1. I don’t need to hire a professional.
A good friend or relative can (Officiate, take photographs, make a cake, arrange flowers, DJ, etc…) That may work for some things, (maybe), but anything that is truly important to you should be left to professionals. Great photos take more than an expensive camera; great food for lots of people takes careful planning and a lot of work to get it done. And a trained Officiant can make the difference between a routine and ordinary ceremony and one that speaks to the heart of you two are. Save your friends and family the stress and let them enjoy the wedding day.
2. The flowers I want come in every color
AND what I can’t find locally I can find on Google. Remember, photos that you see in magazines are styled for that moment in time. Lighting and editing drastically changes the way flowers, linens and clothing look.
3. Vendors should give better pricing
You DO get what you pay for. Do your research and know which vendors in your area are able to provide the level of service and care you want AND give you the experience of a lifetime. That does not happen by mistake. It does not cost or hurt to ask for a deal. Keep in mind most vendors know their product and services well. They also keep tabs on what the market is in your area. They are in business for business. They know they need you as much as you need them.
4. Everything will be perfect on the wedding day.
I tell all my couples, the day will be what it will be. If a mistake is going to be made, it will be made. If a word is misspoke, if a note is missed, if a flower wilts… The most important thing, is to keep the most important thing; The Most Important Thing… YOU TWO BEING MARRIED! Period.
5. The weather will be perfect.
Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe. Maybe not. Wedding vendors can not control weather. Always have a backup plan if your wedding is to take place outside. If you don’t think you can handle losing your plan A, plan to have your wedding inside.
6. I can lose 50 pounds in 30 days
Really? If you have needed to lose 50 pounds you should have been working on that already. Losing weight to fit into a smaller dress you bought simply does not make sense. Get fitted for and buy the dress that fits you as you are. You are beautiful. You got engaged didn’t you?
7. A ceremony for 200 can be done for under $5k.
Yes that is possible. Mom’s and dad’s will be cooking and doing dishes. Brothers and Sisters will be serving, seating and bartending. Aunts and Uncles will be taking photos and being your DJ. Your Grandparents will be Officiating, and being ushers. Neighbors and friends will be doing flowers and baking cakes. Now you are down to 100 guests… While it is possible to have an inexpensive wedding, it is important to remember that you need to budget to be able to hire the professional who are trained, experienced, equipped and staffed to serve you.
8. I’m planning a short ceremony so the site fee should be cheap.
Regardless of how long you plan for your ceremony, the venue needs to prepare it, staff it and clean it up. They are preparing the space exclusively for your use.
9. I can save money on decorations.
Thinking that family and friends can put up decorations in most venues may end up being a liability instead of a savings. Many venues have restrictions on how things can be hung or applied to walls. In addition, their insurance most likely won’t cover injuries sustained from you or your friends or family standing on a ladder.
10. You must have an AM wedding.
Don’t let the season stop you! Many associate spring with a brunch reception. Brunches are beautiful, but they’re not the best option if you want to have an all-out dance party. Though the days are getting longer, you can still wait until sunset (or even later) for your ceremony. If you want a daytime wedding, go ahead and take advantage of the weather, milder temperatures make a midday wedding much more comfortable than it would be in the heat of summer.
We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.
One day. One journey. One person, at a time.
May peace, love and compassion be with you-and from you!
Rev. Royal D. Bush is the founder of Inclusive Life, where he serves as a multifaith Chaplain. He shares this message to all: “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.” He holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary. He holds a current certificate of spiritual counseling with the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling and is a member of Spiritual Directors International. He actively volunteers and remains active in many social justice issues.
ABOUT INCLUSIVE LIFE…
Inclusive Life has been offering Pastoral Services to those in Iowa and Nebraska since 2009. We are a Nebraska, Nonprofit, Independent-Multifaith Community. Religious. Nonreligious. Spiritual. We serve all without exception. We offer Pastoral Care, Officiate Weddings, Prepare End of Life Documents, provide hospital visits, perform: Baptisms, naming ceremonies, blessings, dedications, and Officiate Funerals.
CONTACT US:
www.facebook.com/inclusivelife
402-575-7006
105 S. 49th Street Omaha, NE 68132
