Here’s What It Really Takes To Make A Dream Wedding Come True

It may have happened unexpectedly, or you’ve been waiting months for this moment. The love of your life has finally popped the question. And you said yes! You’re engaged, and full of excitement. Rather than thinking about the rest of your lives together, though, you’re probably full of ideas for your beautiful wedding. But planning a wedding is an enormous undertaking. It can be stressful and very hard work to bring such a huge event together. Don’t worry though. Here’s what it really takes to make your dream wedding come true:
Announcement
Traditionally, your engagement should be announced. Sometimes the groom likes to ask the bride’s father for permission to marry. These days, a round of drinks and a toast to the future is all that is expected. Some couples also like to announce the formality of their relationship in the press as well. You may prefer just to post a statement on FaceBook. Either which way, it is exciting news. Let the whole world know you’re in love!
Venue
Before you can confirm the date you’ll be married, you need to find a venue with availability. This can be tough. Some couples with one of the partners in the armed forces may struggle to find a venue within a narrow time frame. However, there are sometimes cancellations or postponements. If you can accept just a couple of day’s notice, you may still be able to have the venue of your dreams.
Both of you should visit the place you want to get married. You should see where the ceremony will be held, and confirm the capacity for that and your reception room. This could determine a limit on your guest list. Once you have found the place you want to marry, you will have your date.
Celebrant/Officiant
The next thing to do is to find someone to marry you. You can have anyone you like guide the ceremony and MC your reception. But to legally marry, you must have someone certificated to take you through the verbal vows and written paperwork required. In some places, one of your friends may be able to take this on with a simple application process. Your local government office is the best place to start to find someone.
Of course, if you are having a religious ceremony to officiate your wedding, you will most likely have it conducted at a religious venue. Some religious leaders are not authorized to marry you legally. You will still need to attend a legal service to make it official in the eyes of the law. Be sure you know what the ceremony will cover.


Invitations

Now you know when and where, it’s time to decide who. Your venue capacity will put a limit on the number of guests you have. And some chapels are quite small, so you may have fewer guests attend your ceremony than your reception. If you’re on a budget, it is possible to find free wedding invitation templates online. You can then print them out. Alternatively, why not try to find a good wedding stationer near you?


You will need the venue address, plus a few directions. You should also detail the times and the date. If you have a gift list, it might be a good idea to detail the register as well. Some couples also list options for accommodation. Put an address for RSVP, gifts, and contact.


Dress

One of the best things about a wedding is choosing the dress. Whether you are on a budget or not, there are plenty of options. The vast majority of brides visit two or three boutiques and try on several dresses off the peg before they find ‘the one.’ A few brides commission a designer to make something bespoke. You will need to attend a measuring session and a couple of meetings to refine the design choices.

Picking a dress off the peg requires a fitting too. Your seamstress will then alter the dress to make it fit your shape exactly, as though it was made for you. You may even be able to add a couple of details if you like.

Bridesmaids And Best Men
Many brides take their mothers or sisters with them for dress shopping. Others pick the bridesmaids promptly and invite them along. It can be tough choosing between friends when you need bridesmaids. You could have many bridesmaids so everyone is included but this could be quite expensive when it comes to dresses and flowers. Some grooms also choose more than one best man. It’s your wedding, so there is no wrong answer.

Rings
Picking the wedding rings is a wonderful experience for the bride and groom. Many couples are choosing platinum bands inlaid with diamonds. They are also inscribed on the inside with personal sentiments of love and honor. There is nothing wrong with you continuing to wear your engagement ring. Some people say adding the wedding ring to it ‘seals the deal’!

Limo
There are so many choices for a wedding car. Most brides want to make a grand entrance to their wedding so they choose something like an American Limo to take them to the venue. You can see more about American Limos online if you want to view some of your options. You may want to use the car again to take you from the chapel to the reception. And if you are going on honeymoon that night, why not have your chauffeur take you to the airport too?

Catering
Many venues provide the catering as part of the package deal. However, it’s worth considering booking your own caterers if you have something special in mind for the reception. You will also need to hire some people to serve drinks and meals if your caterer doesn’t provide that.

Flowers
The bride’s bouquet is perhaps the most important order from the florist. But don’t forget all the other flowers you’ll need for the wedding. Your bridesmaids may also carry smaller bouquets. The men may wish to wear buttonholes. And don’t forget the centerpieces for the table decorations. Other flowers to consider are garlands, planters, and decorations.

Cake
The wedding cake is a symbol of the marriage. Some people even save one layer for the birth of the first child (although I doubt they eat it)! Cutting into the cake at your reception is the first job you do together as a married couple. And it can symbolize the start of your lives together. Some couples even feed each other the first slice, although that can sometimes get a little messy.

Music
Your choice of music for the ceremony is very personal. Some venues will not allow religious music though, so be sure you’re adhering to their rules. You may want some background music playing as people take their seats. Then you will want something to walk down the aisle to. Many brides choose Pachelbel’s Canon. You could even have musicians present to play it for you. Finally, after the ceremony, you will want something uplifting to celebrate the moment you marry.

Vows
Your vows will also be very personal. They’re often statements of love and commitment. You will also need to say specific wording as part of the legal side of marrying. Your celebrant may read a poem on your behalf if you like. This can be in addition to your vows or as an alternative if you’re not keen on public speaking.

Speeches
Usually the Best Man will start the speeches. The Father of the Bride may also give a speech welcoming his new son-in-law to the family. The Groom will toast the bride too. These days, it is acceptable for the bride to give a speech. This may be to thank her friends and family for helping to organize the wedding.

Gifts
The bride and groom may also give gifts to thank those who have helped with their big day. The gifts for the happy couple are not usually opened at the wedding.

The First Dance
The First Dance is usually choreographed these days. Of course, you can choose to do something traditional like a formal waltz. Or you may have the entire wedding party get up and do something with a little more energy! Your First Dance should be to a song that means something important to both of you. It may be your first moment (almost) alone together as a married couple, so it should be incredibly romantic.

Honeymoon
At the end of your reception, you may be ready to head off for your honeymoon. You may be flying somewhere exotic, or heading upstairs to the hotel for the night. Many couples are absolutely exhausted and a little drunk by the time they get to this point. That’s why it’s so important to pace yourself during the day! Don’t sneak off though. Throw your bouquet to the ladies, and bid your goodnights before you go.

A happy marriage begins with a wedding. Whether it is big or small, it will be the most memorable day of your lives together for a long time. Enjoy your beautiful day.


For help planning your perfect wedding contact tracie@yourethebride.com  or call 248-408-4602

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