When it comes to making decisions about your wedding, there are many things to consider. It all boils down to you and your partner's style and taste. You may also consider traditions that both of your families value. Plus, to make things a bit simpler, you should also take note of current trends, which may make certain items more accessible than obscure ones.
PICKING A DATE : You may have a date that is meaningful to both of your. For example, a dating anniversary. You may also be set on a specific time of year. As for your family, they may have superstitions regarding certain numbers and dates. Lately, it has become very popular to choose a date that is extremely easy to remember. For instance, October 10, 2010 = 10/10/10.
BRIDAL PARTY: The size is the first thing to decide. Do you want it to just be your closest family and friends or do you want to include as many people as possible? Does your family have a say as to whom you choose? Many people are no longer following traditional etiquette in terms of their bridal party. The number of bridesmaids does not have to match the number of groomsmen. There are now best women as opposed to strictly just best men.
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SHOWER: If you want all of your closest family and friends present, you can choose to have a co-ed shower. Traditionally, if you are not currently living together, you may want to have a gift registry. Traditionally, it should be the bridal party throwing the shower...you can have a potluck or luncheon. One modern trend that is occurring these days is to throw a Stag and Doe, which is essentially, to raise money for the couple.
STAG/STAGETTE: Do you want to go all out with the partying? If so, you may go clubbing, to the strip clubs, and get around in a limo. Traditionally, celebrating your last night as a "single", used to occur the night before the wedding, but this is no longer as common. Nowadays, a weekend getaway is huge...Vegas is a very popular trend.
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CEREMONY: Will you be exchanging vows in a church? Are there cultural aspects that you would like to include. Traditionally, the couple has their backs towards the guests. Throw a twist into your ceremony and ask your priest/officiant if he/she can stand off to the side on an angle or if you can face your guests. It is very common now to also have the ceremony and reception held at one venue.
FLOWERS: Are you going to include your favourite flower into your bouquet and/or decor? As it is tradition to keep your bouquet, why not have a mixture of both real and fake flowers? As for your bridesmaids and maid of honour, make it different and have them hold a single flower as opposed to a bouquet. Consider what is popular and what is in-season.
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ATTIRE: How traditional do you want your outfit to be? Do you want to wear a white dress...men, to wear black tuxedos? How will your family feel about it? It has become very acceptable to now add more colour to the bridal gown and the colour black is also now acceptable. The length no longer has to be full-length. Another twist could be to wear coloured pumps.
FOOD: What better time to have your favourite meal than your wedding? Traditionally, dinners are more common but it may suit you and your guests better to have a luncheon. A very popular trend right now is having food stations, giving everyone more of a chance to mingle. Also think about what type of bar you will offer. Plus, your cake...how many tiers and how much detail do you want?
MUSIC: What route are you going to take with your music? A DJ or a band? Traditionally, a receiving line occurs and an introduction to music takes place. Is this something your want? You must also consider how speeches will occur during the event. Are you going to have an MC? A great trend right is to allow guests to request songs on the back of their RSVP cards.
HONEYMOON: Are you more into hot, tropical atmospheres or sight-seeing in Europe? To have a more relaxed approach to your wedding, you can have a mini-moon, which is a small trip prior to your wedding. Traditionally, couples used to depart on the night of their weddings, whereas most couples no longer do this. An extremely huge trend now is the Destination Wedding. This way, you and all your closest family and friends can vacation together.
~Photo courtesy of www.sdweddinginsider.com
No matter what you ultimately decide, make your wedding about what YOU want. Not what you think you're supposed to do based on family opinions, nor what today's society is doing. Stand apart and make it memorable! And enjoy it!!
