Embracing Authenticity: Our Guide to Staying True to Yourselves During Wedding Planning
Planning a wedding is often a wonderful experience filled with excitement, anticipation and pockets of magic every step of the way. But amidst the whirlwind of guest lists, colour palettes and the decisions that you’ll be making, it’s surprisingly easy to get swept up in the expectations of tradition or to base your choices on what others want. We’ve been in the wedding planning game for a while now, so we know the drill, and we wholeheartedly believe that your wedding day should reflect your love story, your personalities and everything that is important to YOU! With that in mind, we’ve put together a few helpful hints on how you can stay true to yourself throughout the planning process and on the big day itself.
Define your Priorities
Before you dive straight into the planning process, take the time to sit down with your partner and discuss what truly matters to you both. Is it having an intimate ceremony surrounded by your favourite people? Or perhaps it’s showcasing your shared love for a particular hobby? By identifying your priorities from the word ‘go’, you’ll have a clear guide to help you make choices that align with your values and visions.
Trust your Instincts
This is an important one, folks! As you navigate your way through various wedding options, it’s natural to seek advice and opinions from friends and family. While their input is often valuable, we’d recommend always trusting your gut if you’re feeling unsure about something. Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment, so choose elements that resonate with you both on a personal level.
In the past, we’ve worked with a couple who have debated back and forth whether or not they needed extra entertainment for their wedding day. Despite feeling pressure to follow the trend of hiring a magician or a painter (who do go down an absolute storm at many celebrations), the couple decided that this type of entertainment simply didn’t match their preferences. Instead, they opted for a low-key approach during their cocktail hour, allowing guests to simply mingle and enjoy each other’s company.
Be Open to Alternative Ideas
We’ve seen it hundreds of times before, whereby tradition can dictate certain aspects of the wedding planning process, whether that’s the order of events right down to the bridesmaids’ aisle style. However, it’s important to remember that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to weddings, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore alternative ideas that reflect your personalities.
As an example, another couple we worked with felt conflicted about including a traditional wedding cake within their special day. Despite neither of them actually being fond of cake, they felt compelled to follow the tradition and adhere to the expectation of having a cake and the ‘cake cutting’ moment. We took the time to discuss alternative options with the soon-to-be newlyweds, suggesting a champagne tower or a decadent dessert bar featuring their favourite tasty treats. Having these conversations allowed the couple to realise they could enjoy a more meaningful experience if they stayed true to who they were!
Communicate your Vision
Effective and clear communication is key to ensuring that your wedding day is an authentic reflection of you both. So, be honest and open with everyone – from your suppliers to your family members. Set boundaries about expectations, traditions and preferences – it doesn’t mean you can’t get your loved ones involved, but it just means you can make sure that everyone is on the same page and working towards a shared vision.
By staying true to yourselves from the offset, you’re guaranteed to have a celebration that honours your love story and leaves a lasting impression on your guests –for all the right reasons! Here at Hyland Weddings & Events, we’re here to support you at every corner as you bring your dream wedding day to life. We welcome you to get in touch to find out more about our planning services, we’d love to hear from you!
