Top 10 Wedding Myths

Myth #1: Being a Bride Means Wearing White

Lots of brides these days wear dresses in off-white, ivory or even blush shades (hello, Reese Witherspoon!). But it's perfectly acceptable to do something completely different and opt for a gown (or a cocktail dress) that's a color you love. You can also add a dash of color to your bridal look by wearing a colorful shrug, bolero or satin belt.

Myth #2: The Bride's Parents' Names Must Appear on the Invites

Traditionally, since the bride's parents paid for the wedding, their names were usually printed at the top of the invitation (they deserve a little credit after all!). These days, though, you should feel free to put your parents' and his parents' names anywhere you want on the invite. Or, if you're both paying for the wedding yourselves, you can also opt to leave them off altogether. You may just want to check with your parents first to make sure they won't be upset if you choose a modern style.

Myth #3: If You Were Her Bridesmaid, She Should Be Yours

If you were one of 10 bridesmaids in a wedding five years ago for a sorority sister you haven't really stayed close with, there's no reason to have her in your bridal party as well. Your bridesmaids should be your closest friends -- the ones you talk to and confide in all the time. If you're worried that your friend might be upset if she's not asked, let her know that you wanted to keep the bridal party small to match your intimate wedding, and consider offering her a chance to give a reading at the ceremony instead.

Myth #4: Everybody Should Have a Plus-One

While it's a very nice gesture to offer a plus-one to your guests who are traveling from out of town and may not know many people, it's certainly not required that you extend that kindness to everyone who's coming. When considering who gets one and who doesn't, try this: Single friends who already know lots of people at the wedding probably don't need one, while friends who have had a significant other for more than about six months do.

Myth #5: Having a Wedding at Home Will Save You Money

Think you'll save big because you didn't shell out for a reception venue? Think again. Hosting a wedding at home often means bringing in just about everything from an outside rental company. If you go a la carte with all your decor, catering and rentals, the expenses can add up quickly (and that doesn't include trying to sort out parking for those driving to your wedding). Bottom line: Having an at-home wedding can end up being just as expensive as having a reception in a venue where the costs are all-inclusive.

Myth #6: Guests at the Ceremony Should Be Split Between the Bride's Side and the Groom's Side

Not only do you not have to split up your guests, but you don't actually have to have an aisle that divides the group evenly either. Consider seating your guests in a semicircle or in-the-round for a more intimate feel.

Myth #7: You Can't See Each Other Until the Walk Down the Aisle

First-look photos -- where the bride and groom see each other prior to the ceremony to take photos together -- aren't just practical (you'll get to enjoy your cocktail hour rather than spending it taking photos), but they can also be a way to get rid of some of your preceremony nerves.

Myth #8: Hiring a Friend Can Save You Money

Repeat after us: Hiring a friend is a great way to lose a friend. Just because a friend has a nice camera doesn't mean they'll make a great wedding photographer. When guests volunteer to help out at the wedding, sometimes they end up just acting like a guest on the day-of instead of organizing the way you'd hoped they would. Avoid any hurt feelings by hiring a pro to handle the most important aspects of your wedding and ask your enthusiastic friends to help you with smaller projects, like your favors.

Myth #9: You Have to Leave for Your Honeymoon Right Away

Sometimes when you're planning a wedding, it can be tough to imagine anything that comes after -- especially when it's another big planning project, like your honeymoon. Consider delegating honeymoon arrangements to your fiance if you've got your heart set on leaving right away, or simply pick another time after the wedding and plan your dream vacation then.

Myth #10: You Have One Year to Mail Your Thank-Yous

Though there will be plenty to catch up on once the wedding is over, your biggest priority should really be sending out thank-you cards. Avoid thank-you writing hell by keeping a detailed list of your gifts, making specific notes along the way so you're not just writing the same card 100 times over. Try to wrap up all of the remaining wedding-related duties within six months after your wedding date.