Jewish wedding ceremonies are full of traditions and are wonderful celebrations of love and commitment. For centuries they’ve followed a similar structure and are steeped in spiritual meaning and symbolic rituals.
If you’re Jewish and about to start your wedding-planning journey, you no doubt have a lot of questions about your upcoming wedding ceremony. It’s only natural. But, while there are plenty of traditions at a Jewish ceremony, they’re also exciting and fun, and full of celebrations.
You may wonder how long a Jewish wedding ceremony lasts, the best date to have a Jewish wedding or how much they cost. When you have all the answers, you’ll be in the best possible position to start planning your own wedding.
That’s why, in this post, we’re going to answer the most common questions about Jewish wedding ceremonies. We’ll cover the costs, the traditions and what happens in what order, so you have all the information you need before planning your big day.
For more information about different wedding ceremonies, read our ultimate wedding ceremony guide, which answers even more questions.
What is a Jewish wedding ceremony?
A Jewish wedding ceremony is the coming together of a couple to get married while following the traditions established by their Jewish faith. It’s a time for joy and celebration as a couple promise to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. It combines biblical, legal, cultural and historical threads as a promise to your new spouse in front of God.
It’s taught that marriage is linked to the marriage between the Jewish people of Israel and God which happened at Mount Sinai, and is featured in the Book of Exodus.
Jewish ceremonies are absolutely steeped in rituals that have been in place for hundreds, if not thousands of years. However, there’s still a fair amount of personalisation allowed, which means you can make your wedding ceremony your own. That being said, you’re still likely to stick to many of the rituals and traditions that are expected at a Jewish ceremony.
If you’ve never been to a Jewish wedding ceremony before, you may be surprised by the new and wonderful traditions you’ll see, which are very different from traditional or other types of religious ceremonies.
What date should you have a Jewish wedding ceremony?
It’s important to pay close attention to the date you choose for your wedding, because it can have huge symbolic (and administrative) importance.
The Jewish calendar has days of joy as well as days of mourning. It’s recommended that you avoid days of mourning as it wouldn’t be appropriate to host a celebration on a date intended for reflection or rest. This means a Jewish wedding will never take place on a Saturday. The most popular day of the week for a Jewish wedding is a Sunday.
You’ll also want to avoid booking a wedding on a date that coincides with another celebration or holiday. For example, make sure you don’t book your wedding to take place at Passover, Yom Kippur, Rosh or Hashanah. Not only will many of your guests be unavailable on these dates, but you’ll also struggle to find a rabbi who’ll be available to officiate your wedding, as many will undoubtedly be busy.
What time does a Jewish wedding ceremony take place?
A Jewish wedding ceremony can take place at any time of the day, but will more frequently take place in the afternoon or early evening. While traditional weddings will often last all day, Jewish weddings are usually around seven hours or so long, which is why they tend to start a little later.
Is it common for Jewish weddings to include a religious service?
Yes, there will be a religious ceremony at the same time as a Jewish wedding ceremony. A wedding is a hugely important and sacred event that will always include many traditions and rituals, such as readings, prayers and blessings.
How popular are Jewish wedding ceremonies?
As you might expect, Jewish wedding ceremonies are popular only among Jewish communities. If you’re not Jewish, you’re not able to get married in a Jewish ceremony.
What type of couples usually choose a Jewish wedding ceremony?
Only couples where both the bride and groom are Jewish can get married in a Jewish ceremony. Mixed-faith marriages, or intermarriages, are common among Jewish people, but it can be difficult to find a rabbi who will perform a wedding ceremony unless they practice Reform Judaism.
A rabbi who’s an Orthodox Jew will be highly unlikely to agree to officiate a mixed-faith ceremony. In this case, if you’re set on a Jewish ceremony, the non-Jewish half of the couple would need to convert to Judaism.
Are Jewish weddings expensive?
According to Bridebook’s 2023 Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in the UK is £19,184. This may already sound like an eye-watering amount, however, it actually may be reasonable when compared to many Jewish weddings.
According to data from The Jewish Chronicle, Jewish wedding celebrations can cost as much much as £55,000. It’s thought that many couples feel pressured to keep up with others who throw lavish and expensive weddings, which is causing many to spend more and more.
However, spending so much on your wedding doesn’t need to be the case. Creating a budget and sticking to it is vital if you want to avoid costs spiraling.
Thankfully, you can throw a beautiful Jewish wedding and not spend anything close to £55,000. It all depends on your preferences, tastes, style and – mainly – budget.
What is the breaking the glass tradition at a Jewish wedding?
The tradition of breaking a glass at a Jewish wedding ceremony is possibly one of the most widely known, even for those who aren’t Jewish themselves.
The glass that’s broken is often a wine glass, but some choose to break a light bulb as the glass is thin and easily broken. Traditionally, the groom is the one who’ll stand on the glass which is placed under a towel or cloth for safety. But, many modern Jewish couples like to break the glass together, or may even choose to break a glass each.
What the tradition actually stands for is down to individual beliefs and interpretations. Many see the glass as a representation of love and marriage, and how breaking the glass symbolises just how fragile marriage can be. Others claim it might represent the First Temple of Jerusalem, which was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, in 586 BC.
After the glass is broken, the guests will all cheer by shouting Mazel tov, which is the Yiddish word for good fortune or congratulations.
Who officiates a Jewish wedding ceremony?
A Jewish wedding ceremony is officiated by a rabbi, who is a Jewish spiritual leader. The rabbi makes sure that the correct rituals are upheld at the ceremony. There also needs to be a registrar to ensure the marriage is legal, which may be the rabbi, or more likely another member of the synagogue.
Is a Jewish wedding legally binding?
Yes, a Jewish wedding is legally binding in the UK so long as the synagogue’s registrar and two witnesses are present at the ceremony.
Where are Jewish wedding ceremonies held?
There’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to where a Jewish wedding ceremony can take place. This may be in a synagogue, a Jewish place of worship, or it could be another appropriate venue. It could also take place outside, which is fairly common with Jewish ceremonies – but mainly in warmer and more reliable climates than that experienced here in the UK.
The main consideration for a ceremony venue is that a chuppah can be set up. A chuppah is a cloth canopy that’s held up by four supporting posts and represents the Jewish home. This is often why Jewish ceremonies take place in large or open spaces, so they can accommodate the chuppah. Today, modern Jewish couples may opt to have the ceremony at a venue such as a hotel, which can also host the post-wedding celebrations.
How long are Jewish wedding ceremonies?
Jewish wedding ceremonies are usually between 30 and 45 minutes. This is because there’s usually a set structure that includes a lot of religious rituals and traditions.
What words are exchanged at a Jewish wedding ceremony?
During a Jewish wedding ceremony, the vows are exchanged at the same time the rings are exchanged. The words they exchange are:
Harey at mekuddeshet li B’taba’at zo k’dat Moshe V’israel.
In English, this means:
Behold, thou are consecrated unto me with this ring according to the law of Moses and Israel.
The couple will often recite words from the Song of Solomon, which are, Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li. This means, I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.
Do Jewish couples fast before the wedding ceremony?
Because a wedding day is considered a day of forgiveness, many couples choose to honour this by fasting. The fast will continue until after the ceremony when they can share their first meal together.
What traditions are there at a Jewish wedding ceremony?
Jewish wedding ceremonies are known for being packed with fabulous traditions and rituals that have a huge amount of meaning. Just some of the most widely known Jewish wedding ceremony traditions include:
Aufruf, which means to call up in Yiddish. It’s when the rabbi invites the couple for blessings, known as aliyah and misheberach. Guests can throw soft sweets at the couple as a way to wish them a sweet life.
Ketubah, which is the signing of the marriage contract.
Bedeken, when the groom puts the veil over the bride’s face to symbolise that he loves her inner beauty.
Circling, which is when the bride and groom walk around each other to ward off evil spirits and temptation.
The exchanging of the rings, which is also traditional at many other wedding ceremonies.
The seven blessings, known as Sheva B’rachot, which are readings performed by family members.
Breaking the glass, which is possibly one of the most famous Jewish wedding ceremony traditions, where traditionally the groom smashes a glass to symbolise the fragility of marriage.
Cheering Mazel tov, which means good fortune or congratulations.
What do you wear at a Jewish wedding?
Reform Judaism doesn’t have any requirements or restrictions on what couples should wear to their wedding. However, Orthodox Judaism asks for brides to wear a white dress that covers their shoulders, back and nothing with a plunging neckline. Traditionally, the bride will also wear a veil, especially if the couple wants to honour bedeken.
The groom will traditionally wear a kitel, which is a white linen robe. However, many grooms at modern Jewish weddings prefer to wear a suit.
Guests to a Jewish wedding will usually wear a suit and tie or long evening dress.
What is the order at a Jewish wedding ceremony?
This infographic illustrates a Jewish wedding ceremony order
We’ve already mentioned that Jewish wedding ceremonies are filled with many wonderful traditions. As part of this, they tend to follow a set structure to ensure these traditions and rituals are upheld. Below is an example of the order of a Jewish wedding ceremony:
1. The ketubah
Unlike other types of wedding ceremony, the marriage contract, called the ketubah, is signed before the ceremony begins. Two witnesses must also sign the contract, along with a registrar, who may or may not be the rabbi.
2. The bedeken
Next, the groom will veil the bride to symbolise that he loves her for her inner beauty. It also allows him to see her face beforehand so he knows who he’s marrying.
3. The processional
The ceremony commences with the rabbi walking down the aisle first. The wedding party then follows in this order:
Bride’s grandparents
Groom’s grandparents
Groomsmen
Best man
The groom and both parents
Bridesmaids
Maid of honour
Ring bearer
Flower girl
The bride and both parents
4. The vows
The couple stands together beneath the chuppah, a canopy supported by four tall supports, which symbolises the new home. Guided by the rabbi, the couple recites their vows.
5. The hakafot
The hakafot, also known as the circling, is a lovely ritual that traditionally involves the bride walking around the groom seven times. However, many modern couples like to take turns circling each other to demonstrate how they’ll both protect each other.
6. The exchanging of the rings
The ketubah, which the couple signed before the ceremony, is read aloud. As this happens, the couple exchange rings and a Hebrew prayer is recited. In modern weddings, it may be more common for the prayer to be recited in English.
7. The seven blessings
The guests of your choosing are invited to give blessings, which may be in Hebrew or English. Alternatively, you may ask the rabbi to give the blessings.
8. The breaking of the glass
One of the highlights of the ceremony and a hugely popular tradition. A glass is placed beneath a cloth or napkin, which the groom then stamps on to break it. Modern couples may wish to break the glass together, or break a glass each. Following this, the rabbi usually reads from Psalms.
9. Mazel tov
Guests will excitedly shout mazel tov, which means good fortune or congratulations.
10. The recessional
The ceremony has concluded and the wedding party leaves as the guests celebrate and cheer. The recessional is in the following order:
The signing of the ketubah is more than a simple legal document. It’s also an important symbolic document that outlines all the expectations and responsibilities of the bride and groom.
Ahead of the wedding, the couple meets with the rabbi to choose a ketubah that has a design and wording that suits them. This is partly because the ketubah is often framed and displayed after the wedding.
During the signing, the couple is joined by two witnesses, traditionally male and not related to the couple, who will also sign.
How do you book a Jewish wedding ceremony?
To book your Jewish wedding ceremony, visit your local synagogue and speak to your rabbi to discuss what you’d like from your upcoming wedding.
Who plans a Jewish wedding ceremony?
You can plan a Jewish wedding ceremony yourself with help from your rabbi. For the rest of your wedding day, you can plan this yourself or hire a wedding planner to help.
What comes after a Jewish wedding ceremony?
Traditionally, following a Jewish wedding ceremony, the bride and groom are taken to the yihud, which is a private room where they can spend a short period of time together. Many couples choose to eat their first meals as a married couple in the yihud. While inside, witnesses wait outside the door to make sure the couple isn’t disturbed.
Following the yihud, the couple rejoins their guests to take part in a feast, followed by celebrations, drinks and dancing.
Plan your wedding ceremony with Bridebook
Looking to plan your dream Jewish wedding ceremony? Sign up to Bridebook and access everything you need when planning your big day.
Muslim wedding ceremonies are intimate and romantic, and also filled with incredible rituals and traditions that make them wonderful and joyous occasions.
If you’re planning your own ceremony, you might not be sure where to start. Who do you ask to arrange one? Does a ceremony contain a religious service? What’s the order of a Muslim wedding ceremony? What traditions do you want to include and which might you want to adapt?
And, did you know that Muslim wedding traditions vary depending on region?
There are so many questions that if you’re planning your own wedding ceremony it can be complicated and confusing. However, the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to answer all of the common questions and make your wedding planning a breeze.
So, in this post, we’re going to go into detail about everything to do with Muslim wedding ceremonies, from how long they last to what happens before, during and after.
A Muslim wedding ceremony, also known as a nikah, is when a Muslim couple comes together to get married. The ceremony is filled with traditions and rituals, including readings from the Qur’an.
Traditionally, the bride doesn’t need to be present at the nikah so long as she has previously given her express consent and permission. However, in many modern ceremonies, the bride often chooses to be there to share in the celebrations and spend time with her new husband.
What date should you have a Muslim wedding ceremony?
There are no specific times for when a nikah should take place. However, it’s common for a nikah to begin around lunchtime, to ensure there’s still plenty of time for the Walima, which is a celebratory feast that usually takes place afterwards.
Is it common for Muslim weddings to include a religious service?
As you might assume, Muslim wedding ceremonies are popular within the Muslim community. You can only get married in a nikah if both the bride and groom are Muslim.
What type of couples usually choose a Muslim wedding ceremony?
