It’s All About the Feeling – Wedding Advice That Doesn’t Suck

Let’s make one thing clear about your wedding: it doesn’t have to be like everyone else’s wedding. There’s an entire industry devoted to convincing you to stick to traditions you had no part in creating. Don’t let the mechanics of your wedding get in the way of a great celebration. Here’s how to take back control of your big day.

Know how you want your wedding to feel. Whether it’s a low-budget backyard gathering, a rustic barn affair, or a grand gala at a 5-star hotel, the goal is to help you connect with the people closest to you, and to let them connect with one another. Once you have a clear vision of your dream wedding, it’ll be much easier to ignore recommendations that don’t fit your vision.

Get people together early. Look for ways to gather your family and friends together before the actual ceremony. There’s no law that says the ceremony has to come before cocktail hour. Let people congregate, meet and greet, and get to know one another before you ask them to sit down for the formal ceremony. If that’s not possible, arrange an informal gathering a day or two before the ceremony. Perhaps you can include some fun games. That way, your guests will be at ease when your ceremony begins, and they won’t feel as though they must sit stiffly and silently through it.

Break it up. If you have a core group of family or friends in one state, and another group in another state, and your budget allows it, have separate ceremonies and receptions in both states.  

Remember, the ceremony is just for show. The only real requirement for a marriage is a marriage certificate. One you’ve signed it and filed it, you’re married! Everything else is just a party you’re throwing for your friends. If it rains on your outdoor wedding, you’re still married. If you spill red wine on your gown, you’re still married. If your drunk brother makes a scene at your reception, you’re still married. Practically any wedding “disaster” will be nothing more than a chuckle when you look back on your wedding photos 30 years from now. In fact, the unexpected detours may provide some of your favorite pictures, if you just keep your eye on the BIG picture.

When your guests feel comfortable and have a great time, your wedding is perfect. You don’t need to spend a fortune, unless you want to. Just remember, it’s all about the love, not the show.

© Fourth Estate Audio, 2017 – Jay Congdon is president of Fourth Estate Audio, a professional Chicago DJ and Chicago Wedding DJ company.     

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