Credit: Perfectly Planned by Shari
When a couple gets engaged, the initial emotion they experience is pure delight. As soon as the next day, however, that emotion translates into stress. There is so much to learn and plan that many newly-engaged couples feel as though they are treading with their head barely above water.
Couples can turn to this post to learn about some quick, but major tips about wedding planning, from start to finish. These tips are rooted in tradition, so don’t be afraid to simply use this list as a guideline and tweak the plan as necessary.
Who pays for the wedding?
In the past, the cost of the wedding was split between the bride’s parents and the groom. The bride’s parents would pay for the gown, bridesmaid dresses, photography, and the entire reception. The groom would then pay for church fees, the honeymoon, and flowers.
Credit: Brides
Are gift lists okay?
Absolutely! Most guests will want to buy the couple a gift to help celebrate the special occasion. Sometimes, it is up to the bride’s mother to organize gift registration, but some couples take it upon themselves to set up a registry for the guests to peruse.
Do I have to wear white?
The white wedding dress was initially worn by Queen Victoria to symbolize purity. Some etiquette insists that you only wear a white gown if you have not been married before. Many cultures reference other colors for the traditional bridal gown, so it is completely up to your needs.
What about walking down the aisle?
It is a well-established tradition that the bride’s father walk her down the aisle– but many women opt to a brother, uncle, or close family friend to walk her down the aisle.
Credit: WeddingWire
Special ceremony seating?
Traditionally, the bride’s family sit on the left, and the groom’s family sit on the right. Many couples opt to have an open seating plan to better iterate the sentiment of two families becoming one.
Is their special reception seating?
The bride, groom, and the bridal party usually sit at a long table in the center or furthermost point of a room. The most important guests– such as the parents, grandparents, and other close family members, sit closest to the bridal table.
Credit One Stop Wines
Who makes the speeches?
The groom, the best man, and the bride’s father, are usually responsible for making speeches. In recent years, this responsibility has also been extended to the maid of honor.
Bar etiquette
Providing food and basic refreshments is absolutely the norm, but a free bar is no longer expected as they are expensive.