by Curvy Wedding Editor, Chamein Canton
 
Most brides and grooms find the time they spend planning a wedding to be both exciting and stressful. Many details require attention: from setting the date, to choosing the wedding party, to actually walking down the aisle. And for those of us with MS, there are extra considerations beyond just choosing hors d'oeuvres and making seating arrangements. But this doesn't preclude us from having the wedding of our dreams — it just takes planning.

Plan for the Season

The most popular season for weddings is late spring through early fall, but don't let popularity get in the way of your perfect wedding. The best season for a wedding is a matter of taste — yours, specifically. Summer weddings mean heat, and since many people with MS are intolerant of heat, it is a major consideration when choosing a wedding date. Rising temperatures can cause numbness, fatigue, and blurred vision to suddenly appear. Spring and fall are obvious recommendations, but what can you do if your heart is set on a warm weather wedding?

First, take into account the time of day. Plan a morning, late afternoon, or evening wedding to avoid the hottest part of the day (noon to three o'clock). Next, plan to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages since they tend to dehydrate the body. Make sure your schedule includes regular breaks, both for water and for the bathroom. And finally, consider the location. Make sure your venues are air-conditioned and well ventilated. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, make sure you have ready shade and that your minister knows not to keep you overly long at the altar.

Plan Your Attire

Ladies, we all know that men are easy to dress. Unless you're planning a non-traditional wedding, he'll be in a suit or tux. The season will dictate some of the details, but overall, it's easier for the guys. On the other hand, brides have nothing but choices.

At the top of the list is fabric, which dictates the look and feel of the gown, but it can also affect your stamina. Many traditional fabrics are heavy and hot. Brides should look for natural lightweight fabrics like silk, silk duchess, or chiffon. Many designers are adding cotton and linen gowns to their collections. These gowns are well worth considering. The fabrics look luxurious and more importantly, they breathe, which will help to keep your body cool. Avoid synthetic fabrics and poly blends; they are heavier than their natural counterparts, and they don't breathe (think of the leisure suit). If you're getting married in the cooler months, look for heavier natural fabrics such as brocade, taffeta, or velvet; they will keep you warm without overheating you.

Another gown choice that may affect you physically is the train. What girl hasn't dreamed of a cathedral train to rival Princess Diana's? A spectacular train adds drama, but it also adds weight. If your heart is set on one of the longer trains, consider a detachable train to relieve the burden of bustling several yards of fabric to the back of your gown. After all, you need it to walk down the aisle, but you don't need to walk with it anywhere else. Your back and feet will thank you for it.

Plan Your Location

Wheels, crutches, and canes are simply part of living with MS, so handicap accessible locations are required. If you're planning to have a civil ceremony at your local town hall or courthouse, be sure to scout the location ahead of time. While most public buildings are handicap accessible, some older buildings may not have elevators or even benches. If that's the case, find out if there are rooms available on the ground floor for the ceremony. Most governmental facilities are happy to accommodate you.

If you're planning a religious wedding in a church, synagogue, or temple with a traditional walk down the aisle, do a dry run to see if the aisles are wide enough for you and your spouse. Consider holding your reception at the same location to minimize travel and to better customize your ceremony.

If your heart is set on an outdoor venue, take the time to test the location for your mobility. Grass is not as smooth as it may appear and walk ways may include obstacles. A little planning before your wedding day will go a long way to making that day worry-free and happy.

Plan for Help

The most essential aspect of planning your wedding is to ask for help when needed. Remember, planning your wedding is exciting — and stressful! Enlist the help of your family and friends, and consider hiring a wedding planner. Most planners offer a range of services to fit various budgets. These include:

* Full Service: wedding planning and event supervision from beginning to end

* Wedding Week Package: wedding supervision and coordination of vendors the week of the wedding

* Wedding Day Only: full or day supervision of wedding party festivities and vendors

Hiring a wedding planner is like hiring any other contracted laborer. Get references and ask if they have experience working with handicapped brides or grooms.

Plan for Personal Needs

Nothing will ruin your wedding experience faster than burning yourself out. Many brides forget that "their wedding" includes all the time necessary to plan the big day! Part of your plan should be time to meet both practical needs and impractical pampering. Here are some things to remember:

* Make and keep regular appointments with your doctor.

* Never forget to take your medication.

* Schedule your appointments carefully. Don't try to pack too much into one day, no matter how tempting.

* Make sure you have adequate time for sleeping, eating, and healthy exercise.

* Schedule a few spa or massage appointments.

Planning a wedding can be a piece of cake! MS adds extra considerations, but all it takes is patience and preparation. Plan for your special needs, and your wedding day will be everything you hope for!