The Gracious Bride

Short engagements and high expectations will stretch even the most gracious bride to the breaking point. The best way to demonstrate graciousness is to expect stressful situations and plan accordingly.

1. She is Forgiving and Forbearing

Prepare for people problems. Planning a wedding means dealing with people and people mean problems.

 

Understand that offences and errors will come. Exploding does not fix anything and usually requires clean up. Problems happen for a reason and may even cause a better result.

 

2. She has Seasoned Speech

Practice gracious replies for negative comments, compliments, and dealing with problems before they arise.

 

Practice graciousness when speaking about sizing. This is a sensitive issue whether coming from a large or small person. Comments about a dress making you look fat when you are wearing a size 8 can sound prideful to others.

 

It's best to use general comments when you dislike a style on you as in "this isn't the style I was looking for" or "I don't care for the fullness." These are less offense and shows respect of other's feelings.

 

3. She is Discreet



Keep private matters private. Wedding planning involves close contact and communication discovering sensitive issues about someone. Not everything needs to be shared with others.

 

Learn to read peoples expressions and reactions. If you see someone is uncomfortable with a wedding decision be sensitive of their needs or beliefs.

 

Control yourself in uncomfortable situations. Don't make a scene this only draws more attention to what you are uncomfortable about. Use your practiced reply.

 

4. She is Genuinely Kind and Considerate

Humbleness is not discounting the compliments of others. That only discredits their opinion.

 

Be aware of all of the people in your presence. Acknowledge everyone that you can especially if the event is to honor you.

 

Learn to graciously say NO to overly helpful people and unnecessary offers. People that care about you can show their excitement by wanting to help not thinking that you may have plans for that area. Thank them for their offer and tell what area you could use some help so they can feel useful.

 

Treat family kindly. Stress can cause us to take our frustrations out on those closest to us. When the wedding is over you are still family and you don't want to have resentment over wedding plans.

 

5. She Fears the Lord

"Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 30:31

 

Do you have a reverential fear of God? When it all comes down to it true graciousness comes from within, it really can't be faked. People know if you are genuinely gracious.

 

As a Christian bride you represent the church of the living God. Graciousness is a typical characteristic of the church; wouldn't you say?

 

Keep in mind your Heavenly Father knows the desires of your heart and ordains all circumstances you will deal with because all things are for our good and His glory. Prepare to represent your faith in the best possible form, because this day really isn't all about you. It's about creating a God ordained family. 

 

Happy Planning,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Owner of Simply Elegant, Dana Ellison publishes "Fancy That" a monthly e-zine. Get your FR*EE modest brides shopping guide: "What Every MODEST Bride MUST Know to Turn Wedding Gown Shopping into a Delightful Experience" at www.simplyelegantforyou.com . Get updates, ideas and sneak peaks on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/simplyelegantforyou