What Would Jennifer Do?? 

Clearly it is a bit of a twist on a common acronym but I could not resist... 

Well, a lot of times I come up with some solutions that people generally would not think of doing.  Most of which I keep in my brain listed under the category of "useless information".  But, from time to time I find that I need to open that category and just let it all out.  I'll try to use scenarios to describe a reason for a solution so you might be able to put them to your own use.  Some are so strange but when it happens to you - I hope you remember these clever tricks.  Also, I don't beat around the bush - these tips are very important but for those who may be a bit conservative - beware - it is what it is and that's the way I am known to tell it.

Problem:  I am a shy person, how can I use the ladies room while wearing my bulky gown - without an entourage.

WWJD:  Ok, we all like to go to the restroom with a group of pals but this situation goes beyond a quick gossip session and lipstick touch up.  First, you need to start with your undergarments.  Wear crotchless undies or better yet - go commando on the big day.  I know, its kind of weird but trust me.  Nobody will see that there is nothing going on under there.  Then, when you enter the bathroom stall your back will be to the closed door.  With the little purse hook that is normally on the back of the door you can take your skirt loop and hang it on there.  This will eliminate getting any messes left from the prior attendee on your beautiful gown.  Once your skirt is stable, pick up the front of your dress and approach the toilet facing the wall/tank.  The front of your gown will have less bulk and you will not miss your mark so to speak.  Sit on the comode and go.  Go ahead - try this at home wearing your bathrobe backwards to see what it's like - you can do this!  Just for the sake of saying it - this may not work in the handicapped stall as the door is a bit of a distance from the comode.  You can still use the same solution but without hanging the skirt.

Problem:  I am so pale - I dont want to look washed out on my wedding day and a sunburn would look worse.

WWJD:   The first option would be to have some tanning sessions months in advance.  If you don't already tan regularly you will need to speak with your tanning pro to see how many sessions you will need to get a nice healthy glow.  A spray tan is also a good choice BUT this is only to be done in combination with tanning sessions.  One reason - the understones in your skin becoming tan will offset the orangey hue that the spray tans often leave.  You should also have several sessions of the spray tan as well to get an overall color.  These sprays often need to build on the skin.  I do not recommend getting a spray tan the "day of" to touch up.  You will sweat it onto your gown leaving horrible bronze stains.  Also, you will have that weird spray tan smell mixing with that yummy perfume you so carefully chose for the big event. 

Problem:  I am thinking of getting a brazilian/bikini wax for my wedding so I won't need to shave during my honeymoon.

WWJD:  OK - ouch.  Well, my dad always said - "that's the price of vanity" and he was right!  Here's what I would do.  If you have never had a wax, it hurts on your sensitive parts.  Sometimes, you can get a rash, burns, ingrown hairs, etc.  Sounds terrible but waxing is worth it if it is done right.  What you don't want is for those ugly things to happen the day be fore the wedding and you look a mess for your honeymoon.  This is also something that you need to build up a tolerance for - skin wise.  Start a few months before your event so you get used to it.  Also, the more often you go, the hair will grow in finer and less of it.  You will need to find a reputable waxing tech.  The best bet is to find out where strippers go.  Again, I know - it sounds skeevy but who better would need that type of maintenance and have it come out right?  Typically, a spa that is close to an upscale "joint" will get most of these dancing ladies business.  Always keep sanitation in mind.  If you dont like the look of a spa DON'T use them.  Always trust your gut. 

Problem:  My back breaks out with terrible pimples.  I am so embarrased!!!

WWJD:  There are several reasonable ways that you can get rid of this problem.  First, you could use an over the counter acne cream or treatment.  Second, you could try using a facial masque if it is a large area.  Third you could see a dermatologist and request a stronger treatment. 

Problem:  I (or my bridal attendant) have tattoos on my back, shoulders, arms, legs, face (i've seen 'em!) and my mom wants them covered.  How can I cover these?

