Regardless of whether you’ll be running the show or hiring a wedding planner, it goes without saying that you want your wedding to be memorable for all the right reasons — and none of the wrong ones.
To help make that happen, here are seven fascinating things about planning a wedding that you (and most other people) probably don’t know — but definitely should:
- Anyone can perform your wedding ceremony. Seriously: your bridesmaid can do it. So can your dad, your mom, that wonderful Starbucks barista who always gives you a free shot of delicious toffee nut syrup — anyone. However, only a registered officiant can sign your wedding certificate that declares the marriage legal.
- It’s not fair, but many vendors — we’re talking bakers, caterers, musicians, and so on — will add anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars to the tab simply because they hear the word “wedding.” How do you avoid being on the losing side of this dynamic pricing game? Call it a party (or something else) instead of a wedding when you’re getting a quote. If the price surges once you reveal the truth, demand to know why.
- Instead of reserving a fleet of limos, go with luxury party busses They’re what limos dream of being when they grow up.
- It’s fine if you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding. However, make sure that you have a contingency plan if Mother Nature is in a bad mood on your special day.
- The biggest threat to your wedding may not be your mother-in-law (momzillas are a real thing) or that uncle who always drinks too much and starts belting out Sinatra’s “My Way” (maybe this time he’ll get the lyrics right — but probably not). No, believe it or not but your largest pain point might be the band you hire. Some musicians are notoriously demanding and moody. Make sure that you do your background research, and have an ironclad contract.
- Pinterest isn’t an ally, because it can create expectations for a dream wedding that simply isn’t within the budget. FYI, this is why many wedding planners hate Pinterest!
- You can rent a gorgeous designer wedding dress vs. buy one and save thousands of dollars. Remember: bridal gowns aren’t an investment, and don’t overestimate the heirloom value either. If you have a daughter who marches down the aisle decades from now, there’s no guarantee that she’ll want to wear it. Heck, she might elope and get married by an Elvis impersonator at a chapel in Las Vegas!