Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Planning a Wedding While Still in School

Browsing around the wedding boards I have noticed that many of the brides are college students, working on their masters of PhDs or doing studying of some sort. I myself am planning my wedding during my last two years of college. Planning a wedding can be crazy, studying at any kind of school can be crazy, but put the two together and you get utter chaos! Do not panic yet though, fellow student brides. Here are some tips on how to keep your wedding planning under control while still studying for those vicious finals.


*Set aside time once a week to work on wedding planning only


Although you would essentially love to work on wedding stuff everyday instead of sitting in class learning about the War of 1812, try and concentrate on your school work first. Do not let your grades slip just because you are in the middle of searching for Must Have Photos to show your photographer. Instead, spend time working on schoolwork first and then reward yourself with wedding planning if you have time left over. Try and take one day a week, maybe even the weekend, to work on your wedding planning. This way, you will be more organized and won't get your wedding plans confused with your assignments for English class.


*Try and plan as much as you can over holidays or breaks


Since my fiancé and I attend college four hours away from our hometown and the site of our wedding, we are trying to plan our wedding over long breaks and holidays. Use these times when schoolwork might be in a lull to move forward in your wedding planning and get a lot done. Although many students take summer classes, summer is an ideal time for wedding planning with most students on vacation and most wedding vendors in the prime of their wedding season.


*Get to know other students who are also planning weddings


I know once I got engaged, I started to notice other girls in my classes who were sporting shiny sparklies on their left hands. If you notice this too, get to talk to these fellow engaged girls and learn about their weddings and their plans. You share tips with each other, maybe even go wedding shopping and just have someone to talk your wedding plans and vents over with.


*Register for a class that deals with marriage or family


Most colleges offer classes in their sociology departments that deal specifically with marriage or the family. Taking a class on marriage not only lets you learn more about how to make a successful marriage work, but also helps you learn about weddings and marriages, which are probably on your mind most of the time during your engagement, and get a grade for it! Taking a marriage or family class will also help prepare your mind for the events after the wedding, and may even help get your mind off the chaos of planning.


*SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!


Many college brides are not only paying for their educations but for parts of their wedding. Both college and a wedding can be pricey, so start saving. Put aside money for school and for your wedding. Apply for scholarships so that you do not incur too much debt with school loans and then a wedding. Although saving money does not mean you cannot go out and have fun with friends and enjoy your self from time to time, set a budget and a savings plan for the two and stick with it.


*Don’t let the wedding control you


Just because you are juggling school and wedding plans does not mean you need to have wedding on the brain 24/7. Don’t forget to spend time with your fiancĂ©, he’s the reason you are getting married. Sometimes taking a break from wedding planning helps you plan better once the wedding gets closer, and also keeps you from stressing out. Taking a break can also help you remember the reason why you are getting married: that special guy whom you love and cherish.


Planning a wedding and going to school is stressful but can be done. Good luck college brides to be!

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