In the UK, the average cost of a wedding is £19,184, which is relatively in line with the average cost of a Muslim wedding. However, a wedding only needs to be as expensive as your budget allows. It’s more than possible to have a fabulous Muslim wedding for around £4,000 or less. At the same time, for a truly extravagant wedding, you might spend £35,000 or more.
Islam is the second-largest religion in the world and spans different cultures and continents. This means, much like other religions, there are variations depending on which region you’re in.
For example, in Middle Eastern Muslim weddings, the bride is presented to the groom, while in South Asian Muslim weddings, the groom is presented to the bride. Similarly, in the Middle East, the Walima is the main post-ceremony celebration, while in South Asia there are two: the Shaadi and the Walima.
In the UK, a couple who get married in a nikah are married in Islamic law, but aren’t married under UK law. To have a legally recognised marriage, the couple must also have a legal ceremony at a registry office.
Couples have a wide range of options when it comes to where their nikah might take place. The traditional choice of venue is a mosque, the Muslim place of worship, before moving on to a separate venue in the afternoon and evening for the Walima.
Other couples may choose to get married in different venues, such as a home, hotel or venue space.
The nikah will usually last between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can vary depending on the Imam and the number of traditions the couple chooses to incorporate into the ceremony.
Traditionally, at the nikah, there aren’t many words exchanged between the bride and groom, including vows. Some couples may choose to include vows in their ceremony, but the main word spoken by the couple is the repetition of the word qubool, which means I accept.
If the couple has chosen to exchange vows, there are no legal declaratory or consenting words, so they’re free to be as personal as they like.
Do men and women sit apart at a Muslim wedding ceremony?
As we’ve already highlighted, there’s a wide range of traditions that take place during Muslim wedding ceremonies. These traditions also differ depending on where in the world you’re from. Below are just some of the most popular nikah traditions from different regions.
South Asian nikah traditions
Mehndi.A pre-ceremony event that brings the bride together with female guests who will design henna patterns on the bride’s hands.
Reading from the Qur’an. The first chapter of the Qur’an is read, called Surah Al-Fatihah.
Arsi Mushaf. A mirror is held between the bride and groom so the groom can see his bride’s face.
Baraat. Traditionally, the groom enters the ceremony on the back of a white horse. However, many modern-day grooms choose a car or carriage.
Joota Chupai. A fun tradition that involves guests hiding the groom’s shoes and holding them until the groom pays a fee.
Middle Eastern nikah traditions
Tolbe. Before the ceremony, the groom asks the bride for her hand in marriage, which is known as the Tolbe.
Maher. The Maher is a gift given by the groom to his bride as a gesture of respect and to mark her independence.
Traditionally, a Muslim groom would wear an embroidered kurta, a collarless tunic, with pyjamas or churidars. At modern Muslim ceremonies, the groom may choose a sherwani, a long-sleeved coat.
Muslim brides will traditionally wear a salwar kameez, a beautiful combination dress, with a dupatta to cover her head. Other brides may choose to wear a saree or scarf to cover their head.
Guests are expected to dress modestly and avoid bare arms. If the nikah takes place at a mosque, guests will also be asked to remove their shoes as a sign of respect.
What is the order at a Muslim wedding ceremony?
This infographic illustrates a Muslim wedding ceremony order
A nikah usually sticks to a relatively set order, so you’re likely to find that any Muslim wedding you attend will follow the same sort of structure. They do allow for some personalisations, but not as many as other types of wedding ceremonies.
Nikah will follow an order that resembles the following:
1. The tolbe
Ahead of the ceremony itself, the tolbe takes place. This is a short meeting between the groom and the bride’s parents when he asks them for permission to marry their daughter. After receiving permission, everyone joins in saying a prayer called Surah Fatiha.
2. The mehr
A little bit like a traditional dowry, the mehr is a gift given to the bride by her groom. Many brides consider an engagement ring to be the mehr, but if not, she’ll be presented with a gift or money before the ceremony.
3. The consent
The bride and groom are asked three times about whether they consent to the marriage. Each time, they must say qubool hai, which means I accept.
4. The Nikah-Namah
The Muslim marriage contract is called the Nikah-Namah, which the bride and groom both sign. It’s then read aloud by the officiant so all the guests can hear the promise they’re making to each other.
5. The readings
The officiant will read verses from the Qur’an in a short sermon. This is the point when the bride and groom are declared married.
6. Savaqah
The final part of nikah is Savaqah, when gifts are given. This includes throwing money at the bride.
Once you’re engaged and looking to plan your nikah, speak to the imam at your local mosque. They can work with you to decide on a date that’s available so you can begin to plan everything else around it, such as a venue for the Walima, transport, decor, flowers and more.
Traditionally, the parents play a heavy role in planning a nikah. However, many modern Muslim couples like to plan their own wedding, but still welcome input and suggestions from both sets of parents.
Alternatively, you may want to hire a wedding planner, who can take a lot of the work from you. See our post showcasing our Muslim wedding specialists to discover venues and suppliers who specialise in Muslim weddings.
Traditionally, after the nikah, the bride and groom will join their guests at the Walima, which is a celebration in the same vein as a reception at other types of weddings. However, a Walima often lasts a lot longer than other wedding celebrations, with some lasting up to two days.
Often, the Walima will happen immediately after the nikah, on the same day. Sometimes, though, depending on your preferences and circumstances, it could take place a day or two later.
Plan your wedding ceremony with Bridebook
Looking to plan your own nikah? Sign up to Bridebook and get access to everything you need to plan your dream celebration.
If you or your partner are Catholic and you’re planning your wedding, you’ve probably considered having a Catholic wedding ceremony. Catholic ceremonies are steeped in tradition and rituals, so they often follow a very similar structure. They’re also elegant, beautiful and romantic, and focus not only on the promise you’re making to each other, but your promise to God as well.
But, what exactly happens at a Catholic wedding ceremony and how do you know if it’s the right choice for you?
In this post, we’re going to answer some of the most common questions about Catholic weddings, including what they are, what happens at one and how much they cost. That way, you’ll have all the information you need to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you and your partner.
A Catholic wedding ceremony is a wedding ceremony that takes place in a church and follows a set structure. It may or may not include a nuptial mass, which is similar to a regular mass, only it takes place alongside the wedding. If you don’t want a nuptial mass at your ceremony, speak to the priest about this and discuss your hopes and expectations with them.
The ceremony will of course focus on your love and marriage, but there’ll also be a strong link to Christianity. That means there’ll be many references to God and Jesus, which may be in the words spoken by the officiant, and in the readings, hymns, blessings and prayers.
How soon can you have a Catholic wedding ceremony?
Many of the same traditions happen before a Catholic wedding ceremony as they do with other types of ceremony, for example a stag or hen party and the bride and groom not seeing each other. However, one major difference with Catholic weddings is that there are programs that help prepare couples for married life.
The preparation program, known as Pre-Cana, is a mandatory program that lasts six months. This is the reason why you must give at least six months’ notice if you want to get married in a Catholic church.
In Pre-Cana, couples are taught about how to adapt to marriage. It focuses on your relationship with God and the Church, healthy values, managing money, responsibility, parenting, intimacy and more. If you can’t attend in-person sessions, there are online courses available. You can discuss with your priest as to whether they’re happy for you to choose this route.
Thanks to Bridebook’s 2023 Wedding Report, we know that 3% of weddings last year were in a place of worship. However, as well as churches, this also includes other places of worship, such as a synagogue or mosque.
As you might expect, only Catholics get married in a Catholic wedding ceremony. However, both halves of the couple don’t need to be Catholic – to have a Catholic wedding ceremony, just one needs to be a member of the church. If you’re part of a mixed-faith relationship, it’s your choice whether you have a Catholic ceremony or you opt for something else.
Whether or not you choose to have a Catholic ceremony depends on your beliefs, preferences and budget.
In actuality, we know exactly how much it costs to get married in a Catholic church: nothing. Because the Church believes that marriage is a gift from God, it doesn’t cost a penny to have the ceremony itself. But, the Church will ask for a voluntary donation of £150 to help with the upkeep of the church and its grounds. Believe it or not, it costs up to £100,000 annually to maintain a church, so if you are keen on having a Catholic wedding, it’s recommended that you contribute towards that upkeep with a donation.
It’s also worth noting that there’s also an additional fee for any ‘extras’ you might like to have included at your ceremony. These, and their approximate costs, include:
Organist – £50
Bell ringer – £40
Verger – £40
Extra heating – £65
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of external vendors you might choose to hire, such as florists, decor, a photographer and videographer. One non-negotiable vendor you’ll need to hire is a registrar to ensure your marriage is legal. Some churches will have a registrar while others don’t, so this is something else to check with your priest.
If you plan on celebrating after the ceremony with a wedding breakfast and reception, this will of course come at a cost, as you can’t host this at the church.
Yes, a Catholic wedding ceremony is legally binding so long as a registrar is also present at the ceremony. Some churches have their own registrar, but if not you’ll have to hire one for the date of your wedding.
Catholic weddings are always held at a Catholic church. If you’re looking for greater flexibility and would like to get married elsewhere, you’ll have to consider having a different type of wedding ceremony.
When you speak to your priest about your wedding, you should be given a choice about whether or not you’d like to include a mass at the same time as your ceremony. If you include a communion and mass, your wedding ceremony will take around an hour. If you don’t have a mass, your ceremony will take between 30 and 45 minutes.
Catholic weddings often last longer than traditional weddings due to the references to God and religion, with the addition of hymns, readings, blessings and prayers.
Many Roman Catholic wedding ceremonies follow a set structure, so the words spoken will often be reminiscent of other Catholic ceremonies you may have been to. Most of the words are spoken by the officiant, but you and your partner will also speak to exchange vows and consent to the marriage. These include
1. The address and statement of intention
The priest will ask whether you’ve come together to enter into marriage freely and without coercion, to which you’ll both respond by saying, ‘I have’.
The priest will then ask whether you’re both prepared to follow the path of marriage, to love and honour each other for as long as you both shall live. You’ll then respond by saying, ‘I am.’
2. Exchange of consent
The priest will then ask you to repeat the exchange of consent, which is as follows:
“I, [YOUR FULL NAME], take you, [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME], to be my [WIFE/HUSBAND/PARTNER]. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honour you all the days of my life.”
3. Exchanging of the rings
As you exchange rings, you’ll also say the following words:
“[YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME], receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Unfortunately, because Catholic ceremonies follow a program template, it’s unlikely that the priest will allow you to write or speak personal vows. If you would like a much greater amount of personalisation at your wedding, you may have to plan a different type of ceremony.
What traditions are there at a Catholic wedding ceremony?
Because Catholic wedding ceremonies stick to a relatively strict structure, there are plenty of traditions that take place. Which traditions you choose to include in your own ceremony depends on your preferences and the flexibility of that structure. If there are any traditions you want to change, you can speak to the priest ahead of the ceremony. Some of the most popular Catholic wedding ceremony traditions include:
The processional, which is a staple at many different ceremonies. However, unlike traditional ceremonies, the groom enters first but from the side, not down the aisle.
The opening greeting and hymn, where the priest issues a greeting and invites your guests to sing a hymn, which is often Gloria.
Nuptial mass, which many couples choose to include.
Recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, shared as a unifying, sacred expression.
Holy Communion, which symbolises the spiritual unity of the couple and their journey together.
Catholic wedding ceremonies are semi-formal, so you don’t have to wear a tuxedo or dig out a hat. But, grooms will probably want to wear a suit, and brides a dress that’s relatively modest. The Church is becoming more open to sleeveless shirts and dresses, but aren’t quite as happy about plunging necklines or deep backs. Traditionally, the bride wears a veil, but this is also something the modern Church is more relaxed about.
What is the order at a Catholic wedding ceremony?
This infographic illustrates a Catholic wedding ceremony order
As we’ve already highlighted, Catholic weddings usually follow a set structure that will happen in a certain order. However, there will be a slight variation to this if you haven’t chosen to include a nuptial mass to take place alongside your wedding ceremony. Below is an example of what your Catholic wedding mass program might look like:
1. The processional
The processional begins with the priest entering from the side, followed by the groom and his best man. They stand at the altar, as the rest of the wedding party enter and walk down the aisle towards the altar in the following order:
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Maid of honour
Ring bearer or page boy
Flower girl
The bride and her father
2. The entrance rites
Once everyone has taken their seats, the priest begins by welcoming everyone to the ceremony and invites everyone to sing a hymn, usually Gloria, before reading a prayer. Because at least half of the couple has to be Catholic, it’s assumed that at least half of the guests will also be Catholic and therefore take part.
3. The readings
You can invite some of your guests to read Bible verses, which will usually include one from the New Testament and one from the Old Testament. The theme of the readings will be love, marriage or commitment. Your guests will repeat the Responsorial Psalm. There are seven to choose from, which you and your partner should consider during the lead-up to the ceremony.
4. The gospel
The priest will ask your guests to stand and they’ll read a passage from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John which will centre around love or marriage. Popular passages include Matthew 5:13-16, Mark 10: 6-9 and John 2:1-11.
5. The homily
The priest will perform a sermon, also known as the homily. This explains the meaning behind the gospel and how it applies to your marriage.
6. The vows
You will now be asked to say your vows, which are known as the rite of marriage. You can choose to recite them or read them, or the priest may read the vows so you can say I do. These are sacred and special words, which means you can’t write your own vows to use in a Catholic ceremony.
7. The ring ceremony
The priest will ask the best man for the rings, which they’ll first bless with holy water and by saying a prayer. You’ll then be asked to say a few more words as you place the ring on your partner’s finger.
