How to Choose the Style of Your Wedding

What kind of wedding would you like to have? Formal? Casual? Traditional? Themed? Daytime or evening? At the Beach?

Do your families agree with you? Do they have their own ideas? It's a good idea for the bride and groom to talk it over together before you talk to your parents. Then you are both on the same page.

Have your friends told you of any problems that they had when planning their weddings?

Think about the weddings you have attended. What did you like about them? What did you dislike?

When people think back on your wedding, what do you want them to remember?

What is your budget for the wedding? Be realistic!

What part of the wedding ceremony means the most to you? The ceremony? The reception? The cake? The band?
You will want to budget a bigger percentage of your money for what means the most to you.

Who can you depend on for financial assistance?

Will the ceremony be religious, secular, or civil? Before you select the wedding date, I advise you to speak with your clergyman or whoever will be performing the ceremony, and decide on the venue of the ceremony. Find out if the venue is available for the date you want to be married. Choose several dates, in case the venue is not available for your particular date.

Check the calendar of local events to make sure there is not another event on the date you chose, on the same location or street.

Choose a location for the reception. Write down the possibilities that have a special meaning to you, like a college campus chapel, a historic home, a ballroom, or your family home. Make sure the reception site is available before you set a solid date.

Decide on the time of the wedding. This can affect the cost of food at the reception. A heavier meal is expected later in the day.

I hope these questions have given you something to think about, while planning your wedding!