What we didn't do

Every bride eventually crosses off dream designs or expensive vendors whilst wedding planning. I was no different. So what didn’t make the final cut for our wedding?

1. Videography: I’ve read about brides truly regretting not hiring a videographer or even renting video cameras and having guests shoot the important stuff. I have no regrets. Our ceremony was simple and sweet, but our pastor called me Lori at first (I did correct him, and he’d never messed up my first name, ever). Don’t need to remember that. Our reception was a blissful blur. I can recall our toasts, our first dance, and cutting a rug with our best friends. All in all, we probably wouldn’t watch our wedding video much, so we don’t miss it.

2. Colored linens: We opted for white linens and napkins. Why? We already had committed to a certain shade of orange for our place cards and menus (the leftovers from our pocketfolds). I didn’t feel like matching shades of orange. Our caterer surprised us and used silver chargers instead of glass. The paper items popped nicely against the silver and white without an onslaught of color.

Our menu

3. Wall banners: I fell in love with this photo and decided we had to have them. The Orangery featured cornered supports, and I planned to put the banners there. In the end, the logistics of hanging them was too difficult.

www.weddingbee.com – found on the boards

4. Full liquor open bar: When we first discussed alcohol, we assumed we would have a full liquor bar. Because our reception was at the Botanical Garden, we would have to purchase a separate, one time liquor license from the state of North Carolina. In addition, we would be paying for liquor for 70-80 of age guests. Even the bottom shelf, plastic bottle booze adds up quickly. We chose to have a wine-and-beer bar. No one commented on the lack of liquor.

None of this
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5. Colored lights: For the same reason as the menus, we went with “natural lighting.” My fear was that maroon lighting would look like blood, and the orange lights would be neon. Our DJ actually set up color-changing light bars free of charge. It created a nice ambiance without being annoying, flashy, or tacky.

6. Symbolic wedding ceremonies: At some point, I’ll talk about our ceremony. We nixed a unity candle, sand, and any other wedding ceremony. They aren’t our style.

Clearly, I made that decision before I saw these.
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7. Receiving line: This is an old wedding tradition that allowed the bride and groom (and possibly parents) to meet all of the guests. They’re still frequently done at military formals. Imagine standing in line with hundreds of your closest strangers to meet one general. Whoopie. It can be quite helpful if you haven’t met much of your beloved’s family, if you have a smaller guest list, or if your venue has to be reset. We debated this, decided to have our guests enjoy air conditioning for as long as possible, and greeted our guests at their tables while the dinner buffet was being prepped.