The Nontraditional Dos And Donts Of Wedding Planning
The wedding scene is often characterized by conformity, but Offbeat Wed is all about embracing individuality. Case in point: our publisher’s unconventional forest wedding where guests were treated to a unique experience. So, it’s refreshing to see couples bucking the trend and putting their own spin on things. At its core, Offbeat Wed is about empowering you to create a celebration that truly reflects your personality and values.
With that said, we’re not here to dictate what you should or shouldn’t do – rather, we want to highlight some common sense dos that apply across the board: setting a realistic budget, using a planning checklist to stay organized, and finding vendors who share your vision. Beyond these essential steps, the nuances of non-traditional celebrations come into play. With this in mind, we’ll be exploring some offbeat dos and don’ts that will help you navigate the uncharted territory of non-conformity.
Non-traditional do’s and don’ts of wedding planning
Imagine a wedding where the heat is not just from the summer sun, but also from the fiery passion and energy of the couple tying the knot. That’s exactly what happened in this unforgettable ‘The hottest wedding ever: a fire & performance themed wedding’ shoot, captured by the talented Cukini Studios at Studio Reserved.
DON’T: Include people who will make the wedding planning process stressful for you
When creating your list of dos and don’ts for the wedding planning process, it’s essential to consider the unique personalities and strengths of the people involved. One unconventional tip is to curate your shopping party with individuals who will genuinely celebrate your awesomeness, rather than those who might focus on criticizing aspects of your appearance. By doing so, you’ll foster a more uplifting atmosphere that sets the tone for an enjoyable experience.
Similarly, delegate tasks according to each person’s natural abilities and inclinations. For instance, if your best friend is not naturally inclined towards planning, don’t burden them with organizing the bachelorette party. Instead, assign this task to someone within your wedding party who has a flair for event planning.
By recognizing and respecting people’s individual strengths and weaknesses, you’ll create an environment where everyone can thrive and enjoy the journey of preparing for your special day.
DO: Get off Pinterest!
As newly engaged couples dive into the world of wedding planning, many turn to Pinterest as a go-to resource for inspiration and organization. However, without proper boundaries, this platform can quickly become a source of frustration rather than excitement. Imagine handing over your carefully curated boards to overwhelmed vendors or, worse yet, getting sucked into an endless cycle of pinning, only to be left with unrealistic expectations that derail the entire planning process.
The key is finding a healthy balance between Pinterest and reality. By recognizing the platform’s limitations and setting clear goals for what you want to achieve, you can harness its power without sacrificing your sanity or your budget.
With this in mind, let’s explore the three stages of planning a wedding with Pinterest: stage one being the initial inspiration phase where you pin everything that catches your eye; stage two is creating boards to organize and categorize your ideas; and stage three, where you distill your vision down into a cohesive plan that aligns with your overall wedding goals.
By keeping these stages in check, you’ll be well on your way to having the Pinterest phase you deserve – without sacrificing the joy and excitement of planning your special day.
DO: Take wedding planning breaks
When it comes to wedding planning, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and forget to prioritize your own well-being. To avoid burnout, make self-care a top priority. Consider designating specific times or days where you’re not allowed to discuss anything wedding-related – think of it as a mental reset button. For example, you could have a ‘Wedding-Free Wednesday’ where you focus on yourself and put the planning aside for 24 hours.
By making time for self-care, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the stresses and challenges that come with planning your special day.
DON’T: Do anything abnormal during the week of the wedding
As you prepare to tie the knot, it’s crucial to maintain your usual routine in the days leading up to the big day. Avoid making drastic changes or taking unnecessary risks by trying new foods, skincare products, or activities that could potentially go awry. While embracing adventure and novelty is exciting, this isn’t the time to introduce untested elements into your life. Instead, focus on refining your processes and sticking to what you know best. Your body – and mind – will thank you for it.
Now here’s 4 non-traditional DO’s for your wedding:
DO: Set a budget and be candid about it
While societal norms may perpetuate the notion that discussing finances is taboo, it’s essential to be open about your wedding budget with your vendors. This transparency enables them to better assist you in staying within your means, ultimately leading to a more stress-free and financially savvy celebration. By being honest about your budget, you’re also setting a positive example for fellow brides-to-be, demonstrating that a beautiful wedding can be achieved without breaking the bank.
DO: Ask your community to help with wedding plans
When planning your wedding, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of loved ones. Your friends and family want to see you happy and will gladly lend a hand when things get overwhelming. Just remember to ask within their capabilities, as they may not have professional experience but are still eager to assist. Their best effort is often more than enough, and it’s a great way to involve them in the celebration of your special day.
DO: Invite folks who spark joy
When it comes to planning your special day, there’s one group of people who deserve a top priority spot on your guest list: those whose presence would bring an undeniable spark. Think of the friends and family members who, if you saw them after years apart, would leave you beaming with excitement. These are the individuals you should make sure to include in your wedding celebration – and that’s exactly what we’re celebrating in this stunning Black lesbian wedding photo.
And finally, the most important “Do” of a non-traditional wedding:
As you navigate the whirlwind of wedding planning, don’t forget to pause and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Take brief mental snapshots throughout the day, focusing on the present moment. This could be as simple as gazing into your partner’s eyes, feeling their love and connection, or taking a moment to appreciate the beauty around you. When you do, pay attention to how it makes you feel.
Similarly, pause when you reach the altar and take in the sea of smiling faces before you – friends, family, and loved ones who’ve gathered to celebrate this new chapter with you. These small moments of mindfulness will become treasured memories in years to come.
