Family and friends will be excited about your wedding, but each of them will
have their own vision of the big. You’ll be tempted to remind them that it’s your wedding.
But try to resist. Be the bride, not the bridezilla.
| Do | Don’t |
| Do listen to everyone who wants to offer advice. You don’t have to act on their suggestions, but it will make family and friends happy that you cared enough to give them a hearing. | Don’t be influenced by the multitude of over-the-top weddings currently on TV. It’s not a competition! Your wedding is not about fireworks, exotic dancers and magicians. |
| Do limit the number of guests to those that you can afford to entertain well. | Don’t go into debt to have a wedding that is more costly than you or your family can comfortably afford. |
| Do be respectful and patient with your mother- and father-inlaw, even if they are being intrusive and opinionated. They will be part of your life long after the wedding is just a memory. | Don’t invite anyone to give a toast who you know may offend with language and inappropriate stories or who is long-winded. Some people become instant performers when they have a mike in hand. |
| Do be understanding if a bridesmaid refuses the honour because she simply can’t afford it. If she’s a close friend, perhaps invite her to do a reading at the service. |
Don’t choose the bridesmaids gowns if they are paying for their own gowns. You choose the colour and length. They choose the style that flatters their body. |
| Do remember that whoever is paying for the wedding has the final say on everything relating to money, from the size of the wedding to all the costs relating to the reception. |
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Spring/Summer 2013.