8. The offertory
Some of your guests will now offer gifts, which they’ll do by bringing them to the altar. You’ll ask your guests to do this ahead of the ceremony, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise. For your other guests, a collection plate will be passed around the church so they can give a monetary donation.
At the same time, the priest will bless bread and wine, which is known as the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
9. The Lord’s Prayer
The congregation will recite The Lord’s Prayer in unison.
10. The sign of peace
The priest will ask everyone in attendance to greet each other with a warm welcome and handshake. This is a gesture of neighbourly love.
11. Holy Communion
Your guests will line up at the altar for the priest to offer them bread and wine, something that symbolises the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
12. The first kiss
The priest will invite the two of you to share your first kiss as a married couple. If the bride chooses to wear a veil, this is when the groom will lift it to see his wife’s face.
13. The nuptial blessing
The priest will say a final prayer which will end with the words, go in peace. Your guests will respond by saying, thanks be to God.
14. The recessional
The wedding party will leave the church in the opposite order to how they entered. Outside, you’ll take part in a photoshoot, including the wedding staple, the confetti shot.
Once you’re engaged and have decided you’d like to have a Catholic wedding ceremony, the first thing to do is speak to the priest at your local Catholic church. The priest will then explain everything that needs to be done ahead of the wedding, such as the preparation program and paperwork. They should also be able to suggest a number of dates so you can begin planning the rest of your wedding.
You can plan a Catholic wedding ceremony with the help of your priest. They should be able to advise you about what you want to include at the ceremony, including hymns, readings and any extras, such as an organist or bell ringer.
If you’ve chosen to have a Catholic wedding ceremony, there aren’t many options when it comes to personalisation. So, if you’re excited to create a theme and style, what you do after the ceremony is where you can really let your personalities shine through and go crazy with creativity.
After the ceremony, many couples choose to have a wedding breakfast, which includes a three- or four-course meal, some drinks, and speeches. This is then followed by an evening reception with buffet food, dancing and, of course, more drinks. Or, you could jump straight into the evening reception if you wish. What you do is up to you, your preferences and your budget. Just make it your own!
Plan your wedding ceremony with Bridebook
Looking to plan your dream wedding? Sign up to Bridebook and get access to everything you need to organise your big day.
If you’re looking to get married on a budget, keep your wedding short and sweet, or you’re simply not interested in having a large or lavish wedding, a registry office wedding ceremony is a fantastic alternative to a traditional wedding ceremony.
But, what exactly happens at a registry office wedding ceremony? How much do they cost, how long are they and how do you organise one? There are a lot of questions about them and how they compare to other more traditional or religious ceremonies. You might not be sure whether they’re right for you.
If you’re looking to plan your own registry office wedding or figure out if one fits the vision you have for your big day, then this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know so you can plan a fabulous registry office ceremony. For more information, read our ultimate wedding ceremony guide for a detailed look at different types of wedding ceremonies.
A registry office wedding is, as the name suggests, a wedding that takes place in a registry office. A registry office is a government building where every birth, death, adoption, civil partnership and marriage is registered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Despite being a working office where many employees spend their days, there are rooms and spaces within the building that are specifically designed and decorated with weddings in mind. It may be an office by name, but registry office ceremonies take place in lovely surroundings. Many councils have registry offices located on their own premises, with dedicated grounds and gardens that are perfect for hosting a wedding. So, don’t be put off by hearing the words ‘office’ and ‘government building’. If you’re getting married on a budget or don’t want a large wedding, it’s worth visiting your local registry office to view the space and get a feel for what your ceremony could look like.
Registry office wedding ceremonies may be short and non-religious, but that doesn’t mean they’re not memorable or lack the magic and romance of other types of ceremonies. Most ceremonies will follow a similar structure, but you can still personalise them and make them your own.
How popular are registry office wedding ceremonies?
Our 2023 Wedding Report revealed that 2% of wedding ceremonies that took place in the UK last year were at a registry office. That means, with almost 400,000 weddings taking place a year in the UK, as many as 6,000 couples tied the knot at a registry office.
What type of couples usually choose a registry office wedding ceremony?
Because registry office wedding ceremonies can’t contain any references to God or religion, including hymns, readings or references in vows, they’re a common choice for couples with no religious beliefs or couples with mixed beliefs. If you have religious beliefs and would like there to be references to them in your wedding ceremony, you unfortunately can’t get married at a registry office. However, if you do have religious beliefs and you’re happy for there not to be religious elements to your ceremony, you’re of course more than welcome to get married at a registry office.
Because registry office weddings are short and inexpensive, they’re a popular choice for couples who have smaller budgets or don’t want the fuss associated with larger weddings.
Don’t forget, there are plenty of ways you can personalise a registry office wedding ceremony, which means this figure can go up or down. For example, the basic ceremony rate for a registry office wedding is around £57, or you may choose to get married in a ceremony room, which is a little bigger to allow for more guests, which will cost around £200. It can also be slightly more expensive to get married on a Saturday or Sunday than it can during the week.
Of course, it also depends on whether you choose to have a reception or breakfast after the wedding. The more you plan, the more expensive it’s going to be.
A registry office wedding ceremony is usually officiated by a registrar who works at the registry office. Two registrars will attend the ceremony, with one taking the reins to officiate.
To make your ceremony more personalised, you may wish to hire a celebrant to officiate your wedding. However, this isn’t common. While a celebrant is a fantastic addition to a wedding, the additional personalisation means the ceremony will last much longer, which means it’ll cost more – plus the cost of the celebrant themselves. If you’d like a celebrant to officiate your wedding, a traditional wedding ceremony may suit your vision a little more closely.
Where are registry office wedding ceremonies held?
As you might expect, a registry office wedding is held in specific ceremony rooms within government registry office buildings. There’s often a choice of rooms that can suit different budgets and accommodate different numbers of guests.
Wedding ceremonies that take place at a registry office are among the shortest ceremonies there are, with most taking just 10 or 15 minutes. They may take a little longer if you choose to have a loved one perform a reading, but because there can’t be references to religion, they’re usually much shorter than other types of wedding ceremonies.
As well as being a momentous and romantic moment in your lives, a wedding is also a legal process. Registry office weddings mostly focus on the legal aspect of getting married, which is why they’re so much shorter than other weddings. For example, a traditional wedding ceremony or Catholic wedding ceremony may last an hour or so, and a Hindu wedding ceremony might last around 90 minutes or longer.
Before you can legally marry at a registry office, you must give notice at your local office, which costs around £35 each. To give notice, you must have lived within the local area for a minimum of seven days. To register, you must both visit the registry office in person with a valid ID. This must be done a minimum of 29 days before the date of your wedding and a maximum of 12 months before your wedding.
Giving notice doesn’t legally start the marriage process, or count as any kind of legal contract. It simply tells the registrar that you are who you say you are, and that you intend to get married to your partner.
When does a registry office wedding ceremony take place?
A registry office can host several weddings a day, and what time these are available depends on the local registry office and how many rooms and registrars there are. Sometimes, ceremonies will take place around lunchtime, but it’s more common for them to start in the early afternoon. Most registry office ceremonies will start on the hour.
You should also have your choice of days, with the majority of registry offices offering ceremonies seven days a week. However, with weekends being the most popular choice for couples, it can be more difficult to secure a weekend date, which is something to bear in mind if you’re looking to get married in the not-too-distant future.
For more information, our article on the best wedding day timeline outlines what happens and when on your wedding day.
Can you include a reading or hymn at a registry office wedding ceremony?
You can include readings or songs at your registry office ceremony, but they must not include any religious content. Many couples choose to ask a loved one to perform a reading, which might be a poem, extract or song lyrics. However, because most hymns sung at weddings are religious, it’s not common for there to be hymns at a registry office wedding.
Can you have a photographer at a registry office wedding?
Yes, you absolutely can have a photographer at a registry office wedding. Because the ceremony is short, you should be able to secure decent rates for a professional photographer and pay way less than you might for a traditional wedding.
The only thing to note is that the photographer won’t be allowed to take photographs as you sign the register, but you can pose for photographs with the register afterward. If you plan on having the famous wedding confetti shot, make sure you check with the registrar first as there can be restrictions surrounding this.
What words are exchanged at a registry office wedding ceremony?
The words you speak at your wedding are hugely personal because it’s a promise and commitment to your partner about how you’re going to spend the rest of your life with them. This is why it’s important to think carefully about what you’d like to say at your wedding.
Thankfully, there’s a fair amount of flexibility offered when it comes to the words you can say at your wedding. You may wish to say the words fed to you by the officiant, but you can write your own vows if you’d like them to be more personal. However, it’s important to note that you’re unable to reference religion and the vows must be reviewed by the registrar before the ceremony.
As we’ve already highlighted, a registry office wedding is a short and legal process, so the majority of the words spoken by you (unless you choose otherwise) mainly cover this. This includes the declaratory and contracting words, which are the non-negotiable parts of what you’ll say. These words are usually as follows:
Declaratory words
“I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful reason why I [YOUR FULL NAME] may not be joined in matrimony to [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME].”
Contracting words
“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, [YOUR FULL NAME], do take thee [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME] to be my lawful wedded [WIFE/HUSBAND/SPOUSE/PARTNER IN MARRIAGE].”
What traditions are there at a registry office wedding ceremony?
Because registry office weddings are usually on the shorter side, there aren’t as many traditions as there are at traditional or religious ceremonies. That being said, there are still some traditions, which are usually similar to that of a traditional ceremony. These include:
The processional, when you walk down the aisle. However, because registry office weddings are much smaller than other wedding types, the processional is also much smaller.
Wedding attire, such as the customary white dress or suit.
The exchanging of the rings, which are traditionally held for safekeeping by the best man.
The confetti shot, which you will need to check with the registrar beforehand.
Which traditions you choose to uphold are down to you – it’s your wedding, after all. Only the parts of the ceremony that are legal have to be followed, so there’s usually a lot of wiggle room when it comes to everything else.
The great thing about a registry office wedding is that there aren’t as many expectations as there can be with traditional weddings. So, you’re free to wear whatever you like, whether it’s a white bridal dress, suit, formalwear, or something a lot more casual. Just remember to communicate with each other and let your guests know your plans.
What is the order at a registry office wedding ceremony?
This infographic illustrates a registry office ceremony order
Because a registry office wedding is so short, there’s a lot to include in such a small amount of time. So, the order usually only includes the most ‘important’ and legal parts of a traditional wedding.
A registry office wedding ceremony will generally follow an order similar to the following (which doesn’t include the notice that must take place at least 29 days beforehand):
1. Pre-ceremony meeting
Before the ceremony can begin, you and your partner will meet with the registrar to make sure all the details are correct and you’re happy for the wedding to take place. You must both meet with the registrar, which can either be done separately or together.
2. The processional
Registry office ceremonies are often intimate, so the processional will be relatively short. That being said, you can include as many participants as you like, so if you’d like bridesmaids, groomsmen and even a page boy or flower girl, you absolutely can. The processional begins with the music of your choice playing (which can’t be religious in any way).
3. The welcome
Once you’re both at the front and your loved ones have taken their seats, the officiant will welcome everyone to the ceremony and say a few words about marriage and commitment.
4. The legal declaration and contracting vows
This is the legal part of the process, when you’ll repeat lines fed to you by the registrar.
5. The readings
Registry office ceremonies are short, but you’re still welcome to include a non-religious reading if you wish, which can be performed by the guest of your choosing (just make sure you ask them ahead of time).
6. The exchanging of the rings
The registrar will ask you (or your best man) for the rings. You’ll then exchange a few more words which the registrar can feed you, or you could read vows you’ve written yourself, as you give each other the rings.
7. The declaration of marriage and first kiss
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting so long for – the registrar declares you married! You’ll also be invited to share your first kiss as your family and friends applaud (and shed a tear or two).
8. The signing of the register
You’ll be asked to sign the register to make your marriage legal and official, in the company of the two witnesses you’ll have asked ahead of the wedding. While this happens, music plays to entertain your guests (who will be all too happy to wait).
9. The photographs
The two of you are encouraged to pose for photographs with the marriage certificate, which can be official photographs if you’ve hired a photographer or your loved ones with their own cameras.
10. The recessional
The registrar will announce that the ceremony’s over and invite your guests to join you for the breakfast or reception (if you’ve chosen to have one at all). You’ll then leave the venue as music plays, and head outside for more photographs.
Booking a registry office wedding office is a relatively easy and straightforward process. First, you’ll need to call your local registry office and ask for an appointment to give notice. You must give notice at least 29 days before and within 12 months of the date you want to get married.
Once you’ve spoken to the registrar and given notice, you’re free to get married. Speak to the team at the registry office and book the date and time that suits you.
Because registry office weddings are often small in scale and more affordable than other types of weddings, it’s common for most couples to plan their ceremony themselves. You can hire a wedding planner if you wish, but the costs involved mean you’re not likely to experience much benefit. Plus, there are certain legal steps you have to do yourself, which means you’ll have to be fairly hands-on with the planning process.
What comes after a registry office wedding ceremony?
Once your registry office ceremony is over and you and your partner are legally married, what you do next is entirely up to you. If you have the budget and inclination, you might want to celebrate your marriage with a meal or party, or have a traditional wedding breakfast. It all depends on your personal preferences and budget.
Plan your wedding ceremony with Bridebook
Excited to plan your own registry office wedding ceremony? Sign up to Bridebook and get access to everything you need to plan your perfect wedding.
Words from the Bible have truly stood the test of time. In a world where the pace of life seems to get quicker every day, Bible verses offer a gentle reminder of the virtues that bind us together — love, kindness, and the importance of faith.
Including a Bible reading in your wedding service is a beautiful and traditional way to express how you feel about your new spouse. It’s also a great way to ensure your wedding ceremony is rooted in your Christian beliefs and sets the stage for a marriage built on a foundation of faith and love.
