Dos and Donts for Weddings

May 30th, 2008

I was browsing through channels when I saw ‘Top 20 wedding tips’ on E! TV. I missed the first few but here are some I’ve learnt:

1. Wedding Dress - The wedding dress should not cost more than 10% your entire wedding budget. Wear it as much as possible as you only wear it once so get as many photos out of that dress as possible. White wedding dresses are not the only option in today’s world. Sarah Jessica Parker wore a black dress. However, she was reported to have regretted that decision. Other celebrities who turned the white dress notion on its head are Pamela Anderson (who wore a white bikini) and Gwen Stefani who wore a white dress dipped in pink.

If you have extra money, invest in a personal trainer so that you will look good in any wedding dress.

2. Bridesmaid’s dresses - Let bridesmaids choose their own dress and hairstyles. Some styles suit some girls and others do not. Let them choose dresses of the same colour or shade but in different style. At the end of the day, it is your choice.

3. Groomsmen - Avoid dressing them in the cliche coloured waist coat and top hats. Let them pick a simple navy suit and ad pocket squares for a touch of class.

4. Guests - Let the attention be on the couple. No one should be allowed to wear white except the bride (or unless they want to upstage her!) Consider the location and the instructions given. If in doubt, as the bride if your proposed attire is appropriate. Remember, sequins do not work in day time!

5. Tiaras - Brides, do not wear tiaras unless you are a princess or they are made of diamonds. If you would still like to incorporate them, try the subtle approach and wear a stone tiara or band tiara like Natalie Portman.

6. Tan - Dont get a fake tan on your wedding day, you will look like you have been on spring break. White dresses only enhance your skin tone. Try using a spray tan or bronzer. Use well in advance or else you will look like an orange.

7. Dress again - Dont pick a trendy style. You want to look TIMELESS. Otherwise, looking at your wedding photos, people will be able to pinpoint exactly how long ago it was (and even your age perhaps) Brides of the 80s favoured Dynasty and princess sleeves.

8. Last Dress tip - Get to know your body shape. Too many girls have the Cinderalla syndrome and want a huge puffy dress. But for someone under 5′5 feet, it does not suit your style. If you have a big bust, do not show too much cleavage. Try EVERY dress, you will know exactly which one is ‘the dress’ when you try them on.

9. Beauty treatments - Men, do not cut your hair the night before your wedding, even if you want to present a clean cut image as a present to your wife. Schedule your haircut a week or two before your wedding, so you have some wiggle room. Girls, do not get your brown tweezed, body part waxed or facials done the night before. Get it done a couple days before so your skin gets back to normal.

10. Comfort first - You want to be able to move around to see your guests and to be able to dance. Wear comfortable shoes or get practical veils.

11. Drink - Good to celebrate but know your limits. Drink water instead of champagne. It is tacky to be drunk at your own wedding.

12. and most importantly BE YOURSELF, JUST A MORE BEAUTIFUL YOU. Someone loves you the way you are so dont feel like you have to compete or please others. Look the way you love, marry the person you love. The wedding is not the be all or the end all, it is just the beginning!