Planning A Mormon Wedding: The Ultimate Checklist Guide

Planning a Mormon wedding can be a complicated affair, with lots of elements to consider. From the invitations to the honeymoon, there's a lot to organise. It's important to decide what's most important to you and your future spouse, whether that's the food, the photography, or something else entirely. This will help you to focus your time and money on what matters most. With so many people involved in the event, it's inevitable that things will go wrong, but don't panic – it's all part of the fun!

Planning the ceremony

Mormon wedding ceremonies are typically held in LDS temples, a building dedicated to sacred worship. Temple marriages are top-secret affairs, and only Mormons are allowed to attend. Even some practising Mormons, who aren't deemed worthy of a 'temple recommend', will be asked to wait outside. For this reason, many couples opt to have a ring ceremony outside of the temple so that everyone can witness it. A ring ceremony is similar to a traditional wedding: bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle, the couple exchanges vows and rings, and then there's a first kiss at the end.

During the pre-wedding phase, couples focus on spiritual preparation. This includes spending more time in prayer, scripture study, and attending church services to deepen their spiritual connection and prepare for the sacredness of the sealing ceremony. Some couples may also fast as part of their spiritual preparation, seeking divine guidance and blessings for their upcoming marriage.

The ceremony itself may incorporate readings from scripture, quotes and guidance for the couple from trusted leaders. It's important to give your guests plenty of advance notice, so send out invitations with at least two months to spare.

After the ceremony, there will be a reception. Most of these weddings are 'dry', meaning no alcohol is served.

Wedding attire

Firstly, choose and order your wedding gown and veil or headpiece. Ensure that it is temple-ready or plan for any necessary adjustments. This is a crucial step, as the attire of the bride sets the tone for the entire wedding party.

Next, select your attendants' attire, including bridesmaids and groomsmen. Schedule fittings for your wedding party to ensure their outfits are tailored to perfection. Don't forget to consider shoes and accessories! It's the small details that can make a big difference in achieving a cohesive and elegant look for your wedding party.

If you have a maid of honour and best man, you may also want to discuss their attire with them. They can offer suggestions and help coordinate the overall style and colour scheme of the wedding party's attire.

Finally, don't forget to plan your own wedding day accessories, such as jewellery, shoes, and any other special touches you may want to add. These details will enhance your wedding attire and make you feel even more beautiful on your special day.

Honeymoon

Planning a Mormon wedding can be a complicated affair, with many elements to consider. While you may be focused on the ceremony, it's also important to start planning your honeymoon. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Timing

It's a good idea to start planning your honeymoon as early as possible, especially if you need to take time off work. Decide on a date that works for both of you and your jobs, and make sure to finalise your guest list and send out invitations with plenty of notice.

Location

Choose a location that suits your interests and budget. Consider the activities you want to do, the climate you prefer, and any travel requirements, such as passports and visas. It's also important to book your accommodations in advance to ensure availability.

Packing

Create a packing list to ensure you have everything you need for your trip. Don't forget to bring essential items like water bottles and any recommended items, such as lube, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable honeymoon.

Communication

Open communication is key to a successful honeymoon and marriage. It's important to feel comfortable talking about sex and any anxieties or nerves you may have. Remember that your sex life will evolve over time, and it's normal for it to feel unnatural at first. Consider seeking advice from a professional, such as a clinical social worker or sex educator, to help you feel more prepared.

Relax and Enjoy

Remember that your honeymoon is a time to relax and celebrate your new marriage. Embrace the changes that come with married life, and don't stress over the small details. Focus on creating lasting memories and enjoying your time together as husband and wife.

Invitations

When it comes to invitations, it's important to give your guests plenty of advance notice. It's recommended to send out invitations two months in advance. This will allow your guests to plan their attendance and make any necessary arrangements, especially if they are travelling from out of town.

Finalise your guest list for both the reception and the temple ceremony, and ensure you have the full names and addresses of all your guests. This will make it easier when it comes to sending out the invitations.

Select and order your wedding invitations, announcements, and thank-you notes. You may also want to include details about the dress code or any other relevant information your guests should be aware of.

If you are having a civil ceremony, you may also want to include information about the ceremony organist or musician(s) in the invitation. This will give your guests an idea of what to expect during the ceremony.

Catering

If you are going to plan the menu yourself, you should spend time thinking about what food you want to serve. You might want to consider the time of day that your reception will take place and the dietary requirements of your guests. For example, if your reception is in the evening, you might want to serve a more substantial meal. If you have guests with specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarians or those with food allergies, you should make sure that there are options available for them.

It is also important to consider the style of catering that you want. For example, you might want a sit-down meal or a buffet. A sit-down meal can be a more formal option, while a buffet can be more relaxed and allow guests to choose their own food.

Finally, don't forget to plan for drinks as well as food. You will need to decide whether you want to provide alcohol at your reception and, if so, what type. You should also think about non-alcoholic options, such as soft drinks or tea and coffee.

Frequently asked questions