Shayne on You: Wedded bliss or Highway to Hell?

Editor’s Note: Chenango County’s favorite best-selling author Maggie Shayne has joined the ranks of Evening Sun contributors with an advice column that’s just a tad different than ‘Dear Abby.’

Whether it’s relationshipguidance, tips on modern romance or just throwing her two cents in, Maggie’s got an answer for everything in “Shayne on You.”

Dear Maggie,

After five years my boyfriend asked me to marry him. I was so excited I started planning the wedding two months after the proposal. Everything is in order, although some people aren’t doing what I hoped. The woman performing the ceremony hasn’t given me the information I need, the last minute plans are stressing me, and though I want my fiancé to have a say in the plans, to date he has made only one decision; that ACDC’s Highway to Hell will be our wedding song. I’m not the love-song type, but for a wedding!? Maybe we should just elope. Should I ask him to change it, or just be happy we are getting married at all?

Stressed Out Bride-to-be

Dear Bride-to-Be,

“The Woman” performing your ceremony got off her duff and sent you the info, so there’s one problem solved. She’s done a lot of weddings now, and she promises it’ll all go beautifully. ?

Now, about that song. I’ve heard some grooms say that in order to get out of making decisions about their wedding, they make one really bad choice, and as a result, the bride doesn’t ask them to decide on anything else. Do you think that could be the case here?

Here’s an idea. Suggest that you have the DJ play Highway to Hell when the groom and groomsmen are introduced at the beginning of the reception. Tell him it would be very bad luck to have it as a wedding song, and offer him some other suggestions. (A good note for brides. Don’t ask the guy to choose anything unless you first give him a list of acceptable choices. That way you can’t go wrong.)

Mostly, remember that the song and the details of the event aren’t what matters. It’s the emotions, the joy of the day, and the fact that it represents a new beginning for both of you. Fill the planning and the event with joy and joy will follow. Ditch the stress. All is well.