Necessary Steps to Begin Planning Your Wedding
If you are going to be married in a church then you will usually be expected to follow standard ceremonies, which that particular religious order generally follows. I say generally, because even in the strictest religious orders you, the Bride and Groom, do have a say in what happens at the church.
With a minister or non denominational , inter faith minister, the choice is wide open. You will have a say in what takes place, where, when and how .
I offer numerous options including a Unity candle , Rose Giving or Hand Blessing ceremony as well as including existing children in a Family Inclusion ceremony and can cater any ceremony adding Scripture, poetry or handwritten vows. Offering you several choices of ceremonies, readings or vows creates a personalized element to your ceremony.
The ceremony should basically consist of an Introduction, Reading, Personal Vows, Ring Vows, and Presentation of the Couple. Always remember that everything is changeable and can be altered to suit your particular needs, likes and dislikes. Do it YOUR way! It’s your day.
I’ve often advised couples with existing children to remain calm when involving children in the procession. There’s a good reason, I am a mom myself and understand that children may act out or decide to stop rather than coming forward. It’s not unusual for me to start the procession over, should it become necessary in order to get the perfect video, photo or united procession shot for our camera crew. Do overs done right put everyone in the best light.
You will need to visit your county clerk and register for a marriage license. This is a legal form and a very important element in the wedding process. This license will allow you to be married in any county within your state. Remember, both parties MUST be present at the time the license is applied for with proper identification and, if you’ve been married before you will need to bring your divorce decree with you. Witnesses are required at the ceremony- you will need one or two people to acknowledge the marriage. Should you wish to have an elopement at my home, my staff can witness for you. I do offer champagne, cake, photos and floral designs for standing parties of up to 10 and you can find out more by using the contact us link on our website page.
The wedding reception offers many options:
Do you have a reception?
Do you have the reception at your home?
Do you have it at a friends house?
Do you hire a hall?
Do you cater yourselves?
Do you hire a catering company?
Do you go to a Reception Center, if so, which one?
Do you really need to have a reception?
The main question that controls most of your decisions is MONEY. What is it going to cost, and can you afford your wishes?
Only you can answer most of these questions. An alternative to an evening weekend wedding is to be married on a weekday, say a Friday or Monday- the prices are significantly less expensive by choosing a date that’s not the usual weekend venue. Also, why not a brunch? You must balance Quality, Price, and Value against each other to ensure that your wishes are met at an affordable cost to you.
Unless you have an army of great friends, and even if your family offers to do the catering, DO NOT try to do the catering on your own! I’ve seen many couples overwhelmed on their wedding day by trying to do the catering themselves when they should be relaxing and enjoying their day. The calmest, the most organized people or unable to cope with the stress. You will have your work cut out for you by just getting yourselves ready! Never mind the guests, put yourselves first.
It’s your wedding day, do you want to be absolutely drained, exhausted and in a high state of stress simply to save a few dollars by doing the reception yourselves?
I negotiate with local vendors to get you the best price and, to give you peace of mind.
The last thing you need to be worrying about is will the caterers show up, the officiant, the florist, the photographers, the make up and hair stylist? At Texas Twins Events, you can count on it!
When interviewing for your wedding- place personality HiGH on the list and, there is good reason for this! Let’s say the photographer, pastor, or other event organizer isn’t a “people person” well, the pastor or photographer will come in contact with most of your guests and the last thing you need is someone that either has an attitude or isn’t child friendly.
It isn’t easy to remain relaxed, be creative, and put the guests at ease however, seasoned specialist can, and WILL overcome any obstacle to ensure perfect presentation.
Work out transportation ahead of time, there are a lot of limousine companies but how about something a little different? A vintage car, Harley Davidson, or horse and carriage?
Remember, time everything with a wide berth. Whoever said that it’s traditional for the Bride to be late was crazy! You have guests waiting, some of whom have probably arrived early themselves. I’d like to reverse this and instead say that it’s traditional for the Bride to arrive early- guests often arrive early at many of my events which is why I stress the importance of time, mine, yours and theirs.
A final note on the wedding dress, I’ve written many blogs on this subject. White is a wedding dress preference, I don’t care if you’ve been living together, married before etc. if white is the color you want- wear it!