What Not to Do When Planning a Small Wedding
It is probably fairly obvious by now, that I am a huge fan of small weddings and elopements! However, that does not mean I can’t see the potential problems that come with planning a small wedding. One of the chapters in my book, BIG Weddings SUCK! touches on this with a few dos and don’ts of planning a small wedding!
The Don’ts of Planning a Small Wedding
Let’s summarize some of the ‘don’ts’ of planning a small wedding. Choosing to downsize your day should relieve a lot of the stress from your shoulders, but it is easy to make some common mistakes that will allow it to all come rushing back!
1 – Don’t Allow Guilt to Creep In!
One of the biggest causes of stress when planning a small wedding is guilt! There is so much pressure, not only from our families but also from society in general that tells us we should all be having a big, traditional wedding. When you make the choice to have a smaller celebration it can feel like you are letting people down. Stop that guilt in its tracks! The best advice I can give is to remember that this is your wedding day – not your Mom’s or Grandma’s or your Auntie Joan’s! You do not need to justify your choices to anybody. Stand firm. Tell friends and family that this is the wedding you want. They love you and will come around to the idea – don’t waste time feeling guilty for putting yourself first!
2 – Do Not Stress Over Your Guest List
Year after year, couples tell me that one of the main reasons they are eloping is to avoid family drama or politics! Eloping often means you get to dispense with the guest list altogether! However, even a small wedding can help to eliminate arguments over who should or should not be invited. You get the perfect ready-made excuse! Simply state that your venue is small, space is limited, and you have room for only immediate family.
3 – Don’t Overspend
Planning a small wedding is a great way to cut costs. However, small does not necessarily mean cheap! I have met with some couples who started off with a small wedding, but the savings they made lulled them into a false sense of security and they were soon splashing out on additional extras which all begin to add up! My advice is to look for a small wedding or elopement package including everything you need. Stick to the package and don’t be tempted to add on unnecessary expenses.
These are just some of the things to keep in mind when planning a small wedding. For more helpful advice, pick up a copy of my book BIG Weddings SUCK!