No bride or groom, when planning a wedding, has ever spent every moment with a toothy grin spread across their face. Plans get changed and people make mistakes. Dresses get ordered in the wrong size and bridesmaids complain about shoes. Every bride and groom have their share of drama and chaos. Take a deep breath and try to relax. Yes, it is true some things are not going to unfold according to your plans, but every wedding experiences a few bumps along the way. Ask your family or his family to lend a hand with details. His sister can call the photographer and your brother can help with renting the limo. These people are family, not judges, and they want to pitch in.
A simple chat with your wedding clergy can be a big stress reliever. Ministers, priests and rabbis are highly trained and experienced when it comes to wedding stress. Counseling engaged couples is definitely part of their job description -- most have had wedding counseling training. These professionals have seen and heard it all. Talk with them honestly and don't hold back. You risk no embarrassment with clergy, so let them listen to you and then listen to them. Following their advice with an open heart and trusting mind is key to gaining some balance back into your life. You choose this person to lead your wedding because of your faith in their leadership and guidance. Trust your choice and ask for the support you need.
If you haven't selected your officiant yet, lay members of your congregation might be a good choice. Look for someone with a solid personality and a happy marriage. Many lay people attend training seminars and retreats to handle this type of fellowship. Members of your family can also be a resource, especially grandparents. Their years of marriage has seen its challenges and they love you beyond measure.
If you believe your stress runs deeper than wedding planning, you might need to seek out the advice of a professional counselor. While there are specialists who handle wedding counseling, these people can be spread far and wide in Missouri. A quick check of the internet should let you know if a specialist is practicing in your area. If not, most issues can be handled by a licensed general counselor. Network Therapy provides a listing of Missouri counselors, including addresses and phone numbers. There is no shame is reaching out for help. Better to address any issues now, before they fester and become major obstacles. You will not be the first bride or groom to need some direction as you prepare for such a major life change. A few sessions with a counselor might save you a lot of anger and resentment in the future.
Honor your feelings as you approach your wedding day. Ask for help when and where you need it. Getting married is a wonderful and stressful time for all couples. Try and remember why you are looking at three layer cakes and wedding programs in the first place. You have done the miraculous and found your soul mate. Soon you will be husband and wife. The shoes and the caterer pale when compared to that miracle.