Why I Love Weddings
I’m not going to sugarcoat it – I love weddings. The ceremony, the decor, watching two friends say “I do,” it’s all wonderful.
This weekend we’re going to get a little bit of everything. The 2020 wedding season is certainly different. Not only does it matter what pocket square you opt for, but selecting a mask is now a thing. Oh, to plan a wedding this year! Can you imagine being in 2019 with a wedding checklist and seeing “customized masks” in your budget?
Before I go any further, for the many couples who’ve pushed their plans to 2021 or put them on hold indefinitely, we are deeply sorry. Wedding planning is difficult and needing to make last minute alterations can be stressful – especially when you should be worrying about getting your clothing tailored and not whether or not you can get married at all.
Image Credit: DC Fashion Fool
Onto this weekend…
Two couples and four wonderful friends of ours are getting married. As I think of the many things I’m looking forward to, I couldn’t help but run through a list in my head. Times have changed since we published 8 Reasons Why I Love Weddings in 2015, so here is a new list of the reasons I’m looking forward to the upcoming weddings:
- Yes, brides spend a lot of time on their dresses. The focus and attention is always on what they wear. However, my focus will forever by on the groom’s face when their almost-spouse walks down the aisle. No pressure grooms, but we’re all watching.
- While I normally check to see what socks the groom and groomsmen have selected, this weekend and year, I’m interested to see how strong the mask game will be. Not whether or not people are wearing them, of course, but the special messages, designs, and logos. If I don’t see at least one Buffalo Bills mask on Sunday I’ll be disappointed.
- If I didn’t love weddings enough, I love attending them with Alix. She’s the queen of details, too. She’ll notice a color sequence, plating, or random script that was used on an invitation.
- Dancing will be missed, but listening to the music selected for the occasion is always a true reflection of the couple. Are we going to get a mix of modern and classic rock, or a mixture of smooth R&B favorites? You never know, but I’m always eager to find out.
- It should come as no surprise that I’m always curious to know what cocktails are selected for the evening. Are they classics? Do they represent the couple? Are they randomly selected to check the box? If you have a good assortment, it’s one of those random things people remember.
- This year, the venue matters even more. It doesn’t matter how much you spend, it matters how you transform a location for your special day. Restrictions may limit what was originally planned, but there’s always a way to make the best out of something different.
- A couple nights before our wedding Alix went to the bedroom and I sat on the couch. We weren’t fighting, but rather determined to write our vows. I don’t think vows have to include a list of promises, but rather a time for each individual to highlight why they’re standing where they are. When two people decide to write their own, I’ll be listening with rapt attention.
- The number one reason I love weddings has not changed. It’s simply that two people get married and commit to a lifetime of supporting each other. It doesn’t get more beautiful than that.
For anyone getting married this year, we wish you all the luck in the world. Not only on your future, but that despite the challenges that 2020 present, you still have the wedding of your dreams.
Now, wish me luck. I’m the officiant for Brad and Alicia’s wedding on Sunday and I still have some writing to do. For those who know my own personal wedding story, yes, I will make sure my cell phone is silenced during the ceremony.
Cheers and congratulations to the bride and grooms of 2020!
-Scott
