Most people planning a wedding ceremony are doing it for the first time
with a basic understanding of what needs to be done. Of course, you want
the ceremony to be perfect and with all the other things you have to
think about it can all be quite stressful. But, if you get organized and
keep on track, your wedding ceremony can come off without a hitch.
Here are 10 things to consider about when planning your wedding ceremony:
1. Know your Numbers - Along with your fiancé discuss the size of
wedding you'd like then make a list of who you're inviting. If you are
over your number, start making adjustments. Remember, everyone that you
invite to the wedding ceremony, you will need to invite to the wedding
reception.
2. Know your wedding party - Decide who you want in your Summer wedding party
and how many are going to be in it. Again, you and your fiancé are going
to have to make a list of who is important to you, both male and
female, and work out your wedding party. Remember your wedding party
will be an important part of your wedding ceremony so it is important to
choose those that are important to you and those who will support you.
3. Know your Location - Are you going to have a church or non-church
wedding ceremony? If you choose a church ceremony, you're going to have
to find a church that works for both you and your fiancé. Choosing a
church wedding will mean things are going to be a bit more formal and
you may need to start thinking about people to participate in readings
etc. Choosing a non- church wedding opens up many places to have your
own unique and special ceremony, remember many places book up early for
wedding ceremonies so make sure you book early. If you're thinking about
getting married in the outdoors, always make sure wedding ceremonies
are permitted and you have a back up plan in case it rains.
4. Know your Flowers - You are going to need flowers for the wedding
ceremony, choosing local in season flowers are always a good deal.
You'll need flowers to decorate pews, and the altar, and don't forget
flowers for your wedding party. Bride's maid bouquets, used at the
wedding ceremony, often double as the centre pieces for the head table.
(It's quick and easy transition and gives the brides maid somewhere to
put their bouquet during the reception.) Not just the bride, bride's
maids and flower girls, get flowers. The groom his groomsmen, fathers of
the groom and bride along with any other special males attending the
wedding ceremony, will need a boutonnière. The mother's of both the
bride and groom along with any other special females, attending the
wedding ceremony will also need corsages.
5. Know your Music - Discuss what type of music you want for your
ceremony you'll need music for: when guests are arriving, the
procession, and if you choose to, during the ceremony. You may even
choose to have music playing as guests leave the wedding ceremony. If
you're looking for something classy and low key you can often hire high
school or university students to play your choice of musical instruments
or sing. Remember this music is separate from your reception and will
add a nice personalized touch to your wedding ceremony.
6. Know your post wedding ceremony line up: You will need to arrange a
receiving line as people are leaving. Make sure you choose an area with
plenty of room which has an easy flow from the ceremony area to the
exit. Make sure your wedding party and others involved in the line know
their place well ahead of time, and don't be shy about having someone
announce how the receiving line will be set up.
7. Know your Photographer / Photographs: You will want to document the
whole day as the bride gets ready, the ceremony, the reception and of
course the bridal party pictures. You may actually want to consider also
getting a videographer to preserve your ceremony forever. Important
things to keep in mind about photos during your ceremony; ensure your
photographer(s) and videographer will be dressed appropriately for the
occasion. Although almost all photographers know this, it never hurts to
ask them and make sure they look appropriate. Make sure the
photographer is aware of where they can and cannot be during the
ceremony. If you prefer a certain angle or want plenty of pictures taken
during a specific part of the wedding, make sure your photographer is
aware. Remember there are no re-takes so make sure you choose someone
you're comfortable with and can communicate with.
8. Know the Logistics - Normally, the groom will get to the church or
ceremony site with family or groomsmen and the bride will get there in
the limo. You can work out whatever you want. Just be sure that everyone
has a way to get there and to the reception. Ensure that any out of
town guests have been given maps or instructions on how to reach the
wedding ceremony. If it's in your budget you may even want to arrange
transportation for these guests. Whatever you choose to do, make sure
everyone involved in your wedding ceremony knows the details ahead of
time.
9. Know where the Rings are - Rings are often left with the best man,
but any trust worthy member of the wedding party can be given this
responsibility. It is best to give the rings to the person the night
before, or first thing when you see them the day of the wedding. It
seems like such an easy thing to remember, but if the duties are left to
a nervous groom or bride chances are they'll forget. It's shocking how
often wedding ceremonies are stopped because someone is running back to
the house or hotel room to get the wedding rings.
10. Know how to let go - Weddings can be an extremely stressful time and
although we can spent countless hours, days, weeks and months planning
the perfect wedding ceremony. Not everything will go the way you've
planned it. Remember that you're probably the only one who knows it
hasn't gone according to plan. We can't control everything so take a few
deep slow breaths and enjoy your special day.
