How to control peoples expectations

[MaMaD1990]

My partner and I recently got engaged and no more than 5hrs into the engagement the opinions about what we should/shouldn't do started...i know this is something most people will have to deal with but it drives me mad. An example is we have been told by a family member we can't have the wedding during the winter, which is exactly when we want it! Im anticipating lots of upset about the guest list as the venue we want can't hold everyone for the ceremony so we've put cousins in the evening. We have decided to hold strong and plan the day how we want it regardless but does anyone have suggestions on how we can tell people "no" politely if they try to brow beat us into submission? Let the fun begin!

Hopefully there will be inclement weather and the fun suckers will stay home.

we have been told by a family member we can't have the wedding during the winter, which is exactly when we want it

Well it's not their wedding so just ignore them!

My MIL told me:
That I must have bridesmaids (I didn't)
That nobody gets married on a Friday (they do, and I did)

It's your wedding. Do what you want.

I think as long as people are decently hosted and communicated with whatever you choose to do is fine. Nothing wrong with winter weddings and evening guests, as long as they aren't expected to travel significant distances, are also within good etiquette.

I'm anticipating lots of upset about the guest list as the venue we want can't hold everyone for the ceremony so we've put cousins in the evening

If the venue is more important to you than family then it isn't unreasonable that they will be pissed off.

TBH, I have never understood bridezillas that put venues above people when it comes to getting married. Maybe because people are more important to me than place..