Bridal Resolution

It's the start of a new year - and the perfect opportunity to get on top of your planning!

Whether you're newly engaged or have already started planning your wedding day, the New Year is a perfect opportunity to reassess how your big-day plans are progressing. Here are our top 10 resolutions for brides-to-be...

I WILL…
Spend non-wedding time with my fiancé

Remember life before wedding planning? We thought not... It's really important not to lose sight of why you’re getting hitched and the key to this is spending quality time together. Preferably, where you don’t end up arguing about the seating plan! (Check out our feature Feel The Love in the February/March issue of Wedding on sale 10 January!) A fun first step could be organizing a 'date night' at least once a week where you and your man take a trip to the cinema, cook a fancy meal or simply have a cuddle on the sofa. These are all activities which will help you reconnect as a couple pre-wedding day.

I WILL NOT…
Obsess over things I can’t control

Your wedding day will be here before you know it, so promise yourself you'll savor the run-up rather than stressing about the unpredictable elements. Torrential rain, simmering guest-feuds and Uncle Alf’s jokes are all things which can’t be controlled, so focus on what you can have command over and relax.

I WILL…
Keep my eyes peeled for sample sales

Whether you’re searching for your dream dress or shopping for your bridesmaids, the sample sale is a powerful opportunity to find fabulous gowns at jaw-dropping prices. Make sure you check our Diary pages to keep up-to-date with the latest sample sales happening near you.

I WILL NOT…
Compromise my vision

Whether you’ve always dreamt of doves being released as you say your vows, or fantasized about a first dance to Reach by S Club, make sure you don’t lose sight of what you and your fiancé want. One bride’s ‘ridiculous’ is another bride’s ‘OMG, amazing!’ – it’s your day, so make sure it’s what you want.

I WILL…
Get glowing

Every bride wants to look her best in her wedding photos but that doesn’t mean you have to pound the treadmill or hop on the surgeon’s couch. Rather, take little steps to guarantee a gorgeous, healthy glow on your big day. Drink more water, go for a stroll on your lunch break, get your eight hours of sleep every night. All these small changes will really make a big difference to how you look and feel.

I WILL NOT…
Let organization (or lack thereof) stress me out

Enlist your most efficient bridesmaid to help you monitor how things are progressing, from the RSVPs to buttonhole arrangements. Keep contact details for suppliers, caterers and florists to-hand; make sure you know what time your cake and floral arrangements will be set-up on the day; double – and then triple – check the best man knows where the wedding rings are. Simple (promise!).

I WILL…
Get crafty

Endeavor to make your wedding the ultimate in personalized by adding a hand-made touch or two. Whether you create the invites or make the favors, an element of DIY will add a real splash of personality to your day. Take a look online for ideas (check out our Pinterest boards here) and get creative!

I WILL NOT…
Go over budget

If you set yourself just one resolution for 2013, make sure it’s sticking to your wedding budget (or as closely as you can). There is a lot of temptation when it comes to planning your big day: from dresses to flowers and cakes to favours, it’s all so gosh-darned pretty and you could find yourself spending far more than you originally planned. However, avoid this by drawing up a proper budget and working out how much you can spend on each area of the day – and click here for some extra penny-saving tips, too.

I WILL…
Spend time finding our dream honeymoon location

Don’t rush into booking your honeymoon unless you already know exactly where you want to go and precisely what you want to get out of your bridal break. However, if you’re not so sure, consider the various factors which will impact upon your experience. When will you be going? What kind of weather do you prefer? What do you want from the trip: to soak up culture, have an adventure or simply chill out by the pool? Do your research, shop around for the best deals and – most importantly – check your passport hasn’t expired!

I WILL NOT…
Turn into a bridezilla

Fact number one: every bride wants her big day to be perfect. Fact number two: the quest for big-day perfection does not have to turn you into a bridezilla (remember Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway in Bride Wars…?). Focus on the fact that everyone in your bridal party is doing their utmost to help you plan the day of your dreams – and also bear in mind that ‘bridezilla’ is a reference to Godzilla, the scaly, roaring monster that terrorises mankind. Not a hot bridal look…