Visualize the days leading up to your daughter’s wedding.  Take notes.  Then sit back and enjoy!

I remember attending a Track Team pasta dinner given the night before a major competition. After eating, the coach had the team lay quietly on the floor. Very slowly, he talked the kids through the 5K race they would be performing the next day. He described how they would feel; their tired muscles, lack of breath and final relief at the finish line.

This technique is called Visualization, the idea being that if you can picture in your mind what to expect before an event, you will be better prepared during the event.

As we were heading towards the finish line for Kate & Dan’s wedding, I poured myself a cup of coffee one morning, grabbed a paper and pencil, and sat quietly in my favorite chair. I played out in my mind the upcoming wedding weekend. I began with packing the car to head to RI. I pictured the family arriving at the hotel and setting up the private room we reserved for a scheduled Bridal luncheon where Kate presented her gifts. I calculated the time then needed to prepare to leave for the rehearsal at the church and rehearsal dinner. And on it went.

What I played out in my mind made me smile. I knew we were ready. However, I was also taking notes. Last minute details: items to pack, guests I wanted to be sure to spend time with, words I wanted to say to both Kate and her sister. I decided to write Kate a note to leave on her pillow the night before her wedding day.

Heading towards the finish line of planning your wedding? Allow yourself a quiet moment to visualize the days surrounding this special event. Create in your mind the experience that you have worked so hard to achieve. Take notes on things that need to be polished. Then smile and enjoy.