As a bride elbow-deep in wedding planning, I wanted to handle everything myself.

At first.

Then planning a wedding got pretty overwhelming, and I couldn’t have been more grateful for all the wonderful friends, family members, wedding professionals — and even a few strangers — who came together to make my wedding a beautiful experience. So when your eyes cross at the thought of tying one more bow onto one more program — remember that maybe you don’t have to. Or, at the very least, you don’t have to do it alone. There are people who want to help you figure out what you want for your wedding, and the are people who will help you make it happen. All you have to do is ask.

I know, I know —  you don’t want to overwhelm your friends and family either. But don’t be afraid to let them know that you would greatly appreciate their help if they would like to offer it.

I know, I know — it can be hard to ask for help. I didn’t want to come across as demanding, as a bride who thought her wedding was the only important thing happening in her friends’ lives that year. So I didn’t. Along with my mom, I simply put out feelers for who would be willing to help organize and execute a few projects, with no guilt trip for anyone who declined. And I can say for a fact that my wedding wouldn’t have happened without all the help we received — well, it would have happened, but it would have been a far cry from the lovely day we shared with our family and friends. Looking back, that’s been a recurring theme for most of my brides, too. The same goes for my friends. And let me tell you, I’ve been asked to help in various capacities at different weddings, and I’ve never been the least bit offended!

The moral of this story is that, while society and the media seem to be sending the message that any bride who dares to have a specific plan for her wedding is a bridezilla, no one in your circle is going to believe that. They know you. They know your heart. So don’t be afraid to let them know if you’re feeling overwhelmed — and if they offer to help, don’t be afraid to let them. It’s your wedding, but it will be far more wonderful as a shared experience. ~ Laura