PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES SEPT – NOV 2013
After reading Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” it dawned on me that her philosophy of letting go stuff that doesn’t ‘spark joy’ could be quite relevant to wedding planning!
Adapting her idea of tokimeku – does it spark joy? – can probably help you edit the many ideas and concepts you have for your celebration, saving you money and getting rid of the unnecessary fuss and stress.
What we love about weddings is that they are such joyous occasions filled with love and happiness; and most celebrations come replete with personal touches – from the bridal wardrobe, decor, ceremony or the exchange of vows. Every item that you select for your big day should be meaningful and ‘spark joy’. An example would be choosing your dream wedding dress – brides will always pick a style that brings them the most joy because they look beautiful in it.
Ms Kondo writes that when it comes to organizing your wardrobe: “Don’t just open up your closet and decide after a cursory glance that everything in it gives you a thrill,”
“You must take each outfit in your hand,” she adds. And by holding that item, discover if it ‘sparks joy’ for you. If not, discard it.
You can apply the same technique to your wedding prep as well, even though you wouldn’t be able to hold every single item you plan to have for your wedding, like a wedding cake! If you can’t hold an item, just the sight of it would be able to give you thrills, maybe; or it may not! If not, discard it.
Perhaps this same technique works just as well too when you are viewing wedding photographers’ portfolios or table settings – do the pictures and settings send a delicious shiver up your spine? Or do they just bore you?
So when it comes to planning for your big day, try and use the idea of tokimeku to ensure that everything you have for the biggest day of your life inspires happiness for you and your guests.
Of course, there are always the standard necessities that you need for your wedding ceremony and celebration, but where possible, do select items that are pretty and beautiful, basically things that bring you joy.
Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” is available on Amazon, and at leading bookstores.