WWJD:  You cannot use your favorite foundation on these - the tattoo will bleed through.  You must get pancake stage makeup.  You will need to match your skin tone as closely as possible and maybe a shade darker.  These can stain your dress so please be careful when applying.  If your mom is concerned about what the officiate will think - if they are on your back, arms or even chest area - cover them with a matching jacket or shawl.  You can remove this at the reception.  Some tatoos are beautiful art and some are spring break impulses - either way, your look on your wedding day says something different about you.  I really takes away from the look you are trying to achieve.  This is a special day - try to cover them. 

Problem:  I just checked the calendar and I am due for my period the day before/on my wedding day.

WWJD:  Call the doctor right away.  These are many ways you can achieve a non-period month with birth control pills.  Even if you are using the Pill already - with your doctors permission - you can skip the sugar pills and start the next month immediately following this month.  You may get some spotting but that is far better than the whole package.  Again, this may take a few months prep but the earlier you start the better.  Also, if you are a religious gal and you are forbidden from taking contraception - this is just a trick to stave off a period - not to change the progression of family.  Plus, a little extra assistance to keep you from being preggers on your wedding day (like someone I know - very personally) never hurts.  If you are worried about the extra 15 pounds the pill brings - tell your doctor that as well, there are some that don't have that ugly side effect!  Some will even clear up your skin too!

Problem:  I have been growing my hair out since I got engaged.  I'd really love an up-do for my wedding but I dont have enough hair. 

WWJD:  Well, knowing what you want and what you can have are two different things.  You know that!  Why not try your hair 1/2 up and 1/2 down.  You will still look beautiful.  Awww, OK I know you want what you want - so here's the plan.  Go to the "hair store".  Typically, a wig shop will have all kinds of hair pieces, even clip in "buns" and "falls".  I do not suggest going the Brittany route and having them glued in - you saw how pretty that looked.  So, these temporary hair pieces are the best!   But, if you want those big barrel curls pinned in tight you will need to get the strip of hair that they would normally sew into braided "corn rows".  Check with your stylist about the length and best brands to use.  The synthetic kinds may not be used with a curling iron because it will actually melt.   You MUST get the color that is closest to your current hair color.  If you plan on coloring your hair a shade lighter or darker for your wedding then select your piece based on the color you intend to dye it.  Then, take the hair piece to your stylist and discuss what you want to do and test out that style BEFORE you have him/her dye your hair.  This way, if you do not like the style - your hair doesn't have to be redyed to match another piece or even dyed at all.  You HAVE to dye your hair to match the piece.  Otherwise, it will be totally noticable.  You could get the real hair option (much pricier but worth it) and dye it to match your hair but that is sketchy as well.  The color may not come out the same because of the pieces' difference in pigment.  Jessica Simpson has a product that I have used in the past that clips in.  Your stylist can camoflage it by placing hair over the clip parts.  This will work if you want the style down but need some extra dramtic length.  Dying to match still applies here.  If you want to grow your hair longer and have a natural look - make sure you keep your regular trim appointments.  The best way to eliminate scraggly ends is to cut it regularly and I swear it grows faster! 

Problem:  I'm Pregnant.  'nough said.

WWJD:  OK - this needs to be WDJD because this is what I did.  Yes, I was preggers on my wedding day.  Shocking!  I didn't intend on that to happen and was completely dumbstruck about it since I found out 8 days before my wedding.  What will the Priest say?  We didn't tell him.  What about drinking Champagne?  I had a sip.  What about morning sickness?  I didn't have any - yet.  What about my wild and crazy Boston bacchelorette party we had planned to do in two days?  We stayed home and I watched everyone else be wild and crazy.  What about the awesome honeymoon in Italy?  We went, I was sick, the food was very different than what I was used to (fish still have heads and we won't discuss the flies), I cried often and was starving!  I could only eat pistacio nuts and drink Sprite since everything else was a turn-off.  I actually lost 5 lbs. after our two week holiday. 

