How to plan the perfect wedding ceremony
Are you planning your wedding and looking for fresh advice on how to plan your wedding ceremony? Then read on as we are here to help you.
Using some highlights from our 2019 wedding season, we are here to give you some helpful hints on how to plan the perfect wedding ceremony.
So grab a cuppa, maybe a notepad and pen if that’s your jam and read on.
What is a good point to start the wedding ceremony planning?
Well first of all just be you, do what makes your heart sing and not just what everyone expects a ceremony to be.
Secondly, think about the points below. This should get you started with the most important things.
- Are you all about those traditions or more carefree about things?
- Are you looking for a religious ceremony, if so you will need to get in touch with the church you intend to get married in as they have their own set of rules and regulations
- Are you looking to get married outdoors or indoors? Obviously, in Scotland, this will be a gamble since the weather isn’t always reliable
- Are you look to get married at your venue of choice or outdoors? See below for more info on this
Who should I have officiate the ceremony?
What should I go for? A humanist, celebrant or a loved one? What is the difference?
A humanist service is seen as a non-religious ceremony, as such there is usually no religious content involved in the ceremony. While some humanists may permit the singing of a hymn, there would not normally be any prayers or reading of passages from the bible. A humanist ceremony is very personal and all about who you are as a couple and to your loved ones. It’s often injected with funny moments and things you love about one another or how you first met.
A civil celebrant, however, will completely tailor the service to your wishes allowing as much or as little religious content as you want. Therefore, if you would like a few hymns included in your ceremony then a celebrant would be the best choice.
If you would like a friend or a loved one to officiate your wedding you will have to get married legally at a registry office beforehand and then it’s up to you how it’s conducted for the ceremony in front of your guests.
How do I even begin to style the ceremony?
This is where you will be saying your vows to one another, either with an epic backdrop if it’s an elopement or in front of guests at a set venue. A photographer and maybe even a videographer will be there to capture it so don’t forget to make this part of it special too. It doesn’t have to be over the top. Sometimes simple but done well and tastefully is the way to go. Whatever it may be here are some tips to get you started.
- Get yourself on Pinterest! It’s full of amazing and creative ideas for every budget. It’s also a haven for any crafty and hands-on bride or groom. Check out a board we have been saving ceremony ideas onto. Click Here ( don’t forget to come back and read on!)
- Refer to wedding magazines and wedding blogs. Some of our favourites are We Fell In Love, Braw Brides & Love My Dress
- Think back to a wedding you may have been to and loved. Was there something in particular that stood out and you can make your own?
- Are there any family traditions? Perhaps do a modern or current twist on them?
- Have you thought of hiring a stylist? We highly recommend these girls as they are so talented, have incredible ideas and are just plain lovely to work with!! We LOVE the Lemonbox Studio girls and Wild Antler
We get quite nervous in front of people. Would a first look be a better idea?
YES it would and it is a wonderful idea for those who don’t. It’s a lovely way to keep seeing one another private and capturing those emotions. Sometimes with all your guests behind you watching it’s easier to keep those emotions and affection at bay but when it’s just the two of you it’s different. It’s heightened and incredibly romantic. We have written a blog post on this very thing. Have a look at it here.
What is your advice on the flow of the ceremony?
Whoever is officiating your wedding day will keep you right! They will be there to help you with what to include and maybe not include. A mixture of funny and emotional is always great as it keeps it lighthearted but also all about why you are making promises to one another.
There is no set way or length of how it needs to be. Choose the music which you love, get someone to read the poems or readings you love, maybe get a guest to come up and talk about the two of you as a couple…the sky is the limit unless you are choosing a religious ceremony.
We hope this post has helped fill your mind with clarity or ideas. Any questions do get in touch as we are happy to help.
If you need more tips on anything pop on over to these other informative blogs.