Last night I hosted my first group bridal coaching session. Since then I have been reflecting on how it went and the things I learned. It would be a shame not to share these findings with you.
Initially for me, bringing a group of gorgeous brides-to-be together, who didn’t know each other was quite daunting. I worried about how well the attendees would find common ground and whether they would gel together.
Thankfully, I had no reason to worry as this was not an issue. In fact, the brides were bursting to support each other and share their individual experiences. It was just so refreshing.
While every bride has different experiences, similar themes do emerge in terms of the exciting elements and the more anxiety-inducing elements of their wedding planning. These can include, hen party concerns, decision making, wedding dress shopping and family politics. So many women are going through this, but not so willing to open up about it.
Unpopular as this may feel for someone, my honest opinion about wedding planning from my own experience as a bride, is that almost like a massive conspiracy.
You are sold the dream before you get engaged. The reality is very different.
As a direct result, nobody wants to talk about the tougher elements, because no one wants to admit it’s not what they had expected it to be. Let’s be honest, did you expect to be lying awake at night worrying that you’ve caused offence to someone or maybe that perhaps you made a wrong decision?
Truth be told, when I was planning my wedding, there were a few moments for me where this hit me quite hard.
The power of a conversation with someone that’s going through the same things cannot be underestimated. What might seem unusual, possibly uncomfortable is the value of talking to a total stranger.
Personally, I find it easier to talk to someone I don’t know than talk to someone I do when it comes to my own inner conflicts. It removes the bias.
I can only applaud anyone that is willing to talk openly about their experience and seek the support that’s out there to help them through it. It really does help.
I have learned that there is value in running more group coaching sessions with brides because they want to meet others just like themselves. The value is that afterwards, you can continue that conversation in a private community of brides, just like you, which is accessible by an app on your phone and the best part - it's totally free.
If you’re feeling this, contact me or book a group session here.
The main point I want you to take away from this is that; you are not alone.
Jen
The Wedding coach
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