10 Things About Weddings

Today's Listicle from Stasha is particularly fitting. It's 10 Things About Weddings. And I'm in the middle of planning a wedding with DH and our families and friends. You know that's how it goes. It's not just us planning, it's everybody planning. 

I've also been in numerous weddings over the years...nothing approaching 27 Dresses, but still a commendable handful. So the list below is cumulative from all the years of experience plus our current journey.


1. There is nothing as motivating as when the bridal salon calls and tells you that THE DRESS is in. It becomes very real that you are getting married in that moment. Enjoy that excitement!

2. Weddings are emotional events. Someone will be P.O.'ed at you at some point....maybe at all points. Just expect it, try to not hurt feelings and move past it.

3. Centerpieces can either be the easiest creation or the most time consuming. Buy one of everything to make a sample centerpiece to make sure you like it before buying 20 of everything! 

4. Be kind to your bridesmaids. By this I mean no ugly dresses, no bows on the butts, don't ask them to do more than you would be willing to do. Does it really matter if they all have the same hair style or the same shoes? They want to be part of your day. Don't make it hard for them to support you.

5. Don't have little tiny bows on anything unless they come that way from the store. Trust me on this one. Tying 94,376, 897 bows gets real old real fast.

6. Remember to focus on you and your fiancee. This day is just that, a day. A huge special day, but it shouldn't be the reason to get married. The marriage is what you're committing to, not the wedding. Nourish it, grow it, protect it.

7. Ladies, don't assume your groom doesn't want to have a say. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't. But at least give him the chance to have input.

8. If someone else is footing the bill, thank them often and wholeheartedly. Make sure they know you are overwhelmed with gratitude.

9. Don't be scared to do something that is unique. There are no rules - if you want to wear Vans under your dress, ride a bicycle down the aisle, have cookies instead of a cake, an unconventional guest book, be announced to an autotune of Kristen Bell, whatever it is that makes you happy.

10. Have your photographer capture all those first looks - not just the groom's when you appear, but also your dad's, the guests, grandparents. Those are the pictures that could last a lifetime.

There's a huge well of advice and things to do and to avoid but this is just some of what I've learned over time.