A wedding is a representation of your love and commitment to each other but it is also a reflection of your desires as well. Your wedding style will be determined by those desires, as well as the other factors, such as the budget and number of guests.

Setting the Tone or Formality

Very Formal

The ceremony is held in a church, synagogue or hotel ballroom. Includes engraved invitations with traditional wording, formal photography and an elaborate sit-down dinner. The bride wears a traditionally styled gown with a long train and the bridesmaids wear floor-length gowns. The groom and his attendants are in formal attire, such as cutaway coat in the daytime and white tie and tails in the evening.

Formal

The ceremony is held in a church of synagogue but can also take place in a home or garden. The traditional elements are the same as a very formal wedding; however the attire will vary in formality. The bride may wear a less traditional gown with a shorter train and the groom may choose a black tuxedo or gray strollers with waistcoat.

Semi-formal

The location for the ceremony and reception may vary and are often times held in the same location. There is usually some sort of buffet rather than a full-course meal. The number of attendants will be fewer than a formal with the attire of the entire wedding party being less traditional.

Informal

The ceremony can take place in any location that the couple wishes, such as city hall, a restaurant or park. The bride can wear anything from a white suit to a white sundress. Invitations can be as simple as a handwritten note to the guests.

Unique Ceremony Locations

The following are some suggestions for the non-traditional couple who want a more unique local for the ceremony. These are ideal for smaller weddings or second marriages or for the more adventuresome in spirit.

• Historic Mansion
• Ship or Ferryboat
• Mountains, Parks and Beachea
• Amusement Park
• Vineyard or Orchard
• Art Gallery
• Museum
• Ranch
• Civic or Private Theaters
• Romantic Restaurant

Selecting the Date and Time

The months of March through May and October through December are very popular for weddings. Remember that during these months the majority of quality vendors will be booked, so reserve your vendors as soon as possible. Keep in mind that a February 14th wedding would be very romantic but you will probably pay more for vendors, such as the florist in this month. Also bear in mind that December would be a great month to save on decorations but many companies have their Christmas parties in this month, so you may have difficulty finding a reception site. Always plan for weather emergencies in the winter, such as snow or ice and for extreme heat in the summer months.

The time of your wedding can greatly affect the overall budget. A daytime or morning wedding is usually less expensive than an evening. Any ceremony after four o-clock will need to serve some type of meal to the guests, while a morning ceremony may only call for a small brunch. The following are suitable suggestions for the reception given the appropriate time of day.

Morning

Serve a brunch, which can either be sit-down or buffet style with the traditional brunch or breakfast foods. A champagne toast may be served.

Luncheon

These follow a late morning or high noon ceremony and may include a buffet luncheon or sit-down. Alcohol such as white wine or champagne may be served

Afternoon

These are generally held between 2:00 and 5:00. Finger foods and hor-d'oeuvres make up the majority of the food served. Tea and punch is usually served and alcoholic beverages generally are not served. This is usually the least expensive type of reception.

Dinner

The reception usually begins between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. Usually cocktails and hord'oeurves are served before the sit-down dinner or buffet.

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