But, with 3,145 verses in the Old Testament and 7,957 verses in the New Testament, it can be tricky knowing which wedding verse to pick. Read on for our 25 favourite wedding verses in the Bible, as well as some top tips on how to include a Bible reading in your special day.
The most important thing about choosing a reading from the Bible is that it resonates with you, your partner, and your unique love story. The timeless nature of Bible verses means they can apply to lots of different situations or stages of life. The most important things to consider are:
Is it relevant to your relationship?
Does it suit the tone of your wedding?
Can you connect with the verse or use it as a source of inspiration?
Is it inclusive of those present?
If the answer to all or most of these questions is yes, then you’ve picked a good Bible verse for your wedding!
How to include a Bible reading in your wedding ceremony
There are multiple ways to work a Bible reading into your wedding ceremony. These include:
As a wedding reading
If you prefer a longer wedding verse or Bible story, you can use this as a wedding reading. Choosing a longer reading allows you to dive into the meaning of the text and emphasise the values included as a key part of your service.
As wedding vows
You can either incorporate a longer Bible verse into your vows or use shorter vows to draw emphasis to certain promises. For example, you could use Corinthians 16:14: “Do everything in love,” to highlight how you will do everything in love during your marriage.
For guest readings
If you’d like your guests to make readings during the ceremony, asking them to pick their favourite Bible verse is a great way to include them in your service. It not only removes the stress from picking a wedding reading, but it will help you get to know them a little better. After all, their favourite Bible verse will tell you a lot about their character, values, and how they practise their faith.
If the guest you ask to make a reading isn’t religious, ask them to read a Bible verse that resonates with you or your partner. This way, you can still incorporate the wisdom of scripture into your ceremony and remove the burden of choice from your guest.
During wedding speeches
Wedding speeches are a great chance to incorporate Bible verses into your wedding ceremony, especially if your service isn’t religious. You could either try using whole Bible verses in place of a speech or incorporating a few lines of your favourite verses for a touch of spiritual significance.
In thank you cards
You could also incorporate a few Bible verses into your wedding thank you cards. This is a great way to keep the spirituality of your big day alive, even after the ceremony has concluded. Try using 1 Thessalonians 3:12 to express your gratitude, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else.”
5 short Bible readings for a wedding
Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.
Romans 13:8: Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Ephesians 4:32: Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Song of Solomon 8:7: Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.
Ephesians 5:25: For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her…
5 unique Bible readings for a wedding
The First Letter of Saint John 4:7-12: Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love…
Song of Solomon 8:6-7: Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame…
Song of Solomon 6:3: I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. My beloved speaks and says to me: Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land…
Psalms 92:12-15: The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Isaiah 62:4-5: People will not call you Deserted anymore. They will no longer name your land Empty. Instead, you will be called One the Lord Delights In. Your land will be named Married One. That’s because the Lord will take delight in you. And your land will be married. As a young man marries a young woman, so your Builder will marry you. As a groom is happy with his bride, so your God will be full of joy over you.
5 beautiful Bible readings about love and marriage
Genesis 2:18–22: Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”…So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; and the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
Genesis 2:24: Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Ephesians 5:25-29: Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church…
Matthew 19:4-6: “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
5 Old Testament readings for a wedding
Proverbs 30:18-19: There are three things that amaze me—no, four things that I don’t understand: how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman.
Ruth 1:16-17: Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.
Proverbs 31:10-13: When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.
Song of Songs 2:8-10: Hark! my lover—here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. My lover speaks; he says to me, “Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come!”
Book of Sirach 26:1-4: Blessed the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the Lord; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face.
5 New Testament readings for a wedding
Colossians 3:14: And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians 5:2a: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the Church in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the Church, because we are members of his Body.
Book of Revelation 19:1: “Alleluia! The Lord has established his reign, our God, the almighty. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory. For the wedding day of the Lamb has come, his bride has made herself ready. She was allowed to wear a bright, clean linen garment.” Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” The word of the Lord.
John 15:9-10: As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
John 2:1-11: On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Weaving Bible verses into your readings, speeches, or thank you cards is a great way to inject some spirituality into your wedding ceremony. Whether you’re planning on a church service or a more secular celebration, these verses can add a sacred touch that resonates with the essence of love, family, and commitment.
Bible verses can be used on their own or peppered throughout your wedding reading or speech. The best Bible verses will be those that resonate with you as a couple, or that represent your hopes and dreams for your married life.
So, whether you’re deeply religious or have a more casual relationship with spirituality, there’s always space for a Bible quote on your wedding day. If you’re looking for a shorter quote than the readings above, check out our post on 110 inspiring love quotes, which includes 10 short Bible quotes. Otherwise, see our post on wedding speech ideas, which contains inspiration for every type of wedding speech.
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting and thrilling times of your life. You’ll get to choose from so many different things that all come together to form the most perfect wedding day so you and your partner can celebrate your marriage in style surrounded by your family and friends.
But, while it might be a fun and rewarding process, planning a wedding isn’t exactly quick or simple – mainly because there are so many things to remember. If just one thing is forgotten, delayed or booked a little too late, it can throw everything else off. And trust us, the last thing you want when planning your big day is for you not to secure your first-choice florist or venue.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to let you know exactly when you need to start planning every part of your wedding, from the huge to the tiny. That way, you’ll have everything covered so you can keep your stress levels to a minimum and not worry about what you might have forgotten.
In this post, we’ve outlined the ultimate wedding planning checklist. We’ll go into detail about what to think about and when, so you can make sure everything’s in place at exactly the right time. That leaves you to get on with the one most important thing – have the wedding of your dreams and get married to the love of your life.
As we’ve already highlighted, planning a wedding involves thinking and making a decision about every single thing to do with your big day. From the shoes you’ll wear to the colour of the napkins at the wedding breakfast, you’ll have hundreds – if not thousands – of decisions to make. Most of these will fall under the following categories:
Wedding budget
Guest list
Venue
Officiants
Vendors
Attire
Stationery
Decor
Ceremony
Catering
Reception
Rings
Marriage license
Guest accommodation
Gifts and favours
Hair and beauty
Timeline
Honeymoon
See what we mean? That’s already a fairly long list, and it doesn’t even begin to cover the subcategories that fall under each. For example, under vendors you have florists, transportation, entertainers, musicians, photographers, cakemakers, wedding planner and more.
Ideally, you should start planning your wedding as soon as possible. But, we understand that, in reality, this can be a difficult question to answer. It all depends on how far into the future you’d like your wedding to be.
If you’re not looking to get married on a specific date or in any kind of rush to tie the knot, you might not need to dive into the wedding planning deep end. Instead, you might only need to take off your socks and dip your does into the wedding-planning pool. You can start to think about themes, dates and venues at a leisurely pace without worrying too much about whether or not you should throw down a deposit and secure something before someone else does.
On the other hand, if you want to get married relatively quickly – like within a year or less – then you definitely should slip on that bathing costume and dive right into the deep end. Such a short timeframe means you risk not getting your venues and vendors of choice, which risks you not having your dream wedding.
So, putting the tenuous swimming-related metaphors to one side, simply put, we recommend you get things in motion as soon as you can.
The decision about whether or not to hire a wedding planner can be a difficult one. On the one hand, wedding planners can take a lot of the more difficult and lengthy planning-related tasks off your hands, leaving you to do fun stuff like making decisions and spending money.
On the other hand, they’re not exactly cheap. The average cost of a wedding planner is £1,891, which is around 10% of the average overall wedding budget. When you’re spending as much money on a wedding as you are, it can be a rather large chunk of change that many couples can’t afford to spare. However, a good wedding planner will know where to get the best deals, who to speak to and what to say – so in the end, they might save you as much or if not more than their fee. It’s a difficult decision that only you can make, which you should make based on your budget, excitement and free time.
Putting together your own wedding checklist can be a challenge. As we’ve already mentioned, there are so many things to think about that it can be easy for one or two to be overlooked.
Thankfully, there are tools in place that mean you don’t need to plan your own checklist – you can use our wedding checklist tool right here at Bridebook. It’s a fast, easy and comprehensive tool that includes everything you need to think about, which you can check off as and when it’s taken care of. It’s also available in the handy Bridebook app, so you can take it with you as you visit venues and sample cakes. It definitely beats having to do mountains of research and put together a complicated spreadsheet.
Wedding planning checklist: quick reference guide
A lot of planning goes into creating the perfect wedding – below is a quick reference guide to make sure you tick off everything you need. Be sure to save and print out our step-by-step infographics for whenever you might need them.
You can also use Bridebook’s comprehensive and easy-to-use wedding checklist tool to organise your month-by-month to-dos straight from your mobile.
Wedding Planning Checklist : 2 years to 7 months before
2 years before your wedding
Work out your budget
Speak to your parents to ask about helping pay for your wedding
Think about your date
Book any popular venues and vendors
Insure your engagement ring
Hire a wedding planner (if you want one)
Invest in wedding insurance
18 months before your wedding
Choose your wedding venue
Organise an engagement photoshoot
Throw an engagement party
Create your guest list
Make a call on the theme, style, formality and colour scheme
Choose your wedding caterer
Send out you save-the-dates
12 months before your wedding
Hire the rest of your vendors
11 months before your wedding
Organise your guests’ accommodation
10 months before your wedding
Get serious about wedding dress shopping
Design your wedding website
9 months before your wedding
Buy your wedding dress
8 months before your wedding
Create a gift register
Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses
Meet with local florists to talk flowers
Make a start on DIY decorations
7 months before your wedding
Book the venue for your rehearsal dinner
Start suit shopping/browsing
Put in your order for things you want to hire
Hire an officiant, registrar or celebrant
Meet with local cakemakers
Design your wedding invitations
Wedding Planning Checklist : 6 months to 1 month before
6 months before your wedding
Finalise your wedding menu
Hire your hair and makeup artist
5 months before your wedding
Book additional transportation if necessary
Print and send your invitations
Book your honeymoon
Consider premarital counselling
4 months before your wedding
Buy your wedding rings
Choose the right shoes
Work out the groomsmen, page boy and flower girl’s attire
Plan your stag do/hen party
3 months before your wedding
Do your hair and makeup trial
Plan your wedding favours
Choose your hymns and/or readings
Finalise rehearsal dinner plans
2 months before your wedding
Write your wedding vows
Go to your first dress fitting
Choose your wedding accessories
Buy gifts for your wedding party
Finalise the details with your florist
Choose your wedding music
Make sure you have all the decor and stationery
1 month before your wedding
Finish your wedding favours
Pay your final invoices
Create your seating plan
Create your name cards
Chase any outstanding RSVPs
Meet with your wedding planner to go through everything
Wedding Planning Checklist : the final two weeks
2 weeks before your wedding
Have your final wedding dress fitting
Wear your wedding shoes to break them in
Double-check your wedding checklist
Print any final items of stationery or decor
Enjoy your stag do/hen party
Finalise your plan B
1 week before your wedding
Finish writing your vows
Share your itinerary with your wedding party
Pack for your honeymoon
3 days before your wedding
Take a little time for yourself
Practise reciting your vows
Enjoy a spa session
Get your nails done
Pay a visit to the barber
2 days before your wedding
Get your things together
Clean your wedding rings
Write your partner a special note
1 day before your wedding
Collect anything you’re hiring
Take key items to the venue (if possible)
Have an early night
Wedding planning checklist: all the details
If you’re about to start your wedding planning journey, or you’re neck deep in it already and worried you’re going to miss something, don’t worry – our complete wedding planning checklist below includes every single thing you need to think about.
So, follow our step-by-step journey so you know exactly what to do and when, and nothing gets missed, ignored, forgotten or overlooked. Or, use our handy wedding checklist tool every step of the way while planning your big day.
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 2 years before
Work out your budget
Before getting too excited about planning your wedding – and especially before throwing down money for a deposit anywhere – you need to work out your budget. Look at your own savings, your income and what you might be able to save over the coming months and years. Weddings are expensive – the average amount couples spend on their wedding in the UK is £19,184. You don’t want to start your married life in debt, so make sure you don’t overstretch yourself.
Use our intuitive budget tool to help understand the sort of money you’ll have to play with. Many couples also ask for help paying for their wedding, which you might want to include during your initial planning. Once you know your budget, you’ll then have a better idea about what kind of venues and vendors you can consider – that’s when the real fun begins.
Don’t forget, if your budget’s looking a little smaller than you’d like, there are plenty of ways you can save money. Read our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding for a little inspiration.
Speak to your parents to ask about helping pay for your wedding
Our 2023 Wedding Report found that a third of engaged couples ask their parents for financial help when planning a wedding. If this is you, and you’re asking for a little help to pay for things for your big day, you’re not alone. But, you’ll need to broach the subject with your parents sooner rather than later so you can gauge exactly how much you’ll have to spend.
The topic of money can be a difficult one to raise, especially when it comes to asking for help. For some guidance on how you can discuss finances with your parents, read our dedicated post on how to ask your parents for help paying for your wedding.
Think about your date
From the moment you got engaged, you’ve probably had to answer the same question from all angles: have you set a date yet? Without setting a date, it can be hard to plan everything else, so it should be one of the very first things you consider. Is there a specific date you want to get married on, such as the anniversary of your first date, or a Saturday during the summer when there’s a higher chance of guests being free? Not to mention some good weather. Once you’ve chosen your ideal date, you can start to think about everything else.
Book any popular venues and vendors
If you’re blessed with the gift of time and have a couple of years until your wedding, it’s important not to get too blasé. Many affordable and popular venues can get booked up two or more years in advance, especially if you want to get married on a Saturday. So, it can’t hurt to start browsing and visiting venues to get a head start on other couples. The worst thing you can do is delay making a booking for the venue, only for it to be snapped up by someone else. Believe us when we say that really does sting.
