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There are a number of wedding traditions that soon translate into serious expectations when planning a wedding. Essentially, family members and the wedding party are expected to step up and donate time, energy, and most importantly–money, to help the new couple launch their lives together.
When I first got engaged, I knew many of those traditions would be flying out the window as the differences in incomes were significant between ourselves and many in our wedding party, particularly on my side. But as I navigated those financial waters, I uncovered a pleasant surprise: my tailored approach had resulted in a drastic reduction in stress and conflict.
Here’s how I de-stressed my wedding planning by changing my wedding party expectations…
During my eleven month engagement, there were:
- zero arguments about bridesmaids dresses,
- zero conflicts about any other part of the wedding,
- zero hurt feelings and/or misunderstandings,
- …and most importantly: zero hesitation to be happy, rally, and muster genuine excitement about the wedding!
So how did I do it?
It was simple, really: I removed expectations. It cost me approximately $2000 more than it would have of our $25k budget to cover at least some of the expenses for our wedding party. And it was worth every penny. I showered my bridesmaids with perks and gifts. Our wedding party was surprised, grateful, and excited to join. By offering to cover either attire or a room cost, we sent a clear message: we want you here with us so much, and we don’t want your attendance to be a burden for you. You are valuable and important to us.
I think couples should consider taking a more critical approach to their position during the planning phase. The way we have approached weddings traditionally has set us up for conflict.
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Think about it: haven’t you already won? You have a person willing to make a lifetime commitment to you (and in today’s market, that’s a rare find). You already have a day where you and your happiness will be the focus. It can be a tough pill to swallow for people who are single, in unhappy relationships, or struggling financially. Agreeing to be part of your wedding sometimes only creates stress and demands on them to make your life even more awesome than it already is. It’s the perfect breeding environment for resentment.
We’ve groomed our culture into empty catch phrases about “this day is all about you” and “it’s your day.” Though that may still be true to some extent, it creates a weird temporary hierarchy among you and your loved ones, and that’s guaranteed to drive wedges in your interactions during the planning phase, through the wedding, and beyond. Acts of generosity will establish you as a thoughtful friend, and take the edge off of their own struggles as they stand and support you. Nothing says relax and have fun like “free.”
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