So you’re finally planning your wedding. You’re trying to juggle coming up with a guest list, meeting with suppliers, finding your dress, and booking a hundred other things. Then, someone in your circle comes up to you and gives you unsolicited advice on having a pre-wedding fitness regime or questioning why you’re having an all-adults wedding.
Trust us, we know that feeling of having other people seemingly bypass the decisions you’ve already made for your special day. Dealing with unwanted advice can be difficult, especially because those who give it frequently have good intentions. But since it’s your wedding, the choices you make should be in line with your preferences and your ideal picture of the event. Below are some pointers for handling this circumstance gracefully.
When you receive unsolicited advice during wedding planning, consider who it’s coming from and how much you value their opinion, as this can guide your response. Also, take a moment to assess whether the advice is actually useful or relevant to your wedding plans before deciding to ignore or act on it.
1. Be firm, but be polite. A simple “Thank you for your suggestion, we’ll consider it” might go a long way. This expresses your acceptance of the suggestion without obligating you to follow it.
2. Honesty is the way to go. It’s acceptable to say, “We’ve actually already decided on [insert your choice here], but thank you for the idea,” if the advice directly contradicts your wedding vision.
3. Consider delegating. If you see that one individual in particular is always offering advice, you might try putting their attention onto a particular project. Consider redirecting the person’s energy by asking for their help in areas where you actually need guidance. This not only gives them a constructive role but also takes the focus off what they think you’re doing wrong. Additionally, make them feel valued by acknowledging their expertise in specific areas, even if you don’t plan to follow their suggestions.
4. Avoid sharing too much about your big day, especially to those you aren’t too close with. The more information you provide, the more room there is for suggestions and opinions. To prevent discussions, think about keeping some components a surprise.
5. Have boundaries and stand by them. If the unsolicited advice starts to bother you too much, you might need to establish clear limits. Inform them politely that you appreciate their enthusiasm but would prefer the freedom to organize your wedding how you see fit.
In order to maintain your focus on what really matters—your happiness and your impending marriage—you must learn to manage your stress when receiving unsolicited advice on wedding planning. Keep in mind that not all suggestions need to be a source of dispute. To maintain a united front and for assistance in determining whether advice might be truly helpful, talk to your partner.
If the unsolicited advice becomes overwhelming, think about hiring a seasoned wedding planner who can serve as a neutral third party. Most importantly, remember that the main purpose of your wedding day is to celebrate your love and commitment.
It’s practically a given that you’ll receive unsolicited advice when planning your wedding, but how you react to it can have a major impact. You’ll be more adept at negotiating if you maintain good manners, establish clear limits, and concentrate on your daily goals. We’re wishing you the best of luck!