An engagement ring slips onto your finger, and all of a sudden, you’re planning the biggest party of your life. It’s fun, but there is so much to think about with your big day—especially when it comes to actually getting married. When it comes to knowing how to plan a wedding ceremony, we’ve got you covered with our sage advice.
Having Memorable Wedding Ceremony Ideas
There are so many details involved in making your big day perfect. Whether it’s the invitations, ring bearer pillow, or dress alterations, you have a lot to think about. There are so many pieces that all lead up to your wedding day.
Having a wedding planner and coordinator at your event makes things run smoother. However, you still have to do some preparation on your own for your wedding ceremony. So, buckle in and learn how to plan a wedding ceremony without missing a thing.
How to Plan a Wedding Ceremony
Determine if you want to use a traditional wedding ceremony outline.
When it comes to your wedding ceremony program, there is a general outline that you can follow. Traditionally it’s the processional, welcome, readings, vows, kisses, pronouncement, then recessional.
Depending on your religious preferences and other elements, your wedding ceremony order can fluctuate a bit. A huge decision you need to make is whether or not to include traditional details.
For example, maybe you want to include both the bride’s mother and father in a special way. You could also incorporate wedding ceremony readings from other relevant languages.
Remember that at the end of the day, your nuptials are about you and your soon-to-be spouse. Make sure that you choose music, readings, and a wedding ceremony outline that fits you as a couple.
Consult with a wedding planner to determine the wedding ceremony order of events.
Your wedding planner is a valuable resource for your big day. They will help make sure that everything you want to do at your wedding has a time slot. A planner can also make necessary preparations.
If you know what you’d like to do but are flexible about the wedding ceremony order, talk with your wedding planner. They can help you decide what to do.
Wedding planners work with the venue to make sure there is ample time for each element. Aspects, such as guest seating and other elements of your wedding, are details a professional orchestrates for you.
A day-of wedding coordinator ensures that things run smoothly.
A wedding planner will help you plan out your big day. However, a wedding coordinator is there to make sure things go smoothly. These can be separate people, or—quite often—you can hire a planner and coordinator in one.
Either way, they’ll help make sure everything is ready to go and that things progress on the expected timeline. When it comes to your ceremony order of entrance, you want to make sure your wedding coordinator is there. They will make sure people walk out at the right time.
Afterward, they can direct guests to proceed to the cocktail area. Make sure your wedding coordinator is there for the rehearsal, so they know what to expect on the day of the wedding.
Find a wedding officiant that is right for both of you.
A good officiant will be able to help guide you in making decisions about your modern wedding ceremony outline. These could be things like suggested verses or ideas for writing your vows.
Find an officiant that you are both comfortable with and one you feel will represent you both as a couple. Even if you blend faiths at your wedding, ensure that your wedding officiant can handle it on your big day.
Finalizing Your Wedding Ceremony Ideas
Planning your wedding can be stressful enough as it is. Knowing how to plan a wedding ceremony is helpful, although folks like your planner, coordinator, and officiant can help, too.
No matter what, create a wedding ceremony outline that represents you and your partner to the fullest. Happy planning!
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Photos: Dimitri Kuliuk, Chapin Jones, Zakaria Boumliha, Nyana Stoica,