How I’d plan my wedding differently - 10 Top Tips
28 years (and two grown kids) into the marriage game, Mrs. Annis is now an expert in organizing, planning and single-handedly running events. Here’s what she says she would have done differently at her own wedding:
“Don't seek everyone's input!”
‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’ is especially true with Indian marriages, where family members on both sides can have strong expectations of what the final wedding ought to look like. Mrs A argues that only those who are financially contributing to the ceremony/reception should have control of what goes on.
“Tradition, tradition”
Traditions (while definitely not needed for a successful marriage), are often expected by one or both sides to be followed before/during/after the wedding. Mrs A says be VERY clear about what traditions each family is expecting - and let all parties know in advance what you will be including and excluding.
“Weather matters”
Whether it’s an outdoor wedding or an indoor affair, factoring in the weather cannot be understated (what if it rains and gets the hall muddy? Or sizzles till the guests border on heat stroke?). Being aware of season-related issues will help you plan the clothes, venue(s), food, etc., accordingly.
“How much is too much?”
Are you going all out for the biggest, glitziest affair you can afford? Or do you envision a casual, intimate ceremony? As with the traditions - ensure that both families are aware of how much the budget is.
“How many are attending….”
This seems a given, but mainland Indian weddings typically aren’t as RSVP-dependent as those outside the country. Still, it’s a good idea to have *some* estimate of how many people will be in attendance - no one wants underfed guests OR wasted biryani!
“… and how many will be staying with you!”
This is something that Mrs. A emphasizes - being made aware if out-of-town aunties, uncles, and third cousins twice removed, are going to be staying with *you* in the days leading up to the wedding. Unexpected house guests, especially if you don’t have extra help to attend to them, can be a thorn in the side of the festivities.
“Have a plan B”
Expect everything to go wrong and have a backup for each. What if your wedding dress snagged on a hook? Have a sewing kit and/or backup dress ready. Suppose your catering company had a mini explosion? Identify nearby eateries that could be depended upon for quick delivery - you get the picture.
“Avoid too many time-sensitive foods”
Yes, you may love raw seafood platters, but it’s wiser to spend most of the food budget on items that can last longer, even as leftovers (sandwiches, no-frosting cake, etc.).
“Stick to your budget”
Enough said.
“Delegate, delegate, delegate!”
If you are the one in charge of putting together your affair, don’t try to do it all. Make a list of the different items that need to be handled and entrust it to responsible family/friends.
At the end of the day, while a wedding can be a fun part of life (or stressful, whichever way you take it), what remains true is this - a perfect marriage does not depend in the slightest on a perfect ceremony. Honoring God above all will accomplish wonders that the best-planned wedding could never even dream of. 💜