The wedding is the cornerstone of your new life together. Whether you choose to go the legal route and get married at home or travel to your dream location, you’ll want your ceremony to be as special and memorable as possible. Luckily, there are many options for how to do just that!
Regardless of how many guests you invite, your ceremony is the most important part of your day. The more people who witness your vows, the more support you’ll have in the years ahead to keep your marriage strong and happy. That’s one reason why we recommend inviting as many guests as you can comfortably afford.
While it’s true that there are certain elements that must be included in every ceremony (as outlined by law and tradition), there is also much room for flexibility when planning your wedding. Your ceremony is your chance to express who you are as a couple, honor your heritage, celebrate what makes you unique, and set the tone for your future together.
Some traditional ceremonies have been around for thousands of years, and many still resonate today. Others are created as a result of new traditions or different interpretations of old ones. For example, one couple I worked with opted to have a “first look” before their ceremony, which allowed them to connect privately and calm any nerves before walking down the aisle. It was a wonderful way to share a special moment with their loved ones and reflect their personality.
When deciding how to approach your ceremony, start by setting out your vision. This will help guide your choices in decor, music and even food and drinks. We always encourage couples to find ways to incorporate traditions that are meaningful to them, while remaining true to their personal style and story.
Next, decide on how long you want your ceremony to be. Generally speaking, a basic ceremony is 20-30 minutes in length. However, if you include more readings, contributions from friends and family, or lengthy anecdotes about love, it may stretch to an hour or more.
After your introductions, the officiant will deliver your vows, or the two of you will write them yourselves. Either way, your vows will be the most touching and emotional part of your ceremony. It’s important to remember that your vows are a commitment for a lifetime, so make sure they’re heartfelt and sincere.
Lastly, you’ll exchange rings and kiss. It’s important to be prepared for this moment, which is why we recommend preparing by washing your hands and helping one another push on the rings. There’s nothing worse than a ring that won’t budge!