So, what would I tell you?  Since you are already pregnant, make the best of it and laugh.  If you are close enough to your wedding date make sure that you are eating and drinking properly - you are supporting a beautiful life.  All diets are off!  Make sure that you try your dress on at least a week before the wedding.  Rapid bloating can occur in the first few months - this is just water so far but it can affect the fit in some gals.  Don't worry about using tummy pulling undergarments - you are not squishing the baby.  If you need to alter your gown again this will require some time.  Don't worry about what that little bulge around your middle looks like in your gown.  People may talk but let them.  When you announce your pregnancy later - they will happy for you believe me!  I have a beautiful son (aged 13!) and always remember that he was with us on our wedding day.  Heck - he even went to Italy! Lucky bugger....

Problem:  I know I am going to cry - what can I do with my kleenex when I am saying my vows?

WWJD:  Have you ever had a wet, snotty kleenex touch you?  Well, it's not something I want in my hand or rubbing against it (poor groom).  So, this is a trick that my florist knows to put in every bouquet that she makes for my weddings.  Tell your florist that when she wraps your bouquet stems to add a loop on the backside.  Get a really pretty handkerchief (you can order them online) and tuck it into the loop.  They will not crumble and fall apart like kleenex.  You can discreetly pull it out before you hand off the bouquet to the MOH.  It is such a feminine and dainty touch to your overall look.  They are embroiderable and washable too so they make great keepsakes for the Moms, Grandmoms, BM's and MOH's.  Guys like them too, why not get a nice handkerchief for the men in the party as well.  OK, so they don't cry (yeah right) but they will be sweating and need to swab the brow a few times.

Problem:  I feel like my wedding reception will be boring so I want to add (insert entertainer here), I saw these favors that I like better than the ones I already purchased, I don't think the flowers are nice enough, I don't want plain white/ivory table linens on the tables, I think that my friends wedding looked better/fancier than mine.

WWJD:   I have found that brides are trying so hard to "one-up" the last wedding they went to or heard about that they lose the purpose of the day itself.  Yes, I understand your reasoning - you want to hear kudos from everyone that attends.  Guess what, they are going to say nice things about your event because it is polite.   Misgivings are always said under the breath and never to the host or hostess.  When people attend a wedding, they want to see certain things.  They want to see your beautiful gown, they want to see your grooms facial expression when he first see's you come down the aisle, they want the food to be hot and delicious, a beautiful Wedding cake to take pictures of and they want great music to entertain them.  Anything over that - is gravy.  If you did not have a fancy, expensive favor to give but had all the rest of the great things listed above, do you think they would complain?  I had a bride include a card describing a donation that they had made to The American Cancer Society.  Not one guest complained that they did not receive a candle shaped like a heart with your names on them for their wedding favor collection at home.  Don't blow your budget to impress your guests!  If you have a wedding with gobs of flowers, beautiful table linens, fancy place settings and high end favors - but cold stuffed chicken, thats what your guests will remember.  A favorable impression is much better than an impressive favor.

Problem:  We are inviting children to attend our wedding and reception.  What if they are running around crazy and ruining our day?

WWJD:  Children look so cute when they are all dressed up either in the bridal party or as a guest.  One of the biggest problems during the commotion of the day is supervision.  While I understand that parents can have their hands full, it is imperitive that if their child is not ready to attend an affair as important as a wedding, they should leave them home.  It sounds mean, but believe me, it is realistic.    If you are having children assist you in the bridal party, make sure that they are not dressed until the last minute and that pictures with the children are done AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  My niece was my flower girl at age three.   I found her the most perfect dress.  She had adorable spiral curls and the cutest basket with carefully chosen rose petals.  We arrived at the ceremony location, and somehow she ended up behind a bush and got her tulle skirting caught.  Her dress was torn so badly, the ribbon hem and half of the skirting had to be completely cut off  - right before we were to walk down the aisle.  While it was a distressing few minutes - we made it work.  If you are unable to keep track of all children - hire someone to be on them at all times.  This means a certified nanny should be called in.  Even if the parents are not in the bridal party and are to be supervising the child, there will still be moments when they will have to leave the parents side.  Have the nanny stay through the entire event until the child is to leave.  Sometimes the nanny will be able to escort the child home or to the hotel room at a certain hour so that they do not become overtired and cranky.  When inviting children to attend the wedding, make sure they have their own table.  You can dress the table with butcher paper for coloring on. You could use a sand pail as the centerpiece - filled with age appropriate coloring or activity books, crayons, colored pencils, stickers, playing cards, travel games and fun activities.  Do not provide any type of magic markers and keep the sugary treats off the table.  Yes, it would be cute to have great big lollipops or a giant puff of cotton candy BUT sugar equals hyperactivity.  Plus, imagine a child hiding under your skirt with sticky fingers or have an adorable tootsiepop stuck to your tootsies. 

