Immediately after being pronounced husband and wife, you and your new spouse march down the aisle with attendants in tow,  and everyone takes their place in the foyer or outside, if weather permits. Parents of the couple should be the first of the congregation to exit the church, congratulate the couple and join the lineup. 

A receiving line is usually formed with the bride and groom in the middle and parents on either side. Place the groom’s parents next to the groom, and the bride’s parents next to the bride.

Next, position the groomsmen on the groom’s side, and the bridesmaids on the bride’s side. By this time, the ushers will be ready to begin dismissing guests, pew by pew, beginning with the pews closest to the front of the church.

However, about 85% of weddings skip this tradition because guests get upset standing in a long receiving line, and also because today’s couples prefer to greet everyone in a different way.

Instead of the traditional receiving line, the bride and groom do the job of the ushers and dismiss guests from the church. The couple turns to face the congregation and marches down the aisle following the ceremony, taking a moment with their parents once they are ushered out, and then the couple returns to the front of the church. As each row of guests is dismissed from their pew, the newlyweds greet them. Begin with the front row on the bride’s side of the church, and then alternate back and forth until you reach the last pews.

What should you say to your guests as you greet each one?

A simple “Hello” is a great way to get started. Thank you guests for coming. Introduce them to your spouse or your parents.

How much time should you estimate for spending in the receiving line? As long as you keep the greetings short and sweet, you should budget 30 minutes for every 100 guests.

Whether you choose a traditional receiving line or greeting each pew as it is dismissed, it’s important to take the time to acknowledge each guest, thank them for coming, and give them a chance to feel like they were a vital part of your wedding day.

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Look Beyond the Obvious

When most people think of getting married, they think of doing so in a church or a large hotel that can happily seat hundreds of guests. However, small wedding venues do exist if you want to keep those numbers down. It may mean that the traditional options aren’t best suited to you (some may even refuse to host smaller parties), but there are plenty of other choices when it comes to finding a place to host your big day.

Some less traditional ideas include hosting your wedding in a smaller wedding chapel, in a museum, in a bed and breakfast, on a boat, or in an historic home. Not all of these places may advertise the fact that they allow weddings to take place there, but if you approach them letting you know you only need small wedding venues then they may be happy to help. In fact, you’ve probably got more options than larger weddings!

Hosting Your Wedding At Home

Small wedding venues can even extend to homes. Many people decide to host their wedding, or reception, in their home to help cut down on costs. However, remember that you’ll need to think about certain aspects, such as whether you’ll need to rent chairs, dinner wear, tablecloths and so on. Sometimes the organization isn’t worth it, and people opt to approach a better prepared venue instead.

Travelling Abroad For A Destination Wedding

Lastly, your search for small wedding venues could lead to the idea of a destination wedding. Many people dream of getting married on the beach, and with only a small wedding party, this dream can really become a reality. It can make things a lot easier to organize! And the small number of guests you do invite will love the chance to get away!

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1.  Limit your guest list.  Much of your wedding planning will be based on the number of guests you invite.  If you keep adding on guests, you could drive your costs up.  It could also result in not having enough room for everyone at the ceremony or reception.

As a general rule, you can expect 80-85% of the people you invite to show up.  But it is important to take into consideration the fact that those who do come may bring unexpected guests.  So it’s usually best to plan as though everyone will be there.

2.  Know all applicable rules and regulations.  Laws pertaining to marriage licenses, for example, vary from state to state, and possibly even from county to county.  They are only good for a specified time period, and some localities impose waiting periods before you can get them.  Checking up on all of the legalities ahead of time can help eliminate unpleasant surprises on your wedding day.

If you’re having a church wedding, it’s important to make sure you know what types of dress and music are acceptable.  There may also be specific requirements regarding the ceremony itself.  Your officiant can fill you in on all of these things.

