Planning a wedding is an exciting yet challenging time in every couple’s life together. Handling all of the logistics from the ceremony to the reception and trying to prevent any wedding day snafus is no small feat. Throwing a wedding in a small town with fewer services can add its own unique challenges. From a lack of vendor options to small-town drama, people marrying into a rural family have extra pitfalls to contend with. Fortunately, we have some ideas and tips for you to keep in mind while planning your big day.
Guest List Drama
Image Source: Pexels
In a small town, everybody knows everybody. News can get around fast, especially when it comes to an exciting, milestone event like a wedding. Word about who is and isn’t on the guest list could spread and cause drama. Some people may feel slighted if they aren’t invited, even if your future spouse hasn’t really kept in touch with them over the years.
It’s important to be polite but firm about your boundaries if someone questions your guest list. Remind them that weddings are expensive, and you were limited by your budget and space constraints. Even if you handle this interaction with grace and tact, it’s possible the person may still be offended and hurt. If you’re holding the event locally, it’s possible that uninvited townies could try to crash the party anyway. Posting an usher at the door can help prevent people from sneaking into your reception.
Low-Quality Vendors
Image Source: Pexels
In tiny towns, there aren’t many wedding vendors available. You may only have one or two choices for food, cake, and flowers. Due to the lack of options, you could end up with a low-quality vendor that doesn’t deliver on all their promises. It’s possible that a vendor could be late or your food could fall short of expectations.
Although we hope your wedding goes off without a hitch, it’s wise to prepare for hiccups by formulating backup plans. For example, when my sister’s flowers showed up wilted, we were able to get backup flowers from the grocery store. Hiring a wedding planner can also help ensure the day goes as smoothly as possible.
Partying Too Hard
Image Source: Pexels
At least here in the Midwest, people who live in small towns often enjoy drinking and having a good time. But it’s possible they may party too hard at your wedding, which can cause bad behavior and transportation problems. Excessive drinking can lead to unruly conduct that ruins the vibe of your wedding. Inebriated guests may also have trouble getting home safely, especially if your wedding is in your fiancé’s hometown. Small rural areas may not have services like Uber or Lyft, so guests will likely need a designated driver.
To limit drinking and prevent wedding day fiascos, consider opting for a cash bar instead of an open one. It may also be wise to serve less potent drinks (like beer and wine versus hard liquor) and hire a trained bartender who knows when to cut people off.
Feuding Guests
Image Source: Pexels
Small towns are known for their tight-knit communities and strong family ties. Since everyone knows everyone in a rural area, it’s possible that certain guests could have long-standing feuds with each other. Paying attention to your seating chart and putting distance between people who don’t like each other is wise.
Since weddings are emotional events, you may also have to navigate family politics during the wedding planning process. Your mother-in-law or sister-to-be may have a different vision for your wedding than you do. Although you have the final say on your special day, finding ways to compromise and make people feel included goes a long way toward keeping the peace.
Wedding Dress Regrets
Image Source: Pexels
Nearly a third of brides have wedding dress regrets and wish they had chosen a different gown. This problem can be amplified in a small town where there aren’t many bridal shops. There may not be as many dresses in your preferred style or size, which can make it difficult to find your dream dress. If you have to travel several hours to a bigger city or town to find a gown you love, it may be harder to work fittings into your schedule.
Small-town families may also have wedding dresses, rings, or other accessories that have been passed down for a few generations. If you’re offered a vintage dress, it may be hard to turn it down, even if the gown isn’t your style.
Ceremony Problems
Image Source: Pexels
At a small town ceremony, you may also run into issues with the officiant. In rural areas, there are often fewer officiants to choose from. Your options may be even more limited if you’re looking for a preacher from a certain denomination. If you don’t jive with your officiant or they make mistakes, it could throw off your ceremony a bit.
Although objections at weddings are uncommon, it’s also possible that someone who doesn’t want your union to proceed could chime in during your ceremony. If your venue is located in your fiancé’s hometown, an old flame or disgruntled family member could show up with an objection. However, most officiants will move on quickly if the objection has a personal basis rather than a legal one.
Lastly, people from small towns tend to get married younger, which could contribute to higher rates of divorce or even getting left at the altar.
If you live in a small town too, what are some pitfalls of rural weddings that you’ve noticed? Share your experiences in the comments.
Read More
Smart Budgeting Tips for Newlyweds: Travel, Insurance, and Loans
4 Tips for Emotionally Supporting Your Spouse Through Hair Loss
