Wedding Ceremonies Guide

Wedding ceremonies set the tone for any wedding. Fortunately, choosing which kind is simple. Just follow this guide to have the wedding ceremony you’ve always dreamed of for your special day.

Religious ceremonies are the most common and traditional. Most religions have a set ceremony that they follow which sets the stage for the timing and flow of weddings. But just because you’re having a religious ceremony, you still have many choices of locations to choose from.

For instance, you might prefer the more intimate atmosphere of a chapel to that of a large church. Many parks and universities have beautiful ones to choose from. Before you book the ceremony site, though, visit it and ask questions about any prohibitions or fees.

Also, most members of the clergy will allow you to write your own vows and allow for changes to the ceremony so that you can add your own personal touch.

Civil ceremonies offer the widest variety of choices for wedding ceremonies. You can be married on the beach, a mountaintop, or your parents’ backyard. The possibilities are endless. Just make sure that your officiant is has the legal authority necessary to perform the ceremony. You also want to be sure the person is a good speaker and will work with you message delivery. You can find secular officiants online or by asking friends and family members for their suggestions.

If you choose to have your ceremony in an unusual location, some things you’ll need to consider are:

• Noise levels
• Electrical needs
• Lighting
• Seating capabilities
• Permissions
• Fees
• Accessibility
• Special arrangements for elderly or handicapped individuals

One last thing, whether the officiant performing your ceremony has a set charge or not, it’s considered a breach of etiquette not to pay them as a token of appreciation. However, many members of the clergy would prefer, instead, that you make a donation to their favorite charity. Be sure to ask and make arrangements before the service so that there’s one less detail to attend to afterwards.