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May 21, 2008 4:07 pm US/Eastern
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Stressed Couples Turn To Wedding Counselors
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
A wedding is not just a life changing event. For most couples, it's the biggest event they will ever plan, which can be a lot of pressure.
Jill Price is getting married at the end of the month and she's a wedding photographer.
"I've seen a lot of people -- I would say about 75 percent (who) are somewhere teetering on the brink," she said.
Anyone who has planned a wedding knows there is a lot of stress involved. The expense is part of the problem (these days the average wedding will set you back close to $30,000) but there's more to it.
Rebecca Dolgin of
TheKnot.com says most couples simply don't have the time to labor over the details.
"They have a career in full force and now they're trying to plan a wedding on top of it," she said.
The process can strain the relationship at a time when the happy couple is just beginning their lives together.
"You have this dynamic where you start feeling like it's me against him," said Dolgin.
You have probably heard of wedding planners who help with everything from choosing invitations to picking out flowers. Now there are wedding counselors to help you handle the emotions that come with planning your big day.
Dr. Bill Doherty is a marriage counselor, but when his daughter Elizabeth got engaged, he saw a need for a need for 'pre-marriage' counseling. Doherty said there's no denying a wedding can be a stressful event.
"It involves everybody important in your life," Doherty said.
Together, Dr. Doherty and his daughter wrote a book and launched a Web site to help other couples. They say many couples run into the same issues. The Doherty's say even though it's your day, it's not all about you.
"If you're going to have family and friends around you, then think about who they are and what their needs are," he said.
Angela Brant is a wedding planner who worked with April Price. She said the Dohertys have some great ideas.
"I've used some of the tools on two recent clients," she explained. "One absolutely, I helped her diffuse a situation before it ever occurred."
April says brides can always use an extra ear.
"We all need someone to talk to and we need a second opinion," she said.
Most counselors offer a free initial consultation over the phone.
Check out the following sites that offer similar services:
www.thefirstdance.com http://www.emotionallyengaged.com/
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