The same applies to other wedding vendors who have great reputations or reasonable rates. They’ll soon run out of availability, so if there’s someone you know you just have to have for your wedding, book them as soon as you’ve confirmed your date.
Insure your engagement ring
After the proposal, one of the first things you should do is insure the engagement ring. You’re not likely to lose or damage it, but imagine what if? Your home insurance policy may cover your engagement ring, but even if it does there’s likely to be a limit on the value. Check with your insurer if your ring is covered, and if not make sure you take out an adequate policy as soon as possible.
Hire a wedding planner (if you want one)
If you’re thinking about hiring a wedding planner to help make your dream wedding a reality, you should do this before you make a single booking. That’s because wedding planners are relatively pricey (they cost an average of £1,891) and you want to get the most value from them you can. Plus, with so many connections, years of experience and plenty of skill, a great wedding planner can save you some serious cash along the way.
Invest in wedding insurance
Once you’ve set the date for your wedding, if it’s within the next two years then make sure you secure wedding insurance. Because you’re dropping so much money on your wedding, why risk losing it all should something unexpected happen? It’s unlikely, of course, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Just don’t jump the gun on this – most wedding insurance providers only offer policies valid for 24 months.
18 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 18 months before
Choose your wedding venue
If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to get a wiggle on and secure your venue. If you have your sights set on a particular venue, pay your deposit as soon as you can, because there are likely to be other couples (as well as those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, or even corporate parties) looking for exactly the same type of event space. If you have your budget worked out and a date agreed, find the perfect venue and get your name on the booking sheet. The venue is probably going to be the single biggest expense at your wedding, so once you have that you’re in a great position to build everything else around it.
Once you’ve secured your venue, you can start dropping a few hints about a date, too!
Organise an engagement photoshoot
To mark such a momentous moment in your lives, why not take part in an engagement photography session so you can hold on to those memories forever? This is also a great way to get used to being in front of a camera if it’s not really your thing. If you speak to your chosen photographer about packages, you also might be able to bag a bargain and have them shoot photos at your wedding for a discounted rate.
Throw an engagement party
Engagement parties are a great way to celebrate your engagement and get everyone excited about your future wedding. Ideally, you should throw your engagement party between two and four months after you get engaged, because any longer and it risks being too close to the wedding itself. You don’t have to throw an engagement party (it is another expense after all), but it can be a lot of fun before you get busy with wedding planning.
Once you know your budget and venue, you can start to create your guest list, as they’ll both determine how many guests you can invite. If you have a large budget and venue, you might be in a position to invite 150 guests or more. If you have a smaller budget and venue, you might have room for 75 guests or fewer, which means you might have to be a little less frivolous with the +1s. This means making some hard decisions and complex family-focused negotiations, which hopefully won’t result in too many guest list-related arguments.
One important thing to note here is that if you do decide to throw an engagement party, anyone who gets an invite to that will probably expect an invite to the wedding itself. So, if you don’t want someone in particular to be there on the big day, don’t ask them to be there to celebrate your engagement.
Make a call on the theme, style, formality and colour scheme
Since the moment you got engaged, you’ve probably started following wedding influencers on social media, flicking through wedding magazines, reading blogs, browsing Etsy and Pinterest and everything else you can think of for wedding inspiration. Now it’s time to make the call and decide the theme, style, formality and colour scheme of your wedding so you can hire the appropriate vendors and decorations, and plan your stationery.
Choose your wedding caterer
While, of course, your guests will attend your wedding to watch you and your partner get married, they’ll also secretly be excited about all the food and drink they’ll get to enjoy too. Choosing a wedding caterer can be a tough decision, but it’s also a lot of fun, and allows you the chance to try some amazing foods while nodding thoughtfully.
And the best thing about wedding catering is that the possibilities are limitless. Whether you want a fancy three-course meal, a huge buffet spread, or a lineup of international food trucks, you can go with whatever fits your theme and preference (and budget, of course).
Send out your save-the-dates
After figuring out your theme, you’re finally in a position to start work on your wedding stationery. As part of this, you can design (or brief a designer you might choose to hire) your save-the-dates. These could be cards, magnets, keyrings, tiny jigsaws, stickers… anything you can think of. It just reminds your guests to keep that date free ahead of sending out the formal invitations. The sooner you can get your save-the-dates out the better, especially if your wedding’s taking place during the summer months, in the middle of the school holidays or on a Saturday, all of which can quickly fill up.
12 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 12 months before
Hire the rest of your vendors
Remember how tough it was to decide on the right venue? Right, well now multiply that process by five, because you have a bunch more big decisions to make. This includes sorting your music and/or entertainment, and hiring a videographer and photographer if you didn’t buy a package when you had engagement photos taken.
These kinds of vendors, especially if they come with a good reputation, are likely to be booked up if you leave it too close to your wedding, so if there’s someone you have in mind we’d recommend securing them early before it’s too late.
If your wedding’s taking part at different venues, don’t forget to book transportation, too. And with such a wide variety of options available, from a horse and carriage to a stretch limousine, it might be a tough decision.
11 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 11 months before
Organise your guests’ accommodation
If you’re getting married somewhere that offers on-site accommodation, like a hotel, you’ll want to make sure your guests have easy access to a room (and ideally offer a preferential rate). Speak to the venue about blocking out rooms, which also helps prevent the venue from having too many unfamiliar faces staying and feeling a little less exclusive. If it’s a smaller hotel, they may automatically block out every room for you, but it’s worth checking with them to make sure.
10 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 10 months before
Get serious about wedding dress shopping
What you wear on your wedding day is going to play on your mind right up until the morning of your wedding when you put everything on (and realise all that preparation paid off). So, you’ve probably been looking into what you’re going to wear waaay before now. But, now’s the time to get serious. Try to go for a proper dress fitting so you can find the style of dress that suits your tastes, budget and figure perfectly. Then, it’s up to you whether you choose a dress from that store, look elsewhere, or wait to grab a bargain (there are plenty of thrifty ways to save money on a wedding dress out there).
Finding your wedding dress can be a bit of a mission, but with your wedding squad in tow, you can have a lot of fun at the same time.
Design your wedding website
A wedding website is a useful resource to which you can direct you guests to give them information about your wedding. You probably don’t want to overload your invitations with huge paragraphs or unwieldy maps detailing the location of the venue – instead, a wedding website can do that for you. It’s also a great way to create an interactive gift register.
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 9 months before
Buy your wedding dress
It’s time to pull the trigger on a dress, especially if it’s bespoke or has a complex or intricate design. Bespoke, handmade dresses can take up to six months to make, so get in there with plenty of time so you’re not spending the final few weeks ahead of your wedding sweating about whether or not it’ll be ready on time.
8 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 8 months before
Create a gift register
You might not ask for or expect your guests to give you a wedding gift, but it’s likely that many of them will want to give you something to mark such a special occasion. So, to make sure you get things you want and will use (and to avoid guests doubling up on gifts), a gift register is recommended. This is especially important if you and your other half already live together and you have a lot of the homely stuff wedding guests like to give.
You can publish a gift register if you have a wedding website, or put one together using a dedicated service. View our list of the top nine wedding gift list ideas for a little inspiration.
Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses
Now that you have your dress chosen, you can start planning what the bridal party will wear to complement you. Not only should their outfits tie closely to your own attire, they should also link to your chosen theme and colour scheme.
Before you head out dress shopping, make sure your bridesmaids know if they’re expected to pay for their own dresses. Whether or not you choose to do this is down to you and your circumstances. For more information on this, read our article on what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for.
Meet with local florists to talk wedding flowers
Your wedding is probably going to be when you spend the most amount of money on flowers at any one time. For that reason, you’ll want to meet with a few local florists to see what they can do for you. Choose a florist who understands the vision you have for your wedding, but also allow them to use their experience, expertise and creativity to create beautiful, show-stopping flower arrangements.
Once you’ve found a florist you connect with that fits within your budget, pay a deposit to secure them for your big day. For more tips, read our post on how to choose a wedding florist.
Make a start on DIY decorations
One of the simplest ways to save money on your wedding is by hand-making a lot of your decorations yourself. This includes DIY invites, table numbers, place cards, bunting, signage, table centrepieces, paper flowers, and guestbook. With so much to do when planning a wedding, you might not have much time to spare, so save yourself unnecessary worry by starting early. There’s a ton of inspiration available online, and blogs and YouTube tutorials can help you with crafting techniques if you’re not sure where to start.
7 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 7 months before
Book the venue for your rehearsal dinner
In the UK, it’s not common for there to be a rehearsal dinner before the wedding – after all, it’s yet another thing to pay for and organise. However, they are starting to become more popular, so if it’s something you’re keen to include, you’ll want to book something with plenty of time to spare so you secure a venue big enough for your entire guest list.
Start suit shopping/browsing
It’s time to start the search for the ideal suit or tuxedo, so take the time to try on a variety of different outfits and combinations until you find something that you’re comfortable with, complements the dresses, fits with the colour scheme and is within your budget. It’s a challenging balancing act, which is why you shouldn’t leave it too late.
Put in your order for things you want to hire
Hiring things for your wedding is a brilliant way to save money. With so many items available to hire, you should start browsing and making bookings so it’s one less thing to worry about. Things you could consider hiring for your wedding include:
Dress
Suits
Chairs
Marquee
Tableware
Decor
Lighting
Photobooth
Hire an officiant, registrar or celebrant
If you’re having a religious wedding, the head of your place of worship will often officiate your wedding. However, if you’re having a traditional wedding ceremony, you’ll have a lot more flexibility about who takes on this role.
If you’ve chosen to hire a celebrant to add further personalisation to your ceremony, you’ll want to speak with several to find one you click with. You’ll meet with your chosen celebrant a couple of times ahead of your wedding as they ask you questions and really get to know you. That way, they can make your ceremony as custom and personal as possible.
If you have a particularly confident friend or family member whom you’d love to include in your wedding, you could even ask them to be your celebrant. A celebrant can’t legally marry you, so it’s worth bearing in mind that you will also need a registrar to make sure everything goes by the book.
Meet with local cakemakers
By now you’ll have a picture of your perfect wedding cake in your mind. You might prefer a towering and elegant three-tiered cake or an eye-catching novelty cake. You could even go with a Colin the Caterpillar if that’s how you roll (get it?). Whatever type of cake you want to go with, research local cake makers who make wedding cakes of a similar style. Arrange to meet a couple so you can talk through your vision and taste a few samples (bonus!). Once you’ve found your perfect match, pay your deposit and let them know when and where they need to deliver it (unless you choose to collect it to save a little money).
Design your wedding invitations
With everything coming together, you can start to design your official invitations. Whether you’re designing these yourself or hiring a professional to do them for you, make sure they fit your style and theme, and include everything related to the who, what, where and when of your wedding. You’ll also need to let recipients know how to RSVP (and by when), whether it’s returning a postcard to you, using your wedding website, or contacting you via an email address. If you’re offering a choice of food options, make sure to make this clear as well.
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 6 months before
Finalise your wedding menu
Speak to your caterers about your final menu choices, which might mean squeezing in one last tasting session. Remember to offer options for vegetarians and vegans, as well as those with allergies or intolerances. This includes choosing the food for the breakfast, evening buffet, canapés, wine, fizz and desserts.
Hire your hair and makeup artist
With just six months to go before your wedding, you’ll need to start thinking about hair and makeup. If you’d like a professional to do if for you, which we recommend if it suits your budget, then book them for your wedding and a trial session if possible with about six months to go.
5 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 5 months before
Book additional transportation if necessary
If your wedding takes place across various venues, you may choose to put on transportation for your guests to help with the overall logistics of the day. It also prevents guests from stressing about where to go and when, and whether or not they’ll find a parking space. Coach hire is simple to arrange, and if it’s something you’re organising make sure to note it in your invitations so guests know exactly what’s happening on the day.
Print and send your invitations
With your food choices set in stone, you can finish your invitations. You may choose to print these so they look perfectly uniform, write them by hand for that personal touch, or hire a calligrapher for an elegant and professional finish.
Once you have your invites and you’re happy, you can get them in the post. Just be prepared to lick a lot of envelopes (or invest in a good glue stick)!
Book your honeymoon
For many couples, a honeymoon is a non-negotiable. Not only is it a great way for the two of you to spend time alone and celebrate your marriage, but you’ll also need a break after a couple of busy years planning your wedding.
If your budget allows, book your honeymoon at least five months before your wedding. However, if you’re looking to go somewhere popular during peak travel season, you may want to do it sooner. The only thing is, if you book it too early and end up with unexpected wedding expenses, you don’t want to be faced with the disappointment of scaling back your honeymoon, or worse, cancelling it altogether. Booking with around five months to go before your wedding should give you a good idea as to how much budget you have to dedicate towards your well-deserved break.
Consider premarital counselling
This isn’t for everyone, but counselling doesn’t have to be limited to couples who are struggling. Counselling helps you communicate and prevents issues from developing. Marriage is a big change and counselling can help you with this transition. If it’s not something you feel is needed, then don’t feel pressured to, but if you are considering premarital counselling then you’ll want to start it with several months to go.
4 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 4 months before
Buy your wedding rings
If you and your partner have chosen to exchange and wear wedding rings, now’s the time to get your ring fingers measured and choose your perfect wedding bands. The rings may need to be resized, so it’s important not to leave it too late. There are also a lot of different styles, designs and metals to choose from, which can fit a wide variety of budgets.
Choose the right shoes
From walking down the aisle at the ceremony to dancing the night away at the reception, you’ll spend a large portion of your wedding day on your feet. Finding shoes that are both stylish and comfortable is vital to avoid blisters and aching feet.
