1. You’ll cry when he pops the question, when finding your dream dress, and on your wedding day.

This is something I, myself, felt while going through my engagement. Friends and family told me that getting engaged is one of the most important moments of my life, and what follows leads up to the next most important moment; so tears must be shed. Not true! Everyone reacts differently; some brides do cry, while some feel peaceful and calm, some feel giddy and giggly, others even feel nauseous. These are all normal because there is no “normal”. The same applies for your fiancé too!

2. Your wedding must follow traditional stereotypes or it’s not really a wedding.

You do not need a bouquet toss, the something old/new/borrowed/blue, your dad to walk you down the aisle, or even a white dress for your wedding to be a “real wedding”. If any of the traditions just aren’t your thing, skip them! Make your own traditions with your groom. Your wedding day is about you marrying your fiancé and deciding you want to go through life together. Your marriage is still a marriage even without the garter toss, and even if you wear a black wedding dress.

3. Hiring family or friends is easier than getting a vendor.

There are several reasons why hiring a third party might be better than asking for the help of friends. While your uncle might be getting really good with his camera, it’s hard to ask loved ones to work during your wedding. Getting a professional has its benefits, such as: having someone who has experience with weddings, they’ll have backup plans when things go awry, and they give great results. Save yourself the stress and get an expert when needed.

4. Engagements should be a year long.

Whether a long or short engagement, it’s still an engagement! You still plan your wedding, you still find your dress, and you still get married to your love at the end of it. Choose your wedding day based on you and your fiancé’s circumstances and comfort level. Get married on your time, no matter how long or short it may seem to others! If you are having a short engagement, check out our blog post on planning a wedding in less than three months!

6. You can’t buy the first gown at the first shop.

Why can’t you? There’s no magic number of dresses you have to try on before you can finally say yes to your dress. This doesn’t mean that you can’t do your research and make informed decisions, but it does mean finding the line between informed and indecisive. This goes with anything in wedding planning from photographer to venue. If you love it, go with your gut and get it!

7. Your engagement and wedding must be unique/sentimental/perfect.

Of course, you want every detail in every centerpiece to be flawless, and you probably don’t want the same dress as your cousin. However, is it really necessary to DIY your whole wedding? There’s no need to put all of that pressure on yourself. Your wedding should reflect you and your fiancé, not necessarily your Pinterest board. 

Don’t let wedding myths get in the way of your dream wedding. Skip over traditions that don’t suit you, buy your dream dress no matter how quick you find it, and get married when you and your fiancé are ready. Your wedding is a day of love and memories, not required customs that must be hit by the day’s end. For more wedding inspo + behind the scenes action, follow us on Pinterest and Instagram.