Wedding Planning

The wedding ceremony is where two people unite to become one. Selecting the location for this event would appear to be an easy undertaking, but it's really one that calls for a good deal of planning and coordination, particularly if an untraditional ceremony is being planned.

A lot of couples will hold the wedding ceremony at a place of worship, normally one that the bride, the bridegroom, or another family member goes to. When this is the case, choosing the venue is reasonably easy, as long as the date is free. But what happens when the bride- and groom-to-be are of different denominations? More difficult still, how is the situation dealt with when the couple don't have any religious association?

That is when they needs to get together to discuss their wedding venue alternatives. And there are many. Choosing the location of the ceremony should begin well ahead of the wedding date, up to a year if possible. If you wait too long to reserve the venue, you might find out that it's already taken.

As an alternative to a place of worship, the wedding can be held practically anywhere – at home, at a country or boat club, alfresco at a local, national or state park, on a yacht, on a tropical island, at a mountaintop hideaway, in a gothic palace, at Disney World – you name it, it is in all probability capable of hosting a wedding ceremony.

Prior to choosing a venue, however, you have got to ensure it will accommodate your needs. Is the venue big enough to hold all your guests? Are dressing rooms available? Are there electrical outlets for acoustics and/or music? Is the venue easily accessible, particularly for those with special needs? Can you find somebody to officiate at the venue?

The amount of money you will pay will vary from venue to venue. When you are checking out the costs, be sure to ask what is included with the price. Ensure the details mentioned are written out on the contract, as well. You will probably be required to provide a down payment to reserve the date. This should be included on the contract too, as well as the balance amount and due date.

There is more to think about than just the location of the ceremony. Both the music and the vows require particular care, especially if you want to break away from the 'traditional' mode. The music might be included with the venue. For instance, sometimes a church will employ their own organist. Nevertheless, if your budget allows, you might want to write your own wedding songs and employ a soloist and accompanist to sing them. Or you could hire musicians to match the theme of your wedding. If these sorts of arrangements are in your budget, make sure to reserve the musicians well in advance, just after you have booked the wedding ceremony location.

You could also write your own vows or make changes to traditional vows. This adds a genuinely personal touch on the day. Just remember to give a copy of your version of the vows to the person officiating so that everybody knows what to say.