Are you a rude bride?

Some women have planned their wedding since the ripe old age of twelve.

Me? I wasn't one of them.  Yes, I always knew I'd be married, but when Mr.W popped the question it wasn't an automatic switch that flipped and I knew when, where, how, what color, my wedding would be.  I actually find it ironic on some level that I have fallen so absolutely in love with this one day. 

I did however manage to spend over two years planning my wedding. I relished in planning the details, learning the ettiquette, and executing my somewhat illusive vision.  But when it came down to it, I wanted my guests to be comfortable.  I wanted to be sure they were taken care of and felt welcomed and that I had thought of their wants and needs while celebrating my day.

Now I understand that being "your day" has its perks.  The things you want, the way you want things to look, the way the food tastes... they're all your (and your fiance's) tastes.  However, if you've taken the time to invited your closest 150+ friends and family to celebrate with you, wouldn't you want to make them as comfortable as possible?

Things I am thinking of:

• Did you consider which days you would be asking family and friends to travel to attend your wedding?
• Did you put a postage stamp on the RSVP envelope/postcard?
• Did you provide your vegetarian guests with a vegetarian option, or at the very least, take the time to remove the "I only eat meat, deal with it" sign stamped on your forehead?
• Did you provide enough hor dourves during the cocktail hour for your guests while you're off snapping memories with the photographer?
• Did you consider travel time between locations (or the Catholic Gap?)
• Is there alcohol?
• Are you requiring your guests to pay for said alcohol?
• Yes, asking guests to pay for alcohol is tacky.
• Did you indicate to your guests that the reception would be held outdoors and offer to provide pashminas for the women to stay warm?
• Are there coloring books/activities for the little ones?
• Taking the time to remember even your youngests guests really shows that you've made and effort to have them enjoy your day.
• Did you avoid making a scene about whether or not you wanted to do something (i.e. throw the bouquet, money dance, whatever)
• If something went wrong, did you make a big deal about it or did you let is roll off your back?
• Nobody wants to see a pissy bride... period.
• Did you smile, laugh, enjoy your day?
• There's nothing worse than attending a wedding where the bride (or groom) looks as if there's some place else s/he would rather be.