Pamper Yourself

If planning your wedding is starting to feel more like a chore than the giddy experience that it should be, maybe it’s time to look for ways to reduce the stress. Here are a few ideas:

Take a day off. Take some time to pamper yourself. Turn off your phone, grab your maid of honor, and go to a spa. On a budget? Take a bubble bath at home and give yourself a pedicure.

Don’t be afraid to delegate. Pass duties on to family and friends—they should be more than happy to help! Asking for a favor every now and then does not make you a bridezilla. Your mother would probably be more than willing to help you address invitations, and asking your bridesmaids to help decorate the church could make the experience much more enjoyable. Your fiancé can handle some of the details as well…have him plan the honeymoon or book the DJ for your reception. You may have to give up some control, but in the end, you’ll be glad you did.

Focus on the big picture. Of course your wedding day is important, but the most important thing is the man and the marriage. Schedule an ultra-romantic date with your hubby-to-be to remind yourself why you’re going through this whole crazy process in the first place!

The key is to take some time out to recharge your batteries. Planning a wedding is hard work—you need a little break every now and then!

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Mixing up the Menu

Instead of opting for the standard chicken and potatoes, why not serve something unusual for your reception dinner? You can get your guests into the spirit of your wedding even more if the food goes beyond the norm.

For example, if you're hosting a rustic, outdoor event, consider having a BBQ buffet. Nothing needs to be off-limits--if you and your fiancé are open to a fun theme, the options are endless. Host a Mexican fiesta or a Hawaiian luau. Serve fish 'n chips, Chinese food, Cajun-style food, seafood, or fancy French dishes.

There's no need to feel pigeonholed. If you're concerned about guests liking the type of menu you've selected, opt for a buffet so there are several options for them. They're bound to find something they like. And your wedding reception will stand out in their memory for daring to challenge everyone's tastebuds.

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Fun Favors

If you want to make your wedding truly unique, why not try something a little different with the favors? Set up a station for "favor-making" and let your guests go wild. After all, most personalized picture frames end up as dust collectors, so getting your guests involved could end up being a huge hit.

Some cute ideas:

*Ice cream sundaes or banana splits. Make sure you have all kinds of candy and other toppings on hand and let your guests' inner junk food junkie escape.

*Cookie decorating. Let your guests use their imagination and decorate their own sugar cookie. Just make sure you provide plenty of frosting!

*Caramel apples. This idea is particularly fun for an outdoor summer wedding. Who doesn't love caramel apples in the summertime?

*Christmas ornaments. Have an assortment of crafty decorations and give each guest an ornament to decorate themselves. They'll remember your wedding every time they decorate their Christmas tree. Obviously, this is an idea that works best for a winter wedding.

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