Once upon a time when you were planning a wedding, you’d hear a lot about the traditions and wedding planning rules that you were supposed to do. You know the ones – “You must do a bouquet and garter toss.” “Your wedding has to be on a Saturday.” “You have to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.”
And you followed them because, well, that was what you were supposed to do.
But through the years couples have learned that they can personalize their wedding and what they should include are the things that are meaningful to them.
The rules have changed. So, how important are the wedding planning rules?
These days, you hear a lot of people (including wedding professionals) who actually say that the rules don’t matter. In fact, some even say “there are no rules.”
No wedding planning rules? Nothing could be further from the truth. Wedding planning rules haven’t disappeared, and they aren’t to be ignored.
What has changed is how we approach the rules.
Rules used to be followed to the letter, by everyone. There were minor variances, but for the most part, everyone really did the same thing.
With the onset of personalizing, the rules were still followed, but they were also tweaked and altered to fit each couples’ particular wants and wedding style. (As it should be, because, who really wants a cookie cutter wedding?)
But to believe that there are no rules? There are so many details, even for the simplest of weddings, such as planning for food, music and other entertainment, flowers and décor, table linens (color, sizes, and quantities); and so many different styles – boho chic, rustic, modern, classic, whimsical (just to name a few) – without “rules” you could easily have a hot mess. Instead of a harmonious event, things would be disjointed, and even forgotten.
Sure, you’d have food, and decorations, and a cake or some type of dessert, but would they “fit?” Or would they seem like they don’t belong at the same event?
So, yes. There are still rules.
But, as I’ve already said, what has changed is how we approach the rules. Rules are no longer rigid, but have become guidelines. They are a foundation and a starting point. They are suggestions that we can choose to either 1) follow as is, 2) alter to better suit our wedding style, or 3) omit altogether.
So, to those “professionals” who say “there are no rules,” I say “shame on you.” As a wedding/event professional your job is to provide guidance and advice to those who are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of planning an event on such a grand scale.
You’ve got to do better than to give a flippant “there are no rules.” Doesn’t every one of our couples deserve that foundation and guidance when planning their weddings?
Tell me, what do you think about these wedding planning rules, as well as the idea that “there are no rules”? Let me know in the comments below.
Photo Credit:
Cody Ryan Reigle | Flickr | (CC BY 2.0)
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
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Weddings From The Heart can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!
