. . Wedding planning and stress relief overview

Even though preparing for a wedding is usually a stressful time for the bride and groom, stress does not have to take control. By staying organized and healthy, a couple can overcome stress and have a pleasant wedding experience.

May Foltys, Wedding Consultant at Piper Studio Wedding Center, notes that stress is created by the mind and couples should control their thoughts.

"If a couple thinks negatively about things that might happen, they are more likely to feel stressed," May said: "Be prepared for a variety of possibilities but keep your thoughts positive."

The biggest cause of stress for couples is high expectations. Couples have to realize everything cannot be perfect and set their expectations accordingly.

To keep expectations and stress in check, May reminds couples that less can be more.

"Often simplicity in a wedding ceremony is much more beautiful than having too much"

She also urges couples to know what they like and stay focus on their plans. The couple has the final say in all wedding-related decisions; don't let others influence you to do things that are not within your plans ... after all, it's your wedding.

May said one way to handle stress is to stay organized while planning. Writing everything down in a special wedding notebook is a good idea.

Time management is another way to handle stress.

"Couples who begin planning early and pace themselves should be able to avoid last minute chaos," she said.

The physical health of the couple is also related to their stress level. May said couples should ask themselves if they could be taking better care of themselves. Eating right and taking time to rest can improve energy levels.

May is also an advocate of exercise as this is an excellent way to manage and relieve stress. Setting aside time to play and laugh is very healthy, as well, reserving personal quiet time is good for the mind. You have to keep your mind, body and spirit in check at all times.

May remind couples they cannot control the actions and thoughts of the people around them.

"Couples cannot worry about other people when it comes to their wedding. If they just keep themselves organized and healthy, they can have a less stressful and more pleasant memory of their special day."

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