Credit: Obellery
Engagement is pure euphoria for the happy couple. Planning a wedding is an exciting time, as it is the couple’s way to show their love to the world, but with as much fun as the wedding will be, there comes a world of stress. Newly-engaged couples have a world of things to account for that they’ve previously not given much thought, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Below are some of the initial questions people have when they first begin their dive into wedding planning. While these tidbits are all rooted in tradition, there is no need for the couple to actually follow these specific tips. The most important thing is that the couple does what makes them happy, not everyone else.
Credit: The Spruce
Who pays for the wedding?
Traditionally, this cost was split up. The bride’s parents paid for the gown, bridesmaid dresses, photography, and the reception, while the groom pays for church fees, the honeymoon, and flowers. There is no set rule as to why the cost is split this way, so couples can do what they will with their money whether that means an even split or not.
Should I have a gift list?
Gift lists are a great resource for couples to provide their guests. Most people want to buy the couple something special to help couples celebrate the occasion, so offering them a guideline will help the couple get something they can truly use in the future. Sometimes, the bride’s mother is assigned to organize gift registration, but some couples handle that themselves.
Credit: Madi Lane Bridal
Do I have to wear white?
For hundreds of years, wedding dresses were not white. The fabric was too expensive, so wedding dresses were just about any color. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress to symbolize purity that the trend turned to white wedding dresses. Some insist that you only wear a white gown if you have not been previously married, but this tradition depends on culture.
Should there be special ceremony seating?
In most cultures, the bride’s family sits to the left, and the groom’s family sits to the right, but this tradition is changing. Many couples opt to have open seating to better illustrate the sentiment of the two families becoming one.
Credit: Inside Weddings
Should there be special reception seating?
The bride, groom, and bridal party usually sits at a long table in the center or furthest point of the room. The most important guests, including close family members, sit closest to the bridal table, and then the guests fan out.
Who makes the speeches?
Speeches are usually made by the groom, the best man, and the bride’s father. Recently, it has become common place for the maid of honor to make a speech as well. Some couples even extend the offer to anyone who has a speech to make.