When it comes to weddings, one size definitely does not fit all. Every couple is different and so is every wedding. If you want to have the world’s best wedding, maybe I can help, because I read all about it on the internet, so it must be true!
I actually read an article entitled the ‘world’s best wedding,’ but what they really meant was the world’s costliest spectacle, a showy over-the-top wedding.
What does ‘best’ mean to you?
I’m not opposed to large expensive weddings; in fact, I have been a part of many that were wonderful. But your wedding can be intimate, casual, low-cost and low-stress, and still be the best wedding.
Marriage is one of the most important milestones in life and deserves close attention. Couples should never feel social pressure to have a celebration they neither want nor can afford. There are many ways to have the best wedding without breaking the bank, a wedding that reflects who you are in meaningful ways. A wedding you truly enjoy will make it so. ‘Heartfelt’ and ‘real’ are qualities that do not have any relation to size or cost.
But I caution you that keeping it small isn’t always keeping it simple. And a DIY wedding can turn into much more work and expense than you might think! If that’s your style, go for it, just remember I told you so. Or you might consider a top-end location but keeping the guest list smaller.
All the planning can become quite stressful. A wedding at one of our beautiful local Pocono venues can be the solution, where an experienced resort or hotel takes care of most of the details. And these wedding venues are not one-size-fits-all, either. They have a wide range of choices. You cannot have the best wedding if you’re completely stressed out, so put your trust in experience, and then relax.
Maybe you have a large family and lots of friends and want them all there to celebrate with you. If you can’t afford to go high-end for so many guests, consider a picnic style event, brunch or luncheon instead of a dinner.
Being eco-conscious can also be cost-conscious. I am totally serious when I advocate vintage or pre-worn (used) clothes for the bride and bridesmaids. A gown or dress that was worn once and then dry-cleaned is really pretty much new – and the savings are formidable. A white dress does not necessary have to be a wedding gown, and your wedding dress does not necessarily have to be white.
Remember: a lavish event not only costs whoever is throwing the party, but also costs guests, in clothing, travel, gifts and sometimes accommodations. Why not forgo the entire bridesmaids matching outfits route, and give the girls a color scheme and let them wear what they want?
Remember to consider your needs and your guests as well, when planning the best wedding ever – YOURS!
(Reprint of Lois Heckman Pocono Wedding Talk Blogs)