From The Straits Times    |

Perfect planning: wedding favoursIf you’re chatting in a bridal forum during lunch break and sneaking out of the office for vendor meetings, it’s time to get your life, work and wedding planning balance back.

Every bride has the best of ideas – and intentions – when she starts wedding planning. “I was telling myself, ‘Yes, the wedding’s got to be perfect, but let’s not forget the budget,’” said Celine of her own experience when she married.

But the funny thing about wedding planning is that as you get into it, you become more particular – the bouquet’s got to be a certain type of pink, it’s rose-coloured dresses for the bridesmaids or not at all, his socks have to match his shoes… etc. What’s that about not being an irritating, controlling bride?

Celine, for instance, spent about $1,500 more than her original budget for favours; she couldn’t decide on which of two choices to give. She gave both to each guest in the end.

So if you need to slow down and take a broader view of your wedding planning, here’s how to start.

Houston, we have a problem
First, you’ve got to admit that you have a problem. And you would know, if you have one. That work report you need to hand in is two weeks overdue. Friends hint nicely that you’re talking too much about the wedding. Your sister/best friend/parents say you’re being obsessive – in your face. Perfect planning: flowers for your wedding

It’s fine to want the best for your big day; obsessing over it isn’t. You risk missing out on the fun of planning your big day – which also makes up part of your wedding memories. Bonding with your bridesmaids as you shop together for their dresses isn’t something that happens every day, and you should treasure that memory as well as the time they walk down the aisle before you.

Organise, prioritise, delegate
Planning a lavish bash or a cosy do is like planning anything else – you need to be systematic and start with a list.

Separate wedding tasks into two categories – things to do today, and things that can wait. Then start listing – you’ll find that most tasks will fall into the latter group. By breaking down each task into bite-sized portions, you make it more manageable – and less stressful – for yourself.

You’ll find too that this list will generate sub-categories, such as when a particular task is done and who’s to do it. In which case, create a chart (you can use spreadsheets or word processing programs), complete with the names and contacts of the people who are helping you. The chart becomes your at-a-glance reference.

Get the full story in Her World Brides’ December 2011 issue, available at all newsstands now.

PHOTOGRAPHY Wong Wei Liang, Winston Chuang and Darren Chang, STYLING Janice Seah and Lily Lee