Lessons Learned: Wedding Tips for New Brides
Get the help you need.
Whoever said “The devil is in the details” must have meant that if you try to take on every detail single-handedly, you will be ready to make a deal with the devil to save your sanity. Designate as many tasks as you can, then stand back and trust that it will be done correctly. Agonizing over whether or not your orders are being carried out is just as bad as trying to do it all yourself. Don’t be a superhero and get the help of trusted wedding professionals.
Include your fiancé.
There’s an assumption that planning a wedding is strictly female territory. This is simply not the case anymore. Going on the notion that the groom has zero interest, many future brides don’t think to ask if he wants in or not. Most men are quick to step up when it comes to transportation, music and food, but tend to withdraw when someone mentions hydrangeas. Why? Probably because either no one asked him or he thinks his opinion isn’t wanted. Don’t forget that many of the world’s greatest artists are men, so open the door for his opinion on seating arrangements or wedding colours. There might be a Monet in there.
Don’t try to please everyone.
The couple who attempt to accommodate everyone’s requests, is the couple who wishes they had eloped. When the invitations go out, requests will come in. “Is it OK if I bring a date?” “Don’t seat me near cousin Alice.” “I want you to wear your grandmother’s veil.” Before sending out announcements, and triggering the deluge, have your plans in place. If there is limited seating: “No you can’t bring a date.” If near cousin Alice is the only available place: “Sorry.” And your grandmother’s veil? Oh well, you have to give in every now and then.
“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”.
– John Lydgate
Curb your enthusiasm.
The adrenaline rush that accompanies the first few days of engagement can prove expensive if you aren’t cautious with spontaneous invitations. Once it’s out there, there’s no taking it back. No invitations should be given, verbal or otherwise, until you have set the budget, chosen a venue, and know exactly how many guests you will invite.
Don’t second-guess yourself.
When a decision has been made, stop looking at alternatives. Planning and executing a wedding takes enough time as it is, but start second-guessing your purchases or plans, and you are heading out on a bumpy, time-consuming, budget-breaking road trip with doubt and disappointment along for the ride. There will always be someone who will not recommend one of your vendors, or a friend who thinks your cake should have more tiers, and let’s not even start with cuter ideas on Pinterest. Accept that in the end there will probably be things you would have done differently, but as long as you aren’t second-guessing your fiancé, it will all work out!
