Getting Back to Normal – How to Survive the Wedding Aftermath

The vows have been taken, the cake has been cut, the first dance has been had, and the guests well and truly enjoyed themselves.
All of the planning and preparation meant your big day went off without a hitch (well, almost, Aunt Betty did have one sherry too many, and the dancing got a bit raucous towards the end, but that’s to be expected!).
So, you might be left wondering, now what?
Bridal Blues are recognised as a common feeling among newlyweds, especially in the weeks and months just after the big event.
There’s no need to be alarmed if you feel this way, as it’s perfectly normal, but preparing for it in a few easy steps can make transitioning into married life (and settling back into a regular routine) that much easier.

Here are 5 top tips to get you back to normality:

1. Don’t Rush Off Into The Sunset
While many couples are tempted to run off on their honeymoon as soon as the wedding is over, it’s actually a better idea to wait a day or two before jetting off to your romantic destination.
Weddings are emotionally and physically draining, and it’s often nice to spend some time relaxing with friends and family (and your newly married partner) before jetting off into the sunset.
2. Prolong the Festivities
Hosting a “wedding weekend” is becoming increasingly popular – while you don’t have to hold a three day extravaganza, prolonging the celebrations for even an extra day can help boost everyone’s mood. Have you ever had lunch or met up with friends the day after a big night out to go over the fun events from the night before?
Consider this your wedding de-brief. Make some sandwiches or have a BBQ, have a couple of casual drinks (for those who can face them!), and spend some time with your loved ones.
3. Take Time To Adjust
Returning to work and your normal routine after a regular holiday or break away can be difficult enough, so imagine how challenging it must be after your honeymoon!
Instead of going straight back to the office, try to take a couple of days off after returning from your honeymoon so that you can settle in more easily, without a nasty shock to the system!
4. Keep Yourself Busy
Once the wedding is over, there will still be plenty to organise and things to tick off your checklist. You may be writing Thank You cards to guests, sorting out your wedding gifts, and finalising some post-wedding arrangements such as choosing photos for your wedding album.
See these not as a chore, but as tasks to keep you occupied as you transition back to a normal way of life.
5. Have Something To Look Forward To
You’ll likely not be splashing the cash following the big day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some simple and pleasurable things to look forward to.
Whether it’s a cheap city break, a trip to the theatre or cinema, or dinner with some friends, try to have some dates in the diary to look forward to in the weeks and even months after your wedding.
You can both feel a little deflated post-wedding, so it will help both of you to know there are exciting and fun events coming up.
By Rachel Doherty, Excalibur Press

SUMMER 2017 EDITION AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE NOW