Wedding Do’s and Don’ts

Wedding Do’s and Don’ts
by Nicole Anderson, Jr. Fashion Editor

Do:

Plan your wedding thoroughly, down to all the last little details. The best way to do this is to follow a wedding plan. Give your self a timeline for the things you need to do (when you need to book entertainment, have dress fittings, etc.)

Budget. It can be very easy to overspend without even realizing it. The best way to avoid overspending is to have a wedding budget for everything, from the wedding dress to the flowers. You don't always have to spend a lot of money to have a beautiful wedding; less can be more if you budget carefully and splurge only on the things most important to you.

Make your wedding a joint venture between bride and groom. Some grooms just want to know what to wear and where and when to show up. Some brides want to call all the shots and make all the decisions. But your best bet is to make your decisions together—you will be doing this for the rest of your lives and your wedding is a good place to start.

Let your ceremony reflect who you are as individuals and who you are as a couple. This can be done with the music, readings, vows and other personal stories and selections you make.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Let others help so when the week of the wedding arrives you have time to enjoy your guests and not arrive at your own wedding too tired to enjoy it.

Consider some of your photos in black and white. They will be timeless.

Select and book your DJ or wedding band 6-12 months in advance. You want to have your choice of entertainment. If you wait too long, you run the risk of being stuck with the few DJs who aren’t already booked for other events.

Remember to involve stepparents in some way. They’re an important part of your family that some wedding traditions can leave out, so go out of your way to make them feel included.

Have someone else do your makeup. You will be too nervous and critical.

Be realistic about weight loss goals when selecting your gown. Wedding gowns can be taken in several sizes if you lose weight before the wedding, but can only be let out one or two sizes if you order too small a size expecting to lose unrealistic amounts of weight before the wedding. Don’t get stuck with a dress that doesn’t fit—order your normal size and plan on taking it in if you’ll be dieting.

Don’t:

Rush into making any fast decisions. Take your time and make sure that the decisions you make are good ones, especially when it comes to choosing professionals, such as photographers or caterers.

Go cheap on the important stuff. While you have a budget to keep in mind, hiring cheap professionals may not always be the right decision. Some things are worth paying that little bit extra for, like photography. Remember, a good picture can bring back amazing thoughts and memories while a bad one will bring back nothing.

Invite Everyone. You don't have to invite every single person you have ever known to your wedding. Remember that this is your special day! Spending it with the people who mean the most to you and your spouse will make your wedding special for the two of you.

Be shy about speaking up for yourselves. This is your wedding. Just because Aunt somebody-or-other had her bridesmaids in dresses that looked like those in My Big Fat Greek Wedding doesn't mean you have to do the same. Or because Uncle I-think-I-can-sing-but-can't wants to sing doesn't mean you have to let him. Tell them how much you love them and thank each of them for their wonderful offer with a gentle statement that you've already chosen the dresses and planned the music.

Procrastinate. This is another way to say what was said in #2 Do above. If you want a disaster the day before and the day of the wedding, just put things off. The more organized you are and the better you have delegated those "last minute" things, the more you will be able to participate in and enjoy wedding day.

Have unrealistic expectations about having everything perfect. Beautiful? Yes. Perfect is harder. Remember that this is a joyful celebration of love rather than an exercise in perfection. Most of us are not "practically perfect in every way" like Mary Poppins and we’re bound to make mistakes. The mistakes are the things that give you the fondest memories! I officiated a near perfect wedding and I was aware that everything had gone right. At about that point, a bridesmaid fainted. She was quickly back on her feet and the ceremony proceeded, again, perfectly. There was no way this could be anticipated and prevented. They will talk about it with fond memories for years to come.

Get haircuts closer than 1 month before your wedding. You don’t want any surprises you won’t have time to grow out and fix before the wedding.

Leave your guests too long between the ceremony and reception. Keeping the time between events short will help keep your guests excited and having fun.

Overbook your limo. They will usually seat 10.

Forget to offer a “vegetarian” option. You want all of your guests to feel welcome. Taking the time to provide a vegetarian option will ensure no one feels left out during dinner.