Hi there, I'd love some tips for dealing with unsolicited wedding advice.

Hello

This is always fraught with danger. Think of wedding advice as a Smorgasbotd of tasty food, you delight with the display but will only select your very favourite things to eat. The same with advice appreciate the offering and then only pick your favourites. If they keep on maybe you need to tell them you love them to bits but you are really needing their support on what you have chosen.

Whatever happens this day is your, you and your partner. Good luck x

My advice is to tell them (whoever the advice is coming from) that you love them very much and value their opinions as they are important to you both, however you will 'take it on board' and consider it with all other options.

Then thank them for their input.

This will help them to feel seen, heard and appreciated whilst giving you the the freedom to do things your way, unless they are paying for your wedding, then you might need to 'throw them a bone' on something (but not everything!)

Hi there,

It can be so intense, can't it?

My advice is to be clear about what's on the "table" in regard to welcomed suggestions and inputs.

Perhaps deflecting the person who is full of advice, to suggest if they could resolve another issue in terms of wedding plans. For example, a person suggests what you should do with food options or music at the wedding ceremony and reception. You could say, oh that's sorted, however, I'm needing someone to help welcome guests when they arrive at the ceremony.

Think about what you actually don't really want to do and delegate them to that.

I need 8 vases, 10 candles....

So often speak people without thinking about the emotional triggers that can happen. Often just automatic, straight out "you should...".

I can understand it's irritating. Good clear communication skills work a treat. 

"Thanks, but this has been sorted, did you do this at your wedding?" Steer them away from your plans and into their story perhaps.

Hang in there. Most people only want to help and generally mean well.

Enjoy your time :)

Thank her for her advice and then say something like "we'll see if that works with our own current plans - great idea though :) "

You're going to be dealing with this MIL for a long time so it will be easier if you keep her on your side. Ask her for advice on something that's not particularly important to you. I remember my sister's MIL  was very overbearing and was very instructing about the care of wedding paper when unwrapping gifts as you were supposed to use the wedding paper to line your drawers. My sister didn't care about that one bit but asked her MIL to help by keeping the paper for her until she got back from her honeymoon. MIL was so happy to help with that, flattened out (ironed) all the paper and made sure all the drawers were lined with wedding wrapping paper, and everyone was happy. Good luck and all the best.

Family, you've got to love 'em!  Been there, done that.  It can be very frustrating when you have family members putting their two cents worth in.  It's usually because that's what they did in their day or it's because that's the way it's always been done in "our family".  It can make things even more difficult if they are contributing to the cost of the wedding and reception.

Always remain respectful and polite.  Listen to what they have to say.  This does not mean you have to agree.  Don't get upset, frustrated and angry; that can make things worse.  Take a big breathe and respond with "yes, I hear what you are saying, however, we don't think this may be the right way for our wedding because . . ."  Explain why it doesn't suit you but encourage them to assist with something else, like the flowers for the wedding or, the program, the seating or the canapes for the reception.

She's excited and wants to be a part of the planning.  You need to be firm and honest without being mean.  Keep it light, keep smiling and keep loving her.  Your wedding is going to be wonderful and the planning should be too.

I would be very honest. If advice is given to you that you don't like or is unwanted, I would just say we/I will think about it or take it into considersation however I think I like ..... this option better.

At the end of the day it's your day and whatever makes you the happiest is what is best. 

Hope this helps ??