Planning a wedding is no simple task! Chances are you will find the experience a little bit overwhelming. This list will act as a starter guide to help eradicate those easily avoidable errors. Collated are the top ten unspoken wedding rules to prepare any couple in the process of bringing their wedding visions to life!
Via Sandie Bertrand
The Art Of Gift-Giving…
Of course, it’s standard for guests to provide the newlyweds with a gift. This tends to be one of the most questioned parts of the wedding process! Do yourself and your guests a favour when sending out the invitations and add information about gifts! Ensure your registered gifts cater to those at all different price points to avoid any commotion. However, you can also include a Wishing Well card, which will politely tell your guests that they can also gift you money. Your guests love you, but they can only afford what they can afford! The more accessible, the better.
Gratitude…
As you are basking in the European sun on your honeymoon, sailing into married life, it is important to not forget the gifts your guests so kindly bought you. Mailing thank you cards can be the perfect way to show your guests appreciation for the gifts you received around the time of your wedding. There is nothing nicer than receiving a thoughtful, handwritten note. This little thought can go a long way! The timing of these cards is so important, so as to not let your guests think you’ve forgotten entirely! Engagement parties and shower gifts should have a thank you note sent 2-3 weeks after the event, any gifts before the wedding should be mailed before the wedding, and any gifts from the wedding should have a thankyou note mailed within at least 3 months of your special day.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Rules about phones at weddings are a relatively new concept, but there are certainly many important rules to know! For the bride & groom, on your day, put your phone away! You definitely don’t need it. As a guest, it is important to avoid getting your phone in the way of the photographer and ruining the magical moments they are capturing! Try to avoid taking photos during the ceremony, especially if you can see a camera pointed in your direction. If it’s a wedding where phones are not to be used, then respect the wishes of the couple and put your phone away. No sneaky photos! Also, try to avoid posting images of the wedding on social media until the couple has done so themselves.
Via Amazon
Budgeting In Your Vendors…
Your vendors are an enormous part of ensuring your day runs smoothly, so ensure they are being treated well! Avoid those disasters of lacklustre photos, ineffective DJS and poorly filmed videos by providing them with a meal! It is important these professionals keep motivated and produce the best quality of work so your day runs perfectly. The cost of feeding them must be accounted for in your budget, and is often mentioned in their contracts. After a long day of ensuring your day is running smoothly, there is nothing they will appreciate more than a substantial meal!
Via Oz Photo Video
RSVPs…
It is understandable that not all of your guests will be able to attend your special day, however, to avoid miscommunications and any hurt feelings, we advise you still send them an invitation even if they have informed you they can’t attend! On the other hand, nothing is worse than people forgetting to RSVP all together. Couples base the entire day on their guest count; hence it is not acceptable to turn up without notice. If you’re the guest, save the couple the stress and ensure you send in your RSVP as soon as you get it.
Via Polka Dot Paper
Flowers…
With so many flowers to choose from, it is important to read up on the characteristics of your arrangements. Although you may believe those gorgeous hydrangeas will match perfectly with the theme of your destination beachside wedding, the blaring summer sun will often wilt that stunning arrangement. To avoid these simple blunders, invite your florist to your venue to help bring your vision to life (within reason)! Factoring in times of year, season, availability and price of certain arrangements is critical.
Money, Money, Money…
The often-confronted fuss of money can break down even the closest of friendships. Couples must be open and upfront about costs and expectations for their bridal parties. This means picking dresses in everyone’s budget or offer to cover some costs if your close family or friends are struggling to meet these expenses. It’s unreasonable to expect a bridal party to burn through their savings to be part of your big day. It may not be the most comfortable conversation to have but discuss the cost expectations early on.
Via Essense Designs
Dress Code…
It is universally known that brides often choose to wear white at a wedding, therefore as a guest, white is a no go zone! To save your guests the stress’ concerning dress code, ensure to clearly state it on the invitation so your wishes are met. Providing as much detail and information on the invitations as possible will only benefit your guests.
Via White Runway
Plus One…
Read your invitations carefully! As a guest, if the premise of bringing a plus one is not explicitly mentioned, do not bring one! Also, don’t add one to your RSVP card if you haven’t been offered one. That’s a big no-no! Nothing is worse for the bride and groom than an unexpected guest turning up. Equally, it is as important for couples to try and name the guests plus one on invitations. This will make the plus one feel truly welcome and avoid confusion on who is and isn’t invited!
See Jacqueline and Chris’ Wedding Here
Wedding Planner…
The beauty of your wedding is in the process of planning. Revel in this process; spend time with your partner, your family and friends. This being said, it is important to not completely rule out the idea of a wedding planner due to budget limitations. When unforeseen disasters arise, it is comforting to have a professional at hand. Planners can be hired week of, day of or even hourly to handle those pesky last-minute details, decrease your stress and allow you to savour those last few days or weeks before the wedding.
See Lucinda and Simon’s Wedding Here
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