I want to institute a new way of looking at your big day. There is no reason to stress so much about one day, as many couples do. Relax and rethink your wedding plans.
Stop Calling it Your "Big Day"
This is NOT your big day... Too many couples, and women in particular, constantly refer to their wedding as their "big day", I want you to change your way of thinking, because if it is your "big" day, then what becomes of the days after?
Stop Planning it Like it is Your "Big Day"
Thousands of dollars are spent on a wedding, basically money down the drain. Some people don't worry about this, because it is their parents paying for the wedding. But is this fair? Especially when so many weddings end in divorce, is it fair to ask your parents to pay for your wedding? This is money I am sure they would rather spend on other things. Heck look at in from a selfish view point if you must, would you rather have mom and dad spend $10, 000 on a wedding or inherit it later? Sounds cold I am sure, but if you think of it, money spent on a wedding is money almost thrown away.
How Many Guests Do You Want or Need?
Sometimes people think that their wedding is somehow more special by having more guests. But not only does this inflate cost, it also makes the whole event less personal. Nobody feels special if they are only one of a hundred guests. A wedding is not about how many gifts you can get or a popularity contest. It is a union of you and your new partner - so do not make a big deal out of inviting everyone you can, simply because you can. The minimum number of guests required in most countries is two, whom will be witnesses.
Rethink the Dress
Some women pay way too much for a wedding dress, and bridesmaid dresses. Most of which are unwearable afterwards. Have a simple dress, make the bridesmaid dresses flexible for use afterwards. A wedding should not be an excuse to be wasteful.
Rethink the Centerpiece
Recently the trend is to use Betta Fish in bowls as centerpieces. This really is unfair to the fish. They are living beings, not floral arrangements. They value their lives as much as anyone. All too often these little fish die of stress (not very attractive on your table) or do not get a good home afterwards. Please do not use fish as decorations for your wedding.
Do NOT Have a Private Photographer
These photographers will monopolize you prior to the ceremony. They will set you up for photos and not allow other guests to take pictures of you. This is so they can assure you buy photos from them, but ultimately it makes your guests feel like trash. Your guests have put time and money into coming and now are not allowed to take pictures of you... hmm not very fair is it? If you must have a photographer discuss your wishes to not alienate your guests.
The Ring
A wedding ring is not a show of love. It is a show of money, or in some cases, debt. A big wedding ring does not signify more love. A small one does not signify less love. Love is not tied to any object. Save your money, get a modest ring, or none at all. There is a lot of human misery tied to the diamond trade. No reason to make things worse for somebody else just so you can have a big stone.
The Honeymoon
I know, by now you are expecting me to say not to have a honeymoon, however, I am not going to do that. A honeymoon is a holiday, view it as such. Take one ONLY if you can afford one. Do not go in debt over this. Do not go any place too extravagant if you are planning on spending all your time in the hotel with your new partner, there is no reason for flying half way around the world to do so. Make your honeymoon a memorable time.
In summary I am challenging you to rethink your wedding plans. The wedding DAY is not the most important day in your life, and yet many people treat it as though it is. You need to plan your wedding, BUT more importantly you need to plan your life beyond that one day.
