Simple wedding don'ts

By Esther Muchene

One of the many factors brides and grooms have in common is, for their guests to have a good time. But does this mean crossing all lines to get what you want? Just as there are two sides to a coin, there are dos and don’ts for that special affair.

• Don’t be a bridezilla. We understand, it’s your big day but it doesn’t give you a license to be a nightmare to other people. Remember the people you are treating harshly are the same ones who will be providing your services. This may determine the outcome as you never know who may be willing to sabotage to get back to you.

• Don’t take over everything by yourself forgetting the groom. It’s his day too and he should be involved in every step, especially if he shows the interest. But be cautious not to drown him in wedding talk every minute of the day or it will get to him. Strike a balance and set aside some time every day to discuss wedding matters, then leave it at that until the next time.

• You don’t have to invite everyone regardless of what your families say, especially if money is an issue. Make a list and do the necessary cuts after some negotiations.

• Stick to the budget to save you financial strain.

• Don’t spend money on irrelevant items that guests won’t even remember, especially if they are expensive.

• Don’t be a copycat bride. Just because your friend had a ten-tier cake doesn’t mean you have to have the same, especially if it costs a pretty penny. You need to understand what she had was her idea of a dream wedding so make your own.

• You don’t have to observe traditions you don’t want. In certain instances, enquire about dropping or incorporating new traditions that may clash with religious practices.

• Don’t arrive late, especially if there is another wedding afterwards where in some cases, you will be fined for lateness. To top it up, everything else will run behind schedule and may end up costing you more.

• If you’re considering having some alcohol, have a cash bar rather than an open bar. As rude as it may appear for you to have guests pay for drinks at your wedding, you can have an open bar with limited variety.

• As much as friends and family have your best interest at heart, don’t have them talk you into things you don’t want. Stand your ground and say no, when you don’t agree with an idea.

• For the drinking bride, take alcohol in moderation. The worst thing that can happen to you is making a fool of yourself in front of everyone while being captured in every frame, and not remember a thing including the special moments you had with your spouse come the next day. What a waste!

• Don’t do anything drastic to your hair or face close to the big day. If, for example, you’re thinking of a new haircut, have it a month or two before so that in case it backfires, you have time to fix it.

• As much as you may want to have control over what your guests give you for gifts, it may be considered rude to include a gift registry info in the invitation card. Why? Because your guests are not obligated to buy you anything, it is not mandatory, but most will want to get you something either way.

• Don’t keep your guests waiting for too long between the photo session and reception. It is not surprising to hear of couples who come three hours later for whatever reasons to find a handful of bored and irritated guests. And you wonder why some people don’t like weddings? Well there goes your answer.

• Don’t forget to eat at the reception especially if you skipped breakfast which is a big no-no. You need that energy or your body will be very weak. Always eat before, during and even after the affair.

• Lastly, remember what the day is all about before it passes in a flash. Don’t fret about what could go wrong, rather focus on that brilliant guy or girl you’ve always wanted who is right beside you.