Be loving and loving and more loving

Unfortunately a wedding can bring out the best and the worst in some people.  You would think a wedding would be nothing but hugs and kisses and loving comments but it can also stir up emotions and feelings that can cause people to lash out. It's such a sad thing to watch. I've been at a few weddings where I've witnessed the bride or groom or close family member close to tears because of a comment someone made to them. 

I wish I knew exactly why weddings have the potential to stir up so many negative reactions. It should be one of the best days of your life! However, it is also an emotionally charged event and many of the people involved are stressed, tired and feeling under pressure to make the day absolutely perfect. I like to think that deep down these people honestly think they are trying to help but their comments or "suggestions" come across as manipulative or straight-out hurtful. 

When it comes to weddings everyone seems to have an opinion and some people try to push their opinions way too hard. A gentle suggestion soon becomes a strict demand and that just sets everyone off. The bride feels like someone is trying to take over her wedding and the groom naturally comes to the defense of his bride because he sees her upset. Things can escalate very quickly after that.

When you start planning your wedding and especially on your wedding day you HAVE TO be at your absolute best both mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You will need ever fibre of love and patience you can muster up. You will be faced with upset relatives and hurtful comments and you MUST be able to rise above them and let them go. It will be one of the toughest things you've done! You simply can't let your wedding be the beginning of a hurt that takes years to heal.

Go in to the whole process expecting people to say the wrong thing. Don't assume you will sail through the whole process with no speed bumps. These bumps will happen but it will be a little less jarring when you are expecting them. There will be stress and pressure and unreasonable demands. Please don't let those play any role in your special day. Be strong, lean on your spouse-to-be, return love for hurt, smile, hug, and forgive immediately. When your wedding is over and these relatives return to normal you will be able to love them like you did before they started acting crazy.

Good luck! Be strong!