There are roughly 2.5 million weddings that take place in the United States each year. If you’re looking to join the ranks of the married, though, you should be aware of some common wedding planning myths and misconceptions.
An iPod Works Just as Well as a DJ
This statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, you can play your own songs and music from an iPod, but it pales in comparison to a DJ. A professional wedding DJ will bring his or her own sound equipment, offering a truly exceptional experience that’s not available with a portable MP3 player. Furthermore, DJs can make announcements when needed, such as the father-bride dance, mother-groom dance, cake-cutting, etc.
Equal Number of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Although it helps to balance the photos, there’s no rule stating that you must have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. You shouldn’t try to force a specific number of people into your wedding parties. If you have fewer bridesmaids than groomsmen, that’s okay. Most experienced wedding photographers have dealt with situations like this. They’ll know how to manipulate the scenery to create the best possible photos, regardless of how many bridesmaids and groomsmen you have.
Brides Must Wear a White Dress
Modern tradition calls for a white wedding dress, but there’s been a growing trend towards alternative dress colors. Lavender, for instance, is a brilliant alternative that’s sure to turn heads. Another popular alternative is champagne. Or you could even choose a wedding dress featuring two or more colors. The bottom line is brides shouldn’t limit themselves to only choosing a white dress.
You Can’t Get Married During the Winter
On the contrary, some couples actually prefer the winter season for their Big Day. Depending on where you live — and how deep into the season it is — a winter wedding may offer milder, more comfortable temperatures. Of course, this is also the “off-season” for weddings, meaning you can expect to pay less for a venue and vendor services.
It’s Too Expensive
Some weddings can certainly take a toll on your finances, but others will not. According to TheKnot, the average cost of a modern-day wedding is now over $31,000. You can lower these costs, however, by inviting fewer guests, serving hors d’oeuvre instead of full-course meals, and choosing seasonal flowers. Check out our previous blog post here for more tips on how to lower the cost of your wedding.
Photo credit: Maréchal Crotmoul