The bride's parents must pay for everything
Gone are the days when Mammy and/or Daddy were expected to dig deep and deliver the perfect day for their little girl. Instead, most couples now carefully count their own cash and save up when it comes to affording their nuptials.
Although it would be a weight off the couple's mind and certainly make their new life together as a married couple a whole lot more financially prosperous, there are many perks to taking financial control of your big day.
Forking out for your own wedding means you have complete and utter control of every detail; from the style of the invites, to the tunes the DJ plays at the reception. Expecting your parents to dip into their hard-earned savings for your big day could lead to many disagreements, stress and bad feelings for both parties.
Instead, work hard, save, meticulously plan and just remember, the happiest day of your life does not have to cost the earth.
Your registry must consist of household items
The majority of couples nowadays are already living together before they marry, meaning their home will be pretty much kitted out with the necessary domestic appliances.
Already have a toaster? Don’t ask for another. Hate ironing? Why request an iron?
Why not ask for what you really want on your registry list? Choosing the right wedding gift for a couple can be time consuming and a real pain, so to make your guests' job that little bit easier by listing a wide range of options you really wish to receive, in a selection of price ranges so as not to ignore the diverse financial situations of your guests.
Going with the norm and following the traditional ways of couples gone by, could result in five new toasters and 12 new teapots delivered to your marital home!
You must have a rehearsal dinner
Rehearsal dinners traditionally took place in order for the bride and groom’s family to meet for the first time before the big day. Unless a celebratory knees up with your family and friends is what you wish as part of the run-up to your wedding, the tradition can be forgotten.
Realistically, there are a thousand other tasks to be completed prior to the wedding day and a million other expenses, which do not have to include forking out on an unnecessary gathering for the wedding party.
A small gathering at your home with some nibbles and beverages is perfectly sufficient and could be the ideal way to create more happy memories in the run-up to your big day.
You must give everyone a plus one
The wedding day is the bride and groom's chance to be selfish: they choose every detail to suit their liking, and this especially includes who attends.
Allowing each guest to bring a plus one on the invite is tradition, but should not be automatically expected. Financially, the expense of inviting extra guests is sometimes just not feasible and guests should be informed of this. Not to mention the fact that inviting unknown plus ones to your wedding means you run the risk of out of control guests who you never would have personally invited.
It’s your day, so choose who you wish to attend.
You must wear white
We’ve witnessed enough celebrity weddings at this stage to know that you don’t always have to wear white.
Queen Victoria began the tradition of a white wedding dress way back when, but what does one do if white just doesn’t suit their complexion? Simply bin the plain colour and choose a dress size, shape, length and especially colour you wish.
A bride’s wedding day is one of life’s few opportunities to dress head-to-toe like a princess, so take full advantage. In fact, white is fast becoming a less common shade than it's cream and champagne counterparts.
You must go on your honeymoon immediately after the wedding
Very long standing traditions after the wedding ceremony is for the bride and groom to have a quick bite to eat with the wedding party at the reception, and jet off, hand-in-hand as newlyweds. Where is the fun in missing a good party though!
After months, if not years of meticulous wedding prep, ensuring you and your guests have a day to remember, why are the bride and groom expected to cut short their celebrations in order to embark on their honeymoon.
In fact, many couples opt to leave the honeymoon until way after the big day so they don't spend the first three days of their 'trip of a lifetime' exhausted.
Our advice… Kick off the heels, order a drink and hit the dance floor for a boogie with friends and family; the honeymoon can wait!
- Michelle Storey
Image credits: Bride and groom: Green Wedding Shoes | Balloons: Shelby Street Photography | Bouquet: Lauren Fair Photography via Green Wedding Shoes | Place settings: Georgi Mabee | Table: Biz Bash | Bride: Jose Villa | Bali: 29 Secrets