Planning A Traditional Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a traditional wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can create the celebration of your dreams. Traditional weddings are unique and vary according to religion and community, but there are some key elements that are often included, such as a sit-down meal, speeches, toasts, and a first dance. From the venue and reception to decor and invitations, there are many aspects to consider when planning your special day.

Choosing a colour palette

You might want to look to the past for inspiration. Think about the colours that were popular in previous decades or centuries, and how you could incorporate them into your wedding. For example, you could take inspiration from the soft, romantic colours of the Victorian era or the bold, vibrant shades of the 1970s.

Consider the overall atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a elegant and sophisticated feel, or something more fun and playful? The colours you choose can help to set the tone for your wedding.

You can also think about the time of year your wedding will take place. For a spring or summer wedding, you might opt for light and airy colours, while autumn and winter weddings often feature richer, more dramatic shades.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match colours. You can use different shades of the same colour, or complementary colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel.

Wedding vows

Firstly, you can stick with the traditional vows for your chosen ceremony, or you can write your own vows based on vows you admire. If you choose to write your own, you can take inspiration from other wedding ceremony scripts to help guide your words.

When it comes to the content of your vows, consider including promises that are meaningful to you and your partner. For example, you might want to include promises to love, honour, and support each other through the challenges and joys of life. You could also include personal touches that reflect your unique relationship, such as inside jokes or references to shared experiences.

In terms of delivery, practice makes perfect. Rehearse your vows beforehand to ensure you feel confident and comfortable on the big day. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case you get emotional or forget your words. This could be having your vows written down or asking a trusted friend or family member to prompt you if needed.

Remember, your wedding vows are a reflection of your commitment to each other, so make them personal, heartfelt, and true to who you are as a couple.

Wedding reception

Planning a traditional wedding reception involves many details, from the invitations to the food and entertainment. Here are some tips to help you plan your special day:

Invitations

The first step in planning a traditional wedding reception is to send out invitations. Wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding date to give guests enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. The wording of the invitations should reflect the formality of the event and include essential details such as the names of the hosts, the bride and groom, the date and time of the ceremony, and the location.

Colour palette and dress

There are no standard colour options for a traditional wedding, but you can look to the past for inspiration and choose a colour scheme that fits the classic style you are going for. You could also consider wearing a vintage wedding dress from a beloved family member to add a traditional touch.

Food and entertainment

Most traditional-style weddings include a sit-down meal, speeches and toasts, the first dance as a married couple, and plenty of time to greet guests and dance with loved ones. Reflect on classic weddings you have attended before or seek inspiration from real weddings to give you some ideas for activities, entertainment, and schedules. Consider any wedding traditions from your family or religion that you want to honour or whether you want to create your own.

Wedding invitations

Planning a wedding involves countless details, and wedding invitations are one of the first steps. Traditionally, wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests ample time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements. The wording of the invitations should reflect the formality of the event and include essential details such as the names of the hosts, the names of the couple getting married, the date and time of the ceremony, and the location.

When it comes to the design of the invitations, you can choose from a variety of options, including stunning save-the-date cards and gorgeous online wedding invitations that can be customised. You may also want to consider including a wedding colour palette in your invitations, choosing colours that fit the classic style you are going for.

It is important to create a wedding budget breakdown to ensure you stay on track throughout the planning process. This includes budgeting for wedding invitations, which can vary in price depending on the design, materials, and quantity.

Finally, don't forget to proofread your invitations carefully before sending them out. Check for any typos or errors, and make sure all the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Wedding etiquette

Planning a traditional wedding involves countless details, and understanding traditional wedding etiquette can help ensure your special day is both elegant and smooth.

One of the first steps in wedding planning is sending out invitations. Traditionally, wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding date. This gives guests ample time to RSVP and make necessary travel arrangements. The wording of the invitations should reflect the formality of the event and include essential details such as the names of the hosts, the names of the couple getting married, the date and time of the ceremony, and the location.

When it comes to the ceremony, each religion and community has its own take on what traditional vows should be. You can stick with the go-to words for your chosen ceremony or take notes from vows you admire and write your own. Your wedding doesn't end with the ceremony, so you'll need to plan what your reception will look and feel like. Reflect on classic weddings that you've attended before or seek inspiration from real weddings to give you some ideas on activities, entertainment, and schedules. Consider any wedding traditions from your family or religion that you want to honour or whether you want to create your own.

Most traditional-style weddings include a sit-down meal, speeches and toasts, your first dance as a married couple, and plenty of time to greet guests and dance with loved ones on the dance floor.

There are no standard colour options for a traditional wedding, but you can look back on the past for inspiration and consider colour schemes that fit the classic style you're going for. You could even consider wearing a vintage wedding dress from one of your beloved family members.

Frequently asked questions