After the excitement of the engagement wears off, it’s time to start thinking about wedding plans. There are various ways and numerous places to hold a wedding ceremony, and each bride wants theirs to be a unique wedding. The first thing to consider with wedding ceremony planning is whether it will be a religious wedding ceremony or a civil ceremony.
Religious Wedding Ceremony
The bride and groom’s religious preference plays an important part in determining how and where they hold their wedding ceremony. When choosing a religious ceremony, the couple will need to consult with their religious leader (eg; Priest), so that he or she can advise the couple on their responsibilities on the day.
Building a good rapport with the religious leader will help the couple feel more comfortable on the day of their wedding, and help the religious leader to make the ceremony a warm and personal experience. Though there is some wording that is required to be spoken during a wedding ceremony, couples can usually personalize their vows.
Civil Wedding Ceremonies
Civil ceremonies are popular for couples that aren’t religious. Rather than a religious wedding ceremony, which is held at a church, couples choosing a civil wedding ceremony have more choice when it comes to wedding venues. Couples can truly have a unique wedding and choose to hold their ceremony in a park or garden, at home, at the beach, at a wedding function center, or almost anywhere.
The most important step when planning a non-religious wedding ceremony is choosing a celebrant. The celebrant can be male or female but it is important that the couple likes their chosen celebrant. Celebrants can usually be found on-line or via the yellow pages. Couples should meet with the celebrant and discuss their requirements for the ceremony. How formal or casual the ceremony is will depend on the couple’s needs.
Again, there is certain wording that legally needs to be spoken by the celebrant, but aside from that, the couple has a lot of freedom as to how the ceremony flows and can be very specific with their vows. Most experienced celebrants should be able to advise the couple on how the ceremony will flow and also provide some samples or feedback from other non religious wedding ceremonies they have performed.
Wedding Venues for the Ceremony
Getting married outdoors is becoming a popular choice for many couples having a non religious wedding ceremony, but there are a few things to consider. Couples often like to choose a place with personal significance and choices include gardens, wineries and beaches.
A few things couples need to consider with outdoor wedding ceremony planning are:
- Weather – Consider the time of year and the expected weather, but have a contingency plan just in case. A shelter or marquee could save the day should the weather turn bad.
- Permit – Couples should find out if they need a permit to hold their wedding ceremony at their chosen location, and if so, how long the permit allows for. For example, it may cost extra to spend an hour after the ceremony to have photographs taken.
- Access – Make sure all guests can reach the venue without too much trouble and that there is sufficient parking. Also consider older guests and if there are steps or a long walk. Some places may not allow chairs, such as a botanical garden that wants to protect their immaculate lawns.
Wedding Ceremony Planning: Other Things to Consider
Couples will need to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage usually at least a month and a day before the wedding day (couples should check with their state/country), and will need to provide birth certificates. The celebrant or Priest can help organize this.
Regardless of whether couples choose a religious or civil wedding ceremony, marriage is a legally binding contract between the bride and groom, but it is also a beautiful and romantic day, so couples need to make sure they relax and enjoy the moment. Next, it’s time for the bride to shop for her wedding dress!
Roberta Goli - Roberta has a Bachelor of Science Degree (Zoology), has worked with animals for over 10 years and enjoys writing short stories and flash ...
