Here’s an absolute truth about weddings: Even though you and your fiancee are the people getting hitched, everyone from your mom to the mailman will throw in opinions about exactly how the big day should go down. And while advice and input should always be heard and appreciated, never forget that this is your day and you get the final say. Not sure where to start drawing the lines? Here’s 10 instances in which you should absolutely stay true to your heart during wedding planning.
Your Wardrobe
Whether you’re searching for a flowy white dress or a Solange-inspired jumpsuit, your friends and
family will have an opinion on your wedding day attire. It’s easy to get caught
up in what everyone thinks, but don’t let their opinions overpower yours. If
you don’t feel comfortable and confident in something, it’s not the right
option, no matter how many people in your dressing room say otherwise. Our
advice: Head to your first appointment solo, and whittle down to three or four
options you like. Bring the group for the second appointment that way, they’ll
only be rooting for things you already feel great in.
The Wedding Party
Your wedding party should be filled with the people who have loved and
supported you on the journey to becoming the person you will be when you walk
down that aisle; it does NOT have to be made up of only siblings and/or people
who have asked you to be in theirs. There’s also no right or wrong number of
bridesmaids or groomsmen to have, and the sides most definitely do not have to
be even. If you need more help, here are a few extra guidelines to picking your wedding party.
Plus-Ones
The more guests, the more expensive the wedding. There’s no hard and fast rule
on which guests get to bring dates, so that means it’s ultimately up to you and
your fiancee to decide how to handle them. Don’t feel pressured to let every
second cousin and friend of your father’s bring someone extra. If, however, it
is important to you that a person be there, but it would be awkward for them to
attend alone, they should be one of the first guests to get a plus one.
Seating Arrangements
A more complicated part of wedding planning is figuring out where to seat
everyone come meal time. Things can get tricky, especially if certain people
don’t get along. Your decision to seat people near or far from each other is
essential to the reception running smoothly. Hopefully your friends and family
will be well-versed in wedding guest etiquetteand take their seats
without complaint. If an issue arises, calmly explain that you did your best to
make everyone comfortable, and remind them that they can mingle before and
after the meal.
Related: 8 Ways to Show Your Love During Wedding Planning
Kids at the Reception Asking guests to leave their little ones at home isn’t meant to be a dig at friends who have children! It’s a way to minimize chaos and ensure everyone’s focus is on the celebration at hand. Inviting tots adds extra work to your plate in terms of keeping them entertained and finding appropriate food options. If you want to keep things kid-free, be sure invitations are addressed only to the parents. It also helps to add language to your wedding website explaining that there will not be extra food options or babysitters available for children, so it’s best that guests find a babysitter for the evening.
Following Tradition (Or Not)
There’s no “right” way
to have a wedding. If the garter toss or cake cutting doesn’t feel quite right to you, don’t do it.
If you’d prefer to host the cocktail hour
before the ceremony, feel free. While the more traditional crowd might not
agree with your twists on wedding customs, this day is not
about them. It’s about celebrating what makes you and your fiancée unique as a
couple, so go what with what feels right to you.
The Songs You Play
While it’s important to consider your audience when picking your music, don’t
let it prohibit you from playing songs you love. We recommend starting off with
more casual, crowd-friendly tunes during dinner, but once it’s time to hit the
dance floor, it’s totally acceptable to dance your heart out to “Shake It Off.”
Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
The maid-of-honor or best man is typically in charge of planning your last
single night out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give them an idea of what you’d
like. While some may prefer a night on the town at the hottest new club, a
chill weekend of golf or spa time might be more your speed. It’s supposed to be
an event celebrating you, so don’t feel guilty
about telling them what you really want.
Registry
If there’s ever a time to put yourself first, it’s while you’re registering for
gifts. Don’t shy away from things you might not consider “typical” registry
items if they are something you and your significant other can enjoy together.
So go on, scan that Scrabble game or pizza maker. Your registry helps you start
your lives together, so make sure it feels like you. If you need ideas, there’s
something for every home decor style in the Registry Style
section of our Gift Guide.
Another helpful article: How to Register
With Grace (and Still Get What You Want).
Honeymoon
Where you go after the knot is tied is completely up to you and your fiancée. Always
wanted to visit Greece? Greece it is! Been dying to go on a romantic cruise?
Take one! Whether you go for two weeks or just a few days, as long as you’re
together you’re bound to have the time of your life.
All this being said, there is one opinion you can’t ignore during wedding planning: your partner’s. It’s just as much their wedding day as it is yours, so it’s important you work together to create a day that’s meaningful to both of you.
This post was originally posted on Wedding Wire >> http://bit.ly/2kBoDFL
