Dr. Louise Davis, extension child and family development specialist at Mississippi State University, said planning a wedding can strain emotions of the couple, their parents and extended families. There are several ways the bride and groom, as well as others involved, can get through the wedding preparations without starting a family feud, Davis said. An underlying cause for many problems within families is the lack of good, clear communication. Davis said families benefit from getting all their thoughts and ideas out in the open.
Good communication involves active, effective listening as well as sensitivity to others' feelings.
Realize that everyone wants to enjoy the wedding. Davis said family members should empathize with others, and be alert to the different types of communication. When there is negative communication, try to understand its cause and handle it in a constructive way, such as brainstorming solutions and avoiding communication blockers. Davis said communication blockers include being sarcastic, commanding, giving advice, interrogating, placating, moralizing, psychologizing and distracting. These only contribute to a problem.