Sometimes I don't know if I want a wedding..

I went through hell planning my first wedding. Ex in-laws were a real treat. However, the day of was a blast. Everyone behaved and it was fine.

Everybody has their ideas about a wedding even before the planning begins. You and FH have to stand firm and ultimately what you want over-rules anyone else. Tell people what you're doing, don't ask for input, dont phrase things as questions. Leave no room for objection.

PS - I'm a big fan of short engagements. Less time for people to get all worked up and limited time for decisions.

Religion doesn't have to be part of it. There are all type of alternatives people take. I mean, I'll have religion in my wedding as I do follow a particular faith but it's up to you what you want to do at your wedding. I mean, people have Elvis marry them lol.

There are scripts your officiant can read...I'm sure you could just plan everything yourself regarding that. There are atheist weddings and agnostic weddings (not saying you are either ) Don't let anyone take the joy of your wedding and that day away from you. If anyone tells you you're going to hell for not having a particular thing in your wedding, ignore it. Its ignorance. Judging is a sin.

Good luck and don't give up! Stand your ground and remember it's YOUR wedding. People are free to not show up if they don't approve of how you want to have it. Besides, you'd want people there that truly want to have fun and celebrating the couple

Good luck!

If anyone tries to say anything about one of your plans, just give them a steely look and say "thanks i will take that into consideration" and move on.

Thanks everyone. I hate when people ask me about it. I just want people to show up if they want to...and stop asking me questions about it.

I totally understand where you are coming from, Kelly. I had that thought many a time during my wedding planning process. I really just wanted to be married, and was happy just signing a paper at the court house, but it was really important to my husband to make a public statement of our love to our families and friends.

Let me tell you, he was right. It was such a beautiful night, and it was all worth it in the end. I found, and this may be a little cowardly, but whenever people were being pushy or making special requests, i would just say, ok. And then do it my way. and not tell anyone otherwise. No one is going to give a bride grief on her day... and after everyone enjoys the wedding, they are not going to say boo otherwise! Good luck!!

I agree with Jaqueline S...and I don think its cowardly. Not that I am a know it all, BUT no one is contributing to expenses besides myself, FH and my daddy. So in short, I dont really care what others suggestions are unless its something I deem helpful. That being said, I never know until they open their mouths and I categorize it in my head as: need to know, kinda relevant or nothing I need to remember, lol BUTTTT I have a 19 month old and went through similar situations with my son being born and I think at that point, people learned that even though I am sweet as pie and I am strong in my beliefs so dont test the waters too much. I dont turn into bridezilla mode or anything but I am not taking a BACKSEAT in my own life or wedding. I am sure it is overwhelming to hear any unsolicited feedback from family/friends but just take it with a grain of salt and do as you please for your big day. It will be special