LESS “SHOULD” AND MORE “YOU” – HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING DAY THAT’S ABOUT YOU AS A COUPLE
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Here’s how you can create a day that reflects the two of you, with not a ‘should’ in sight!
Our top tips for creating the wedding you want, not the one you think you should have!
Weddings. They’re something we’re all pretty familiar with. And we all know the various (and numerous) traditions that come with the celebrations. But just because you’re planning a wedding doesn’t mean it has to be traditional. Newsflash, your wedding doesn’t have to be anything you don’t want it to be!
As Scottish wedding suppliers we consider ourselves super lucky. Not only do we get to work in stunning locations all over this beautiful country but we work within more flexibility than almost anywhere else in the world. You can get married anywhere here, quite literally anywhere. Just so long as you can persuade an officiant to conduct a wedding there of course! There are no rules about licences or buildings, all you need is a place that you both love and an officiant to oversee it all.
However, there’s more to creating a wedding day that reflects you both than finding the perfect location. It’s all about thinking over each element of the day and deciding if it resonates with you and your relationship. It’s all about doing things because you want to, not because you have to. Or because your folks are telling you that’s the way it should be. There are no ‘shoulds’ when it comes to wedding planning.
We’re aware that it’s easy for us to sit here and say this. In reality, when you’re faced with a huge to-do list, then the whole thing can feel rather daunting. How do you start making plans and putting things into action? Fear not, we’re here with some top tips to get you started.
WHAT ARE YOUR WEDDING PRIORITIES?
So, you’ve celebrated your engagement, what’s next? This is the time to sit down together and have a chat about what each of your priorities are.
It’s a great chance to find out what you each place importance on, then you can start to map out your wedding plans from there.
ASK YOURSELF “WHY”?
No, not “why are we getting married?!” That answer is (hopefully!) because you love each other and want to celebrate that! When it comes to the decisions you’re making around your wedding just pause and ask yourself why you’re making each one. Why are you putting time / money / effort towards this specific wedding thing?
If the answer is anything other than “because we think it’s fab and will be amazing on our day” then ditch it! Never include anything where you’ve thought “oh, we should do this”.
Simple fact. Weddings just need three things – you (both of you obv!), a celebrant and some witnesses. That’s all.
It might seem bizarre that we’re telling you that. After all, we’re in the wedding business. Why aren’t we telling you to have a big old extravaganza with full bells and whistles?! That’s just not our style. We are firm believers in weddings being about you two, the people you love and the things you enjoy and believe in. Big or small, cosy or wild. Whatever floats your boat when it comes to weddings is all good.
FORGET TRADITION!
Weddings are, let’s face it, traditional. At least most people’s idea of a wedding is. So it’s only to be expected that there will be people around you assuming that the usual wedding template will be followed.
If there are any traditions that resonate with you as a couple then include them. There are lots of lovely ones out there that can be woven into your day. However there will be traditions which don’t sit comfortably with you both. Or that just don’t apply to you as a couple. So ditch them. There’s no rule that says any traditions have to be included so only go for those which make you smile, nod in agreement or bring joy.
MANAGING OTHER PEOPLE – AND THEIR EXPECTATIONS
This can be tricky, especially if you’re having to balance the expectations of people who are close to you and / or are contributing towards your day.
Compromise can be key here, as well as open and honest chats. Nine times out of ten they’ll just be concerned that you might end up missing out by not including a certain thing. By talking them through your thoughts, it’s likely they’ll see that what you’re planning (or not planning) is right for you.
People aren’t just invested financially in your day, they are emotionally invested in you and your happiness too. It’s hard not to feel awkward if they keep bringing up traditions that you’re just not taking part in – for example if they want to know how big your wedding cake will be (even though you’ve decided to have a dessert table instead), or if they talk about your significant other’s face when you walk down the aisle towards them (without realising you’re doing a first look and walking in together). It’s not a bad thing to go for something different, and it’s ok to let them know. They might even ask you to talk more about it and get really excited to see something different! At the very least they’ll stop asking questions.
We hope these tips help you plan a day that is utterly you two, and brings you joy. Have a read through our blog for more top tips and inspiration from some lovely couples.
