If you think you have ultimate control over your wedding decisions, then think again! Family and friends will always have an opinion from your Cinderella dress right down to the cutlery sitting on the table. It’s supposed to be your day, but sometimes friends and family get carried away with their opinions about what they think you should or shouldn’t do for your wedding. It’s difficult to explain to your nearest and dearest why you’re doing things a certain way and making certain decisions, especially if it goes against what people might want or expect.
Anything from traditions and guest numbers, to food choices and what you should have for your first dance. But it’s important to remember that it’s your day, and it’s down to what you want, which is most important. We have some advice on just what to do when everyone’s giving out about your wedding decisions.
Money decisions
Money talk can often bring out the absolute worst of character in people, and no-one wants to fall out over a couple of measly euro. Miscommunication is usually the main culprit, so it is important to sit down and have a very frank talk with whoever is contributing to your big day financially. Disperse any unrealistic expectations they may have and be clear and concise about your final decisions for the big day. Keep compromise in mind too. If you’re willing to accept financial contributions from your family then you have to be prepared to talk to them about what they would like, as long as they know it’s your wedding.
Avoid taking sides
When entering into a marriage, you’re not only saying ‘I do’ and committing yourself to your fiancé…his friends and family are of the deal now too. If family members from opposite or same sides don’t get on with one another, sympathise with the affected parties, be strategic, invite both to the wedding and place them at opposing ends of the table. Therefore, neither’s nose will be put out of joint and everyone is included in the celebrations. The best thing to do in this situation is to grin and bear it and throw yourself wholeheartedly into all the interesting new personality types of your extended family. When it comes to differing opinions from opposite sides, try and ignore them and make a decision about what you really want.
Stay positive
With so much stress and planning ahead to do, it’s more important than ever to carve out some time for just you and your fiancé to spend together. Pleasing everyone in your wedding party is not only exhausting, but downright impossible, and by attempting to achieve the impossible, it will ruin the run up to your big day. By keeping a positive outlook, your friends and family will follow suit and you can enjoy every precious moment in the run-up to that special day before you say ‘I do’.
- Michelle Storey
Image credits: Table: Jessica Burke via Style Me Pretty | Stationery: Etsy| Bride and groom: Burmley & Wells via Style Me Pretty | Bridesmaids: Kay English Photography