We recently teamed up with Michal Caplan of BridalBalance.com
CP: Can you tell our readers a little bit about BridalBalance and what inspired you to create this service?
M: Bridal Balance is blog based and coaching advice for brides to help them reduce stress, build confidence and enjoy their engagement. After planning my own wedding and talking with many brides, I realized how overwhelming wedding planning can be. I felt that there was a gap in services to help brides get the support they need and take better care of themselves, so with my counseling and social work background, I launched Bridal Balance.
CP: What, in your opinion, seems to be the biggest stressor on brides during their wedding planning season?
M: From finances and communication to family drama and social anxiety, each bride faces different stressors that affect her. Having the bride list her top ones makes it easier to start working on them, so they don’t interfere with her wedding day bliss.
What is the first piece of advice you’d share to make a happier, more confident bride?
M: Before you dive head first into planning your wedding, take some time to enjoy your engagement! This is such an exciting and special time in your life. You and your fiance deserve to be happy in the moment. That happiness will build the confidence and momentum you need to begin the planning process.
What inspired you to write the Bridal Bill of Rights and how do you hope it will impact others?
M: The bride-to-be is busy with so many things, between wedding planning and life in general. I wrote the Bridal Bill of Rights as a reminder that she has the right to make decisions and take actions that benefit her and her future husband. I hope this little keepsake will help brides take better care of themselves and boost their confidence.
Any encouraging comments for the grooms out there? 
M: The Bridal Bill of Rights is written for brides, since they are usually the ones doing the planning, but grooms should be included in it too. Once the planning begins, grooms may start to feel that it takes over their relationship. So guys definitely, discuss what you’re feeling and make sure to continue planning some date nights to get away from it all. Also be open and up front about what you want to participate in when it comes to the wedding preparations. This way you’re both on the same page and can enjoy your planning responsibilities. Most importantly, remember that she said, “Yes!” There may be days that your bride is more stressed out or emotional than you’re used too; but she loves you and is planning this wedding because she knows that in the end, she gets to spend the rest of her life with you!
Are you a bride to be? Check out your Bridal Bill of Rights, Courtesy of BridalBalance.com
- I have the right to be a happy bride.
- I have the right to ask for help.
- I have the right to say “no” if I’m feeling overwhelmed.
- I have the right to make time to care for myself.
- I have the right to work with professionals I like and feel comfortable with.
- I have the right to share my wedding day details, hopes, and dreams only with those who support me.
- I have the right to terminate a working relationship if it’s not a good fit.
- I have the right to make decisions without feeling guilty or pressured.
- I have the right to stop worrying about things I cannot control.
- I have the right to remove myself from family or friendship drama.
- I have the right to laugh, cry, and express other emotions I might be feeling.
- I have the right to set aside non-wedding related days.
- I have the right to have a life outside of wedding planning.
- I have the right to follow my own trends and make my wedding uniquely mine.
