Weddings From a Child’s Perspective

My sister and her good friend Chris, are planning to be the official beautifiers come wedding day. Chris just graduated from cosmetology school and my sister is soon to follow in a few months. They have agreed to do hair and makeup for myself and the rest of the wedding party. In talking to Chris about wedding planning and incorporating charity, they were trying to brainstorm and get creative with resources. Chris’ husband is an avid guitar player and they may have convinced him to play solo during the ceremony. In discussing the details, Chris’ curious daughter Kaya, age 7, asked if she would be invited. My sister gently explained that this was an adults only event but she would love her help in the planning process. Kaya said she had some ideas and asked how she could help and my sister suggested she draw some pictures of her ideas. As they began to discuss her ideas more, Kaya inquired if I liked pizza. My sister said that I do love pizza but that it may not be the best choice for this kind of dinner. Without skipping a beat, Kaya completely in sync with what my sister was saying said, “Oh it is probably not fancy enough, How about pizza with a salad?”

You can’t help but smile at the mind of a child. However this story reminded me to keep things in perspective. Wedding planning can be extremely stressful and its easy to get caught up in the details, trying to make everything just perfect. So its necessary sometimes to stop and think like a child would, simply and without regard for other people’s opinions. I know food can be tricky as people want something that looks good and tastes good as well which can start to get costly. Keep in mind that people are not coming to your wedding to eat and if they are, they probably shouldn’t be invited. They are there to celebrate you, so if pizza or something simple fits better into your budget or your tastes go for it. Dress it up with a side salad if you need to. In all reality I’d rather have pizza than an elegantly plated game hen any day. A friend of mine is getting married in May.  After a last minute backing out by her planned caterer she decided to get her food catered by her favorite restaurant. She is saving a huge amount of money with this option and it is very meaningful to her and her fiance as they eat at this place regularly. It won’t be a fancy plated dinner that will impress the eyes, but it is guaranteed to be delicious and that is all that really matters.

So next time you get caught up in the wedding planning madness, breathe and think about it how a child might. If you have access to a child, ask them their opinion which will at least make you smile. I appreciate Kaya’s willingness to help and her enthusiasm for our wedding day. Who knows, we may end up with pizza! Either way, I am glad she brought some perspective to the event and made me realize what is really important. The day is about you as a couple, so make decisions based on what YOU like not based on what you think your guests will appreciate. And don’t forget to have fun, you know your seven year old self wouldn’t have it any other way!

Kaya on her 7th Birthday