Wedding 101

6 Things That Shouldn't Make You Feel Guilty About Your Wedding

Exclusive access to expert wedding planning advice and resources from top industry professionals.
One thing you rarely hear engaged ladies talk about is guilt. It's certainly not something you think other brides-to-be feel and it's definitely not as fun to dish about as tablescapes and cake flavors and wedding gowns. And, yet, many affianced women have this not-so-awesome self-reproaching feeling as they plan their ways to the big day.
Photo by Irina Kostenich  Here are six common guilt-inducers that brides struggle with. If anything, know that you're so not alone! 1. Your parents are paying. Must be nice, huh? That's what you might envision other people are thinking when they find out that your 'rents are footing the bill for your soiree. Yes, you are a grown woman. Yes, you could, in theory, just go the courthouse and get hitched and not have a huge, amazing, expensive party. But you are not selfish or childish for wanting a wedding. And you're not spoiled for having parents who are graciously paying for it. 2. Your wedding is going to be "nicer" than your BFF's. It might feel weird to talk about dream dresses when you're thinking custom couture and your best pal is hitting sample sales. You may even start not talking about your wedding for fear of offending your friend, especially if you know she's paying for hers herself or could never afford an event like yours. But realize that it's a gift to be engaged at the same time, or even just around the same time. Money shouldn't come between you two bonding over this exciting experience. 3. You're happily planning a wedding and your sister is still single. This one is tough. By talking about your wedding, you might feel like you're throwing your relationship in her face. But you're not. You two are on different paths and she's likely proud and excited for you. Not involving her would feel like even more of a slight and make her feel totally left out. 4. You're "making" your friends throw you a shower and bachelorette. Especially when there's so much negativity to how much weddings cost your guests and how inconvenient it is to attending friends' weddings, asking people to be in your bridal party can feel like you're serving up a huge imposition. But your friends are adults and they know what's involved in being a bridesmaid—let them make the choice for themselves. More than likely, they're stoked to shower you with attention, celebration, and love. 5. You keep talking about your wedding. So what?! You're getting married! People can deal with you talking about this amazing thing that's happening in your life for the next couple of months. And if they can't? Welp, they'll deal. 6. You "shouldn't care" about your wedding details that much. It might feel frivolous or even superficial to pour over linen samples or contemplate flatware. And, sure, some people just aren't into that stuff. But if you are, own it! You get the awesome chance to throw a huge event for your most-loved people. You're clearly excited about getting married and about hosting all of your friends and family members. If there was ever a time to mull over minute details, this is it. Get more of the latest wedding tips here: 11 Jewel-Tone Details You’ll Want to Include in Your Wedding5 Generous Couples Who Gave Back in Big Ways on Their Wedding Day5 Easy Ways to Keep Guests Comfortable on Your Big Day

1Your parents are paying.

Must be nice, huh? That’s what you might envision other people are thinking when they find out that your ‘rents are footing the bill for your soiree. Yes, you are a grown woman. Yes, you could, in theory, just go the courthouse and get hitched and not have a huge, amazing, expensive party. But you are not selfish or childish for wanting a wedding. And you’re not spoiled for having parents who are graciously paying for it.
More like this
Plan your wedding like a pro.
Follow
Join our newsletter: