Ahh, the magical journey of planning your own wedding! It’s a time of love, excitement, and the occasional desire to scream into a pillow. But fear not, soon-to-be-wedded warrior! I am here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of wedding planning while dodging the control freaks and embracing the power of positive people. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a wild ride filled with laughter, sanity-saving tips, and maybe even a few moments of pure wedding-planning madness!

Beware of the Control Freaks: When it comes to wedding planning, there’s always that one (…or two… or three) person who believes they’re the ruler of the wedding universe. They seem to have an opinion about everything, from the color of the napkins to the type of flowers you should have. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to keep these control freaks at bay. Politely nod and smile, but make it clear that this is your wedding, and you’ll wear neon green if that’s what tickles your fancy.

Control Your Control Issues: Now, let’s take a moment for some self-reflection. Are you a bit of a control freak yourself? It’s okay, we all have our moments. But remember, wedding planning is a team effort. Learn to delegate tasks and trust the people around you. You can’t do it all on your own (even though you might want to), so loosen your grip on the reins and let others help you. Your sanity will thank you.

Surround Yourself with Positive People: Wedding planning is like a rollercoaster ride filled with ups, downs, and unexpected loops. To maintain your sanity, you need a squad of positive people by your side. Seek out those friends who can turn a stressful situation into a comedy routine, or family members who sprinkle every conversation with words of encouragement. Surround yourself with people who have what I like to call a “Yes Face.” Their infectious positivity will keep you grounded and remind you that, in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a wedding. It’s the love and joy that truly matter.

Take Time to Laugh: Laughter is the ultimate therapy. Whenever the wedding planning madness threatens to overwhelm you, find ways to inject humor into the situation. Watch a funny movie, read silly wedding memes, or organize a game night with your closest friends. Laughter is like a magical potion that can turn even the most stressful moments into memories that will make you chuckle for years to come. Laughter is, and always will be, the best medicine.

Practice the Art of Letting Go: In the grand tapestry of wedding planning, there will inevitably be things that don’t go according to plan. The cake might collapse, the flowers might wilt, the two-year-old ring bearer may run off with the rings or one of the bridesmaids might forget their comfortable shoes. I can guarantee that nothing will be perfect. But that’s okay. I have a saying that I live by: perfection is not required, but excellence is expected. Take a deep breath and embrace the art of letting go. In my 28 years of officiating weddings, I have never left a wedding saying to myself, “Man, that was a disaster!” Not Once! Remember, it’s the imperfect moments that often become the most cherished memories. So, roll with the punches, laugh at the absurdity of it all, and savor the journey.

As you embark on the adventure of planning your own wedding, remember to keep those control freaks at arm’s length, control your own control issues, and surround yourself with positive souls who uplift your spirit. Take the time to laugh, let go of the things you cannot control, and revel in the joy of the journey. In the end, it’s the love and happiness that will shine brighter than any perfectly executed centerpiece or flawlessly timed toast. So, go forth, plan your wedding with a dash of humor, and remember to keep your sanity intact because, after all, the most important thing is that two imperfect people are joining their lives for a lifetime of love  and laughter.