Problem:   I get so nervous, I am afraid that if I drink some alcohol to relax I will drink too much and be drunk before I get to dinner.  What should I do to calm my nerves.

WWJD:  Well, you and your groom will be very busy the entire day but you MUST make sure that you eat a meal BEFORE you walk down the aisle.  Lack of food is the most common cause for pre-dinner drunkeness for brides and grooms.  To keep your mind off the actual wedding itself - try some trivia.  Use the fifth grade level trivia cards you can get at the toy store.  It will keep you laughing because you will not be able to remember how many sides a pentagon has.  Hey, getting drunk happens but use this rule of thumb - Do not have anything to drink other than the ceremonial toast until after you cut the cake.  This goes for the guys too.  No matter what you have told your groom beforehand about drinking, I know they WILL be doing the "ceremonial" shot, the "I'm getting dressed" shot, the "I am dressed now" shot, the "getting in the limo for the last ride" shot, etc., etc.. And don't forget the beers consumed in-between those shots.  Remind your groom that the officiate is performing a legal ceremony, one that he/she will refuse to do if you are "not of clear mind".  You have all night - save it for later.  Side note:  some people get - ahem - a bad belly from nerves and it results with bouts of diarreah.  Bring some fast acting Immodium and make sure the groom has some as well.  It's always the guys hunting some down out of my emergency kit!

Problem:  I think it is gross to save our cake in the freezer and to eat it a year later.

WWJD:    Everyone says this is bad luck if you don't eat it - but from personal experience, I didn't eat the first one and I got divorced.   Needless to say, when I married my high school sweetheart six years later - I ate the cake.  The only way I can suggest that you enjoy your wedding cake on your first anniversary is to have the baker recreate your cake a year later.  The are called "complimentary sized" and usually used for baby's first birthday.  You can use the invoice from the baker meeting you had when planning to exactly match the flavors and design.  So, technically, its the same cake right?  It will be much less expensive and much better tasting - Oh, and I'll never tell. 

Problem:  I woke up on my wedding day with a huge zit right between my eyes - what am I going to do?

WWJD:  LEAVE IT ALONE!!!  Do not put hot compresses on it to make it pop - it will only draw the gunk up to the surface making it larger.  Don't squeeze, pinch or poke it.  If you break the skin you will allow an exit route for the gunk and people will see the broken skin on your face.  Plus, it will be redder than when you first saw it.  Your make-up artist will be able to cover unbroken skin easily.  Once you've popped, the make-up will look caked on.  If you don't have a make-up artist and you have some time to hit the mall:  stop at a make up counter and ask for a concealer with a yellow base.  This will counter-act the redness of the blemish making it easier to conceal.

Problem:  I didn't have time to get my eyebrows waxed and I need them cleaned up - today.

WWJD:  Go with the pluck and trim option on this one!  Otherwise, you will have those crazy red marks on your eyelids. But, if you must get them waxed the day of your wedding you must cool down the spot immediately to calm the skin.  Lotions may help but this raw skin is super sensitive so it could make the area  even redder.  Use a cold compress instead for the first 15 minutes after getting waxed. 

Problem:  I have no idea what to put in the "Bathroom Basket".

