We’re halfway through 2015 and what has this modern age done for us? Just gone and thrown up all kinds of dilemmas we never thought we’d have to deal with. Your mum definitely didn’t have to worry about selfie sticks at HER wedding, did she? But we won’t leave you in a lurch – here are a few modern wedding dilemmas, and what you can do about them.
Is it ok to send paperless wedding invites?
Being a modern outfit here at WOL, we’ll have to say yes! But of course it depends. Tis true, posh wedding invitations aren’t affordable for everyone, even if you go the DIY route. Or, when the ones you truly, truly love are just way beyond the budget. What’s a girl to do?
You’ll have to agree that a wedding is too special an occasion to send a simple email or a text. Also, some of your guests want to treasure your invitation and keep it tucked away in a special drawer or box. And, not all of your guests will have an email address, or even know how to use a computer.
An alternative to this is designing a beautiful invitation you can email, and printing several copies (maybe even professionally on really lovely paper you buy yourself) to be posted to a select few. Don’t just download a photo from Google and put some text over it – turn digital into personal. You can look for some templates online, or get your talented other half – or someone you know who’s Photoshop or Paint-savvy – to do the designing for you. The plus side is that it’s totally flexible and you can put whatever you want on it. You can also post this invite on your wedding website, and simply send people a link by email – but only if this casual approach suits you.
But please do keep in mind – it’s quite a departure from what is still a strong traditional part of weddings, so be prepared for a few raised eyebrows.
Image courtesy of toastofleeds.com
Do I have to include ‘plus 1’?
It used to be so easy – ‘plus 1’ was always the thing. Nowadays… not so much. The costs have gone up and so have the expectations, so if you put a ‘plus 1’ on every invitation, you’re effectively doubling the number of guests in just a few keystrokes. Can you afford it? And, will people get offended if they don’t see a ‘plus 1’?
Luckily, things are different today, and guests actually know this. If you’re inviting a married aunt, she’s bringing the uncle along too, of course. But a friend from work? Your cousin who’s been in a new relationship all of three weeks? That usher who’s recently single? Nope, they get to bring themselves – end of.
The only ‘plus 1’ you need to invite are people already in long-term relationships or married. Simple.
People asked if they can bring selfie sticks to my wedding?
Well, are you cool with it or not? It is unfortunate that absolutely nobody looks cool holding a very long stick at an arm’s length while looking like they’re trying to flirt with it. It looks even worse when they’re all dressed up. Plus, selfie sticks are getting banned around the world from events and festivals, because people are being very irresponsible with them.
But, are the photos worth it? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about adding an appropriately worded line to your invitations. If anyone starts behaving irresponsibly at your wedding, wielding the stick as if it was a lightsaber (or worse), just have one of the groom’s party guys say a discreet word – make the chosen guy the official selfie stick monitor.
If you’re having a Facebook-free wedding, the problem will solve itself – no social media means no selfie sticks either. Going unplugged is something many couples are having to consider today, because almost everyone is involved in some kind of online sharing. Best to discuss with the other half before the big day!
Image courtesy of 12-1photographyblog.com
Why are eco weddings such a big deal?
It all started a few years ago with the rustic trend. Someone probably thought ‘why have a fake rustic wedding when I could have a real one?’ and started making table decorations out of twigs. The recycled paper invitations followed… and here we are today. You’re being told at least once a week to upgrade your house with solar panels, so why would weddings be any different? Go green or go home, girl!
Having an eco-friendly wedding is a matter of personal conviction, and you can take it as far as you like. Maybe you’re only going to have a bouquet made of flowers that don’t have to be flown in, locally sourced food, or fruit bowls for wedding favours to minimise waste. Or maybe you’ll go all the way with organic catering and a fair trade gown. Do keep in mind though, an eco wedding isn’t always cheaper than a regular one.
If you’re curious about how much difference you could make, simply ask your suppliers. Ask the venue about green options, the cake maker, the wedding planner, the artist who’s making your invitations. Scour Etsy for ethical bridesmaid gifts. Ask for donations to a green cause, rather than cash or gift list. If you feel particularly passionate about any of these things, then go ahead and adjust that budget. It’s a great feeling to be celebrating and knowing you’re doing something for the planet too.
Many of my guests have gone gluten free or vegan.
Scenario: you’ve bagged yourself one of those awesome wedding venue packages that comes with a menu choice of a nice beef or salmon, plus a veg option. Then the RSVPs start coming back… oh no, what’s this? No meat, no wheat, no fish? Not even an omelette? How am I going to feed my guests?
Cue calls to caterers and venue while cradling the calculator in one hand and budget spreadsheet in the other.
The good news is, vegan and gluten free are now mainstream eating options, so the pros won’t be too put out by your requests. The key is to gather the numbers of special diet requirements as far as possible ahead of the venue’s final numbers due date, and speak to the coordinator about the substitution options. See what they can shuffle around to keep your budget the same, or come close at least. If you’re feeling up for it, ask your cake maker what he/she suggests as an alternative or substitute for wedding cake – or maybe something extra on the side.
Image courtesy of The Sweetest Occasion
What do I do when someone proposes at MY wedding?
Have you seen that story? It was all over the news during the last week of May – a photo on Reddit of a man proposing to his girlfriend right in front of the top table, where the bride and groom smiled obligingly but without much sparkle. The almighty Buzzfeed even took a poll to ask if this was ever ok, and nearly 149,000 people voted. Guess how many said that proposal was ok? Only 2%. There’s no way of telling what they were thinking.
Now, we’re not saying that’s never happened before, but due to social media the story travelled around the world before the newly engaged couple made it home from that wedding (probably). Some people out there will think, ‘hey that’s a good idea, look at all the attention it got those guys!’ It wouldn’t be the first time someone copied something someone else did online.
So what to do if this happens at your wedding? Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do, or you risk spoiling it all for yourself. Take it in good humour if it does – but we’re crossing our fingers for you that it doesn’t. It’s just not cool to steal the thunder on someone else’s day.
Main image courtesy of bitecatering.net
