You probably know have a good idea what you can DO for your wedding day. But do you know what not to do? If you follow our top wedding "Don'ts," you'll have a better chance of having your big day will go off without a hitch.
- Don't put information about your bridal registry in your wedding invitation. Can we say "tacky?" Spread the word in other ways: a separate "FYI" email, by word of mouth or on your personal wedding website.
- Don't party too much at your bridal shower. Quite a few stories -- some funny, some horrifying -- have come from mixing the bride-to-be with an overabundance of alcohol. Do enjoy yourself, just keep things in check so you don't see yourself on YouTube the next day.
- Don't buy your dress a size too small thinking you'll shrink into it. If anything, leave room for tailoring. You have enough stress as it is; don't put more on yourself this way. Know that you'll be beautiful whether you're a size 12, 10, 8 or any other number on the label.
- Don't force your bridesmaids into something you know they'll hate. Yes, it's your day -- and it's your motif and color scheme. But if you're thinking of a mermaid dress for your flat-as-boards ladies, or if you're certain lime green with sherbet orange stripes will be a screaming hit, think twice. If they're true friends, your bridesmaids will never say anything -- so it's up to you to have at least a little sensitivity to what you yourself would want as a lady-in-waiting. While you're at it, remember their pocket books and stick to attire that won't break the bank.
- Don't pile on a ton of makeup so it will "show" on camera. There are very definite tricks when it comes to makeup and photography or videography. You can learn how to apply your makeup by using the internet or even hiring a professional make up artist. Nobody wants to look like a clown on her own wedding day, particularly in moments that will be preserved forever on in your wedding album, scrapbook and on video.
- Don't wait too long to have the best man give his speech. Even for the most upstanding gentleman, you can't be one hundred percent sure what will come out of his mouth after an hour (or two) of partying at your affair. If you need some help, send him a link to our helpful speech writing tips.
- Don't skimp on thank you cards . Sorry, e-mail and texting are out. Send real thank you notes, on real stationery, and send them via the post office. You'll be in a rush after your wedding if you're planning a honeymoon, so have notes written in advance for those who have already given gifts, but absolutely do not send them out until after the wedding.
- Don't micromanage your reception. Go with the flow. You'll want to be able to mingle, dance and -- yes! -- actually relax following the ceremony. You can't do that if you have a list in one hand and are looking over one guest's shoulder so you can afford the next attendee her twenty congratulatory seconds. There are countless brides who were so busy managing their receptions they didn't have time to eat, dance, socialize or even use the restroom. Don't let this happen to you, enjoy your day instead.
- Don't choose a hairstyle that won't last the afternoon or night. You'll be hugged, kissed, grabbed, asked for a dance (sometimes physically); you'll probably cry a little and hopefully will laugh a lot. Fancy wedding hair is great, but make sure will translate into a somewhat "wearable" style for several hours.
- Don't forget that your groom is a huge part of your wedding and reception -- and your life. In fact, it's a 50/50 proposition. Not many guy s have a burning desire to scroll through hundreds of invitations or are likely to flip if you choose daisies instead of miniature sunflowers, but grooms today really are getting more "into" weddings than in days past. If there's an element he really wants in your wedding, listen to him. It's his wedding too. You might also want to send him over to our handy Groom's Survival Guide.
