Would You Write Rules for Your Wedding Day?

As my wedding day is getting closer and planning is in full swing, I have started thinking about what is most important to me on that day and how I can ensure that, above all, my fiancé and I actually enjoy this most-anticipated event. So, in order to help myself combat the inevitable hiccups with calmness, side-step unnecessary stress and focus on the happiness of the day, I decided to write a few rules for my wedding.

Love & Light Photographs Here are the five rules I have set for my wedding day, and tips for writing your own! 1. No matter what, I will not sweat the small stuff. On that day, I will not let anything become more important than the fact that I am marrying my best friend and no catastrophe, big or small, changes the fact that we will be husband and wife when the celebrations come to an end. If the cake doesn't show up or the flowers aren't quite right, that's ok, as long as my groom is waiting for me at the end of the aisle and on the dance floor. If it rains, that's okay too, we'll be showered with love. 2. First "I do" and then "we eat!" So often you hear people say that the bride forgot to eat—this will not be me and it certainly will not be my fiancé. After spending over a year planning the wedding and choosing the food, we also deserve to enjoy it. Plus, we really love to eat! So, before greeting guests or hopping on the floor for our first dance, we will sit and enjoy our meal alongside family and friends.

Asia Pimental Photography3. Timing is not always everything. Of course, it is important to keep a schedule, but my wedding day is decidedly a drill sergeant free zone. When I look back on the day, I want to remember getting ready with my girls, spending a few extra moments with my mom while I put on my dress or hugging my dad extra tight before heading down the aisle. What I do not want to remember is someone constantly telling me that "it's time to go" or "you don't have time for that," inevitably causing the type of stress that distracts from the joy. 4. Day-of tasks will be delegated and simplified. My bridesmaids are there, first and foremost, because they are my favorite people, but they are also there to help and I am going to let them. I vow to let go and trust that my best ladies can handle small tasks, finishing touches or, quite simply, the logistics of breakfast. I also promise myself I will simplify and make choices that will help the day run smoothly so everyone can relax and enjoy being in the moment.

Christine Clark5. We will marvel in the magic of Mr. and Mrs. Even though it is your wedding day, there can be a lot of things you are "supposed" to do. From greeting all your guests to cutting the cake, not much happens without the two of you, which often causes the day to pass in the blink of an eye. As such, possibly the most important rule I have set is to take ten minutes to truly marvel at the magic of the day. It may sound cheesy, but whether it is just after photos or post-dinner, my new husband and I will spend a few minutes, just the two of us, taking in the moment together as newly-minted Mr. and Mrs. How to write your own wedding day rules: When it comes to writing rules for your own wedding day, it should be simple and fun!

Lacie HansenFirst, take time to sit down with your fiancé and talk about what you feel are the priorities for your wedding day and what you are looking forward to the most. If neither of you can wait to bust a move with each other and your guests, one of your rules may be that you will ensure you spend a majority of your evening on the dance floor. If you set rules that align with the aspects of the day that are most important to you, it is more likely that you will end up experiencing the day the way you envisioned. Second, it is also important to take into consideration your personality type. If you are a person who tends to be more high strung, you may want to abide by the "don't sweat the small stuff" rule in order to minimize stress and maximize joy. If you are a person who errs on the side of always making everyone else happy, perhaps consider writing a rule that encourages you to put your own happiness first on this day.

Ether & SmithLastly, share the rules you have written with your family and bridal party! This way, everyone that has a hand in the day knows what is most important to you and can help ensure the day is enjoyed to the fullest. Happy wedding rule writing! Style Me Pretty Contributor - Katie Patton is a merchant and freelance writer from Ohio, currently residing in Celebration, Florida with her fiancé. When she isn't working you can find her sipping and snacking on a patio, traveling to see her friends and family, endlessly scrolling Instagram or Pinterest and, of course, planning her own upcoming wedding!