3.  Make sure that all vendors know the details of your ceremony.  Obviously they’ll need to know the day, time and location, but there may be other things they need to know as well.  It’s not a bad idea to visit each vendor a week or so before the wedding to go over everything, just to make sure you’re on the same page.  And it’s also smart to bring along a list of vendor names and phone numbers on your wedding day, just in case problems should arise.

4.  Do all beauty treatments a couple of weeks in advance.  A dye job or tanning session gone wrong can put a major damper on your wedding day, especially if it’s done a day or two before the ceremony.  Doing these things ahead of time gives you time to fix any problems that might arise (or lose the sunburn).

5.  Be prepared.  While you can’t foresee the future, having backup plans and supplies to use if things go wrong could save the day.  If you’re getting married outside, secure an indoor location in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.  Putting someone in charge of bringing in an emergency kit with sewing supplies, toiletries, first aid supplies, and other things that members of the wedding party might need is also a good idea.

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photo credit: Freedom Moreno 

A lot of the beaches that offer rentals for their land are the usual hotspots for weddings and because of this, they are typically overpriced. In this circumstance, you can try searching for other places in the classified ads, or you can have the option to place your own ad, stating that you are in search for a beach to rent for your upcoming wedding. Moreover, if you know where to look, you will be able to find a beach that could be perfect for your wedding at a small price.

Lots of couples who have chosen a wedding on the beach also have their reception right at the same spot. Apart from the possible bad weather, everything else is nice with beach weddings. It may be a bit difficult to haul several tables over the sand, but it is perhaps better than paying out thousands of dollars for renting out a building for just a few hours, especially when you are on a tight budget.

Only minimal decorations such as few flowers are needed if you are planning to have a  beach wedding. Your setting is picturesque enough to make your wedding look nice.

Sure enough, a wedding on the beach is an inexpensive but stylish way to exchange vows with the love of your life.

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Start out small, picking up a few things from the list here and there while you’re out, and it won’t seem so overwhelming (or as expensive). But, rest assured, all of these suggestions will eventually be used since they are common, everyday items.

What should you stock up on for the wedding day emergency kit?

• Straws (so you can have a drink without messing up your lipstick or spilling all over your dress)
• Insect repellent (for outdoor weddings or receptions – be sure to test its scent prior to the event so you don’t end up smelling like the great outdoors)
• White chalk (to hide stains)
• clear nail polish (to repair a manicure or run in pantyhose)
• instant stain remover (such as a Tide pen)
• safety pins
• nail file or emery board
• miniature sewing kit
• fabric tape
• scissors
• breath mints
• tampons and pads
• pain reliever
• dental floss
• tweezers
• comb/brush
• hair spray
• hair pins/bobby pins
• antacid
• crackers (in case someone forgets to eat)
• batteries (in case digital cameras run out of juice)
• ink pen (for when it’s time to sign the marriage license)
• a list of phone numbers for all of your wedding vendors and your attendants
• contact lens solution
• duct tape
• scotch tape
• dark socks (in case you have any forgetful groomsmen)
• extra car keys

Another handy item to have on hand (but it won’t fit in the emergency kit) would be a barstool without a back or sides. Once you’ve dressed the bride, she’s bound to want to sit down before the ceremony begins, but if she sits in a regular chair, she’ll risk wrinkling.

Keep the emergency kit handy throughout the day. The worst possible thing would be to suddenly need something in the kit, realize you didn’t bring it into the church with you as the bridesmaids are getting ready, and have to send someone to dig through your car to find it.

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1. Before the wedding, the maid of honor can assist you with organizing and mailing out your wedding invitations. This is usually a tedious and delicate process that needs counterchecking.

2. While it is not strictly considered a duty but more of an intimate bonding, the maid of honor should be with you when you start selecting your wedding dress. The designer’s opinion matters a lot but you will know you’ve got the right dress if your maid of honor approves of your choice.

