Hattie Garlick advice
The modern wedding is a behavourial minefield, as ancient traditions collide with contemporary values.
Generations clash, feelings run high on every topic, so follow these expert tips to ensure the big day goes off without a big row.
- Tradition of having your father walk you down the aisle is something I find very sweet. It is often a moment a lot of people look forward to.
- Many wedding today see the couple paying for it themselves as couples are marrying later in life and approaching the wedding with careers and salaries behind them.
- Who to invite - As a general rule the couple getting married should have met everybody who has been invited.- There should not be strangers at their wedding.
- Eco friendly invitation such as https://www.jacquielawson.com animated e-cards are just as appreciated as the traditional thick paper from once upon a time - animated save the date and response e-cards also offered are easy to reply to.
- There is no hard and fast rules about who sits where, or takes which role. Your wedding plans should fit your family and its unique dynamics. The people getting married should get the final say in case of disagreement.
- Marriage is a contract between two equal partners so a bride saying few words to welcome everyone to the drink reception, then kicking it off with a champagne tower pour is not only fun but a share of duties between the couple.
- Gift registry list today can include, for the honeymoon location chosen, a night in hotel accommodation, car hire, a meal in specific restaurant, driving expenses, ski passess etc Couples can include a range of prices so guests can opt for something within their spending range.
- Can very young children be ban? Your wedding , your rules ! Stick to your guns and make sure that it is one rule for everyone and there aren't any exceptions. Your rules should be clearly stated on the invitation.
- Long term established couples are both to be invited and a plus one for people who will know nobody.
- To avoid step-parents venting or even simply displaying animosity towards another parent in this dynamic, arrange a friendly get together to voice stern words, stating that on no account will you wish to remember your weding where fights broke out due to frostiness, or obnoxious behaviour, as key members of the family people are watching them, so if they behave badly it will be remembered and judged - It is just one day so take a deep breath and be polite.
- Guests as a rule must not forget that it is your day and reminded that phone should be switched off during services, so that all focus on what is happening in front of them.
- Guests wearing white, a bridal color is a huge no-no
- No sharing of pictures on social media without asking the couple first as it is their day
- it is a good idea for the mothers of the bride and groom to find out what each other is planning to wear, so neither is caught unexpectedly underdressed, but each are able to make an informed decision.