2010-03-10 08:00:00 by SMARTBRIDE
Wedding Advice: Opinion Management
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, has an opinion on my big day! How can I politely tell them to butt out?
There is no polite way to tell someone that their ideas, opinions, or advice just don't apply to you. Instead of telling the Know-It-Alls to butt out, be gracious and tactful in your dealings with them.
Throughout your engagement you'll be faced with every type of advice giver including; vendors whose advice and opinions you solicit, married friends and family who freely give advice (thinking they're being helpful) even if you didn’t ask them for it, and smug singles who think they’re smarter because of their "choice" to not be married.
In reality, nobody knows you and your relationship better than you do! Own your opinions and stand up for what you want on your wedding day! Making compromises on wedding details is healthy when it's between you and your fiancé, but everyone else's opinions should come second.
Naturally, this becomes more complicated if someone else is paying. The rule of thumb is that nothing ever comes free and 'free' money, especially, almost always comes at a cost. Often you pay for this with your ear as you listen to the money-giver/lender's whims and wants.
Take heed if you choose to accept money because it often means that the wedding is no longer your own celebration, but a co-authorized party venture with the one who holds the golden coins!
If this is the case, then my advice to you is to bite your tongue, smile politely, thank him/her for the opinion and continue on your own merry way. There are bigger things to worry about, like what kind of cake to have, what flowers to use, and what song to share for your first dance.
Happy Planning,
Crystal Adair-Benning
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About our Guest Blogger: Crystal Adair-Benning
Distinct Occasions is a proud boutique Wedding Planning firm based in Toronto, Canada, but with satellite offices in Glasgow, Scotland and soon Perth, Western Australia! Providing worldly inspired, creative, detailed, luxurious and intimate weddings, Crystal and her team will help you get the "ohhh" and "awww" for your special day.
More Distinct Occasions Wedding Advice from Crystal:
- How can I personalize my wedding without it looking like everyone else's "personalized wedding"?
- What are the upcoming trends in colour? Should I look to them or avoid them?
- My bridal party is all different shapes & sizes. How can I find a look that flatters them all?
- How can we save during the recession without looking cheap?
- Combining different cultural traditions for your wedding
