Before the "I Do"

Falling lustfully in love happens at the beginning of every relationship. Before the love is the lust, and then everything feels like a fairytale. But is that true love?

Those feelings of love that we all feel may come at first sight or they may take years to get there and with clouded minds, couples often jump into marriage because of those feelings. With the extremely high divorce rate, it seems that too many of us think that we are in love and think that we have found our soul mate, which clearly is not the case.

Before taking the huge step into marriage and committing yourself and your entire life, each and every day, to that one special person, there are many questions that need to be answered, discussions that have to be done, and arguments that must occur. Because without all of this, we don't truly know a person. And honestly, we will never know everything there is to know about one another, but will continue to learn each and every day we have together.

So while you may think he or she is your soul mate, the one and only person for you, I urge you to take a step back and think about the commitment you are making. Divorce is not a word that should ever be spoken about in a marriage, nor should it be thought about. Marriage is always and forever, for better and for worse, so let's make sure we are sticking to this vow and this promise, and let's make sure we are ready for this step before we say, "I Do."

Taking an extra year to get to know each other is a lot better than having to go through the hassle of a divorce.

I've compiled a list of items that I think every couple should experience, talk about, and know about each other before a marriage commitment is made. So I urge you to use this as a checklist to plan the marriage you want to have. A beautiful marriage that lasts a lifetime is possible, so make yourself part of that statistic!

Marriage Planning Checklist

1. Spend time with each others' families
2. Talk about your future...your dreams, your hobbies, goals, and loves
3. Go to marriage counseling together or a marriage class
4. Talk about financials
5. Discuss the separation of household duties (cleaning, cooking, paying bills)
5. How many kids do you want?
6. How you want to raise your kids? (religion, punishment, school)
7. How will religion play a role in your household?
8. TALK, TALK, TALK..speak your mind when you have something to say, especially if it relates to your relationship!
9. Continue to date each other (set time aside at least one a month)
10. Show each other what "normal" is...personally, I think that this is why The Bachelor and The Bachelorette often don't work out (although I do love the show!)
11. Keep your relationships with friends...you will need a girls/guys break every once in a while!
12. Discuss your views on divorce (if your views are in favor of divorce if needed, you may need to think about your relationship...it shouldn't even be an option!)
13. Read a book together
14. Ask your family and friends what they think about him or her (just in case you're still in lovey dovey la la land)
15. KNOW 100% for a fact that there is no one else in the world more perfect for you

I urge you to check off every item on this list BEFORE your wedding plans are set. And if you have done so and still cannot imagine your lives without each other, then you are on your way to a lifetime of happiness :)

And don't forget to comment below and tell me how it went for you!! We can all learn from each other!

Introducing...The Bridal Boutique

The big announcement is finally here! And we are so excited to reveal what is now coming to The Overwhelmed Bride!

There are so many wedding shops and so many wedding items all over the internet. When planning a wedding, you are overwhelmed by product after product! And here at The Overwhelmed Bride, we love everything weddings and want to showcase the items that every bride just has to have!

Introducing...

How it Works

Each and every Friday starting next week, we will be featuring one bridal item from an already established wedding store, shop, or boutique... these are the items that we absolutely adore and cannot live without! And, of course, why we love them :)

We are going to be showcasing the item, it's features, and how we love to use it! We will be showing off apparel, bridesmaid gifts, jewelry, wedding day items, and everything in between!

Whether you are a bride or know a bride, The Bridal Boutique by The Overwhelmed Bride will show you the best of the best...you never know when you'll want to treat yourself or what gifts you'll find for your bride's bachelorette party, bridal shower, or just an "I love you" gift. The Bridal Boutique is for everyone!

So stop by next Friday and each Friday after that, to find some new items to fall in love with...or even a new wedding boutique that you absolutely adore!

Happy Friday :)

A Gift for the Girls

Written with love, by Corinna Saias

Your bridesmaids have accompanied you to different wedding planning appointments (from flowers to invitations selection), helped you picked up your perfect dress and the party favors, organized your bachelorette and visited venue after venue with you until you chose the one. Now it’s your turn to show your appreciation for all that she has done to make this experience wonderful for you!

What you will spend for your bridesmaid presents really depends on your budget and there is not an appropriate etiquette for that matter. Of course you will need to consider the expenses that bridesmaid have made for you (e.g. bachelorette party, hair and makeup, their dresses) and the time they have consumed in order help you prepare for your perfect day.

When choosing your gifts make sure to consider options that are outside the box and that would really reflect your appreciation. It would be extra thoughtful to offer them a present that they could keep, wear and remember you for days after your wedding. Jewelry and accessories that match their bridesmaid’s gowns may end up in a box or even get lost.

So we suggest that you offer them a present that will be very much appreciated, useful for your party, and something that can be used throughout planning and even after the wedding.

What woman does not loooovve shoes and more specifically, sandals? Why would your bridesmaids be any different? Therefore, as the perfect bridesmaid gift we suggest you to offer them handmade jeweled flat sandals. This perfect gift idea will sweep them of their feet! You can choose between trendy summer colors or go for a more romantic look.

6 reasons why sandals make the best bridesmaid gift!

1) They can be worn at your wedding party as a second pair of shoes for endless dancing throughout the night! We all know that it comes a moment at wedding receptions that our high heels are just killing us. Isn’t a shame to want to dance and participate in the fun but but have to hold back because you can't stand any longer? After all, you want your bridesmaids to be the life and soul of your wedding day.

2) For beach and garden parties sandals can be worn as the principal pair of shoes. You can pick sandals in beige, white and natural colors to complement any dress but for those bridesmaids that want to stand out you can also select flashy tones.

3) By offering them the sandals you have the opportunity to personalize your gift. You can choose from different designs and colors to match their personalities and their taste. It is certain that this will make them feel extra special.

4) Flat sandals are usually super comfortable, allowing your bridesmaid to have the fun of their lives in your party. You can pick a design with adjustable straps that fasten at the ankle and a cushioned sole that will guarantee hours and hours of dancing.

5) You want your wedding day to be unique and special and the same is true for your bridesmaid gifts. You don't want to offer them something boring. Jeweled flat sandals will certainly delight them and its an idea outside the box which lets your bridesmaids know that you spent time to think about their perfect gift.

6) Finally, but perhaps most importantly, this is a gift that can be worn every single summer day after your wedding, from morning to night. Your bridesmaids will remember you every time they get dressed or people complement them about these fabulous sandals. They can wear them in their vacation get away, at work or just to run errands.

Give your bridesmaids a gift they will use for months to come!

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Corinna Saias sandals (www.corinnasaias.com) are handamde in Athens, Greece by a family owned manufacturer where attention is being paid to every single detail. Every pair of sandals is made from genuine leather and adorned (where applicable) with Swarovski crystals to guarantee the extra sparkle.