3. One of the most exciting duties of the maid of honor is to plan and organize the bridal shower and bachelorette party. Since these two occasions are meant to be a tribute to the bride, it should be the maid of honor who should ensure that it will be a memorable experience for you.

4. On the wedding day, the maid of honor has to be the mediator between the bride and the rest of the people in the ceremony. This means that the maid of honor should relay your messages so you don’t have to be the one going back and forth in your wedding gown.

5. Once again, the maid of honor is the executive assistant during the wedding ceremonies. For instance, the wedding dress with it’s flowing train can be a lot to handle and the maid of honor will be right there to straighten the gown and arrange your train. She will also hold your bouquet at certain times during the ceremony.

6. Arranging a marriage is a huge undertaking and your maid of honor should be there to give you emotional support and encouragement. All these activities can be stressful and you need someone to be your “rock”.

7. Another important role for the maid of honor is to be there for the signing of the marriage license. She will be a primary witness that indeed the marriage is binding and legal.

8. At the reception, the maid of honor is usually expected to give a toast and will often invite other guests to give their dedication to the bride and the groom.

9. She also makes sure that the program during the reception is going smoothly from the presentation to the dances. If she encounters any issues, she points them out to the caterer, photographer, parents of the bride, etc., or handles them herself.

10. Finally, the maid of honor helps out the bride after the reception by bringing home any gifts brought to the reception and wrapping up any loose ends.

The maid of honor has many important duties in your wedding, so choose someone who is not only special to you but can handle these duties.

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Also be sure to check each Las Vegas wedding chapel’s website.  Many of them run monthly specials or offer deals if you book your wedding package through the website.  Many Las Vegas wedding locations will also offer seasonal specials for their down times.  Outdoor or garden locations for instance sometimes run specials for the winter and summer months when their sites may not be as popular.

If you are planning a wedding reception in Las Vegas, some locations will offer you deals on your ceremony if you also hold your wedding reception at their site.  This is convenient for you and your guests as well, since you don’t have to worry about rushing off to a separate location for the reception.

If you  hope for getting married cheap in Las Vegas it can be done.  Las Vegas has a lot to offer when it comes to weddings.  With a little time and patience, and some diligent research, you can find a location and package that fits your needs, wants, and budget!

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But wouldn’t it be nice if everyone felt a little closer to you on your wedding day? As a frequent wedding guest, it’s more fun to observe the wedding and finally be able to put faces with the names we’ve heard for so long – the attendants and friends who are standing up with you, the siblings we’ve met briefly but don’t really know very well, members of the family you’re marrying into.

So why not make a wedding program? It’s a great way to keep your guests informed about the day’s events, which means your guests will feel more comfortable and prepared for what’s next. Another benefit of a wedding program is to assist guests who are of a different faith or culture and may not be familiar with the traditions they’re about to be a part of.

Whether your wedding is casual or ultra-formal, a wedding program is a welcome bonus that can be passed out to each guest as they sign the guest book and make their way to their seats before the ceremony.

What might you include in a wedding program?

* Briefly introduce each person in the wedding party. With or without a photo, it’s a nice idea to state the person’s name, their duties for the ceremony, and how you know this person (sister, cousin, lifelong friend, sorority sister, etc.).

*How did you meet your spouse? Not everyone attending your wedding will know, so share the short version of how your love story began.

* How did he propose? Unless it’s too intimate to share, it might be fun to tell everyone how your husband-to-be proposed.

*The order of the ceremony, from the prelude to the recessional with each piece of the ceremony mentioned. This doesn’t mean you should spell out the entire ceremony, word-for-word, like a script. It can be as simple as stating a word or two for each part of the ceremony, such as Prelude, Prayer, Scripture (along with where the verse may be found in the Bible), Reading (and the name of the poem), Solo (along with the name of the song and who will be performing), Exchange of Rings, etc.

*An explanation of any traditions or rituals that will take place during the ceremony or reception. Many Christian denominations, for example, are used to a short, sweet ceremony, and may be surprised with all of the standing up, sitting down, kneeling, communion, and the length of atraditional Catholic wedding mass. Let your guests know what they should expect next.

