Wedding Bells Ringing?

Has the wedding happened yet? Well, that depends on who you're talking about. If you're referring to country music star Sam Hunt, then no, he hasn't tied the knot just yet. But if you're talking about the young woman described in a viral Reddit post, then the answer is a little more complicated.

You see, this young woman—let's call her Beth—has had quite a tumultuous journey to the altar. After a series of ill-fated relationships and multiple pregnancies, she finally found happiness with Chad, a police officer and distant cousin of one of her former partners. However, their wedding plans were plagued by drama, family feuds, and social media meltdowns.

Despite the challenges, Beth and Chad did eventually get married, eloping in a private ceremony. But their union was short-lived and filled with tension, as Chad's infidelity and sexist views clashed with Beth's newfound interest in feminism. Ultimately, they parted ways, with Beth seeking therapy to heal from her traumatic past.

So, while the wedding did happen, it certainly wasn't the fairytale ending Beth had hoped for.

The bride's family

On the day of the wedding, the mother of the bride should help the bride get ready and drive with her to the ceremony. In some cultures and religions, the father of the bride escorts the bride down the aisle, while in others, both parents walk the bride down the aisle together.

In terms of attire, the father of the bride's wedding day look should complement the groom and groomsmen, while the mother of the bride should shop for a dress that complements the formality of the wedding and her personal style.

Finally, it is customary for the father of the bride to make a toast at the wedding, welcoming family and friends.

The groom's family

First, they must pay for the bride's wedding ring. They are also expected to cover the cost of the groom's and groomsmen's attire, although in modern weddings, groomsmen tend to pay for their own outfits. The groom's family also pays for the flowers for the bridal party, including the bride's bouquet, the groomsmen's boutonnieres, and the corsages for the mothers and grandmothers.

In the lead-up to the wedding, the groom's family should invite the in-laws over for dinner, spread the news of the engagement, and ask the couple how they can help with the wedding planning. They should also research family, cultural, and religious traditions that they may want to incorporate into the ceremony and reception.

On the day of the wedding, the groom's parents have important roles during the ceremony. At a Christian wedding, the father and mother of the groom walk down the aisle together and are seated in the front pew on the right side. At a Jewish wedding, the groom's parents walk with him in the processional and stand next to him under the chuppah. They are also part of the receiving line after the ceremony, along with the newlyweds and the bride's parents.

The guest list

Determine the Capacity and Budget:

Before diving into the guest list, it is essential to determine the maximum capacity of your wedding venue and your budget for the event. These factors will influence the number of guests you can invite. Having a clear understanding of the venue's capacity and your financial constraints will help you create a realistic guest list.

Create a Preliminary List:

Start by creating a preliminary list of everyone you would like to invite to the wedding. This list can be extensive and include all the people you can think of who are important to you. Consider your family, close friends, coworkers, and anyone else you would want to share your special day with. Don't worry about the final numbers at this stage; just create a comprehensive collection of names.

Prioritize and Categorize:

Now it's time to start prioritizing and categorizing your guest list. Begin with your non-negotiables, the people who are essential to have at your wedding. This category typically includes immediate family members and the wedding party. Then, create additional categories based on the importance or closeness of the relationship. For example, you might have a category for extended family, close friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. This step will help you visualize the different groups and their relative importance.

Consider Plus-Ones and Children:

Deciding whether to allow plus-ones and children can significantly impact your guest list numbers. If you choose to offer plus-ones, consider the nature of the relationship and whether it is likely to last until the wedding. For children, decide if you want to have an adults-only wedding or include them in the festivities. Be consistent with your approach to ensure fairness.

Manage the Numbers:

Refer back to your venue capacity and budget to determine the maximum number of guests you can accommodate. If your preliminary list exceeds this number, start refining it based on the categories you created earlier. Begin with the least important category and gradually work your way up, making cuts as needed. It's important to be mindful of relationships and try to avoid causing any unnecessary hurt feelings.

Send Save-the-Dates:

Once you have a finalized guest list that fits within your capacity and budget, it's time to send out save-the-dates. This step will help you get a more accurate headcount and give your guests ample time to plan their attendance. Sending save-the-dates is especially important if you're having a destination wedding or if your guests will need to travel.

