Elizabeth Nelson – 7 Year Wedding Industry Expert
Breathe in, breathe out. Transforming wedding and event planning into a mindful experience is totally possible and a game-changer.
As someone who’s helped frazzled couples through this wild ride, I can tell you that a mindful approach keeps you grounded, focused, and actually enjoying your engagement period. It’s about the journey, not the destination!
Picture this: No more snapping at your fiancé? over tiny details. No spinning out, frantically trying to make everybody happy. Instead, you wake up feeling centered and energized each day. You gracefully navigate decisions with wisdom. Most importantly, you stay present – soaking up all the joyful moments.
Who Needs This Mindful Magic?
So, who needs this mindful approach most? Any couple is craving a grounded, joyful engagement experience. You’re about to declare your most profound commitment to another soul. Approach that sacred rite from a place of clarity and peace, not hysteria!
Does that sound blissful? It is! You can achieve that serene headspace with just a few simple mindfulness habits. Studies show mindfulness increases life satisfaction by 25% and reduces anxiety and depression. It’s like giving your heart a deep tissue massage amidst all the craziness.
The Power of the Pause
So, where do we start? Breathwork. Yep, just focus on your inhales and exhales. Whenever you catch yourself spiraling, pause for some belly breaths. Breathe through your nose, expand your abdomen, and slowly exhale. Feels good, right? One bride I met said it was her “reset ritual” whenever wedding madness struck.
You can start each morning with 5-10 minutes of conscious belly breathing to ground yourself. Then, practice breathing into your wedding day and ceremony by syncing with your partner. As you’re waiting to walk down the aisle, clasp hands and breathe in unison – letting those slow inhales and exhales symbolize your sacred union.
You can pause during vows or ring exchanges for a deep coupled breath to infuse more presence. Have your planner schedule 2-3 “breathwork breaks” to slip away and reset with quiet breathing throughout the celebration.
Use the venue’s indoor and outdoor spaces as breathtaking backdrops for full-bodied breathing awareness. From morning grounding to ceremonial synchronization to energizing breaks, conscious breathwork keeps you anchored in every moment.
The Meditation Revolution
Next up: meditation. I know, I know…visions of chanting cross-legged with yoga gurus. But it’s nothing like that! Simply take 5-10 minutes daily to sit, breathe, and observe your thoughts without judgment. Studies show meditation slashes anxiety by up to 60%. You’re literally hitting the “reset” button on your frazzled mind.
During your engagement and wedding planning journey, download a guided meditation app and meditate for just 5-10 minutes each morning.
Mindfulness in Motion
Don’t have time to sit down? Try mindfulness while moving-like a walking meditation. Focus your awareness on each step, the breeze on your skin, and the sounds around you.
It’s amazing how quickly you can re-center. You can also flow through some gentle yoga postures with deep breaths. Motion is lotion!
Curated Chill Playlists
Music is medicine, too. Curate playlists that soothe your soul. Think gentle acoustic covers, instrumental grooves, or transcendent electronic vibes. Press play whenever you need to drown out mental chatter with more mellifluous vibes.
Reclaim Your Unplugged Life
Creating tech-free zones works wonders as well. Put phones and laptops away for chunks of the day. A great way to implement this is to institute a “no devices” policy during mealtime and at bedtime around 8 PM.
The screen breaks will give you time and space to actually be present with each other without getting lost in wedding madness.
Journal Your Journey
Getting all those bottled-up thoughts and feelings onto paper provides a huge release. Take 10 minutes every morning to brain dump. You can vent frustrations, brainstorm ideas, or savor gratitude lists. It’s your personal therapist on paper
Don’t Go It Alone
Speaking of support, professional help shouldn’t be taboo either. Premarital counseling provides an objective perspective when emotions run high. Mindfulness coaching keeps you anchored in purpose. And don’t underestimate the power of massage, energy work, or breathwork classes!
The Serene Starts Now
These tools ensure you stay centered amidst the inevitable chaos. You’ll be able to make decisions from wisdom, not reaction. Most importantly, you’ll actually enjoy being an engaged couple basking in the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime transition.
That radiant wedding day at your gorgeous wedding venue that you’ve envisioned? It starts with the journey of how you prepare. With simple mindfulness habits, you can sip up all the sweet moments along the way – not guzzle them while chugging anti-anxiety meds.
So pause, take a deep breath, and commit to being a mindful couple. An occasion as monumental as your wedding deserves to be drenched in loving presence, don’t you think? With some purposeful effort, the memory blazing in your hearts won’t be stress…but absolutely holy, transcendent bliss.
