So maybe you’ve watched the hilariously funny show, Bridezillas, on TV or even dressed up as one for Halloween one year.  The outrageousness of these brides can seem a little farfetched, but when the overwhelming pressures of planning for your big day are upon you, it can be very easy to slip and end up acting like some of these crazy brides you see on TV.  Here are a few tips to help you avoid putting on that evil Bridezilla costume for all those months leading up to your wedding.

• BE PREPARED. No matter how much planning, how organized or on top of things you are with the pre-wedding planning, you will feel somewhat overwhelmed at least once, if not more, during this process.  Just be prepared for this and know that it is completely normal and that, everything WILL work out!  A great idea is to put together a little emergency kit ahead of time so that you will have if available for the big day.  Place items such as extra bobby pins, combs, hair spray, safety pins, tissues, stain remover, etc.  That way if anything unexpected comes up you will be completely prepared!
  
  

• BE THE BRIDE YOU WANT TO BE.  Before any of the planning starts to really get started, sit down and think about that picture perfect version of the bride you’ve always wanted to be.  Maybe draw a picture of it or write out adjectives, attributes or ideas of what you hope to be.  Do you want to be the calm and collected bride or is it more important for you to enjoy yourself and let lose a little?  Being the bride you want to be will help you to avoid acting like that crazy bridezilla that we all want to avoid.

• ESTABLISH YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM. Find someone, most often times your maid of honor, to be your main source of support and back bone during this time.  Try avoiding family members that will additional stress.  A close girlfriend is the perfect candidate since she will not be involved in any family drama and most likely is one of your best friends and knows your emotions and needs very well.  This girlfriend is willing to put herself second both during the wedding planning and on the big day in order to be there for you 100%.

• STAY ORGANIZED. Whether you hire a professional wedding planner or you choose to do most of the planning yourself, you need to stay organized.  Keep everything wedding related, papers, contracts, ideas, guest lists, sample invitations, and other notes together in some kind of binder or folder.  Schedule all appointments and meetings early and make sure you write them down immediately in your planner to avoid conflicts or missing events.  Take deep breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed, it will help.

• CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS. Stay in control of your emotions during this stressful time.  Maybe even keep a journal and write things down, it will help.   Also use your support system to vent and discuss your problems or concerns with.  This will help to alleviate some stress.  Prepare yourself for many new emotions and feelings because often times you may feel several different emotions at once.  You may be excited while also stressed, scared, upset, and jittery all at once.  This is all normal.