WWJD:  This basket is completely optional so if you are stressing over it - leave it out.  It will not affect your marriage, I promise.  But, should you decide to have one - take it slow.  Grab a couple of items each week from the travel section of the grocery store or pharmacy (Walmart is great too and inexpensive).  The majors for the gals bathroom - all sample or trial sized:  allergy medicine (2), pain relief (2), tampons (3), pads (3), gum (1 pack), mints (1 pack), lotion, hairspray, sized C/D pantyhose - these will fit all.  People are going to "shop" these so don't waste your $$ filling it to the brim.  The guys bathroom is completely different.  You are going to be shocked but they are a different breed.  They don't want lotion.  They want to hook up with a cute bridesmaid or single guest - that is a common goal.  My years of experience have allowed me to create this mens basket and you will hear thanks, believe me!  First, don't use a frilly basket - just a small, simple inexpensive tray from Target or from somewhere you won't mind losing if it goes missing.  Include the following:  (1) regular size can of Axe Spray, mints, gum, pain reliever (2) trial sized gel and (cover your eyes mom) condoms (3).  I hear you all screaming now but when you awaken the next morning the entire bridal party will know who stayed with whom at the room block.  It happens every time - take my word for it. Ever wonder why your grooms single friends who are are unattached seem to always show up stag to these events?  Did you know what a stag is?  An adult Buck.  And hey, I had a "hook-up" at my wedding between a bridesmaid and a guest.  And, they got married. 

Problem:  A guest got drunk and is causing a scene at my wedding.

WWJD:    Remember what I said above about the groomsmen and the shots - well, I always speak from experience here and you should remember from your own experiences.  You already know the "drinkers" in the crowd.  Maybe it's a Cousin who gets trashed at every family event and loves to re-hash their rotten childhood with every family member.  Or that guy Mike from work that always has a big mouth when he drinks.  If possible, discreetly point out the person(s) before the party gets going to the bartenders at your event.  They will monitor them to be sure they are not taking it too far.  You will be eliminated from being the bad guy.  But, say there was someone you'd never expect to be a drunken mess - having a fight with her husband over a dance with another guest.  What would I do?  I'd find the representative from the hotel/venue to assist me in walking them out the door.  Once outside, explain that she is embarrasing herself and is no longer welcome at your event.  That will get her attention. Then I'd tell her that you will be asking her escort to drive her home and to wait outside of the reception room for them.  If she wants to go back inside to collect her belongings or to say goodbye - have someone retrieve them for her and tell her that we will let you know they had to leave.  You don't want her back into the room as she might want to "finish her business" a.k.a. tell off the dancing guest, before leaving.  If they both are drunk - I'd call a cab.  If she becomes "unruly" and starts to physically fight with people - that's when you call in the law.  Drunk people can get dirty, you just never know.  You never want this to happen but sometimes it does.  If you can point it out beforehand it might eliminate it altogether but always have a plan.  Keeping an eye on guests throughout your event is what I do best as I love to "people watch".  If I see someone getting a bit off, I might offer them some coffee to give them a hint that they are overdoing it.  I never want to see my clients upset because a guest has gone too far.

Problem:  My feet are killing me - can I take my shoes off?

WWJD:   Nope.  Sorry, that's tacky.  But there is also another reason why I say no.  You feet hurt because they have swelled (alcohol, dancing, etc. will do that).  In your purse, put in a couple of the Dr. Sholls corn pads.  These cushioney pillows will prevent your shoe from rubbing that sore spot. On the back of your heel, a bandaid will roll up so put it on the inside of your shoe turning the adhesive parts backwards (so only the gentle pad is exposed).  Another way it prevent this rub is to use liquid bandage.  Put a couple of layers - letting them dry in-between applications.  Do this before you even walk down the aisle.  But, to really prevent this from happening is when you are purchasing your shoes.  Try them on with a pair of knit trouser socks instead of the nylon peds.  As the night progresses, your feet swell, the difference between the nylon and the trouser sock will allow the space your poor tootsies need for some minor swelling.  It wouldnt hurt to have some ballet style slippers in the bridal suite to change into - just in case it is completely unbearable.

