The wedding industry wants us to simultaneously conform into the expected mold, while also "top" everything that has come before us by having the most unique wedding ever seen by mankind (or on Pinterest.) While I don't think I've generally succumbed to the pressures of the "industry," (or maybe I'm kidding myself there...) there are a few things that I realized I was overthinking, perhaps due to wanting to break free of the traditional expectations set upon brides.
Number One? My wedding ring.
But you know what? She was right. I liked the sparkle. I liked the cohesiveness. I like the--dare I say it?--simplicity. As soon as I put it on, Mr. Llama and Jamie could see in my face that this was the right choice. Jamie said to us - "In five years, you might regret the filigreed/twisty band. You will not regret the simple, matching eternity band. There's a reason why everyone wants it - it's a classic, timeless look. You already have the pear shape with the halo. You have uniqueness there. Don't try to do too much."
Don't try to do too much. It's been echoing in my head ever since.
Back in March, I had my hair/makeup trial in Florida, and I wasn't thrilled with my hair. I didn't blog about it, because I couldn't decide what I was going to do instead. I mean, I didn't want the low, sort of classic bridal updo (low-do?) that everyone else does! Here's what I originally asked for, and how it turned out:
Image via HairStylesWatch.net |
A few nights ago, a couple House Party ladies with some hair skills came over to play with my hair, see if we could figure out what it is that I did like.
The verdict?
Image via elstile-spb.ru | Image via salon2hairdressing.ie |
I had been resisting this look because I feel like it's what everyone and their mother does. But you know? It doesn't matter. It's what I like the best, so it's what I'm doing.
The third decision where the "don't try to do too much" motto is lurking in the back of my head has to do with the belt for my dress. I haven't shared this yet, so surprise! My dress has a belt!
MR. LLAMA---GO AWAY NOW!!!!
Okay. Take it away, belt!
While we were at the store, Bella Bleu, someone came up with the idea of putting the belt on a black ribbon. In case you forgot/don't know, our wedding has a black & white striped theme.
But now I'm starting to think, "Am I trying to do too much?" The belt in and of itself has a lot going on. My dress has a lot going on. Maybe I need to heed the old adage, K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple, Stupid!
So while I'm undecided, I'm leaning toward keeping it on the white ribbon. Though I welcome opinions - what do you think, hive? It could also be a thicker black ribbon - that's just what they happened to have at the store.
So what I'm trying to say is - beware trying to be different for the sake of being different. It might lead you down the wrong path. It's not always easy, of course. One of the things that eats away at me is that my friends and family are spending so much time/money coming to the wedding, and they've been to probably 15 weddings in the last 5 years. How will I make our wedding worth their trip?? I have to look different(ish)! I have to have different(ish) details! I have to have the most unique ceremony ever written that they will remember for the rest of their lives!!!!
No, I don't. You know what IS different from every other wedding in the entire world, though?
I get to marry the wonderful Mr. Llama.
The rest is just details.
*Disclaimer - I am not under the impression that ANYTHING I mentioned above is terribly "different." I'm not so wrapped up in my own wedding that I don't see that :)