A Wedding To Remember: Can It Be Done?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful but rewarding experience. From finding the perfect venue to choosing a wedding party, there are many aspects to consider when planning your big day. While traditions like tying cans to the getaway car are no longer common, they can still be a fun addition to modern weddings. In some places, there are legal requirements, such as applying for a marriage license, that need to be fulfilled before the wedding can take place. Creating a clear vision, setting a budget, and making a guest list are also important steps in the wedding planning process.

Wedding traditions and their history

Wedding traditions have evolved over the centuries, with many modern rituals being adapted from ancient customs. Here is a look at some of the most common wedding traditions and their origins.

The Wedding Veil

The tradition of wearing a wedding veil dates back to ancient times. In Ancient Greece, brides wore bright red veils to protect themselves from demons. In Ancient Rome, brides wore veils to disguise themselves from evil spirits. The veil was also practical in arranged marriages, where it prevented the groom from seeing the bride until the last moment, reducing the risk of him changing his mind. In Victorian times, veils became a status symbol, with longer and heavier veils indicating higher social standing.

Wearing White

The tradition of the bride wearing white is often associated with purity and virginity. However, the colour white was also closely linked to wealth, as only the wealthy could afford to wear and maintain it. The trend of wearing a white wedding dress was started by Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840.

Giving Away the Bride

The tradition of the father walking his daughter down the aisle and "giving her away" has its roots in the idea of women as property. In medieval times, women were considered their father's property and were sold to their husbands, usually in exchange for a dowry. Today, this tradition has evolved to become a rite of passage and a way to honour the father-daughter relationship.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

In the Dark Ages, bridesmaids served the purpose of confusing jealous suitors and evil spirits. They dressed identically to the bride to act as decoys. Groomsmen, on the other hand, were the groom's bodyguards, selected for their sword-fighting skills to defend the couple during the ceremony.

Wedding Rings

The tradition of exchanging wedding rings dates back to ancient times. In early Roman and Greek cultures, rings were used as a guarantee of payment to the father of the bride, symbolising ownership. The circle of the ring represents eternity, while the empty space in the centre symbolises a gateway to the unknown.

Wedding Cake

The tradition of serving a wedding cake also has its roots in ancient Rome, where guests would crumble a wheat biscuit over the bride's head to symbolise fertility. In medieval England, the couple would try to kiss over a pile of spiced buns, scones, and cookies, a precursor to the tiered wedding cakes of today.

Wedding attire

Timing is Everything

Custom orders and tailoring can take months, so it's important to start your search for wedding attire early on. Give yourself plenty of time for alterations and touch-ups as well. The earlier you begin, the less stressful the process will be.

Do Your Research

Start by browsing wedding dress and suit ideas online. Familiarize yourself with the different silhouettes, necklines, trains, hues, and suit styles. This will help you narrow down your preferences and make the shopping experience more efficient.

Language Matters

Before you go shopping, learn the lingo. Understand the different terms used to describe wedding attire, such as "ball gown," "sheath," "peak lapel," or "notch lapel." This will make it easier to communicate your vision and find the perfect outfit.

Consider the Climate and Venue

The climate and venue of your wedding will play a significant role in determining your attire. For example, a beach wedding calls for lighter and more breathable fabrics, while a formal indoor wedding may require a different approach. Think about the setting and the weather to ensure you're comfortable and your outfit complements the surroundings.

Accessorize, Accessorize!

Don't forget the accessories! Jewelry, shoes, and other accessories are essential elements that complete your wedding day look. They allow you to showcase your personality and add unique touches that reflect your heritage or culture.

Formality is Key

Consider the formality of your wedding. Are you going for a black-tie, semi-formal, cocktail, or casual vibe? Communicate the dress code to your guests so they can align their attire with your vision. This ensures everyone is on the same page and creates a cohesive aesthetic for your special day.

Plan for the Wedding Party

If you have a wedding party, be considerate of their needs. Communicate the expectations and costs for attire, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and other expenses early on. Give them enough time to prepare and be mindful of their financial commitments.

Wedding guest list

The guest list is an important part of wedding planning. It dictates many components of the wedding, from the size of the venue to the budget. The number of guests will affect the cost of the wedding, as catering costs are generally calculated on a per-head basis. Therefore, the budget and guest list should be planned concurrently.

If your parents are contributing financially to the wedding, they should have a say in the guest list. Work with them, or any other financial contributors, to determine who will receive an invitation.

The number of guests you invite will also depend on whether you want to have quality one-on-one time with each guest or throw a big party. Keep in mind that more guests mean higher prices.

When creating your guest list, only invite those you truly want to celebrate with. If you're not sure how to create your guest list without drama, use an online guide as a resource.