Work out the groomsmen, page boy and flower girl’s attire
There are just a few outfits left to decide now, so coordinate what the groomsmen, page boy and flower girl (if you’re having them) will wear so they fit the style and colour scheme of your wedding.
Plan your stag do/hen party
Before your big day, the two of you might be keen on having a stag and/or hen night so you can have a bit of fun before settling into married life. This could be anything from a night out to a weekend away. The grander your plans are, the longer it’ll take to plan (and pay for), so bear this in mind. Talk to your best man and/maid of honour to discuss options and make bookings where necessary.
3 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 3 months before
Do your hair and makeup trial
If you’re hiring a professional hair and makeup artist, it’s worth doing a trial session (you could even include your gal pals if they’re doing your bridesmaids’ hair and makeup too). That way, you can nail the look you want ahead of time so it’s not a case of trial and error on the morning of the big day. This is your opportunity to discuss exactly what you’re going for so you can achieve that look as close as possible.
Plan your wedding favours
If you’re planning on giving favours to your guests as a token of appreciation for them being at your wedding, you should think about what you want to do and how you want to do it. If you’re having something bespoke created or going down the DIY route, these things take time.
Choose your hymns and/or readings
Speak to your officiant or celebrant about whether you’d like to have hymns or readings at your wedding ceremony. If you’d like a friend or family member to perform a reading, such as a poem or extract, you should approach them to let them know what you’d like them to do. You might also want to give them a copy of the reading ahead of time in case they’d like a few practice runs.
Finalise rehearsal dinner plans
If you’ve decided to go down the rehearsal dinner route, you’ll need to make sure everything’s ready. This includes the food, seating plan, attire and whether you’d like anyone to say a few words. Rehearsal dinners are far more relaxed than your actual wedding, but there’s still a loose structure that you may wish to stick to, which does require a little attention.
You may want to invite your officiant and celebrant to the rehearsal, so make sure they know about it in plenty of time if so.
You may also want to send formal invitations to the rehearsal dinner, or include these in your wedding invitations. Because they’re far more relaxed, a text message can also do the trick.
2 months before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 2 months before
Write your wedding vows
By now, you’ll have discussed with each other (as well as with your officiant and/or celebrant) whether you’re writing your own vows or using something a little more traditional. There’s no right or wrong answer to this – only what’s right for you.
If you’ve chosen to write your own vows, we implore you not to leave it too late – and especially don’t try to wing it on the day. Writing your own vows is a highly-personal and sometimes challenging task. Getting exactly how you feel in your head and heart down on paper can be more challenging than you might assume. With an early start you can make changes to them over time. Refine, tweak, cut, add. It’ll likely be a work in progress right up until the last moment.
Go to your first dress fitting
There’s only around eight weeks to go now, so things will start to feel very real. No more so will it hit you than when you go to your first dress fitting. This allows the seamstress to make changes and alterations to make sure your dress fits you perfectly on the big day.
Choose your wedding accessories
To complement your wedding attire, you’ll want to think about what accessories you’ll wear too. For the bride, this might be a clutch, bracelet, necklace, tiara and veil. You’ll also need to choose your wedding day underwear – especially a bra that fits comfortably and suits the style of your dress.
For the groom, you can wear a tie, pocket square, watch, cufflinks, socks and belt. These should all be co-ordinated to fit the style and colour scheme of your wedding.
Buy gifts for your wedding party
As a token of gratitude, you may want to give members of your wedding party a small gift to thank them for their love and support. It doesn’t need to be something big: some flowers or a bottle of wine is often more than enough (or a toy or game if they’re on the younger side). It’s common for couples to give a gift to the:
Groom’s mum
Bride’s mum
Groom’s dad
Bride’s dad
Maid of honour
Best man
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Flower girls
Page boy
Finalise the details with your florist
With just a couple of months to go, speak to your florist about the final details, including when and where to deliver and set up the flowers. If you have the budget, you might also want to arrange for mock-ups so you can see your design in person and make any tweaks. But, this does cost, so isn’t something many couples choose to do.
Choose your wedding music
Music plays a huge role in your wedding, from the music you walk down the aisle to, to the tunes you throw shapes to throughout the evening. Whether you’ve chosen to hire a DJ, band, harpist, solo musician or something else, you should make your final decisions and let the vendor know. The music you should think about includes:
Welcome music at the venue
Bride’s entrance music
Processional music
Music while you sign the register
Recessional music
Wedding breakfast music
Evening reception music/playlist
Check you have all the decor and stationery
Having already organised so many huge things for your wedding, it’s important that you don’t overlook the smaller things too. Everything from cake toppers to table numbers should be bought, rented, borrowed or dug out of the loft and kept safely together so you have everything ready to take to the venue. The key items to think about include:
Table numbers
Place names
Centrepieces
Guestbook
Cake stand
Cake topper
Welcome sign
Card or gift bag/box
Pillow for the page boy
Basket and petals for the flower girls
1 month before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 1 month before
Okay, time for the hard part. You paid your deposits more than a year ago, but now it’s time to pay those invoices in full (unless the agreements specified otherwise). Don’t assume every vendor is the same, as they’re all likely to have different payment terms. The last thing you want is to lose out on a vendor because you didn’t read their payment terms, so make sure you pay in full and on time. It’s going to suck paying out so much money around a similar time, but it’ll definitely be worth it when your wedding is everything you dreamed it would be.
Create your seating plan
By now, you should have (hopefully) 98% of your RSVPs through, so you’ll have a great idea as to who is and isn’t coming to your wedding. You also probably already have thoughts about who should sit with whom and where you’d like them to be. Get those thoughts down on paper and work out the seating plan so it’s ready for the final tweaks once your last couple of RSVPs come through. Then, it’s ready to be printed (or sent to a designer if you’re hiring someone to do it for you).
Create your name cards
Along with the seating plan, you can create a list of names to either send to the printers or a calligrapher, or you can make them yourselves. If you’re having a go at calligraphy, it’s a skill that can take years to master, but with plenty of practice and a few YouTube tutorials, you might be able to create some lovely name cards.
Chase any outstanding RSVPs
You more than likely asked your guests to RSVP to your invitations way before now, but unfortunately, there will still be a few stragglers who either forgot, weren’t sure whether they could make it, or their responses got lost in the post. A gentle reminder is usually enough to give potential guests a nudge to respond and get you a complete list of who can make it to your wedding.
Meet with your wedding planner to go through everything
If you’ve hired a wedding planner, now’s the time to meet with them again and go through everything to ensure your must-haves and nice-to-haves are all in place. If you’re lucky and your planning’s gone smoothly, there shouldn’t be any dramas, but don’t be surprised if there are one or two things to sort out.
If you don’t have a wedding planner, you might want to meet with the events coordinator at your venue to check everything. With the wedding now just a few weeks away, if nothing else, meeting with the venue team can help steady your nerves and reassure you that everything’s hunky dory.
2 weeks before your wedding
Have your final wedding dress fitting
It’s all starting to get very real now, so it’s time to get everything else finalised – starting with your dress. There might be one or two more very small alterations just to make sure your dress is perfect and you look as drop-dead gorgeous as possible.
If you can, ask your bridesmaids and maid of honour to go with you, not only for a bit of moral support and to share in your excitement, but also to learn how to bustle your dress if needed.
Wear your wedding shoes to break them in
Remember how we mentioned you’ll spend a lot of your wedding day on your feet so it’s important to have comfortable footwear? Well, part of that is breaking your shoes in. Wear them around the house for a couple of hours so they’re comfortable on the day, while avoiding the risk of scuffing or dirtying them before you’ve even had a chance to show them off.
Double-check your wedding checklist
Things are probably going well. You might feel super confident and like you’re on top of this whole wedding-planning malarkey. That’s great, but don’t get complacent – you still have time to sort things out if there’s something that’s
slipped your mind. Comb through your checklist, which is easy if you use a wedding checklist tool, to double-check that everything is exactly where it needs to be. If it’s not, then get a move on and sort it while there’s still time!
Print any final items of stationery or decor
Make sure any final items of stationery or decor are at the printers and that they’ll be delivered in plenty of time. This includes a welcome sign, place cards, personalised balloons and your seating plan.
Enjoy your stag do/hen party
If you and your partner are having a final blowout before the big day, make sure you push wedding planning out of your mind for just a little while to enjoy your stag do and/or hen night. Depending on what you have planned, it can be a good idea to have it a little earlier than this, but we recommend avoiding the week before and definitely the night before – the last thing you want on your wedding day is to nurse a hangover.
Finalise your plan B
Sometimes, things might not always go according to plan. If any part of your wedding day plans are risky or take part outside, make sure you know exactly what can and should happen should the worst outcome occur. Chances are you won’t need to rely on a contingency plan, but having one and not using it is way better than needing one and not having it.
1 week before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 1 week before
Finish writing your vows
If you made a start on writing your vows a couple of months ago, you should be almost there. It’s simply a case of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s so you can get something down that’s personal to you and your feelings. When you’re writing your vows, the officiant will usually want to see them beforehand to make sure they don’t include anything you’re not supposed to.
Share your itinerary with your wedding party
With a matter of days remaining, members of your wedding party will start to ask questions about what’s expected of them. Share a copy of the wedding day itinerary with them so they know where they need to be and when. That way, everyone’s on the same page and no one’s asking last-minute questions.
Pack for your honeymoon
If you’re jetting off on your honeymoon not long after your wedding day, do as much packing as you can before the wedding excitement gets too much and you end up forgetting important stuff you need with you on holiday, like sun cream or your passport.
3 days before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 3 days before
Take a little time for yourself
You have just days left of single life, so if you have the time (and annual leave) to spare, take a couple of days off to chill out and unwind. It’ll also be a good opportunity to finish off any last-minute bits you’ve been putting off.
If taking time away from work isn’t doable (which is possible if you have your honeymoon after the wedding) then at least speak to your boss and ask them to keep your workload light. Taking on stressful or time-consuming projects might cause a few pre-wedding headaches which you’ll want to do your best to avoid.
Practise reciting your vows
If you’ve written your own vows, once your officiant has given you the thumbs up, you should practise saying them out loud. This keeps things a lot more natural and loose, and helps you identify if there are some tongue-twisters or lines you’re likely to trip up on.
Enjoy a spa session
This one is definitely a nice-to-have rather than a must-have, but a trip to the spa for a massage and some relaxing treatments can do wonders to spoil the mind, body and soul before your big day. Not only will it help you feel good, but it can also do wonders for your skin and complexion.
Get your nails done
We beg you, don’t leave your nails until the day of the wedding. Book an appointment with your favourite manicurist for at least the day before and talk through what you’d like. If you’re wearing open-toed shoes, you might also want to have a pedicure done at the same time.
Pay a visit to the barber
The groom shouldn’t leave it too late to visit the barber, unless it’s to get a professional wet shave on the morning of the wedding. A haircut a few days before the wedding should be more than fine.
2 days before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 2 days before
Get your things together
With just 48 hours to go, it’s time to put together everything you’ll need for the ceremony, breakfast and evening reception. Pack them carefully into boxes or bags so you can take them to the venue the day before the wedding (if you can).
You should also pack an overnight bag that includes everything for the morning of the wedding (including your wedding attire, of course) as well as clothes for the following day if you’re spending your wedding night in a hotel. Don’t forget your toothbrush!
Clean your wedding rings
You’ll soon have your wedding rings on your fingers and they’ll never look quite as flawless ever again (though they’ll never be any less loved). So, crack out your jewellery-cleaning kit and make sure your rings are shiny and fingerprint free.
Write your partner a special note
How are you feeling about your impending wedding day? It’ll probably be a combination of excitement, adrenaline and nerves. It’s also highly likely that your partner’s feeling exactly the same as you are.
If you’re sticking to traditions, you won’t see your partner on the morning of the wedding, so they’ll no doubt wonder what’s going through your mind – and vice versa. Let them know how much they’re loved and help calm their nerves with a note that tells them exactly that. You don’t need to write them something long-winded – just a short note that lets them know how excited you are to see them at the other end of the aisle before you spend the rest of your lives together.
1 day before your wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist : what to do 1 day before
Collect anything you’re hiring
With just one day to go, it’s time to do those last-minute jobs – the first one being to collect anything you might be hiring, whether it’s a dress, a suit, decor or anything else. If it’s something big, like a marquee, you shouldn’t have to worry about it as the vendor will sort out delivery and set up/take down.
When collecting, make sure you’re 100% clear on the return agreement, so you’re not accidentally returning an item late (which can lead to hefty fees).
Take key items to the venue (if possible)
If your venue’s hosting an event the day before your wedding, this might not be possible, but if it is, you should be able to take items such as decor to the venue the day before so it’s one less thing to worry about. Speak to the venue’s events coordinator ahead of time to see what they can do.
Have an early night
Tomorrow’s going to be a BIG day, so give your partner a big kiss and a cuddle, then remind them about how much you’re going to miss them and how excited you are for the next day. With so much excitement (and a few nerves) it might be a challenge, but try to get an early night so you’re as fresh-faced as possible for the big day.
And that’s it, it’s time to get ready for your wedding and have the most incredible celebration of your life! All those many weeks and months of planning will finally come together and you’ll have a day filled with love and incredible memories. Just remember to enjoy it – it’ll go by as quick as a flash!
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Are you getting ready to plan your own wedding? Sign up to Bridebook to access everything you need to plan your perfect day.
Your wedding ceremony is the heart and soul of your wedding day. It’s the moment you and the love of your life come together as one to exchange vows and make a commitment to spend the rest of your lives as one.
