Planning your wedding ceremony can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be if you start organising it with enough information! Whether you're deciding who will be part of your wedding party, who is walking down the aisle, or managing social media use, working on these questions will help you create a perfect day for you and your partner.

This week, we have the collaboration of Angeli Huges, owner of EleventhHourCo, a successful Wedding Planning company based in South Florida, and we are very excited to hear her tips!

Who should we pick to be part of our Wedding Party?

The couple’s wedding party is generally formed by those very special people who have been with them throughout their relationship. Angeli suggests that “selecting a mixed wedding party of girls and guys based on connection, not just relation, can be a positive choice.”. She says that choosing your wedding party based solely on the connection you have with them is best because:

Your closest friends, regardless of their gender, will happily stand by your side on one of the most important days of your lives.

A mixed party can bring a balanced dynamic to the group. Many grooms decide to have a Best Woman instead of the traditional Best Man, which is a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.

Angeli believes couples should invite those who genuinely want to support them to their wedding, rather than feeling obligated due to family ties.

How to handle the use of social media at our wedding?

Consider asking guests to refrain from using their phones during your ceremony. You can communicate this request through your invitations, the ceremony program, signage at the venue entrance, and an unplugged announcement by the officiant. Be polite but firm about your request, and then leave it be. You don’t want to spend time policing phones.

What is something special we can offer our guests?

If your ceremony is not in a religious venue, Angeli suggests surprising your guests with a custom drink! For outdoor ceremonies, an added benefit is that the drink will help guests stay cool as you say I do. “A signature cocktail before the ceremony offers a chance for guests to savor a thoughtful, crafted drink while adding a curated feel by tying the drink to your color scheme and theme,” she says. Angeli also suggests printing QR codes that link to your ceremony program or share fun facts about your wedding party, highlighting why each member is special to you.

Do we have to do bride’s side/groom’s side at the ceremony?

In traditional Christian ceremonies, the bride typically stands on the left side and the groom on the right, while in a Jewish ceremony, it's the opposite. Modern practices, however, let guests be seated freely to promote unity. To avoid confusion, you can use signs or markers to communicate seating preferences or provide clear instructions to ushers to ensure smooth seating arrangements for your guests.

Should we have a “First Look”?

Consider this: While a first look may not be right for traditional clients who prefer not to see one another before the ceremony, many clients never regret having a first look. However, if you're unsure, you might want to consider a first touch as an alternative to maintain the special moment of seeing each other for the first time at the altar. But remember that a first look will never take away the magic of seeing each other walking down the aisle.

What kind of tone do you want for your ceremony?

To set the tone and the mood of your ceremony, Also, think if there will be children at your wedding or in the wedding party? Perhaps you prefer to have a wedding without children, which will need to be explained in the invitations. Another aspect to consider is the formality, which can also be mentioned in the invitations, you can even request your officiant to wear outfits to match the wedding scheme. These elements are important to consider to set the tone for your wedding.

Unity Ceremonies and Readings

Consider if your ceremony will be religious, civil, or intercultural. That way you can plan for elements to celebrate your cultures and beliefs.

Will you have people who will be involved in your wedding ceremony? It could be a moment to honor your parents, or other relatives and friends doing readings. Knowing this information will help you figure out if having a reading or a unity ceremony would be best for you.

Would you like to write your own vows?

Your wedding vows are the heart and soul of your ceremony, a deeply personal declaration of your love and commitment. The question is, will you be writing your vows? Writing your vows allows you to reflect on your relationship, celebrate your journey, and tell your partner exactly why you love them and what you envision for your future. They’re also a beautiful way to share your love story with your guests, making your ceremony unique and memorable. Whether you’re sentimental, funny, or poetic, your vows should reflect who you are as a couple. Just remember to speak from the heart and be genuine.

Will you be exchanging rings?

This may seem like an unusual question, but, some couples decide against exchanging wedding rings. We had a couple who focused on their vow exchange and completely skipped the ring exchange. A ring has nothing to do with fidelity; the couple may not wear rings because of their professions, so it makes sense not to spend the money on them.

Who will walk down the aisle?

Another great question to ask! Sometimes, the groom wants to wait at the altar, but what if they both want a great entrance? Will the couple walk with both parents? Also, couples may have very unique and sometimes complex family dynamics. We had a bride who wanted to walk down the aisle with both her dad and stepdad. Some brides decide they want to walk down the aisle alone. Ultimately, there are no rules, and each couple can decide what feels right for them.

Planning your wedding ceremony involves many important decisions, but you don't have to do it alone! With tips from experts like us and Angeli Hughes, you can create a special day that truly reflects your love story. Don't let the details stress you out. Schedule a virtual meeting with us today to discuss your wedding ceremony needs. Let's work together to make your ceremony perfect for you.

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