lessons from the wedding industry

things the wedding industry has taught me:

-our number one priority should be an amazing and unique reception venue, that no one has been to before, that leaves our guests breathless. if this kind of venue isn't in our budget, we should cut guests from our list.

-our number one priority should be an incredible photographer, who shoots magazine-worthy photos, and will photograph our wedding in a fully artsy and MoMA-worthy style. if our budget doesn't support such a photographer, cut guests from the list so that it does.

-our number one priority should be making the fews guests left as comfortable as possible. provide every item they could possibly need in the bathrooms, slippers for their sore feet, pashminas for their chilly shoulders, food more amazing than any food they've ever had,and parasols for the sun.

-our number one priority should be personalization. spend every moment of the next six months creating  elaborate programs, seating cards, favors, swizzle sticks, a glittery monogram cake topper, straws, napkins, handmade candles, tissue holders and petal cones.

-everything must match. perfectly. bridesmaids' dresses and hair, groomsmen's vests and ties, program bows, favor ribbons, escort cards, and invitation text should all be in david's bridal pool blue.

-you must look the most beautiful you have ever looked on your wedding day, even if it means rapid weight loss (the facebook ad that popped up today), tanning, waxing, botox (i received a postcard in the mail telling me this), laser teeth whitening, or hair extensions. spend the next six months working towards perfect hair, body, face, and teeth, no matter what the cost.

guess how many of these items we've followed? yep, just about none. our priority is having our loved ones there, and with our big families that means a big guest list.  we've cut back in the areas they told us not to, we are only taking on the projects we know won't drive us insane, and we know our guests will forgive us if they don't receive toothpicks stating our names and the date. 

the most exciting and amazing part of this wedding is the fact that for one day we will be surrounded by as many of our friends and family members as possible. it's not very often (in fact, this may be the only time) that we get to be in the same room with all those we love, all having fun and celebrating good things like love and family and friendship. it seems like that should be our number one priority, yes?

if it seems like i spend a lot of time poking fun at the wedding industry, it's because there's just too much that's truly unbelievable, and truly misses the big idea.

case in point. (it's not even grammatically correct! argh!)