Problem:  My heels are stuck in the grass.

WWJD:  I always make sure that if we are having a beautiful garden ceremony to make sure the female members of the bridal party wear shoes that are condusive to a good walking environment.  Grass is not one of those environments.  Neither are brick, gravel or pavers.  I hate them.  If you have a location where you are to be walking on grass, brick, gravel or pavers - wear chunk heeled shoes or my very favorite wedge heels.  You will not get stuck.  Also, just for some extra help while standing under the arch - put a piece of plywood down under a carpet.  This will give you some better stability and keep you from sinking.

Problem:  We are having a backyard wedding at my parents home.

WWJD: That is so nice!  I love a home wedding because it can be so intimate and relaxing.  But, there are things that you must ensure are done a few days prior.  If your parents have a septic system, make sure that you have the septic pumped the week before.  You would absolutely cringe if the septic overflowed with the increased usage - bubbling up through the ground into a pretty big, sludgy, wet spot on the lawn.  Stinky yes, gross absolutely.  Next, get the grass cut a few days before.  Grass leaks this pretty green juice when it is cut.  Give it time to dry.  And, while your at it - check the bug situation.  Summer lovin' is grand but not when there are bugs swarming around you especially when you are saying your vows.  The day of the wedding - have an exterminator come in to spray your entire yard for bugs.  This application should be done to the entire perimeter.  Make sure they check surrounding trees and roof lines for hornet and bees nests too.   Also, if you have any water sources within that perimeter - put a mosquito cake in a couple of days before to kill off any of the mosquito eggs.  Sometimes, the town will do the spraying but it has to be scheduled just as a private company would - but they may be less expensive.  Always keep bug repellant on hand - use a strong, unscented lotion - not Avon, it never works.  Try to get Deep Woods Off in the lotion form.  The spray option will damage your gowns so don't even bother with that one.

Problem:  My hands won't stop sweating.

WWJD:  Pack some rubbing alcohol in your "getting ready" bag along with some cotton balls.  Rub your palms with the alcohol a few times before the ceremony.  This should dry the sweat glands a bit and help with that.  This will also work on your armpits if you start a month prior.  It will sting after a shave so wait until later in the day to apply it. 

Problem:   I feel nauseous.

WWJD:  Some people get stage fright - it is normal.  You know and love all of the people attending your wedding or maybe most of them anyway so there is no reason to feel nervous.  If you get so worked up that you may get sick take some B vitamins.  Pregnant women take this vitamin to stave off morning sickness and it works.  Begin, taking this vitamin a few days before the wedding to build it up in your system. 

Problem:  The beadwork on my gown is scratching the under part of my arm and now its raw.

WWJD:  Here is another use for the liquid bandage.  Apply a light coat on the under side of your arm where it is being irritated.  You may have to do a couple of applications but it works.

Problem:  I got a sunburn and have strap marks.  This is going to look foolish.

WWJD:  A quick fix for that problem is to use the spray-on pantyhose product to fill in the lines temporarily.  This drys well and will dull the redness a bit.  Make sure that you overspray the lines to blend.  Also, before this even has to happen.  If you are marrying later in the summer or fall/winter season and you want to eliminate any possiblity of strap lines, tank top lines, or the dreaded farmers tan  - wear tops that are strapless altogether.  Wear them all summer if you can and apply sunblock uniformly over the tops of your shoulders, back and chest areas.  I have seen brides with a criss cross pattern on their backs left from their bathing suit straps - this did not look pretty for their May wedding.  Imagine your beautiful strapless gown and what people are looking at when you're at the altar.  You really have to be aware of what you are wearing and how it can mark you for the rest of the year.

Problem: What's Your Problem?  Let us know and we will answer you and put your question here!

WWJD: I'd ask. 

Problem:  It's the week before our wedding and my Maid of Honor and I had a huge fight - now she backed out of the wedding.  What am I supposed to do.

