Wedding Hot Takes

In an endless industry, wedding professionals see it all. And with those experiences often come opinions about what works best, what doesn’t work at all, and what we love to see. Now these takes are just takes, and some of them not too serious. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with your wedding decisions and the day flows and looks exactly how you envision it. Proceed with a little humor and an open mind. Let me know what you think my hottest take is or what your personal wedding hot takes are! 

No Phone Weddings are the best Weddings

Hear me out, Everyone has no phone ceremonies, but what about the entire event? People have been pushing for the use of more analog technologies, more in the moment days, and “raw-dogging reality”. I recently had the pleasure of going to a no phones wedding, where guests were encouraged to leave their phones in their cars or in baskets to truly be part of the day, Ceremony to reception. At first? I was nervous. No phones and strangers? Could be an odd night. But as time went on, there was a spark of connection. People were sharing stories and becoming close without a screen in the way, and not retreating to the corner to scroll. Maybe this would work for you and maybe it wouldn’t.

Don’t Leave Large Gaps in your Timeline

When guests don’t have anything to do, they’re more likely to leave. It’s not because they don’t care about your wedding, it’s simply because leaving that empty space makes it so they feel like they’re waiting around for something and they’re not often sure when or what that thing is going to be. If you need gaps, ensure they are noted and people are aware of either other activities they can do or they know what time they need to return to your event. If you want a good party, try to make it continuous. Many venues and planners are awesome at timelines, making sure you have ample time to do things yet creating a seamless and gapless day for you and your guests. 

Sign a Prenup

This one I know is a very hot take. In the wedding business, we want to ensure that our couples will last. We want them to have the type of love they can grow old with and someone they can trust throughout life. A prenup to me, is assurance of an easy split and built in protection. I have fire insurance on my house. Do I intend to burn down my house or have something happen? Of course not! But… if it does, I will be safe and my assets will be protected. A prenup isn’t just about asset division, it can include clauses about cheating, alimony, child support, and so many other things. Doing something like this before you marry is a good way to ensure you’re on the same page and that you come at it from a place of love so if god forbid you have to split, everyone will come out okay. Obviously this is a big conversation to have with your partner and it’s not for everybody.

Young Kids Do Not Need to be At Ceremonies

Yep, you heard me. They don’t need to be there. I have been witness to so many weddings interrupted by screaming kids, diaper changes and running around the ceremony. And the thing is? Under a certain age they won’t remember the ceremony anyway. At my ceremony, I decided that children under a certain age would be watched on site by someone so their parents could enjoy the ceremony. And you know what? It worked perfectly. They didn’t have to be quiet, they played with each other and ate food and got to be kids. And my ceremony? All good! The parents got to relax, I got to relax. They came to the reception and ran wild having a wonderful time. Let them be kids and enjoy the silence and romance of your ceremony. 

Don’t Share all of Your Wedding Plans

So many people in your life are well intended and excited for your day. They may be coworkers, family, friends, and most at a certain point will ask about the wedding. You are not required to say a thing about it if you don’t want to and at the end of the day, the more you share, the more unwanted opinions and advice about your day you get. Now, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t share anything, but guests don’t need to know what your dress looks like, what music you’re playing, and what decor you’re using. (And at that point your wedding will have too many people trying to be deciders on your day!)  If they wanted something for their wedding, they should have or should do it at theirs, not yours. Weddings are indeed a celebration including the people around you but the main focus of the day is the fact that it’s YOUR wedding. Worried about the guest experience? Talk to a planner. They'll be a great guide for you and your partner. 

There’s No Such Thing as a Wrong Location

One of the first things you decide is location. And you know what? There’s no wrong answer for it. Do you want to get married at a scenic rest stop in the middle of the Nevada desert? (Don’t knock it til you try it) Do it! Grandma's backyard? Museum? All inclusive venue? Yes! Want to get married in the Redwoods where you haven’t seen another person for three days? Jump on it! There are no rules. If you like the location and you can get the permit if one is needed, do what you want. If you like the scenery and you feel good, it will work out. Wedding experts are not naysayers, we want to get your dream to reality. If that means a pull-off in the Sierra-Nevada’s, so be it. This is all about you and your partner. 

At the end of the day, weddings can still be incredibly involved no matter what route you take. Whatever you decide, I hope you decide it for yourselves and your dream. Find vendors that can help you make it happen and surround yourself with the people that will cheer loud for you and your day.