The wedding is the culmination of two people entering into a sacred and lifelong union. Whether the ceremony is formal or casual, a wedding should be a celebration of love and commitment between one another and to God. The vows and actions of the couple should reflect this. It is often a memorable occasion for family and friends who are there to support and witness the new couple start their lives together.
A successful marriage is a long-term commitment to care for one another physically, emotionally and spiritually, which is why it is important for the wedding ceremony to be meaningful and not just a show. It is also a special time to celebrate the couple’s family and heritage and begin traditions that may be passed down through generations.
Before you set a date or book a venue, determine your budget and guest count. Most vendors charge per-person, so it is essential to have a solid number before you get too far into the planning process. It’s also important to keep in mind that the wedding date could change if there is a conflict with another event on your calendar or if the vendor you want is booked up for your desired date.
Some couples choose to hire a full wedding planner, while others prefer to handle the details on their own with a month-of coordinator. It depends on your personal style, the size of your wedding, and your budget. If you opt for a full planner, have them meet with all of your vendors and go over all of the details to ensure that nothing gets missed or overlooked. If you prefer to take on the task yourself, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get things done.
Choose a theme or aesthetic to design your wedding around. Whether it’s specific colors, a season or style-based inspiration, choosing a central concept will help guide all of your decisions and save you some headache down the road. It’s also a great way to narrow your search for a caterer, florist and other vendors that can bring your vision to life.
Once you have your venue and your guest list, sit down with your partner and key family members to finalize your invitation list. Determine who you are inviting, as well as if children will be included and how you and your partner will divvy up the guest list.
Find out the names and contact information of all your guests and communicate with them through social media or email to inform them about your big day. Send out Save the Date cards and RSVP reminders at least three months in advance. Follow up with anyone who hasn’t responded to confirm that they will attend and ask them to purchase their ticket.
Once the ceremony is over, it’s time to party! After the newlyweds lead the way, the flower girls and ring bearers follow suit, followed by the bride’s parents, groom’s parents and then the rest of the wedding party.