So you two have gotten the awkward proposal out of the way and are now working on a date of your wedding ceremony to marry and promise each other to each other the rest of your awesome lives together. The day on the calendar this marriage happens may not be entirely important right now. The fun part now begins(not that you haven’t had your wedding planned since you were 10 years old): the details.
The reception after the wedding is, of course, a big deal. It should be planned in tandem with the ceremony as far as decorations and favors, menu, colors, and such to ensure that all on your special day is most memorable. In a spectacular way, of course.
To make certain that the day is grand, you should consider all angles and options to help spur your imagination (and of course, your future new other half’s) for your big day’s theme. Planning your wedding as the best day of your life is great but you should not have to stress too much about it. You might be lucky and have already been to lots of weddings and have an idea of what you want and don’t want, still here are some ideas and points to think about.
Your Theme
First things first. You and your mate should sit down and list the things that are important to you and you would like to possibly see at your wedding. The colors you like, the flowers you think smell the best and their symbolism, and what makes you two who you are.
How and where did you two meet? Was that day a special event? Could that fit into your special day together?
Do you want to stay totally traditional in a big church with tuxedos and big white dresses or do you want to be by the water and wear flip-flops (well, not JUST flip flops). If you are going to get married, you should kick the common out the door and do what fits you.
Your Guests
How many guests will there be? That may be involved in the budget part of your wedding day if you are going to do a sit-down dinner at the reception, so it’s something to think about. Working on the guest list should be an ongoing task so no one is forgotten and you get enough invitations made.
Your Soundtrack
Another list, I know. Once you decide on a DJ or a band, they will be asking you for any special songs you would like to hear on this day. These should be songs for during the ceremony for walk-in as well as for the party after. The song that was playing when you first kissed or what was playing when you first locked eyes at the local concert in the park. You get the idea. You also might want to include a list of music NOT to play.
The Ceremony Layout
Depending on the venue you have chosen, do you have to do the centuries-old theater seating? Maybe a U-shape or a V. Maybe even a ceremony in the round to spice things up a bit. While thinking about the seating arrangement, a little help with planning your special day can mitigate some of the headaches bound to happen. A good backdrop is important too for all of the guests and your photographer wanting to take pictures for the memories.
Pre-Ceremony Beverage
To accommodate for the favorite uncle who is chronically late to everything, you could do a half-hour teaser with your favorite libation (and punch for the kids) before everyone needs to sit and enjoy the show. Your guests can mingle and chat and talk about their anticipation for you two to start your lives together. Maybe even make new friends.
Pets?
Do you have any well mannered two or four-legged friends you could incorporate into your walk-ins or vows? That would be beyond cute and another memorable part of your day for you and your guests.
Appreciation Gifts
As a bonus for your guests, you could put chocolate on each guest chair (if not the outdoorsy summer wedding) or maybe some jelly beans. Maybe some bags of confetti or birdseed to help celebrate when the vows are complete and walk-outs are occurring?
Traditions
If either of you lovebirds are heavy into your heritage, you could incorporate something from your past into the ceremony. A little research (or asking your grandparents) could go a long way.
There are some ideas to get the juices flowing into making sure you have hit all bases to make your day incredible. But don’t stop here. The sky is the limit.