I normally don't watch the Style Network, but they were running wedding themed shows tonight, to commemorate the royal wedding today. The first one was funny (Weddings from Hell) and immediately after, they did the Glamour Top 25 Dos & Don'ts for weddings.
Some of them were funny.....some were surprising.
So, have you seen (or done) any on the list?
25. DON’T go extreme with a theme.
Theme weddings such as "Black & White" are fine. However, avoid "Star Wars", Costume, and "Renaissance" weddings. Also, to expect guests to come in costumes. They are observers, not participants.
24. DO gender bend bridesmaids and groomsmen.
If the bride's best friend is male, or the groom's is female, feel free to have a "best woman" or male bride assistant.
23. DON'T go color-bland with your decor.
Color should be celebrated. Unless you're doing a black-n-white wedding, do other colors besides black, white, beige or pastels.
22. DO ponder your guests’ pennies before getting married away.
A 5 hour flight is pushing it. Expecting guests to fly over 14 hours to an exotic locale is unrealistic.
21. DO use protection – on your honeymoon, that is.
No, not birth control. Trip Insurance for the honeymoon.
20. DO bring a wedding 911 kit.
Murphy's Law, if it can go wrong, it will. Bring emergency supplies. Thread, bobbi-pins, scissors, tape, shoelaces, ties, stain removers. Strangest item listed: Small cans of cat food. Apparently, the person had them because she was setting up for an outdoor wedding. Opened cans of cat food were placed around the perimeter of the party. This attracted wasps, and kept them away from the guests and their food.
19. DON’T take naked wedding photos.
Apparently, this is a new trend. Couples will strip down in a private area, and the photographer will take nude pics of the couple.
18. DON’T freak out if you’re invited solo.
For guests......if the couple is watching costs, it may mean that you are invited "without" a guest. Don't assume it's ok to bring one. Also, if you have children and they are not specifically listed on the invite, don't bring them.
17. DON’T blow your budget.
Starting a new life together is difficult enough, don't add the pressure of overspending. There are only two things you shouldn't skimp on, the food and drink. Make sure your guests are well fed and satisfied.
16. DO look like you.
Don't use push-up bras, too much make-up, style your hair higher than your cake, or generally alter yourself so much that your family and groom don't recognize you.
15. DON’T have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party!
another new trend that's out is joint bachelor and bachelorette parties. Do you really want your groom seeing you dancing with a male stripper, or you see him with a female stripper?
14. DON’T lie to get free stuff for your wedding.
While it's not unusual to bargin for items for your wedding, don't lie to vendors in a play for sympathy and get items for free. It always backfires.
13. DO be kind to your bridesmaids.
Take into consideration the way all your bridesmaids look. They are not all the same size and shape, and they want to look good too.
12. DO cross cultures.
If the bride and groom are from different cultures, both cultures should be acknowledged during the day. One may be used during the ceremony, and the other during the reception.
11. DON’T dance for dollars.
Unless this is a custom from your culture, don't do this at your wedding reception. Nothing looks tackier than a bride or groom dancing around with money pinned to them.
10. DO register for gifts.
It's your chance to let your guests know what you would prefer, just be sure to choose gifts from various price ranges, so that there will be gifts that are within everyone's budgets.
9. DON’T let family drama get to you.
Do your best to ignore family members who are "over-involved" in the wedding, or expressing unwanted opinions.
8. DON’T wear these things to a wedding:
Guests are there to honor the bride and groom, so dress appropriately. White is something only the bride should wear. Jeans for for the streets, not a reception. Don't wear dresses that are too low cut, or too short. You don't want to look like a stripper from the bachelor party who decided to stick-around.
7. DON’T mess up the wedding toast.
While humor is always appreciated, do not reveal the sexual past of the bride or groom, or rehash personal problems in front of their friends and family.
6. DO think twice before hooking up at someone else’s wedding.
Weddings can sometimes affect people, and hook-ups happen. Do you really want to be the subject of gossip the next day? You will be found out, and it won't be pretty.
5. DO go for it the 2nd time.
In other words, if this is your second wedding, and you want to splurge, go for it!
4. DO go bold or go home.
Do something unexpected, if you want to. White is not the only color weddings gowns come in, and even if it's just a splash of color, if you want it there, go for it.
3. DON’T trash the dress.
One of the new trends is pics of brides jumping into the ocean, spilling on, staining, throwing paint on their dresses. You searched high and low for just the right dress, so why ruin it? Tacky!
2. DON’T feel pressured to have sex on your wedding night.
You're wedding day can be super stressful, and exhausting. If you are not in the mood or too tired, then don't force the issue and have sex.
1. DON’T wear a wedding diaper.
Yes, they exist. Apparently another new trend. Some brides who have very "large" or "poofy" gowns are opting to wear a wedding diaper so they can avoid fussing with their gown in the ladies room when nature calls. Gross. If you need help, as a bride's maid to go in with you.