* Your new address. Let everyone know where they can reach you after the ceremony. Plus they’ll want to update their Christmas card lists!

*A map to the reception. Everyone will appreciate a map or directions from the ceremony to the reception site.

*Special notes of thanks to anyone who has helped you with the wedding, your families, or anyone else who deserves a shout out.

The program itself can be simple or extravagant. If you are a computer whiz, you should be able to whip up an attractive program in no time, or find a graphic designer to handle the project. The front cover is often a photo of the couple, along with their names and the date. If you have had a wedding monogram or logo created, this would be a great spot to use it. Visit your local scrapbook store or stationery store to find interesting paper, and add a tasteful ribbon to hold the pages together.

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Urging the attendants to the altar is the pre-processional. Your selection’s tempo should provide a natural rhythm for them to step, and be an appropriate length for all of the bridesmaids to reach their destination. Possible selections include Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major, Wagner’s Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin, Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary or Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.

Once the bridesmaids are in place and the last petal has been tossed, there should be a brief pause in the music, bringing the congregation to their feet for the bride’s grand entrance.  Perfect selections as you float down the aisle might be Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, Vivaldi’s Spring from the Four Seasons.

As you and your new husband walk back down the aisle, your recessional music reflects the joy of the moment. Adding to that moment might be Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy or Vivaldi’s Sonata Prima.

Music for the postlude is an especially nice touch if the couple will be greeting each pew or having a receiving line at the church. Handel’s Postlude Overture (from Music for the Royal Fireworks), Purcell’s Trumpet Tune and Air or Handel’s Suite in F Major are possible choices.

The music at your reception is important to set the tone, as well. The person holding the microphone during your reception has the power. They’re very instrumental in making sure your event goes the way you planned.

The DJ, master of ceremonies or wedding coordinator can help prevent the reception from getting bogged down and make sure everything starts on time.

Another reason to hand the responsibilities over to a professional? Many times, the bride and groom aren’t used to being the center of attention. They could be overwhelmed by the day, shy or simply uncomfortable in that role. If you put them on display in front of all of these people, for hours at a time, it wears them out.  

The most romantic moment of your reception is sure to be your first dance with your new husband. Why not choose “your” song, the song you fell in love to, or a song that conveys your feelings for each other?

Be sure to ask your DJ in advance for a catalog of their music collection. Let them know which songs you definitely want (and don’t want) played at your reception, and any special choices for father/daughter and mother/son dances.

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First consider your facial structure. Do you really like how you look with your hair up? If not then forget about those styles. You do not want something that you do not love. Consider the season as well and the type of dress that you are wearing. These are all factors in selecting the perfect hairstyle. But now that you have picked out the perfect style, what comes next? Simply put, you have to be on disaster alert. Every bride is fearful of everything ending badly on her big day, especially with her hair. In order to make sure that you are able to keep your hair looking its best you will want to follow some simple wedding day hairstyle tips.

What you see in the magazine may be different than what you see on your head. Because of this it is important to make sure that you are planning a trial run with your stylist in order to make sure that not only the two of you are on the same page but that it is a look that you truly like. Once that is done, you have to start planning ahead for the big wedding day. There are many mini mistakes that can happen on this day that can turn your wedding day hair into something less desirable than you want.

Many women show up on the morning of their wedding to get their hair done in sweatpants or jeans with a t-shirt on. While there is nothing wrong with relaxing a little before being stuffed into the wedding dress, it is important to never wear a t-shirt to get your hair done. Everything could come apart when you go to remove the t-shirt. In order to avoid hair disaster from happening, it is best to wear a button-up shirt for easy removal.

When it is all said and done you will be sure to have the best hair you could have ever imagined for your wedding day. And it is all thanks to making sure that you followed the basic wedding day hairstyle tips.

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