Wedding planning

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and a clear vision, it can be a fun and exciting process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your dream wedding:

Research Vendors and Determine Your To-Do List:

Start by researching vendors and creating a comprehensive to-do list to keep track of all the tasks and details involved in planning your wedding. This will help you stay organized and ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Utilize Planning Tools and Apps:

Take advantage of wedding planning tools and apps, such as The Knot App, which can help you manage everything from researching vendors to building a registry. These tools can make the planning process more efficient and less stressful.

Find Your Wedding Vision:

Before making any big decisions, take the time to envision your perfect wedding day. Consider the style, size, location, and theme of your wedding. Do you prefer a formal or casual celebration? An indoor or outdoor setting? By defining your wedding vision, you can make more informed choices throughout the planning process.

Gather Inspiration:

Once you have a clear vision, start gathering inspiration that aligns with your chosen aesthetic. Create a mood board with wedding ideas, colour palettes, and themes that resonate with you. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and draw inspiration from unexpected sources, like movies, family heirlooms, or even wallpaper patterns.

Establish Your Priorities and Budget:

Creating a priority list and a realistic wedding budget go hand in hand. Identify your must-haves and wish list items, and allocate your budget accordingly. Be sure to involve your families in these discussions if they are contributing financially, as their input will impact your planning decisions.

Make the Guest List:

The guest list is a crucial aspect of wedding planning, as it affects the venue size and catering costs. Consider whether you want an intimate gathering or a grand celebration. Keep in mind that a larger guest list will result in higher expenses. Work with your families to finalize the list, especially if they are financially contributing.

Choose a Date and Venue:

Research and tour potential venues early in your planning process, as they tend to book up quickly. Consider the availability of your desired venue and your own schedule when selecting a wedding date. Keep in mind that the date and venue will also influence other aspects of your planning, such as vendor availability and guest accommodations.

Hire Priority Vendors:

Act quickly to secure your priority vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and florists, as they are often booked more than a year in advance. Reach out to your must-have vendors early in the planning process to increase your chances of getting your preferred professionals.

Communicate and Organize:

Throughout the planning journey, effective communication with your partner, families, and vendors is key. Be transparent about expectations and budget contributions to avoid misunderstandings. Stay organized by using virtual tools, wedding notebooks, or planning apps to keep track of important documents and receipts.

Personalize Your Wedding:

Add personal touches to your wedding to make it memorable and unique. Incorporate meaningful details, such as DIY signage, a themed menu, or personalized favours. This is your opportunity to showcase your personality and tell your love story through the details of your wedding.

Remember, there is no "right" way to plan a wedding. Adapt these steps to fit your unique needs and circumstances. Enjoy the planning process, and don't be afraid to ask for help from a wedding planner or coordinator if needed.

Wedding insurance

A wedding is a significant investment, and wedding insurance is a safety net that offers peace of mind and protects your finances in the event of unforeseen circumstances. It is a contractual, financial agreement that safeguards you against monetary losses should your wedding day be unexpectedly cancelled or affected by unforeseen problems.

There are two main types of wedding insurance: Liability Insurance and Cancellation Insurance.

Wedding Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is often required by venues and protects you financially if a guest is injured, the venue is damaged, or there is an alcohol-related incident. It covers medical bills if a guest injures themselves while under the influence, so you are not held responsible. It also covers property damage and injuries to guests for which the insured is legally liable.

Wedding Cancellation Insurance

This type of insurance protects your financial investment in the event of cancellation or postponement, covering lost deposits and more. It can reimburse you for the total cost of your wedding if circumstances beyond your control force a cancellation, including severe weather, venue closure, or illness/injury to key people. It usually extends to no-show vendors and can cover the costs of rescheduling, including flowers, tent rental, and reception food.

The exact scope of coverage depends on the specific policy, but it generally includes the wedding venue, vendors, wedding items, and sickness or injury before or during the wedding. It can also cover:

• Wedding gifts: damage or theft of gifts up to a certain value.
• Wedding attire: loss or damage to dresses, suits, or other special clothing.
• Wedding rings and jewellery: loss or damage to these valuable items.
• Wedding photos and videos: costs associated with photographer/videographer no-shows or failure to deliver.
• Lost security deposits: reimbursement of deposits if a vendor goes out of business, declares bankruptcy, or fails to show up.

Cost of Wedding Insurance

The cost of wedding insurance varies depending on the provider, location, and desired coverage level. Basic policies typically range from $75 to $550, while general liability insurance costs around $185, covering up to $1 million in accidents. Cancellation coverage is based on the price of the wedding and can go up to the total wedding budget.

Frequently asked questions