We've all heard the countless myths about what you shouldn't do in the lead up to your big day, but just how many of them will really screw up all that hard work you've done over the past few months? What are the big no-nos, and what's okay to go ahead with? Some traditions are there for a reason, while others that once had a meaning have become null and void in the modern day. There are other superstitions and beliefs that some couples choose to continue today, but will they really make a difference? We're looking at some of the top wedding myths and determining whether or not they should be held up today.
Myth: My bridal party has to be all female
Fact or fiction: Fiction. Many women these days choose to include their brother, cousin or close male friend in their bridal party, with some men even taking on the role of man of honour. Not only will you have one of your closest friends sharing the day with you, you'll also get a valuable man's opinion during the planning stages. While we're at it, there's nothing to say the groom must exclude his closest females from his groomsmen party. In fact here are a few reasons why a brides-man is a good idea.
Myth: I have to wear all white
Fact or fiction: Definitely fiction. For a start, many brides have already been opting for a dress in an off white colour, such as ivory or champagne for years. Brilliant white doesn't suit every skin tone after all. But aside from that, there are much more options for the daring bride. You can go for a patterned gown a la Poppy Delevingne, or you can go all out and turn up in a red, black or blue dress. Did you know that Irish wedding dresses used to be blue as a symbol of purity? You'd be surprised what traditions we used to have.
Myth: My parents must be on the invitations
Fact or fiction: Fiction. While some couples choose to have the bride's family named, many opt to use the line "together with their parents," especially if the couple are footing most of the bill themselves, since the tradition of parents inviting the guests dates back to when parents were essentially paying for the party. If they are still making a large contribution, ask them if they'd like to be on the invite. However, most couples just invite the guests themselves.
Myth: I shouldn't use my married name before the wedding
Fact or fiction: Fact. It's considered bad luck for the bride to sign herself off using her married name before it becomes official. Even if you're not a big believer in good and bad luck, why not wait until it's officially your name?
Myth: Rain on my wedding day is bad luck
Fact or fiction: Fiction. While the rain may put a dampener on the ideal wedding photo locations, rain is said to be a sign of fertility, growth and renewal. One of the few things you can't control on your wedding day is the weather, and if rain really was bad luck, then Ireland would have a much higher rate of bad marriages. You can't let the Irish weather bring you down on the happiest day of your life. Besides, not only is rain a sign of good luck, as opposed to bad, rain can actually be a good thing for other elements of your special day. Don't believe us? Take a look.
Myth: We have to consummate the marriage on our wedding night
Fact or fiction: Fiction. In an ideal world, your wedding night would be the most memorable night in bed you've ever had. In reality, the events of the day will take its toll and you'll probably have passed out as soon as your head hits the pillow. Not to mention the effort it takes to get out of your dress, taking your hair down and your make-up off, not to mention the copious amounts of wine and Champagne you've probably had throughout the day. It's just one of those things no one tells you about your wedding night. Don't worry - at least a quarter of newly married couples skip out on wedding night sex.
Myth: The top tier of the cake needs to be saved for the future
Fact or fiction: Fiction. Whether it's to celebrate your one year anniversary or for the christening of your firstborn, do you really want to eat a cake a year after it was made? Give all your guests plenty of the cake on the night, by all means eat whatever's left over the next few days but definitely have a look around for other cakes for the next special occasion.
Image Credits: Bridal party: The Eventful Life | Grey dress: Laura Gordon Photography | Invite: Paper Crave | Bride and groom: Wed Society | Rainy Day: noviamor.co.uk | Lingerie: Figleaves | Cake: Sylvie Gil Photography