I had the privilege of being invited to a destination wedding a few short months ago. I have been to a LOT of weddings, and I was thinking back to this particular wedding wondering why I had SO much fun. Sure, it was in a fabulous location, and we were all itching to travel. That might have been part of the reason, but in retrospect, it was such a fun wedding because the bride and groom threw out the rulebook and tailored the weekend to fit their very unique personalities!

The wedding itself was so unapologetically about the couple. There was no wedding party! There was no pomp and circumstance! The vows were non traditional: The bride's vows were sentimental and sappy, while the groom's vows were silly and quirky. There was no first dance or bouquet toss but the cake cutting was theatrical and memorable and the toasts were funny and heartfelt. There was no formula and no one was rushing around to be somewhere or do something. It was relaxed, it was fun, and it was all about the the couple!

In these still-crazy times, it is more important than ever to focus on what is meaningful and personal. It is not the time to worry about having equal numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Gone are the days of asking your mom's best friend's daughter's cousin to be in your wedding party. It is time to mix it up and pick your closest family and friends to share in your joy.

It is also time to skip the obligatory events that so many couples dread. Pick and choose the traditions that speak to you and incorporate the ones that you are truly excited about! Think a first look is silly and too much stress? Skip it! Think the bouquet toss is outdated? Skip it! Want to have your female best friend be your best "man?" Go for it! If you and your soon-to-be spouse are relaxed and having fun, everyone else will have the time of their lives! The #1 wedding trend for 2022 is having the wedding that YOU want!