Traditional wedding ceremonies are filled with customs and traditions that make them some of the most quintessential ceremonies around. And they can be super customisable, which means you can make them as personal to you as you like.
But, with so much choice available, when it comes to planning your traditional wedding ceremony, where do you even begin? Where are they held, at what time, and how long are they? There are so many questions and options to choose from, it can be a challenge knowing what to think about first.
That’s why, in this guide, we’re going to take a deep dive into everything to do with traditional wedding ceremonies. Then, once you have all your questions answered, you can start planning your very own dream wedding ceremony. For more information, read our ultimate wedding ceremony guide, which goes into even more detail.
A traditional wedding ceremony is likely one of the images that materialise in your head when asked to think of a picturesque wedding. A beautiful venue, like a place of worship, a hotel or even a castle, decked out in stunning lights, decor and flowers. A happy couple stands at the front as their friends and family watch on (with a tear or two in their eyes). An officiant leads the ceremony, guiding the couple as they exchange vows and rings, and make a promise to love and cherish one another forever. Then, after sharing their first kiss as a married couple and signing their licence, the couple walks out hand in hand as guests shower them with confetti and a photographer snaps incredible pictures.
Not all traditional weddings are the same, but they usually follow a certain structure that’s recognisable to many people in the UK, US and beyond.
Across the UK, a wide variety of wonderful wedding ceremonies happen every single day, including Catholic ceremonies, Jewish ceremonies, Muslim ceremonies and Hindu ceremonies. One of the most popular types of ceremony in the UK is the traditional ceremony, with Bridebook’s 2023 Wedding Report finding that 85% of UK ceremonies took place in venues such as a hotel, barn, country house, or golf club, which suggests they hosted traditional ceremonies.
What type of couples usually choose a traditional wedding ceremony?
Traditional wedding ceremonies are suitable for all couples, regardless of background, culture or beliefs. However, they’re often favoured by couples with no strong religious beliefs or those who might have mixed religious beliefs. That being said, unless your religion states that you must get married in a place of worship or follow a certain structure (for example, Catholics must get married in a church) you’re free to have a traditional wedding ceremony at any venue if you wish.
A traditional wedding ceremony is officiated by a wedding officiant, celebrant, registrar or religious leader, depending on the type of ceremony you choose to have and your own preferences and beliefs.
A celebrant is a wonderful way to personalise your wedding ceremony by making it all about you. A celebrant takes the time to learn about you and your relationship to create an order and words that are extra special. However, a celebrant can’t legally marry you, so you’ll still need a registrar to make sure everything is by the book.
Where are traditional wedding ceremonies usually held?
The great thing about wedding ceremonies is the amount of personalisation available to you. If you’d like to get married in a place of worship, you can. Outside in a beautifully landscaped garden? Absolutely. At a medieval castle decorated with fairy lights and torches? Of course!
Our 2023 Wedding Report revealed that the most popular wedding venue chosen by couples last year was a hotel, with almost a quarter (24%) of all weddings taking place in one. This was followed by barns, country houses and event spaces. However, with UK wedding laws having been relaxed in 2020, couples can now choose to host a traditional wedding ceremony wherever they like – so let your imagination run wild.
Traditional wedding ceremonies usually last around 45 to 60 minutes. However, this all depends on the amount of personalisation you choose to include – the more you include, the longer it’ll be. A ceremony with readings, hymns and a celebrant will usually be far longer than one without, so if you’re keen to have a shorter ceremony this is something to bear in mind.
For more information, read our blog post on the length of wedding ceremonies to find out how long different types of ceremonies are.
When does a traditional wedding ceremony take place?
Typically, a traditional wedding ceremony will take place around lunchtime, often between 11am and 2pm. Any later than this and a wedding begins to stray into twilight wedding territory.
The words spoken at your wedding carry so much weight that it’s important to choose exactly the right ones. You can have a lot of fun researching and writing your own words, or you can choose traditional vows fed to you by the officiant.
While you can write your own vows to exchange at a traditional wedding, the declaration and contracting words must follow a set structure, as this is the legal part of your wedding ceremony. These words will usually be along these lines:
Declaratory words
“I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful reason why I [YOUR FULL NAME] may not be joined in matrimony to [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME].”
Contracting words
“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, [YOUR FULL NAME], do take thee [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME] to be my lawful wedded [WIFE/HUSBAND/SPOUSE/PARTNER IN MARRIAGE].”
Of course, there are also plenty of other words spoken at a wedding ceremony, either by the officiant or celebrant, or specially chosen guests. Depending on your preferences and beliefs, these could include:
The welcome
A speech from a celebrant
Readings (either from a religious text or poetry/lyrics)
Blessings
Prayers
The declaration of marriage
What traditions are there at a traditional wedding ceremony?
Many different weddings are steeped in traditions, which can take place before, during and after the day itself. As you might expect from the name, a traditional wedding ceremony also has heaps of traditions that have been around for hundreds of years. It’s up to you whether or not you include all of these in your own ceremony, you modernise them slightly, or remove them altogether.
Some of the most popular traditional wedding ceremony traditions include:
The processional, which traditionally begins with the bride’s mum and ends with the bride and her father. However, there are plenty of ways to modernise this, with many brides walked down the aisle by their mum, both parents, brother, a friend or even on their own.
The exchanging of rings, which are traditionally bands of precious metal. Many modern couples choose to forgo rings and pick from unique ring alternatives.
Wedding attire, especially a white dress worn by the bride.
The bride wearing a veil, however, according to Dressarte Paris only 25% of modern brides wear a veil.
The confetti shot is a staple of many wedding albums.
What is the order at a traditional wedding ceremony?
This infographic illustrates the traditional wedding ceremony order
Every traditional wedding ceremony will generally follow the same kind of order, with slight variations based on beliefs and personal preferences. For more information, read our post on the ultimate wedding ceremony order, but the order will usually look a little bit like this:
1. The processional
The big moment – the start of your wedding ceremony! This is when everyone walks down the aisle as your family and friends sit on either side and watch (while trying not to well up). The traditional order of the processional is:
Bride’s mum
Groom’s parents
Bride’s grandparents
Groom’s grandparents
Groom
Officiant
Bridesmaids
Maid of honour
Best man
Ring bearer or page boy
Flower girl
The bride and her father
Remember, the processional isn’t set in stone so you can make as many changes as you like. This is especially important if you’re an LGBTQ+ couple or simply aren’t interested in traditions.
2. The welcome
Once everyone has taken their seats and you and your partner are standing at the front, the officiant or celebrant will welcome everyone. If you have a celebrant, this is when they’ll begin their speech and talk about the two of you and your journey together up to this point.
3. A song or reading
Depending on your beliefs or preferences, the welcome may follow a hymn or reading. A hymn can be sung by everyone in attendance, a religious reading can be performed by the officiant, and a reading of poetry or lyrics can be done by a guest of your choosing.
4. Marriage ceremony
Finally, the most important part of your ceremony begins. This is when the two of you will exchange your vows and declaratory and contracting words. It’s at this stage when you’ll get to speak the two most memorable words of any wedding ceremony: I do!
5. Exchanging of the rings
Following the vows you’ll place your rings on each other’s fingers, which the best man traditionally holds on to for you. You’ll do this while the officiant prompts you to say a few more words about what the rings symbolise.
6. Declaration of marriage and first kiss
Here it is, you are now pronounced a married couple! All those months of planning were worth it to hear those wonderful words. The officiant will also invite you to share your first kiss as a married couple as your guests clap and cheer.
7. An optional song, reading or prayer
At this point, you might be keen to head off and celebrate, but you might also choose to include a second hymn or reading, or if it’s a religious ceremony, you may want a prayer.
8. The signing of the register
Next up is the legal bit, when you sign the marriage register in the company of two witnesses. Don’t worry, this doesn’t take long and your guests will be more than happy to wait.
9. The end of the ceremony
The officiant will thank everyone for coming and invite them to celebrate with you at the breakfast or reception.
10. The recessional
Music plays as you leave the venue as a happily married couple. Once outside, your photographer will work with everyone to create a fantastic confetti shot.
Then, you’ll take part in the customary photo session (so long as you chose to hire a photographer) and then make your way to the venue for your breakfast and/or evening reception – after all, you’ve got a lot of celebrating to do!
Planning a traditional wedding ceremony is something that comes with so many choices and variables that there’s plenty to consider. From the theme to the music and what to wear and who to include, you need to think about everything.
So, when planning your perfect wedding ceremony, consider the following things so nothing gets forgotten. For more information, read our guide on how to plan a wedding ceremony:
Think about the overall vision you want for your wedding ceremony, including themes and traditions you might want to uphold.
Once you know what you want from your ceremony, research to discover the types of venues, celebrants and officiants, florists and more that are out there and could help you achieve that vision. Visit, meet and speak with them before making any kind of booking.
Create your ideal wedding ceremony order and discuss this with your chosen officiant. Talk to them about what you’d like to include.
Think about your vows and whether you’d like to go with traditional vows or write your own. There’s no right choice, just whatever you’d prefer to go with.
Coordinate your attire to make sure you and your wedding party complement each other.
Discuss with chosen family and friends how you’d like to involve them in the ceremony, whether it’s being a bridesmaid, best man or performing a reading.
Make sure everything you’ve chosen will be legally binding – you don’t want any unwelcome surprises as the big day approaches.
Talk to each other every step of the way to make sure you’re both on the same page and have everything you want to be included.
Usually, the couple will plan their own wedding ceremony. However, it’s common for many couples to ask for help and advice from friends and family along the way, especially if you’re looking for recommendations.
It’s also common for couples to hire a wedding planner, who can do either a full or part planning service. It takes some of the time-consuming, challenging and stressful jobs off your plate, so you can just get on with enjoying the wedding planning process. Just be aware that the average cost of a wedding planner is £1,891. That being said, they can also save you a lot of money by securing discounts along the way, so can sometimes pay for themselves in the long term.
What happens after a traditional wedding ceremony is down to you. So, whether you want to head off for a three-course wedding breakfast with your guests, start partying with an evening reception, or simply whisk straight off on your honeymoon, you can.
Plan your wedding ceremony with Bridebook
Ready to plan your own traditional wedding ceremony? Sign up to Bridebook to get access to everything you need to plan your perfect wedding ceremony.
Listen, we get it — traditional religious readings and speeches aren’t for everyone. Your wedding is a reflection of your unique love story, and if you’re looking to break away from convention and infuse your ceremony with a touch of personal flair, you’re not alone.
Having a poetry reading as part of your wedding ceremony is a creative and artistic way to express your feelings of love and happiness on your big day. Whether you choose a classic piece that has stood the test of time or a contemporary gem that speaks to your unique connection, a well-chosen poem can really elevate your ceremony.
However, you’ll need a poem that fits the vibe of your wedding. We’ve compiled a collection of our 15 favourite wedding poems. So, whether you’re looking for something short, romantic, non-religious, modern, or rhyming, we’ve got you covered. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a simple quote about love, check out our dedicated post featuring 110 inspiring love quotes for your wedding day.
What makes a good love poem?
A good love poem is anything that touches the hearts of you and your partner and reflects your personal love story. It can be long or short, rhyming or not rhyming, and even have a joke in there if you’d like! The most important thing is that it means something to you and your partner.
Love poems are the perfect alternative to wedding vows, readings, or even speeches if you’re stuck for words. They’re also a great way to gain inspiration, structure your vows or speech, or simply make your wedding day more artistic and poetic.
How can I incorporate poems about love in my speech or message?
There are a few ways you can incorporate poems about love into your wedding speech or message:
Instead of a speech or vows. If the cat’s got your tongue or you’re feeling the wedding day nerves, using a love poem in place of your own vows or speech can be a great way to calm your nerves. Love poems are expertly written and many have stood the test of time, making them the perfect addition to your special day.
As inspiration. If you love the way a poem makes you feel, but aren’t crazy about the words, consider using it to inspire your wedding vows or speech. For example, instead of, “I will love you in a unique and tender way,” you could try, “I truly believe there isn’t a love as unique or tender as ours.”
Use a few lines of the love poem. Try peppering your vows or speech with a few lines from your favourite poem. You could even quote your favourite part of the poem. For example, “Pablo Nerunda says, ‘I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride’. That’s especially true of James and I. Our love isn’t over the top or fluffy — it’s safe and secure. Uncomplicated.”
When Dumbo’s ears are small, and happily ever after isn’t true,
Even then, I won’t stop loving you.
3. Be My Homer – CJ Munn
Be my Homer
I wanna be your Marge.
If I’m your Norfolk Broads
Will you be my barge?
Let’s please be Tom and Barbara,
I will show you The Good Life.
Even though we’re not yet married
I would love to be your wife.
I’ve the passion Lily Munster
has for her dear Herman.
I would love you if you were ginger,
I would love you if you were German.
Like Mr and Mrs Huxtable,
We’d smooch even when we’re wrinkly.
I’ll even consider ironing your shirts,
But I hope you like them crinkly.
Like Mr and Mrs Incredible
I’m flexible and you’re tough.
But if you promise to be my true love
That will always be enough.
Like Bonny and that Clyde guy
without all the dying.
Like Gwyneth and that Coldplay man
without all the crying.
My partner in crime, the love of my life.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
If you’re looking for something more engaging than a simple wedding speech, love poetry is the perfect fit. A great wedding poem can take the place of a wedding speech, vows, or even reading. However, you can also use them as inspiration for your speech or vows, or quote them directly if you’d prefer. In the realm of wedding poetry, there are no limits.
In the realm of wedding poetry, there are no limits. You can find long poems or short ones, romantic or funny, religious or not — the possibilities are endless. You can choose verses that resonate with your shared sense of humour, tug at the heartstrings, or celebrate your unique journey together. Try to pick something that’s relevant to you as a couple and your love story.
