As a little girl, most of us dream of having a beautiful wedding with everything being absolutely perfect. As teenagers we watch shows like "Say Yes to the Dress" and "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera." We come to believe that wedding planning is amazing and fun and probably paid for by anyone other than you. But I'm going to have to break the news to you -- it's nothing like those shows. Honestly, planning a wedding stinks.
You're going to have to make so many decisions that you would have never thought of. Not only is it choosing a perfect dress or location, it's what color flowers will be the accent to the main flower, what invitation goes with the theme of my wedding, or my favorite decision I have made so far, what color crinkle paper do I need to fill my bridesmaid boxes with?
Speaking of picking out the dress, I think that's the most difficult workout I've ever had. Wedding dresses are a puzzle to get into and it takes forever. The woman who is helping you is going to have to zip everyone single one, so you two are going to get real friendly, she's probably going to see you pretty much naked by the end. But the worst part of picking out a dress is knowing what you think you want, but realizing you're on a budget and only about 5 dresses fit that budget.
Bridesmaids have also been a struggle for me. There are so many factors you have to think about before deciding who you can have in your special day. Most likely someones feelings are going to get hurt but you have to remember its your day. The worst thing is when you think you are confident in the women you chose, but in the midst of the wedding craziness you realize they should have not been in the party. You expect you will give your girls the best gifts and they will post it all over social media about how much they love it and how excited they are to be involved with your day, but they most likely won't. When you have 5-6 women's opinions it's going to get very loud very fast. But when you look back you know you picked these women for a reason and want them there for your special day.
The absolute worst part of planning a wedding is the budget and everyones opinions. Not everyones parents can or will spend many thousands on their kids. They will help where they can but most of the costs will fall in your hands. But even if you're paying for it almost everyone is going to think they should have some say in what you do. Family will argue a bit on what they think they should put in or shouldn't. Everyone thinks they should ask you how much something costs, or try to suggest you use this caterer, I mean they only charge $50 a person! The best thing is say, "Oh, thank you for that suggestion," and go home and talk to your fiancé. You both know your food budget is $500 and not $5000. Unless someone is giving you a check you don't have to do what they say! It's the day of you and your husband, do what makes you happy and you know you can afford.
All of that being said, I am so excited to marry my best friend. I would have been fine going to the court house in a T-shirt. But everyone should celebrate such a special day with those they love and care about. After the wedding you will be happily ever after, just these next few months not quite. You will cry, be stressed, rip some hair out, and want to call it quits. But you will remember your wedding forever. Do what makes you happy, ask your bridesmaids for help, and just relax.
