The Seven Habits of a Thoughtful Bride

Habits - we all have them, some good, some bad. A habit may be as simple as parting your hair on the same side every day or as complex as a ritual of some type. Habits begin with a thought. The thought becomes an action. An action continually repeated becomes a habit. So what habits should a thoughtful bride, or anyone else for that matter, develop (or not develop)?

1.  A thoughtful bride includes her groom in decisions and respects his in-put. She isn't a bridezilla, but rather understands that she doesn't get her way all the time.
   
2. A thoughtful bride shows respect for her bridesmaids, her parents and the merchants with whom she works, treating them with kindness and patience.
   
3. A thoughtful bride thinks about the comfort of her guests as she plans her big day. She doesn't leave them stranded without food and beverage for two hours while she takes photos. She considers parking, babysitting and other amenities that will enable her guests to enjoy - not endure - the wedding.
   
4. A thoughtful bride says thank you to her guests, her wedding party, parents and the merchants she hires. She does it in writing after the wedding, making sure to include the wedding coordinator, photographer, DJ or musicians and anyone else who made her day successful.
   
5. A thoughtful bride doesn't over-indulge at the bar, possibly embarrassing herself. She remains graciously in control at all times.
   
6. A thoughtful bride doesn't try to control what isn't hers to control. She doesn't plan her own shower or bachelorette party. Rather, she acts like the guest of honor she is and accepts the plans (and budget limitations) of the shower and party hosts.
   
7. A thoughtful bride doesn't make selfish decisions, particularly where other people's money is concerned.

If all brides developed thoughtful habits, the term "bridezilla" could be removed from the dictionary and many, many weddings would be filled with wonderful memories rather than memories of tears and tantrums.