Collect RSVPs and Manage Regrets:

As your guests start responding to your save-the-dates and invitations, keep track of the RSVPs. It's important to stay organized and know who is attending and who has declined. If you find yourself with some declines and additional space, you can consider sending invitations to guests from a lower-priority category or even some of those on your initial extended list.

Finalize the Details:

With your guest list confirmed, you can now finalize the details related to the guests. This includes creating a seating plan, arranging transportation, and accommodating any special requests or requirements your guests may have. Stay in communication with your guests to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

Enjoy Your Special Day:

On the day of your wedding, relax and enjoy the celebration surrounded by your loved ones. Remember that your guest list is just one aspect of your wedding, and what matters most is that you are surrounded by people who love and support you as you embark on this new chapter of your life.

The venue

For those who want a traditional wedding, a church or religious venue might be the best option. In Christian weddings, the ceremony often takes place in a church, reflecting the couple's spiritual significance. Some religions have specific requirements for the wedding venue, such as Catholic weddings, which must take place in a church building.

However, civil weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially in secular or interfaith marriages. These weddings are presided over by a civil authority and can take place in a variety of locations, including town halls, courthouses, or even the mayor's office.

The size of the wedding party also plays a crucial role in venue selection. For intimate weddings, a small chapel or garden might be perfect, while larger groups may require a grand ballroom or banquet hall.

The style of the venue is another key consideration. Couples may opt for a venue that reflects their cultural heritage, such as a Japanese shrine or a traditional Armenian setting. Others may prefer a modern or rustic venue, like a barn or a beach.

Ultimately, the venue should reflect the couple's personalities and create an atmosphere that aligns with their vision for their special day. Whether it's a grand ballroom or a cozy backyard, the venue sets the stage for memories that will last a lifetime.

The dress

There are many different styles of wedding dress, from vintage to modern, and each bride will have her own unique vision for her dream dress. Some opt for a traditional white gown, while others choose to stand out from the crowd with a bold colour or an alternative style.

Some brides will spend months searching for the perfect dress, trying on countless designs and visiting numerous boutiques until they find 'the one'. It is a highly personal choice and an expression of the bride's personality and style.

For some, the dress is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace their inner princess and don a grand, extravagant gown that they might not usually wear. Others prefer a more understated look, opting for a simple, elegant dress that reflects their usual style.

Whatever the style, the dress is an integral part of the wedding and often one of the most memorable elements of the day, with guests 'oohing' and 'aahing' as the bride makes her entrance.

Some brides choose to pass their dress down to future generations, creating a family heirloom that carries its own special memories and stories.

Examples of Celebrity Wedding Dresses:

• Kat Dennings wore a vintage Alexander McQueen lace wedding dress for her intimate wedding to Andrew W.K. in 2023.
• Vanessa Hudgens wore an off-the-shoulder dress with a thigh-high slit and a front cut-out for her wedding to Cole Tucker in Tulum, Mexico, in 2023.
• Michelle Dockery wore a white satin dress for her wedding to Jasper Waller-Bridge in West London in 2023.
• Anya Taylor-Joy wore a beige gown, embroidered with birds and flowers and embellished with sequins, for her wedding in Venice, Italy, in 2023.
• Kristin Chenoweth wore two pink ensembles for her wedding in Dallas, Texas, in 2023: a strapless gown with pearl flowers and an oversized bow, followed by a mini dress with a large bow for the reception.
• Hannah Godwin had three outfit changes for her wedding in France in 2023: a satin Atelier Pronovias dress with a rhinestone-trimmed veil and crystal-studded sheer gloves, followed by a strapless sequinned gown and a semi-sheer, beaded frock with a halter neckline.
• Simone Biles wore a white dress with a ruffled tulle skirt, a plunging neckline, and an open back for her Texas courthouse wedding in 2023.
• Kourtney Kardashian wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana corseted mini dress with lace detailing, tulle gloves, lace heels, and a cathedral-length veil for her wedding to Travis Barker in Italy in 2022.

Frequently asked questions