A wedding is a special event in which two people are united in marriage. Wedding ceremonies differ in cultures, ethnic groups, races, religions, denominations, countries and social classes, but most involve the exchange of vows by a couple, a ring, and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or celebrant. Depending on the culture and traditions of the couple, they may also have a ceremony that includes gifts, music, readings, and special garments.
The first thing you need to decide when planning a wedding is who you’re inviting, and how many guests can fit comfortably into your venue. This is a crucial step, especially if you’re splitting the bill with family members. Once you have a number in mind, it’s easier to budget, plan and shop for your big day!
Whether you have a planner or are handling the entire process on your own, it’s important to communicate regularly with your team. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page, and will eliminate any miscommunication or confusion. It’s also a good idea to ask your wedding vendors for tips, insights and advice as well! They’ll likely have some expert insight into what they’ve seen at other weddings that could help you avoid any potential pitfalls.
After discussing your guest list with your partner and key family members, it’s time to create the final version of your wedding invitations. Be sure to include all pertinent information, including the date, time, location, and any special requests or accommodations that you might be making for your guests. You’ll want to send this out at least 6-8 weeks prior to your big day, so that your guests have plenty of time to prepare.
Now is the time to begin working with your vendors! If you haven’t already, start contacting and booking venues, florists, caterers, rental companies, videographers, hair/makeup stylists, and any other vendor that you’re interested in working with. It’s important to work with these vendors early on in the process, because they can book up quickly!
Before the ceremony begins, it’s important to rehearse your vows and speeches (if you plan on doing them). Recite these to one another in front of friends or family to make sure everything sounds perfect.
The ceremony begins when the bride and groom walk down the aisle together, accompanied by flower girls or ring bearers, followed by the wedding party. The couple then stands in front of the crowd and recite their vows, either in written form or verbally. Afterwards, the bride and groom exchange their rings and are congratulated by their loved ones. This is usually the most emotional part of the ceremony! Then the couple celebrates with their guests at the reception!