There are just some things I hate about weddings... The tacky, cliche things that come to be expected and so often are guranteed a simple bat of an eye... My take on wedding is this: It is your and your partner's day... Make it about you two, not about tradition and that horseshit. Make it a day to remember based on you as a couple, not on tacky traditions passed on through generations... Sure, if there is something special and unique in your family or heritage, by all means embrace it, but what I am addressing is more concering tacky pictures, tacky favors, etc. With a little thought, your wedding can be one to remember, instead of just another that people attend...
Please Do
  • Take my advice as just that... I am not a professional and do not claim to be. This page is all about my opinions and preferences. The input is free, but as I said, this is your day and you do what you want with it.
  • Remember that this day is about you and your partner. Don't get hung up on perfectly coordinating every last detail of the wedding. Everything will come together... Enjoy your day and focus on the person you are marrying, not the details of the celebration.
  • Look through other couples wedding websites to see the pictures they've had taken. Find some that you like, bookmark them, and when you meet with your photographer, map out a list of what pictures you want taken, in what medium (black and white or color film, video). 
  • Music, to me, is everything and sets the whole tone of the event... This may not be so with you, but I encourage everyone to think about the music selections for both the ceremony and the reception. Don't just go for the standard fare. Make this celebration as unique as possible. 
  • Do a little research and figure out what your limits are vows and reading-wise depending on the venue you are getting married at. Yes, this day is about you and your partner, but it makes it that much more enjoyable for everyone attending if the ceremony is unique and different. See what you can get away with.
  • I like the idea of writing my own vows. However, I also respect the meaning and significance behind the traditional vows. You can go one way or the other, or find a happy medium between the two.
  • Keep your indidual tapers lit during the Unity Candle ceremony. I object to blowing the indiviudal flames out. Yes, you are "uniting as one", but why not make it about bringing two pasts, two histories, two people together and unifying that and respecting that you are two different people?
  • It's easy enough to rely on the catalogs and professional vendors, but it means that much more (although that much more work as well) to do things yourself. Enlist the help of friends if needed, but try to add a personal touch where you can.
  • Wedding newsletters are a great way of keeping the bridal party, or anyone in general,  informed of what's going on. If you have the time or energy, try making one... List the details of the ceremony and reception, responsibilities,etc. 
  • There is a Jewish tradition that calls for the bride and groom to take a moment right after the ceremony ends to be by alone together, taking a quiet moment with no one else around, to just comprehend everything, to touch base with each other, so to speak. I think it's a good idea to take that moment before all the excitement starts in again. Remember how special this day is...
  • Party Buses are a great idea... This way the entire bridal party gets to ride together and celebrate after the ceremony. Crack open a beer, kick back with your friends, and relax...
  • Have a non-traditional guestbook... Here are some ideas:
    • Have guest take a polaroid of themself, and then attach it to a guestbook or scrapbook and write a message next to it. This way, you get a picture of everyone who attended your wedding.
    • Have a wishing tree... Each guest writes a message/wish on a piece of cardstock and attaches it to the branch of the tree.
    • At each place setting at the reception, leave a small piece of paper. Each guest may write out a message and deposit it in a bowl or box, or what have you, for you and your partner to later view. 
    • Attach small envelopes to the pages of the scrapbook/guestbook and each guest can write a message and insert the card and seal the envelope.
    • Have a picture of you and your partner matted and guest can sign the matted portion of the picture, and later, have it framed.
  • Have an open bar, if feasible. This allows people to fully relax and enjoy themselves. 

Please Don't
  • See each other before the ceremony, if possible. Trust me, you want your partner to cry when you first enter the ceremony.
  • Pictures that should NOT be taken:
    • The bride with her bouquet posed on her skirt, or the bridal party's bouquets on the skirt/train
    • Each and every bridal party member coming down the aisle. I'm more for the group photographs, rather than the forced, nervous smiles of people being the center of attention under the glare of lights.
    • The bride and groom kissing underneath the bride's veil. TACKY.
    • Posed, formal and stiff shots of pretty much anything... Yes, some posed shots can be taken, but I think the candid ones, the ones that capture the action as it happens, are the best.
  • Have a dollar dance. I think it is a greedy, cliche element of a wedding. Although I did like Tina and Chris' take on it, wherein while you were waiting in line to dance with the bride or groom, you did a shot. However, people chip in enough money to help you celebrate...
  • have favors such as mints, almonds, hershey’s kisses, candles, etc. Be original. Make your guests want to take your gift home.
  • allow the usual kissing due to tapping of the glasses... Make people be creative... Make each table sing a song using the word love, etc. 
  • DO NOT PLAY THESE SONGS:
    • Can You Feel The Love Tonight from Lion King
    • The Chicken Dance
    • The Hokey Pokey
    • Butterfly Kisses
    • The Mission Impossible Theme
    • Jock Jams Theme

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