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The Perfect Wedding
Added: (Sun Aug 05 2007)
Whether you’re planning a wedding on the beaches of Malibu, performing a double bungee jump with your partner or holding a ceremony in a quaint countryside chapel you most probably want things to go well (especially if you happen to be attached to that rubber band).
And yet, for many couples, the time leading up to this wonderful occasion can be filled with sleepless nights, family feuds and an empty bank balance leaving them stressed out and tired when their special day finally arrives.
According to Claire Beecroft of Leeds, wedding coaching can help the preparations to run smoothly, so that the couple can relax and feel excited during the build up to their new life together.
Claire is a wedding and events coach and tells us that many of her clients initially contact her because they are looking for support not only with the practical aspects of planning a wedding but with the emotional side too. Often, the bride-to-be is concerned with how she is going to look and may want help with shaping up or losing weight so she can look and feel absolutely gorgeous. She may also be concerned with family members and what they all want which may cause unwelcome conflict. Couples also talk of feeling overwhelmed and no longer in control of the budget.
During the very first coaching session, the soon-to-be bride will often share her ideas and dreams for her perfect day and may want to discuss what she hopes for in her marriage.
These clients may sometimes be surprised when Claire suggests that they forget about social etiquette and the expectations of others and instead invite the couple to get inspired by their own ideas giving more personal meaning to their big day.
She adds “ Life can be so fast paced these days and many of us also want to do the right thing to please others. It can be an exhausting experience. I work with clients to help them keep focused on what they want, maintain healthy relationships and take time out for themselves to relax and enjoy the journey. I am also available to support them at the start of their married life together. This time can sometimes be challenging as the pair adapt to a new way of living and they may have to learn to make the odd compromise or sacrifice”.
According to Claire, employing a wedding coach doesn’t mean you expect things to go wrong in the upcoming months or that having a professional wedding planner is not suffice. However, she believes that coaching is invaluable in supporting out of control emotions and plays a huge role in personal growth during a very important time of transition.
Personal coaching is not about advising or directing but allowing the client the time and space to explore their ideas and feelings whilst feeling listened to, encouraged and supported. She says “My approach to helping clients have the most incredible day of their lives is to believe in them 100%. I honour and respect them, allowing them to discuss what’s most important as they set their own goals.”
She teaches her clients some very simple and enjoyable techniques that they can use at any time to feel confident, relaxed and in control which can’t be a bad thing if you would otherwise reach for a large whisky and a wooly scarf to cover up the rash on your neck!