Writing a mission statement can be really productive.
photo: CreativeCommons/Library@COM
The very first task most businesses and non-profits undertake is the writing of a mission statement, a list of guiding principles to follow as the organization works toward its goal. Though it’s unlikely your wedding will become incorporated, it is a huge investment of time and energy, so writing a mission statement can be a quick and valuable exercise that will keep your planning, spending, and sanity on track.
Make this mission statement the very first page of your planning notebook so you see it every time you work on your wedding. It will not only keep you focused on your objectives but provide inspiration when you hit that almost-inevitable wedding-planning wall.
Here are some suggested basics but feel free to create your own outline. Keep it short and sweet, really honing in on the most important points. Don’t forget to write down both intangible goals (e.g. “we want to have fun and not freak out about small stuff”) and objective needs (“we will not exceed our budget of x number of dollars so we don’t impinge on our larger goal of saving for a house/getting out of debt/starting a college fund.”)
First, title your statement, something like “Mission Statement: John and Jane's Wedding, August 1st 2009.”
“Our Purpose”--State this with verb phrases, for example: ”To elope in a beautiful and private setting” or “to celebrate our union in style with our friends and family.”
“Our Main Goal”--One sentence stating your deepest wish for your wedding, your overall premise.
“The Three Highest Priorities”--These can be items such as “herbal floral design, a special dining experience, and a keepsake photo album” or something more about the tone, such as ”to create a joyous atmosphere, to inspire laughter in our guests, and to keep things small and easily manageable.”
“Desired Outcomes”--Ask yourself what you want to take away from all this effort, perhaps goals like “a ceremony we can always remember,” “mementos of all our friends and family,” “a pleasant and relaxed day that also includes a wedding.”
My dear friend Renee (whom I thank profusely for inspiring this article) told me that her mission statement helped her keep it together when she was overwhelmed by the supposed “requirements” thrown at her by friends, family, and the wedding industry. “Going back and looking at my original list helped me calm down and remember what we were doing this for.” She found it also helped her abide by her budget and prevented her from succumbing to the anxiety created by bridal-magazine ads and “advice.”
As a result she became less vulnerable to the influences that wanted her to betray her personal vision and budget plan, and was able to create the wedding she wanted and hoped for. Renee said it ended up being “perfect”--hip, fun, unique, and the cost was no more than they had originally agreed to spend. Not bad for just a few moments of thinking time and a little paper and ink.
So no matter where you are in your wedding process, take a minute or two to think about, write, and organize your hopes and goals. Your mission statement will serve as a guiding star and help ensure smooth sailing along the way.
And if you’re a stressy sort of person, you might want to include “enjoy the ride!” as one of your objectives--if you’re not having a good time putting your wedding together, you might not remember to savor the results once you get there. "© Elizabeth Oakes 2009, reprinted with permission"
