Couples arranging a real holiday from a wedding put a lot of effort into preparation. They really look forward to this day, and when it finally comes — and passes — the newlyweds often feel devastated. How to prepare for the beginning of family life to be as joyful and bright as the wedding itself?
Now I’m organizing a wedding for my best friend. Only 30 days separate us from the main event. In a month she will be walking down the red carpet to the altar in a charming church. My friend is looking forward to the moment when she can breathe in the sweet scent of beautiful flowers and enjoy the beauty of all carefully selected elements.
To organize a wedding for 140 guests in three months requires a huge commitment. You need to go to meetings and tastings, solve design and logistics issues, constantly call up and correspond with everyone. My friend is just a star. She manages to allocate time for necessary meetings and resolve all urgent issues. I can see that her daily life is filled to the brim with wedding planning. This is what caused my concern.
What will she do when, in an instant, all this responsibility falls from her shoulders? I know that a friend will miss the pre-wedding hustle and bustle. I worry that she will experience great devastation. She recently asked me if she could go away for a short retreat after her wedding. She was afraid that this was not a very good time, and she wanted to see my reaction. I answered: most likely, this is the best time.
Then I honestly told her about the devastation after the wedding. Some people rejoice in the calmness that comes after an important day. But most lack the activity associated with planning a unique, important and exciting event for loved ones.
For my best friend, I made a list of seven things that will help her relax after the wedding with pleasure, instead of suffering and dreaming about returning that day. Today I will share it with you. So, in order not to feel empty after the wedding day, use the following resources:
1. Honeymoon or mini-trip. If travel sparks a flame in your heart, be sure to plan adventures right after your wedding. If you are pressed for time or finances, choose a closer and more budget option — a mini-trip is also suitable. Traveling is a great way to have fun and recover after your wedding. You will immediately get new vivid impressions that you will remember for many years to come. If you can’t get out of the house at all, plan a trip around your hometown. Develop a rich cultural program so as not to get bored. You can enjoy it with just the two of you or invite your friends along.
2. List of books to read. Make a list of books ahead of time that you can’t wait to read or study. Choose the most interesting topics for which you previously did not have enough time. When your wedding day is behind you, you will be ready to dive into new areas of knowledge. My personal favorites are business and lifestyle books, but fiction is fine too. If nothing comes to your mind, ask your friends for recommendations.
3. Meeting with friends. Let your friends know that after the wedding you will have more free time, and you would like to meet with them more often. Schedule weekly coffee meetings, Friday nights at the bar, and yoga classes on Sunday mornings. Such meetings will benefit you and your friends.
4. New hobbies. Think of a dance you’ve wanted to learn or a dish you’ve been meaning to cook for a long time. Take care of it. Find the time you used to set aside for wedding planning and fill it with new activities. In order not to stagnate in doubts and insecurities, hire a personal trainer, sign up for courses or take lessons online.
5. Field trainings. Pack your bag and disconnect from the connection. It does not matter what the event will be dedicated to: yoga, meditation or other practices. The main thing is that you «clear» your mind after the wedding. Some field trainings last a couple of days, others — one or two weeks. Determine how much time you need for spiritual and physical recovery, and then choose the appropriate option. Shutting off the outside world and focusing on yourself is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
6. Health and sports. Have you worked out hard at the gym just because you had a big day ahead of you? If dates motivate you, set a new deadline to meet certain goals. Being healthy is a lifestyle. The longer you work for your health, the more happiness it will bring you in return.