WWJD:  This really happens.  You think it is going to mess up the entire processional and recessional - it won't.  Because you have an uneven number in the bridal party doesn't mean it will not look smooth.  Have the Groom walk up with his Best man beside him as usual.  On the way out, the bridal couple will depart, have the best man follow right behind.  Gladly, he will go unnoticed because the rest of the bridal party will pair up and walk back down the aisle distracting the fact that he went alone.  For the bridal party dance, have your attendants dance with their guest.  If the Best man has no guest -- pair him up with another single gal in attendance.  That's how some of the best couplings have been made, just by chance. 

Problem:  My bridesmaid has an attitude about everything.  She doesn't like the dress color, she doesn't want to pitch in for the baccelorette party, she doesn't want to help put together favors.  What's her problem?

WWJD:  I would ask her if she wants to back out of the wedding party.  It's obvious that she does not want to participate.  She might say that she does want to be a member of the bridal party but actions speak much, much louder.  Maybe she does not have enough cash to hand over for all of the little girlie events that you have planned and she is embarrased to say it.  Or, she doesn't get along with the other members of the bridal party and wants to avoid them.  She might even be jealous.  Whatever the reason - give her an out.  If she stays in, and still won't go along with the game plan don't be afraid to ask her to back out.  It's your wedding and you don't need the stress from a selfish attendant.  What if the attendant is your sibling or the grooms' sister?  Asking her not to be a part of it will hurt not just her feelings but maybe the parents as well.  Because it is a family affair - you might just have to grin and bear it. 

Problem:  My wedding is over and I don't know what to do with all my time.  I think I am having withdrawals from planning.  I miss the attention and feeling that there is nothing to look forward to.   

WWJD:  That is so sad.  My heart breaks for my girls who will continue to email me after their weddings just to chat.  I spend so much time with them that I love them like a little sister.  I completely understand the feeling of loss - like we can't be friends anymore or something.  I have also received e-mails from gals who loved planning their wedding and now want to get into the biz.  I applaude your ideas but this is not a career for someone who wants to have fun.  It is all work and I think I have only been able to witness 3 of my clients ceremonies.  They still want the rush. 

The reality is that you are now on the next chapter in the book about your life.  You worked so hard to get here!  Yes, you miss the attention.  Try to focus on something new.  Take a cooking lesson and show off to your friends what you have learned.  Starting to entertain as a couple really gives you sense of success with the same amount of nervousness that you had when planning your wedding.  Searching for your first home together is something else to push you out of the post wedding blues.  Once you focus that energy on researching something new (similar to a venue search by the way) you will get that excited feeling when you walk through potential homes.  What if you already have the house?  What about redecorating a room.  Focusing on swatch colors and styles that you like is a great way to get past your wedding.  Even if you are trying to start your family immediately after your wedding - focus on how your would like to be a parent even before you become pregnant.   Also, keep a journal and write your feelings down.  That makes them real.  Then set goals on how to make those feelings more pro than con.  The great thing is - you will get past this - I promise!

So, with all these issues always remember why you are all there - your wedding.  You will still be married even if your flowers don't arrive on time, the shoe strap broke or you have a bratty bridesmaid.  Yes, you've planned and yes, you've paid a lot of money for things to go right but problems occur even with the best of plans.  Pulling a tantrum will not make these things go away nor will they make you any more married.  Just roll with it - You'll have a better time and I promise - the littlest hic-ups make it much more memorable!  What I remember most about my engagement is that our restaurant was booked so we stopped at another one nearby.  There were bugs in the light fixture above our table.  When we told the waitress about it - she shut the light off.  Then on the beach where my handsome hubby was going to propose - it was the hottest day of the season and everyone was at the beach that day.  I know this because they left all of their trash behind and we had no clean place to sit.  After walking me two miles down beach to find a nice clear spot - he proposed.  Everytime we go to that beach we talk about our engagement night and we smile.

I will be adding more as they arise but I hope that this small selection has helped you through some difficult situations!