Mad Talks: Hot Take Trends
Let this be your reminder that your wedding day - IS YOUR WEDDING DAY - you can do whatever you want and not have to explain your decisions to anyone. I also want to remind you that if you have a certain vendor whom is telling you what to do/what not to do when you’re bouncing ideas around - to either: A. fire them (yes, really) or B. fire them. I said what I said.
Honoring Your Parents At Your Wedding - Specifically Moms’!
To set the scene, what does it mean to honor your parents at your wedding? When I hear this question, I think of: father-daughter dances, your father walking you down the aisle, and/or your father-daughter first look. Now, I am all for those traditions and your decision on what works best for you and your day - but heck… what about your mama?!
Hey! I totally understand! Relationships with each parent is different, so if this does not pertain to you, simply skip this part!
Things that I have been seeing, to honor BOTH your parents are: a photo wall of you and your mom, a first look with you and your mom, and even having your mom as your matron of honor! While also keeping all those traditions of you and your dad apart of your day!
No one is here to tell you what to do, simply to bring you ideas and let you pick and choose what will work for you!
I truly admire how we continue to honor the fathers’ (or father figures) throughout the wedding day, but I would hate to see it continue and leave the moms in the dust. OF COURSE - mamas’ play such a crucial role throughout your wedding day! They can help you get ready, zip your dress, and simply be your moral support. Adding the touch of including them in your day can be different. Including them by making sure they have their own designated time with you, to stir up emotions, and to make them feel just as valued as your other parent.
It’s definitely something to think about!
Having An Adult-Only Celebration!
It’s kind of ironic for a mama to be agreeing with this, but just hear me out.
We all want everyone there to celebrate your big day, yet we completely understand the budget, vibe, and overall chaos of kiddos. As a mom, it can be nice to enjoy a night out celebrating our friends without having to worry about what our son is getting into or trying to get him to settle down during the ceremony. It is a blessing for all of us to be there to celebrate with you, it’s kind of a push-and-pull situation! So I can totally see where this is a tough decision for you.
I know kids are unpredictable and every parent is trying their best to soothe their child during these events. If you really think about it, it costs roughly $12-20 per plate (on average) for dinner and if you are paying for children… over the course of the planning, that can add up to a lot!
Even if you are debating on having a child-free event, but don’t know how to say it, you could say something along the lines of:
“While we love the children in our life, we have decided our wedding is an adults-only event. Thank you so much for understanding! We want all of our guests to fully enjoy the evening!”
Even if you are inviting some children, you can say something along the lines of” “We kindly request that only the invitees attend. Our celebration is an adults-only event unless stated otherwise!” And if you are unsure of who to invite, it is best to opt out of inviting their children if you feel unsure.
Keeping The Bridal Party Short
Here is me, telling you, to keep your bridal party entrances short. NOT your bridal party in general!
What I want to tell you is that this day is revolved around you! Your wedding day comes and goes within a blink of an eye! And I think a lot of newly weds are noticing that when they are planning. Wedding party entrances should be short and sweet. If you are noticing all this “planning” around your wedding party entrances, that’s a good sign to do less on the entrances and focus your energy on other moments throughout your day!
There are so many different moments and details on your wedding day that can entertain your guests, let’s skip the grand charade of wedding party entrances and stick our energies on the bride and groom!
Wedding Parties Are Not Necessary
Okay, I am going to play the devils’ advocate on this one because I see it from a different perspective.
I am noticing a trend in the wedding industry where we are either A) not having a wedding party at all or B) having our wedding party take a step back out of this spotlight they were given years ago. Being a part of the bridal party is already an honor and should be treated as that. However, let’s stop focusing so much on the wedding party but more on the couple!
A couple ways you can still make your wedding party a priority, yet still have that center of attention on you - is to:
Have your wedding party still get ready with you on your wedding day, but take the backseat when it comes to photos.
Have your wedding party wear different styles - or more casual dresses and suits
No head table - I’ve heard of this one a lot! Some reasons being, many of the significant others in the party may not know anyone but their partner here. Or the bride and groom really don’t have any privacy to enjoy just each other with their friends on either side!
Even having your wedding party seated behind your parents at the ceremony!
I don’t know if opting out of a wedding party is a trend that I see sticking. But I have noticed either a large bridal party or very small (and I feel like there’s been no in between).
The Garter Toss
Hi hunny, ummmm, let’s go ahead and let this one go.
I say that with the upmost kindness and respect towards your day! Truly. No one is here to tell you what to do or how to do it! If it is important to you, do it!
The purpose of the garter toss is to symbolize the brides’ virginity. By the groom removing it, it signified his desires for that evening. Basically, everyone who saw you remove the garter at your wedding, knows y’all did the deed once you left the building. Do your mom and dad really need to have that image in their head?!
Some may call it tacky and others might just believe it is tradition. I don’t notice this to be a tradition many are keeping these days, simply out of embarrassment, their dress limitations (AKA you have a very tight-fitting dress), or for other personal reasons. I think this is a tradition we can let go - and incorporate something else that can be entertaining in a good way rather than a sexual way.
