Alright, indecisive lovebirds, it’s time to tackle the tough stuff. You know what I’m talking about — those difficult wedding decisions that have you tearing your hair out and reaching for another glass of wine.
Fear not because we’re here to help you navigate the murky waters of wedding planning and come out on the other side with a smile on your face (and maybe a little less grey hair). From deciding whether or not to invite your ex to the big day to determining if your cousin’s new boyfriend deserves a spot on the guest list, there are so many tough calls to make when it comes to wedding planning. But with the right guidance, a cool head, and a healthy dose of humour, we can work through these dilemmas and make sure your wedding day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
Epic celebration or small gathering?
Your partner is envisioning a huge soiree — a plentiful feast, an ice sculpture carved in your likeness, and, naturally, hundreds of your closest friends and family members. Meanwhile, your style is low-key — a romantic elopement followed by an intimate dinner shared with your closest supporters and confidants. How do you split the difference and find a style of celebration that works for everyone?
One of the most significant decisions you’ll make when planning your big day is whether to go big or keep it small. If you’re a social butterfly who loves a good party, then a big wedding might be right up your alley. Think epic dance floors, a never-ending bar tab, and an army of guest cheering you on as you say, “I do.” Plus, with a big wedding, you can invite everyone and their dog without having to worry about leaving anyone out.
On the other hand, if you’re more of an introverted type who prefers intimate gatherings, then a small wedding might be the way to go. Picture a cosy ceremony with just your closest family and friends, followed by a romantic dinner under the stars. With a smaller guest list, you’ll have more time to connect with each person, and you won’t have to worry about feeling overwhelmed.
One real bride weighs in, “Wanting to keep the wedding small definitely led to our most difficult wedding decisions as it meant not inviting some of our closest friends.”
Let’s not forget about the logistics. A big wedding can mean big bucks, so if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider scaling back. Plus, with more guests, there’s a higher chance of things going awry, like guests getting too rowdy or your great aunt Ethel causing a scene.
On the flip side, a smaller wedding means fewer people to please, so you can focus on the details that matter most to you without worrying about appeasing a crowd. Plus, with fewer people, you can get creative with your venue and decor without having to worry about space limitations.
An ex at the wedding or persona non grata?
Alright, let’s talk about the juicy stuff — inviting an ex to your wedding. We know it’s a tricky decision, filled with emotions and memories. We’ve got the tea on what to consider before hitting send on that invite.
First off, take a look at your current relationship with your ex. Is it all sunshine and rainbows, or is there still some bitterness and resentment bubbling under the surface? If it’s the latter, it’s probably not the wisest idea to invite them to the wedding. We don’t need any drama queens or kings ruining the day, do we?
Next up, consider your current partner’s feelings. Have a heart-to-heart and find out if they’re comfortable with ex-partners being there. Trust us, inviting your ex without discussing it with your current boo could lead to a disaster of epic proportions. So, keep those communication lines open.
if your relationship with your ex ended on good terms, inviting them could show off your mature and evolved side. Plus, it’s a chance to prove that you’re both living your best lives and moving on with grace.
Budget-friendly or make it rain?
Alright, my fellow party people, let’s talk about one of the juiciest topics when it comes to planning your wedding — budget or baller? Should you stick to a strict budget or go all out and spend a fortune on your big day? Let’s break it down.
If you’re all about that money, and you’ve got the cash to splash, then why not go all out and make it rain on your wedding day? Think designer dresses, gourmet catering, and a diamond-encrusted dancefloor. With no budget constraints, you can create the wedding of your dreams without having to worry about penny-pinching.
Let’s be real. Not all of us have stacks of cash lying around. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry, you can still have a fabulous wedding without breaking the bank. From DIY decor to potluck catering, there are plenty of ways to save some coins and still have a day to remember.
Here’s the thing, a big budget doesn’t necessarily mean a better wedding. In fact, sometimes, having to work within a budget can lead to more creative and unique ideas. Plus, with a tighter budget, you’re forced to prioritise and focus on what’s most important to you.
A big budget can even come with some downsides, like feeling pressured to impress your guests or feeling guilty for spending so much money on one day. Plus, sometimes going all out can take away from the true meaning of the day — celebrating your love with those closest to you.
Unplugged wedding or social media encouraged?
Should you allow your guests to share your wedding day with the world or keep it private and unplugged?
Allowing your guests to post on social media can be a great way to share the love and excitement of your wedding day with friends and family who couldn’t make it. Plus, it can create a digital memory album that you can look back on for years to come. And, let’s be real, who doesn’t love seeing all the likes and comments pour in for their wedding day?
But sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and intimate. You don’t want your guests to be glued to their phones instead of enjoying the moment with you. Plus, you may have some guests who just don’t understand the importance of keeping certain moments private, like your first kiss or dance.
So, what’s a couple to do? Well, it’s all about finding a happy medium. You can create a cute wedding hashtag and encourage your guests to share their photos using it, or you can designate a specific time for social media posting, like during the reception or after the ceremony. And, if you really want to keep it unplugged, you can kindly ask your guests to refrain from posting on social media altogether.
Your celebrant can assist with letting your guests know what is expected of them — you’ll find the vast majority of attendees more than happy to comply.
Kids welcome or strictly adults-only occasion?
Should you invite the rugrats to join in on the fun or stick to an adult-only soirée? Don’t get us wrong, having kids at your wedding can be a total blast. They bring a fun energy to the dance floor and can really lighten the mood when the party gets going. Plus, who doesn’t love an adorable flower girl or ring bearer stealing the show with their cuteness?
But, on the other hand, kids can also be a bit of a handful. They can get cranky and tired, and let’s not forget about those inevitable tantrums. If you’re trying to keep things sophisticated and classy, having kids running around can definitely put a damper on the vibe.
So, what’s a bride or groom to do? Well, my darlings, it’s all about weighing the pros and cons and figuring out what’s best for you and your partner. You can always choose to have a kid-friendly ceremony and reception, with games and activities to keep them entertained, or you can opt for a more formal, adult-only affair. Many couples choose to include children in the ceremony, but not the reception.
At the end of the day, it’s your wedding, and you get to decide who’s on the guest list. Just remember, if you do choose to go the kid-friendly route, be sure to have a backup plan in case things get a little chaotic. And, if you decide to keep it adults-only, be prepared for some parents to potentially decline the invite. But hey, that means more champagne for you, right?
Real couples weigh in on the decisions keeping them up at night:
- “Whether or not to invite my toxic family.”
- “The bridesmaids’ dresses — way harder than I thought.”
- “Dance lessons! I finally got my partner to agree, and we suck. Send help!”
- “Seating plans! It’s KILLING me!”
- “Whether to have a mid-week wedding or a traditional Saturday celebration.”
Planning an incredible celebration like a wedding is bound to come with a few tricky choices to navigate. You’ll be pleased to know that 96% of couples we surveyed about their difficult wedding decisions eventually came to a solution they were happy with. All it takes is some open-minded brainstorming and a little guidance. Happy decision-making!
