Over time, many traditions and myths have developed that dictate what you can and can’t do for your big day. As you’re planning your wedding, people are going to offer advice that they think will be helpful. While most pieces of advice are going to be legitimate, we are here to break down some of those things to help you figure out what you should and shouldn’t listen to.
By Chelsea Carney
Myth #1: You don’t have to hire a professional vendor.
While it may be tempting to save money by just hiring your friends/family, this probably won’t turn out as great as you think it will. Friends and family may get distracted during the wedding events socializing with other guests (or having a drink or two) whereas a vendor would solely be focusing on you and your groom. Instead, let your family enjoy the day and hire someone who will ensure everything comes out perfect.
Myth #2: You’ll be able to host a big, catered wedding for very little money.
If you’re looking to have the nicest food and highest quality of photography with an ample amount of guests, you’re likely not going to be able to get those services by not paying a lot. You get what you pay for and those things don’t come cheap. You might be able to get huge discounts on some of those vendors, but if you want all of the niceties that come with a wedding, you’re going to have to be willing to pay a little more.
Myth #3: It’s okay to put your registry on your invitations.
Out of all things, stay away from this one. It basically says that you’re only inviting your guests in hopes that they’ll give you a gift. If you have a registry on your wedding website, put the info to your website on the invitation. This way they’ll only get a subtle hint. Bridal shower invitations have a little more leeway, however, as that is primarily a gift-giving occasion.
Myth #4: The bride’s father should pay for the wedding.
This is more of a tradition that we are all starting to move away from. As couples wait longer and longer to tie the knot, they most likely are more established with steady incomes and are able to pay for most of their own wedding. You can, of course, still see if your parents will contribute at all, especially if your budget is tight. The groom’s parents can also help out.
Myth #5: “It’s the bride’s day.”
Sorry, ladies. Uttering these words, especially as an excuse for selfish decisions and obnoxious behavior, most likely means you’re transforming into bridezilla. While it is technically your day, remember that your wedding is celebrating you and your fiance. Let your soon-to-be hubby have a say in some of the planning. In the end, your marriage is about the joining of two families. You don’t want to start off the rest of your lives with your in-laws upset.
Myth #6: It’s okay to invite more than the venue can accommodate because not everyone will come.
Let us debunk that one for you and clear the air. Although it very rarely happens, what would you do if every single guest you invite R.S.V.P.’s “yes”? You may get excited that all of your guests want to come support you on your big day, but the venue has guest limits for a reason. Our suggestion? Create two lists of people you want to invite: An “A” list (a.k.a. V.I.P.) and a “B” list (a.k.a. wish-list). Only send out invites to your A list early-on, and if some of those people decline, you can start making your way through the B list.
Myth #7: Wedding planners make thing
s more expensive.
Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Wedding planners are in this industry because they know what they’re doing. They have special bonds with a number of vendors, including florists, bakers, caterers, etc. Because of these relationships, they’ll also have tips, tricks, and a ton of advice to give you with any ideas you have for your wedding. Their job is to take your stress away and trust us, that’ll be worth it.
Myth #8: You have to have the same number of groomsmen as bridesmaids.
If you don’t have as many friends as your beau (or vice versa), don’t sweat it. You don’t need to invite someone into your bridal party that you aren’t that close with just to make sure there’s an equal amount of people on both sides; it’ll save both you and them a huge inconvenience. Remember that the only people who should be in the wedding party are those that deserve to be there. If you have more bridesmaids versus groomsmen, you can have them walk down the aisle one at a time or even have two bridesmaids walk with one groomsman. And don’t worry about photos; the photographer is quite capable of working with any size bridal party.
Myth #9: If you went to their wedding, you must invite them to yours.
Remember that this day is about you and your groom, not about those acquaintances you haven’t talked to in years. They may have invited you to their wedding, but you definitely don’t have to invite them to yours. You never know: they could have been just trying to get to the minimum amount of guests that the venue will accept. This is just an old, unnecessary courtesy-tradition. Only invite people that are going to make your day more enjoyable.
Myth #10: You’ll cry a lot.
Okay, this one might be true. But you really don’t know until the actual day. In the midst of all of the excitement, stress and nervousness, your emotions are going to be totally unknown. If you don’t cry, that doesn’t mean you aren’t the happiest person in the room, it just means you handle it differently. Don’t fake those tears if they aren’t real; just enjoy your day… it only happens once.
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