, Ella & Miracle.