Planning
There are many ways to get married and just as many ways to celebrate the occasion. The normal traditional white wedding followed by a grand reception where friends and family eat and drink aplenty is the most well known, as well as the registry office ceremony with a minimum of two witnesses for those less inclined to the expensive and extravagance of the big white wedding.
A wedding is still one of the biggest occasions in a couple’s life and brides plan for an idyllic day, the memories of which will last a lifetime. No expense is spared and the bigger the occasion, the better. Which is why more often than not, the traditional church or garden extravaganza is preferred over a simple and low key registry office version.
The appeal of a traditional wedding lies, in part, in the etiquette and long-established customs that occur. Starting months before, the planning and selection of invitations, a venue, menus and wedding cake, vows, dresses and suits, table settings, cars and honeymoon are all details that absorb the happy couple and their friends and family.
The good thing about weddings is that today even the traditional format can be as unique and quirky as the couple chooses. Many couples live together for some time before marrying and are in a position to pay for their own weddings. Others still fall back to the parents of the bride coughing up most of the money. Whatever format and ceremony occurs, the possibilities are endless. Some common etiquette is, of course, important to be aware of.