Carly Brown is a thirty something mum who has been celebranting all around Sydney and Wollongong for over six years and loves it. As a part-time public servant, part-time writer, part-time celebrant and-all-the time mum, life is never dull but Carly wouldn’t have it any other way.
These are her big wedding mistakes you should avoid…
1) Being unrecognisable
Who is that walking down the aisle? Who is that in the pictures on the wall?
If you don’t want your guests to be asking either of those questions, then don’t strive to look like someone else on your wedding day.
There’s ‘looking nice’ and there is looking like a completely different human.
Of course, make an effort like you would for any other big occasion – but you’ll be way more comfortable if you stay true to yourself and you look like YOU. Your fiancé loves you for who he fell for, not for a streaky-orange, talon-nailed, painted-faced, giant-hair, taffeta explosion version of yourself.
2) Going with traditions you don’t care for
Ceremonies are filled with traditions – do them, if you want to and they mean something to you – but not if they don’t.
Carrying a bouquet? Wearing a veil? Dad giving you away? All really not necessary if you don’t want to – this is not a surprise for most people.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen? Exchanging wedding bands? Not seeing each other before the ceremony? Not doing these things might raise an eyebrow or ten, but there are some great reasons to do away with these traditions if you don’t fancy them.
Groomsmen do absolutely nothing. One of them might hold the rings. Otherwise, they do nothing. Without the title, they can still organise your man’s bucks – he need not despair – but they can do it without anyone shelling out thousands for suits, ties, shirts, pocket squares and the flower thing no one can ever figure out how to pin on.
And do you really need five bridesmaids to help you get ready? Most of the time your good friends would prefer – shock horror – to wear a dress they actually like and dance/ sit with their actual partner while they celebrate with you on your big day.
Is the ’til death do us part’ OVER? Post continues after audio.
Wedding bands. Fantastic if you’re going to wear them but if you aren’t — like lots of grooms especially — then just know you don’t have to. Prince William didn’t get one, and if its good enough for Kate and Wills….