18 Things That Surprise People About Weddings

Posted: February 1, 2014

I love being a wedding planner. It’s a great gig – it’s fun, it’s prettier than anything, and at the end of each night, I’m surrounded by love, joy and I’m in the middle of a really great party. But I am always surprised by what surprises people about weddings, theirs and everyone else’s. Consider yourself forewarned and thus, fore-armed:

1. How much weddings cost. Perspective: you’re feeding 100+ people. Venti size coffee drinks at Starbucks, alone, would throw you back $500, plus tax. See also: The Olive Garden Rule.

2. They don’t have to cost as much money as you think they will. You don’t have $100,000 to spend on your wedding? Then don’t spend $100,000. It’s easier than you think, and you will (not “can”) have a wonderful wedding. ASK ME HOW. 🙂

3. Your family members are not going to become entirely different people just because you’re going to get married. It would be nice, but it’s not going to happen.

4. You and your fiancé are not going to become entirely different people just because you’re getting married. Don’t put that pressure on yourselves. You may learn better ways to communicate and work together in the midst of all the hoopla, but your personalities will remain the same. Just remember: You are on the same team.

5. … Or after you get married. Do not count on it getting any better than this. All irritating quirks will still exist.

6. (Dear Guests – Someone is paying for you to come to their wedding, for what I call the pre-requisite $79.95 per person. Try and keep that in mind when you’re deciding whether or not to show up.)

7. Some of your guests are going to disregard #6 and not show up. And not let you know that they’re not showing up. Just like if you were planning any other party.

8. The laws of physics, the weather, and the logistics of traveling from point A to point B will still apply, even though it’s your wedding day. Don’t assume/pray otherwise.

9. If you want to stick to your budget, then you have to stick to your budget.

10. It is entirely possible to stick to your budget, no matter what that is.

11. “Expensive” doesn’t determine “Quality.” You know what determines “Quality”? Quality.

12. There are only three “needs” in weddings: You, your fiancé, and an officiant. Everything else is a “want.” Think of it in terms of having what you need to get what you want. It’s easier to breathe that way!

13. I’m a wedding planner, not a marriage recruiter, I swear. If you don’t want to get married, or don’t believe in marriage, that’s cool. Refer me to someone who does.

14. You will be charged sales tax on whatever it is that you buy or rent for your wedding.

15. Your bridesmaids are never going to wear that dress again. It is a bullet they are agreeing to take.

16. Planning a wedding is a lot of work and takes a lot of time. 40 40-hour weeks, they say. This is why I have a job. Having help makes it a little less stressful to stay on track.

17. But you can still plan that puppy in less than a year.This is also why I have a job. 🙂

18. It is amazing how nice, kind and loving people can be leading up to your wedding day, #3 and #4 not withstanding. “Wow, this is awesome” nice, even. So, watch for it, okay?