Sadly, wedding planning often results in unnecessary stress, when it really should be something fun. The following paragraphs contain a number of helpful hints you can apply to plan the hitchless wedding of your dreams.
You can get a better rate on almost any venue by booking during an off period. The wedding season runs from May until September. Many venues cost more at this time. If it is imperative that your wedding be at this time, be sure to make your reservations far ahead of the date.
One consideration in wedding planning is alcohol service. You’ll want to determine the way that meets you needs, including the cost and the way to serve the kinds of alcohol that you prefer. Keeping an open bar doesn’t come cheap, but keeping it open for an extended time can be even more costly. Check with your venue to find out the alcohol options they have for you to choose from.
Hold a dress rehearsal for all members of the party that are giving speeches at the reception. This will give them a chance to practice, and you’ll also be able to make sure no inappropriate remarks are planned. Generally, many generations attend a wedding, so a joke that’s funny to young people may not be to the elders.
Choose wedding decorations that reflect your personality and that of your partner. Your decorations should also help tell the story of your relationship with the person. Select a theme that best represents what you mean to each other.
Instead of spending a lot of money to get a huge cake for your wedding, think about tiers of sweet, delicious mini-tarts or cupcakes. These arrangements are typically much cheaper and convenient. Guests can choose a couple cupcakes when they leave and put them in the embellished takeout containers.
A reception held around lunchtime is a great idea. Choosing a midday reception may help you to cut down on alcohol cost, since many people would be less likely to drink early in the day. Post-lunch receptions usually cost less, too. The money saved here can be used elsewhere.
Make sure the lights at the venue are on a dimmer switch. You may not think about it in advance, but you may want the lights turned down a bit during some dances or for the cake cutting. Be sure to find out about these details before you decide for sure.
Divide your table settings evenly. Don’t put an odd number of people at any table. Also group tables by age, to help them find things to talk about.
If you find it in your budget, you can have your wedding booked on a cruise with your close friends and family. Your honeymoon will start right after the ceremony. Some cruises have specific rates for couples who get married and honeymoon on their ship.
Put sweet appetizers at the dinner table between meal courses. Offer sweet sugar roses or flavored crackers.
If both parties who are to be married are from very different cultures it is important to incorporate both sides beliefs into the ceremony. In this way, the wedding event will be unique, personal and memorable.
If you have children in the ceremony, dress them comfortably. Dress them in soft, comfortable fabrics that are airy and fit loosely. Break in new shoes first, and make sure they are comfortable. By doing this, the children will be less inclined to fuss with their outfits, and more likely to partake happily in whatever roles have been assigned to them.
If you are giving a speech at a wedding, plan ahead and rehearse it several times. If you don’t bother to prepare, or your preparations fall short, you’ll find that your speech could end up being a disaster.
Each and every component of the wedding should be examined and planned perfectly; you want no surprises during showtime. You want all your guests to be excited and engaged.
For receptions that don’t include dinner, consider renting less traditional seating arrangements rather than tables and chairs. You can witness far more social interaction among your guests if they are seated in chaises, lounges and maybe even comfortable sectionals. Plush seating is also conductive to a relaxing time, and is comfortable for those with mobility issues. You can also use your furniture to customize your space.
The aesthetic of your big day should include all aspects of your wedding, even the flowers. Some retro themes will have bright color palettes that will require equally bright flowers. That could mean red poppies, daisies, and pink and yellow peonies.
Make a list of the things you want for your wedding, and list each thing by level of importance. Flowers are usually one of the most important parts of a wedding, and the cake and venue are usually up near the top, too. If you make your budget in accordance with your preferences, you can guarantee that your money is spent in a way that best reflects your desires.
Gift registries are a tradition. For a pleasant atmosphere, you should make your guests understand that they do not have to bring anything. There should be varying price ranges and a wide array of gifts to choose from. Your guests should be comfortable bringing gifts they can afford.
Plan Ahead
Be prepared and plan ahead, then take time to relax as the big day gets near. Your wedding is a new start to your life, so you should plan ahead for it.