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We love weddings. If you need us, we’ll be here in the Design District making all of our couples’ weddings meaningful, and beautiful.
As if planning a wedding wasn’t stressful enough, brides getting married in 2012 have the challenge of the Presidential election. Now I’m not speaking literally. We’ve decided as a nation to have elections on Tuesdays, which doesn’t interfere with many events. The divisive nature of American politics, however has many brides worried about, at best, uncomfortable conversations and at worst, disruptive and inappropriate behavior. Here are three tips from top Palm Springs florist My Little Flower Shop to avoid the worst case scenario.
Brides: Think ahead. One advantage you have is a guest list, and RSVPs. You already know who the potential pot-stirrers are, so mitigate with calmer heads at their table. You can also ask their family members to speak to them in advance about avoiding sensitive topics at your celebration. Make good use of placecards.
Wedding Party Member: Congratulations, you’re an Interpersonal Diplomat. Bridesmaids and groomsmen have to add conversational negotiation to their list of duties. Do your part to find out who might be throwing bombs into a conversation and keep an ear out for friendly chats trending towards the election. Then redirect! The best new topic? Try the honeymoon locale. Has the political commentator ever been to Bali? No? What destinations are on their bucket list? Now you’re off and running.
Enlist your parents and siblings to keep politics out of your wedding celebration.
Wedding Guests: You know what they say. The conventional wisdom is that it’s a bad idea to talk about religion and politics among people you don’t know. Good rule. You never know who’s sitting next to you. You might have a great joke about Senator XYZ, but you might also be sitting next to his daughter. Stay on your good behavior. Don’t bait anyone, and don’t take the bait if someone’s trying to drag you into an exchange that could turn ugly. The bride and groom will be grateful.
Politics don’t belong at a wedding. Sharing that with family and friends should keep your celebtration a neutral zone. If someone really acts up, drop them off at a local campaign office. Once they’re put to work when everyone else is at the family softball game, they’ll be back, and better behaved in no time.
Often brides have a tough time figuring out what they want to look like on the big day. Sweet, or seductive? Classic, or modern? Here’s the key. You want to look like yourself! Your groom fell in love and proposed to you because of who you are – don’t present some exotic version of yourself on the day of the wedding because of some fashion trend or pressure to create dramatic photographs.
Here are three important questions to ask yourself about your look on the big day including your bridal hairstyle, wedding dress, and make-up.
Are you comfortable? Looking like you walked off a Paris runway isn’t worth having your dress duct taped to you and your hair pulled so tight it gives you a migraine. Most of us don’t live in cultures where it’s a badge of honor to get bruises from your elaborate wedding dress, so find something that fits well, and feels good!
Will your fiancé recognize you? Do you look like a glammed up version of yourself, or like someone you’ve never met? Your man wants to see someone familiar underneath all the trappings of bride-dom. Keep in mind you’re dressing up for him after all!
Don’t go for broke. Debt is not cute. If you can’t afford a hair and make-up team, or a $5,000 dress, don’t charge up a storm on credit cards. If your look is important to you, compromise on other budget items to make sure you have the resources you need, or investigate ways around the expenses like bartering for services, or renting a designer gown.
If you stay true to yourself, keep your wits about you, and follow your heart, you’re sure to be a beautiful, comfortable, solvent bride!
