The Wedding
This is the day that you and your partner commit to share the rest of your lives together. It’s a huge milestone, but it’s also the beginning of something bigger: your home, your children, your dreams for the future. While it’s easy to get caught up in all of the details, don’t forget what this day really represents.
Register your intention to marry (also known as giving notice of marriage) with your parish and pay your fee (typically around $100 or less). You’ll be provided with a form to send to everyone you’d like to invite.
Create a list of your “must-have” wedding vendors and research their pricing, packages and availability. Take note of how each vendor communicates with you during this process – if they seem unorganized, disinterested or unreliable at this early stage, they may not be the best fit for your wedding.
Set Your Budget
As the most important wedding-planning task, establishing your budget sets the tone for every decision you make. It’s also helpful to decide whether or not you’ll be asking for any financial help from family and friends, and if so, how much.
Narrow Down Your Guest List
As you finalize your guest list, keep in mind that the fewer people you invite, the more money you’ll save on food, beverages and rentals. If you want to keep your guest count at a reasonable number, consider having the ceremony and reception at the same venue and serving appetizers during cocktail hour.
Find Your Dream Location
It’s important to tour prospective venues and check out their package prices, deposit requirements and restrictions before signing any contracts. Taking the time to find a place that truly feels like a home for your big day will pay off in the end.
Choose a Theme
Whether it’s seasonal or style-based inspiration, or an actual theme, choosing a creative concept to guide your design choices can help you narrow down your options and feel confident about the decisions you’re making. It’s also a great way to spark creativity and inspire the vision for your big day!
The Vows & Ring Exchange
At the heart of your ceremony, the vows you recite to one another are where your wedding really becomes a life-altering promise. Whether you write your own vows or choose to recite traditional ones, this is an intimate moment that’s truly personal and special for every couple.
Once the celebrations are over, it’s customary to give your guests a farewell – from sparklers and confetti to bubbles and flower petals – there are so many ways to send off in style! It’s a great way to thank your guests for coming to celebrate you and your new life together.