Being born and raised on Disney, my mindset of a hopeless romantic was strong. I went through a lot of frogs before finding my Prince Charming as a freshman at Ball State University, but I don't regret a single day of my Disney-hood.
That being said, weddings in this day and age have become not only more expensive, but also anxiety-filled, so here are the things that my husband-to-be and I will not be partaking in over the next year in preparation for our wedding as well as the actual wedding itself.
Aw, don't we look so happy?
1. Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties:
That's right, folks! You heard it here first! My groom and I would rather have a dinner party with our groomsmen and bridesmaids than going to a strip club and get drunk to the point of vomiting. It's not our style, so respect it. (However, if you're getting married and want to have the bachelor/bachelorette experience with your wedding buddies, by all means, have at it! To each their own!)
2. An After-Party After the Reception:
Again, it's just not our style. As the bride and groom, we have a right to exit the reception any time we deem necessary and we would rather spend the rest of the evening alone with each other basking in the glow of being newlyweds. It's been a long day, now let us happily reflect on it.
3. A Day-After Brunch/Gift Opening Party:
No newlywed couple wants to get up early the next morning, look presentable and have a meal with people they just spent all day with not even 24 hours before and also open every single gift and card they may have received. Let us sleep in and enjoy our first morning as husband and wife. We'll order room service.
4. Inviting 200+ Guests:
In case you missed it, weddings are expensive! Ladies, find yourselves a man who is on board with having a small wedding. It's not only cheaper, but it's a more intimate gathering with guests you actually want there and not people you were guilt-tripped into inviting.
5. Plus Ones:
According to Emily Post, the bride and groom have final say over which guests are issued a plus one. In our case, it's for guests who are engaged, have lived together/dated for several years, or are a single groomsmen/bridesmaid. This piggybacks to the small, intimate gathering as well as not having to pay for extra people who we don't really know and probably don't want there.
6. Flower Girl:
Go ahead, call me crazy, but I don't have to have one if I don't want one. I have my nephew as the ring bearer and that's all I need. And it's also one less toddler or young child to worry about the day of. (I'm all for kids, but I'm not crazy about babysitting on our wedding day).
7. Children at the Wedding:
This has been a tricky one for my groom and I. As I mentioned earlier, the bride and groom have final say over who can attend and who can't. Most adults who go to weddings don't bring their children so they can have a good time. As we haven't made a final decision, we may have it written somewhere for no children under a certain age. I'll get back to you on that.
8. The Bride and Groom Drinking the Day of:
Don't get me wrong, we're both of age and we occasionally drink, but we don't find it necessary to excessively do so on our wedding day. The champagne toasts are all we want to have so that we can remember our special day in all its glory. And not have a killer hangover the next morning.
9. First Look:
Traditionally, the groom is not to see or speak to the bride after the rehearsal dinner takes place the night before the wedding. It's considered bad luck. However, it's becoming increasingly popular for the bride and groom to have a photo shoot alone before the ceremony so that they may see each other privately. We might not be fully superstitious, but my man won't be seeing me again until those doors to the church are opened. And that's how the moment should be. Must be that Disney Princess flair inside of me...
Disclaimer: My fiancé, David, and I were engaged on May 30, 2016, and have a date set for December of 2017. He is currently the lead prep sports reporter at the Star Press located in Muncie, IN. David has looked through this article and agrees with every decision we have made. We also take these views as our own and do not wish for other engaged couples to feel they must do the same.
