Television, Hollywood, and social media have shaped the way today’s couples approach wedding planning. Watching couples get married at sunset on a secluded beach or under the romantic weeping willows at a local historic home can make a regular ol’ church wedding seem lackluster. If you’re a couple inspired by these fantasy weddings, here are some of the realities you may face and how you should handle them:
Fantasy: A romantic ceremony on the beach. The crashing waves, the breeze in your hair, the gorgeous sunset…what could be more romantic?
Reality: High winds, blowing sand, extreme heat, sand fleas, and stray photo-bombs from people strolling the beach.
Solution: Prepare a “Plan B” in case weather conditions aren’t suited for a beach ceremony on your wedding day. To protect your guests from high temperatures, consider purchasing some pretty parasols to shield them from the sun, and make sure they wear flip-flops or other footwear to protect their feet from the scalding sand.
Fantasy: A beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception. The natural setting of trees, lakes, and blooming bushes will make a stunning backdrop.
Reality: Expensive tents, flying insects, uneven ground, bad weather, and oddly-placed trees.
Solution: Be aware of the extra expenses that go into hosting a successful outdoor wedding, especially if you’re having it at a location that isn’t geared toward having outdoor events. A good tent can be costly, often thousands of dollars for a basic one. Once you add flooring, air conditioning, and décor, it can cost much, much more. If you’re doing this at home, you will also incur the expense of renting tables, chairs, and linens. Keep in mind that tents need a certain amount of space to be raised. If there isn’t enough clear perimeter space around the tent, you won’t be able to use one. Don’t forget about pest control, as well, and be prepared with a backup plan in the event of bad weather.
Fantasy: A grand holiday wedding. It will be perfect because guests have time off from work, locations exhibit beautiful décor, and everyone is in a festive mood.
Reality: Guests have family obligations that keep them from your wedding. Airfare, rental cars, and hotels can be more expensive. Venues may have fewer staff working because the holidays mean a slow-down for group business. Depending on the holiday, some items you want may be more expensive.
Solution: Talk to the guests you want to attend your wedding and find out if having your wedding on a holiday will make it difficult for them. Plan far enough in advance that traveling guests can find the best deals for their travel expenses. Discuss your service needs with your venue to make sure that they’ll be appropriately staffed on your wedding day. Finally, make a realistic budget. If you want red roses for your Valentine’s Day wedding, for example, be prepared to pay a premium. Don’t wait for the last minute to order, either, or the services and options you want may be unavailable.
It can be easy to get swept up in the idea of a fantasy wedding, but keep in mind that every fantasy comes with a dose of reality. As long as you’re prepared to overcome potential challenges, you can achieve the wedding of your dreams!
