A wedding is a celebration of love and commitment between two people. The ceremony takes place in the presence of family and friends. Many cultures and religions have their own traditions for this day. Some of them may include the presentation of gifts, vows and rings, and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or celebrant. Music, poetry and readings from religious texts or literature are commonly included in the wedding. The whole event is usually followed by a wedding reception.
Creating the wedding guest list is an important first step in planning your big day. If you and your partner have a difficult time deciding on who to invite, try creating a list of people that are close to you, play an active role in your life and have been around for a long time. From there, create a second list of those that you love, but you don’t see as often or don’t know that well. Once you have your final list, it’s time to start sending out save-the-date cards.
While it’s fun to dream about all the glitz and glamour of your big day, it’s also important to be realistic with your budget. Having an open and honest conversation with your fiancé or spouse about the amount you’re comfortable spending will help guide your decisions about the venue, food, vendors, attire and more. If your parents are contributing to your wedding, be sure to involve them in the conversation as well.
Another important discussion to have is about your priorities and expectations for your wedding day. This is crucial for minimizing conflict and frustration down the road. “When you’re clear about what you want and don’t want, it’s easier to compromise and come to a mutually-acceptable solution,” says Damali Peterman of BreakThroughADR.
If you and your partner are getting married in a church, your wedding ceremony will likely include readings from the Bible, one from each book of the Old Testament and New Testament, and a responsorial psalm. In addition to the Bible readings, the pastor or priest will probably include a short sermon about marriage and the importance of a happy, lasting union.
Once you’ve compiled all of the information for your wedding website, make sure that it’s updated regularly as things change. It’s a good idea to include the address of the venue, the dress code, transportation and lodging options, any allergies or dietary restrictions, the wedding party and contact information. This will save guests endless emails or text messages asking for this information. It’s also a great way to share information with the vendors you’ve hired for your big day. Providing this information early on will ensure that everyone is on the same page and will be ready to bring your vision to life. It will also eliminate the stress of last-minute changes, which can sometimes occur when a timeline isn’t set in stone from the get-go.