For many, their wedding day is the single most anticipated event of someone’s lifetime. It is a day when attention is focused on the bride and groom. To some extent, attention is focused on individual aspects of the celebration itself, as a reflection of the bride and groom. This is where much of the anxiety associated with weddings arises from; the idea that if any part of the wedding does not go as planned, that bad apple may “spoil the bunch”.
I am part of a company that has spent 10,000 hours at weddings across the country. As someone who has spent over 1,000 hours at weddings, on behalf of Picture Perfect Photo Booth Rentals, I can say that ‘conventional wisdom’ about what makes weddings ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is categorically untrue.
What makes a good wedding, then? I can’t define a perfect wedding in abstract terms- yet. However, in the words of Justice Potter Stewart, “I know it when I see it”.
Let’s start off by listing what a great wedding is not:
A great wedding is NOT an event where every last detail goes as planned, where nothing is left to chance. I’ve been to weddings where bad weather threw a wrench into the works. I’ll never forget a wedding I attended with a Photo Booth, where a storm was threatening to bear down on what was supposed to be an outdoor affair. During the ceremony, the wedding officiant asked if “anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot be lawfully joined together in matrimony”. A booming thunderclap filled the air, seeming to be a sign of almighty disapproval. I’ve scarcely heard harder laughter at a wedding in my life. In fact, mishaps at weddings are more often the highlight of a wedding. These moments anchor memories of the event to a feeling of ironic humor.
As Carol Burnett said, “comedy is tragedy, plus time”. Whether it’s during your wedding day or during a big speech, never forget that if it’ll be funny later, it’s funny now.
A truly great wedding is also NOT an event where no expense is spared. I’ve been to extravagant, forgettable weddings as much as I’ve been to low-budget, seemingly legendary weddings. Many people have the idea that more beautiful objects make for a more pleasant and notable event. However, this is not a rule that proves true every time. What do you remember most about the last wedding you attended? Was it the decor? The intricate centerpieces? An ice sculpture? Or was is that one memory you have with your family and friends? When Aunt Lou busted a move on the dance floor. When Cousin Dave made that unforgettable speech. When you saw your old friends from the other side of the country.
So, what is the thread that runs through these memorable weddings?
It is the memories that are made that help make your special day unforgettable. It is people, not objects, that contribute to a memorable day. This is why it has been such fun to work with a company like Picture Perfect Photo Booth Rentals. While a proper photographer is a must-have at weddings, it is the photo booth that encourages guests to let their hair down and have fun.
When else would you see Mom and Dad happily dress up as Spider-Man and Darth Vader to take pictures throughout the night? Not at a time when the open bar is out of arm’s reach, perhaps, but with a photo booth, it is almost guaranteed. With the complimentary scrapbook and online gallery that Picture Perfect provides with every Photo Booth rental (in addition to the unlimited print-outs during the event), these memories will be with you for life. It is one of the few gifts you will receive at a wedding that can be looked back on for decades.
Whatever it is that you choose to have on your special day, focus on the memories that will be made, not the gilded appearance of the event. Nobody has complete control over what takes place, despite what some “Bridezillas” may lead you to believe. Above all, be mindful of what happens throughout the day. You’ll only have your first wedding once. If you focus too much on what you think things should be like, you’ll miss out on what is truly important.
Good luck!