A wedding is an event in celebration of the commitment between two people. It is a time to celebrate the love between a couple, share their story with friends and family, and promise to support each other through life’s adventures and obstacles.
Weddings can be as simple or elaborate as the couple’s personalities and preferences. Some couples choose to have a ceremony only, while others add a reception for guests to enjoy cake and punch after the vows are spoken. Regardless of what is done on the big day, there are certain traditions that are usually observed during the wedding ceremony.
Getting married can be an exciting and overwhelming experience at the same time. Unless you’re a seasoned planner with decades of experience under your belt, the whole process may seem out of your hands.
Start your planning with a brainstorming session with your partner, and come up with a list of your priorities. Once you have those established, begin setting a budget and researching vendors. Keep in mind that you might be able to negotiate prices, packages and restrictions with your vendors.
When choosing your date, try to be flexible if possible. This will give you more options when it comes to securing your venue and vendor preferences, as well as allow guests who live farther away to attend the wedding. Consider the weather and season, as well as whether your preferred dates will clash with other to-be-weds’ wedding plans (which can make bookings difficult or more expensive).
Before you decide on a venue, visit several locations to check out their prices and packages. It is also important to have a good understanding of your desired wedding timeline and guest count, so you can narrow down the selection to those venues that fit your needs.
Creating a wedding website is a great way to provide essential information for your guests. This can include details about the ceremony and reception venues, directions and lodging, a day-of itinerary, dress codes, and registries. This will save you and your guests the hassle of responding to countless emails and text messages.
Once the gifts are opened, remember to send thank-you cards promptly. It is important to show your appreciation to those who attended the wedding and helped you celebrate your special day.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom will walk back down the aisle together followed by their parents and the flower girls or ring bearers. Then the newlyweds will be joined by their loved ones who are able to join them for the recessional, including their siblings, cousins, and friends. This is a wonderful opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to each other in front of the family and close friends who witnessed their vows. In addition, it is a great way to showcase their wedding attire and accessories.