Your Day, Your Way
Being a gal, who was born and raised in the south, I am one for etiquette and tradition. There are just some things I can't let go, like thank you notes, chewing with your mouth closed, no elbows on the table, etc. However, as soon as I could leave the south (December, 26, 1994 to be exact), I moved to Nebraska and my eyes were opened to a whole new world. The movement to the North is probably what changed my perspective on life forever.
I've been married twice. The first wedding was one of very southern traditional style, lots of lace and pearls, a big puffy skirt, sweetheart neckline with a pearl headband and up-do. It was probably more my mom's taste than mine. My dad walked me down the aisle and we had bridesmaids and groomsmen lining either side of us. We honeymooned at Disney World.
My second wedding was definitely me! I adorned myself in a fitted mermaid-style gown with cowboy boots. My hair was short, so an up-do wasn't even an option. My 16-year old daughter walked me down the aisle, we had no wedding party nor even a honeymoon. Life was happening... and who had time for a honeymoon? We ended up doing a "family-moon" a year and a half later.
I say all of this because when others try to push their ideas, style, traditions, etc. on you, I like to remind brides... its YOUR and YOUR FUTURE HUSBAND'S day. No one else's. So if you don't want to do the "something borrowed, something blue" or have your father walk you down the aisle, its okay. If you don't want to do a traditional registry with fine china and a blender, that okay too. Your day should speak volumes of who the two of you are and what values, traditions, and style are yours. If you have a hard time telling a loved-one, "No, I don't like that" or "No, I don't want to do it that way", a planner can always help with that communication. And they know how to have that conversation politely and with tact.
I've seen it all... biker weddings, Viking, rustic, elegant, and anything in-between. Ya'll do you and most importantly, take a step back and soak in the little moments of the day so you have memories that will last the rest of your lifetime together.
Congratulations and Best of Luck!