So, whatever kind of wedding you’re planning, there will be a wedding poem for you. Read our posts on crafting a funny wedding speech or wedding speech ideas to learn how to effortlessly incorporate a love poem into your vows or speeches!
There’s no better way to tell a wedding story that lasts a lifetime than with the finest paper details. In this digital age, there’s something extra special about sending and receiving real paper correspondence – giving you and your guests something to treasure beyond the big day. From contemporary designs to timeless classics, Papier is our top choice for wedding stationery to elevate your celebration from start to finish. (Psst: keep scrolling for an exclusive promo code!)
From save the dates and invitations, to menus, place cards and order of service, plus thank yous, guest books and photo books, Papier’s wedding stationery spans every chapter of your wedding journey. Everything can be easily personalised with your own words and event details.
Here are just a few more reasons why Papier is at the very top of our wedding stationery wish list:
Hand-painted designs with extraordinary details, printed on premium, textured paper.
The option to order your first sample FREE – experience their quality firsthand and be sure before you buy.
A wedding style finder that provides a tailored selection of stationery just for you.
A friendly team of experts who can tweak and tailor any design to bring your unique paper vision to life, whether you’d like to customise colours or add new elements.
And if that wasn’t all, Bridebook couples can get a 15% discount off their first Papier order with code BRIDEBOOK15. So, what are you waiting for? Start telling your wedding story with Papier now.
No matter where you are in your wedding planning process, Papier has endless paper details to reflect your personal style. All designed with love in mind and ready to be made distinctly yours – pick and personalise your designs today!
Your big day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of love, happiness, and two families joining together. As a result, you’ll want every detail to be a reflection of the special journey that brought you to this moment. From the choice of venue to the wedding invitations, every aspect of your wedding day should be a reflection of you.
That means you won’t want a wedding invitation like everybody else. Although traditional wedding invitations are elegant and professional, there’s no reason fun wedding invitations can’t be equally beautiful! In this post, we give you 10 unique wedding invitation ideas that will make your big day unique and memorable. We include some vendors you can work with, what materials you may need, and how you can DIY these invitations. Let’s get started!
You know those scratch-off lottery tickets you can buy? Think of that, as a wedding invitation.
Scratch-off wedding invitations are a fun and interactive way to invite your guests to your big day. Your guests can scratch off metallic shapes to unveil the time, date, and location of your big day. This novel approach to wedding invitations adds an element of playfulness and sets the tone for your big day.
What you’ll need
A printer or calligraphy ink
Design software if digitally designing
Scratch-off stickers. You can get a bag of 50 for around £1
Cardstock
Cutting tools
Sealant spray
Envelopes
Method
Step 1. The first step is to design your invitation. You can either do this by hand using ink and rulers, or on a computer using design software. When creating a scratch-off design, you’ll need to set your invitation out in a specific way. The time, date, and place of your wedding will need to be separate on the design. This way, you can place scratch-off stickers over the information once printed out.
Step 2. If working with a computer, you’ll need to print your design onto cardstock. If hand-designing your invites, you’ll need to cut them out of a larger piece of paper.
Step 3. Apply the scratch-off stickers over the crucial information. Check the instructions for your stickers to check if you need sealant spray. If not, you can place the invite in an envelope and send it off. If you do need sealant, be sure to let the sealant dry properly before placing the invite in an envelope. Otherwise, the sealant may stick to the envelope, and your guests will struggle to open it!
A storybook invitation is perfect for a forest, castle, or other whimsical-themed wedding. A storybook invitation will be a little more expensive to produce, but it’s a beautiful way to tell your love story and invite your guests to the happiest day of your life.
A storybook invitation is set out like a book. It will usually have a more durable cover and thicker, high-quality pages to enhance its appeal. It should have little illustrations throughout, and the information should be written as a story to support the whimsy.
This invitation style will likely be kept as a keepsake for years to come, so be sure to pick durable materials and choose elements that will stand the test of time.
What you’ll need
Because of the nature of these invitations, it’s best to employ the help of a professional stationer. We recommend:
Any of these specialist wedding invitation stationers will be able to help you with your design. However, there are still some steps you’ll need to take.
Method
Step 1. You’ll need to write the wording for your wedding invitations. Work with your designer to find out how many pages you’ll need to fill. If you’re struggling with that to write, try something like this:
“Once upon a time, there was a [handsome prince/beautiful princess/magical imp]. They decided they would go on a walk in the Forest of [how you met your significant other. For example, the Forest of Blind Dates]. Unfortunately, they got lost. They were very frightened, alone in the woods. They continued to walk in the forest when they came across a clearing. And there they saw [the king/the queen/a mysterious time traveller], the most beautiful person they’d ever seen. It was love at first sight. They agreed they would be married at once, and everyone in the [kingdom/queendom/magical land] was invited.”
Feel free to mix up this story to include special moments in your relationship. Try including inside jokes from your hen do/stag party, when you were dating, or other sweet anecdotes to help your guests feel more involved with your story.
The final page of your story should include all the details of your fairytale wedding. Be sure to include the time, date, place, and dress code as a minimum.
Step 2. Work closely with your designer to fit your story onto the pages of your invite. They may recommend that you have some illustrations made to enhance the fairytale feel. If you’re creative or artistic, you can create these illustrations yourself.
Step 3. Select a font that complements the fairy tale theme and enhances the readability of your story. A script or calligraphy-style font can add a touch of elegance and add to the whimsy of the invite.
Step 4. Once you have finalised your invitations and received the finished pieces, pack them into large envelopes (potentially the ones with bubble wrap) and post them to your guests.
Passport invitations or boarding passes are perfect for a destination wedding, for couples who met on holiday, or for those with a love of travelling. They’re easy to DIY with the help of a little technology and creativity.
What you’ll need
A printer
Cardstock
Cutting tools
Envelopes
Method
Step 1. Design your passport or boarding pass using digital design software. You can either create your own design or try searching any of the below vendors for a template which you can then customise:
Vintage postcards are similar to creating your own boarding pass or passport. All you’ll need is a digital template or inspiration piece, and you’re good to go!
Try creating a vintage postcard based on where you met your partner, a place that holds special significance, or where you’re getting married. Bonus points if this location has a special historical significance of vintage flair. For example, a sweet café in Paris.
What you’ll need
A printer
Cardstock
Cutting tools
Envelopes
Method
Step 1. Design your postcard using digital design software. You might want to use an actual vintage postcard or digitally edit a new postcard to look vintage.
Step 2. Print out your design and trim using cutting tools. Fill in details like the names of guests on the back.
Step 3. Place your invite in an envelope and send it to your guests.
QR codes are a modern and increasingly popular way to share your wedding invitation.
This will require quite a bit of background work before you can send a QR code in the post. For example, you’ll need to create a wedding website with information about the time, date, and location of your wedding. However, this can be handy as you can store all your wedding information in one place for guests to access.
What you’ll need
A wedding website
A QR code generator
Design software
A printer
Cardstock
Envelopes
Method
Step 1. Your first step will be to create a wedding website. This will act as the landing page for your QR code and include all the essential information about your big day. You can have a professional help you with this, but it’s also easy to create a simple website using online guides. You will need to consider:
Which host you will use. There are a range of website hosts you can use, and they vary in price. Some are free like WordPress, whereas websites like Squarespace are a little pricier but come with beautiful, easy-to-customise templates.
The design of your site. It’s recommended that your website’s design matches your wedding’s theme. The level of design will depend largely on your skill level, but you can employ a professional to help you with this.
Your essential wedding website pages. You should include the following pages: Home, Key Details, RSVP, Travel Plans, Gift Registry, Gallery. You could also include additional pages that add a personal touch and enhance the overall experience for your guests. For example, Our Story, Dress Code, Social Media Hashtags, Countdown, Song Requests, and even Fun Facts.
Lots of website hosts will allow you to create a QR code that links to your website. You’ll need a QR creation tool if they don’t.
Step 2. Find an online QR creation tool, like Adobe’s free QR code generator. This image will link back to your website, where guests can find all the information they need about your big day. Once you’ve created your QR code, download it as an image file ready for printing.
Step 3. Use design software to create an invitation that centres your QR code. You can put this in an envelope and send it to your guests as you would a paper-based wedding invitation. It’s traditional but with a modern twist.
Hand-painted wedding invitations offer a personalised and artistic touch. Plus, they’re easier to create than you might think!
What you’ll need
Cardstock
Watercolour paint
A paint palette or an old saucer
Brushes
Calligraphy ink
Envelopes
Method
Step 1. Put a small blob of the paint colours you’d like on your palette. Be sure to keep them far apart so they don’t mix and get muddy. Add water to the paint until they become translucent.
Step 2. Apply the paint to your cardstock in unusual shapes and patterns. Don’t worry about it being too perfect –- it’s supposed to look abstract! Wait for the first layer to fully dry before adding a second. Build up the layers until the invitation is bright enough. If you prefer a more delicate, pastel look, only use one or two layers of paint.
Step 3. Allow the paint to fully dry before writing your wedding details over the top. Once the ink from the information has dried, pop your invitations in an envelope and send them to your guests.
Remember the fortune teller origami games you made at school? You might have also called them whirly birds or cootie catchers? Have you considered making them into a wedding invitation? They’re a fun and unique way to engage your guests and add a playful touch to your wedding invitation.
What you’ll need
Design software
A printer
Specialist printer paper
Envelopes
Method
Step 1. You might benefit from making a draft fortune teller, marking each section, and then unfolding it so you can know exactly what information to put where. This way, the information will sit in the right place when the fortune teller is all folded up.
Step 2. Begin creating different sections of the fortune teller in your design software. Clearly label each section with the information it will contain, such as date, time, venue, and RSVP details.
Step 3. Print a draft of the fortune teller and fold it up to check the layout. This step ensures that when your guests fold the fortune teller, the information will be presented in the correct order.
Step 4. Print the fortune tellers on high-quality printer paper or cardstock. Consider using slightly thicker paper to ensure durability.
Step 5. Pop the fortune tellers in the envelopes and send them to your guests.
Did you know you can print your wedding invitation onto a fridge magnet? Magnetic invitations are a practical and memorable way to ensure your guests don’t miss your wedding details every time they reach for a snack. They’re great for the busy (or disorganised!) people in your life, and work particularly well for save the dates.
What you’ll need
Look for printing companies or specialised vendors that offer magnetic printing services. Check their reviews, portfolio, and the types of materials they use to ensure quality. We’ve got plenty of suppliers right here on Bridebook who offer fridge magnet style wedding invites. For example:
You’ll need to work closely with a vendor to design your magnetic wedding invitations. You can work together on your designs, font, colours, and more. Ask them to create one on the first run. This way, you can quality-check the item and make sure everything has come out the way you expected. Once they’re all approved, you can create a larger batch and send them out to your guests.
Printing your invitation onto a puzzle and asking guests to put it together adds a fun and interactive element to sending your wedding invitations. You should make it fairly easy to solve. Think 20 pieces or less. It would be a bit embarrassing if no one could solve the puzzle so no one showed up!
What you’ll need
As with the magnetic invites, you’ll need to work with specialist vendors to help you create your puzzle invitation. These vendors typically specialise in unique and creative invitation designs, and will have specialist equipment to help you achieve your creative wedding invite. These will include custom printing, die-cutting, and intricate paper engineering.
Method
You’ll need to work closely with them to design the size, shape, and complexity of the puzzle pieces. Discuss your vision for the overall aesthetic, theme, and colour scheme to ensure that the final product is exactly what you’d hoped for.
Message-in-a-bottle invitations are great for beach bums, sailing couples, or anyone with a sense of adventure. These invitations are designed, printed off, rolled up, and placed in a bottle. We won’t go as far as to say guests should go looking for them on a beach! However, it might be an idea to hand-deliver these precious parcels instead of sending them in the post.
To enhance the experience, try incorporating beach sand, tiny seashells, or even a subtle maritime fragrance within the bottle. This provides a multisensory experience for your guests as they unseal and read the message.
What you’ll need
Glass bottles
Candle wax
Corks
Cardstock
Any additional elements like seashells or beach sand
Method
Step 1. Start by picking your glass bottles. While you can of course purchase matching glass bottles, it adds to the rustic appeal if they’re all different. Try collecting them as time goes on or visiting a second-hand shop or charity shop to see if they have unique and eclectic options.
Pro tip: Use nail varnish remover and a cotton ball to remove any sticker or label residue.
Step 2. Design and print the invitation messages on durable cardstock. Consider adding a touch of creativity to the message to align with the adventurous theme. At this point, you should add any seashells, sand, or other elements you’re considering using. Roll each message tightly, making sure they fit easily into the chosen bottles.
Step 3. Cork every bottle and seal it with some melted candle wax. This step seals the bottle and adds a rustic, nautical aesthetic to your invitations.
Step 4. While posting the invitations is an option, the true charm of a message-in-a-bottle experience is heightened when delivered by hand. Plus, this way, there’s no risk of the bottle breaking during delivery.
The bottom line on creative and inspiring wedding invitations
Although they take a little more effort, creative and inspiring wedding invitations set the tone for your big day and can be a memorable keepsake for your special guests.
There are a number of options for unique and unusual wedding cards, and each one is just as beautiful as they are fun. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your partner which one will suit your wedding best. Our top tips are to look for inspiration online, work with a trusted vendor, and not be afraid of redesigning or reworking if something goes wrong.
If you’re feeling crafty and want to tackle your own wedding invitations, we’ve collated a brilliant guide to how to make DIY wedding invitations. We also have a great roster of professional stationers who are ready to help you craft your wedding vision.
Between save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, and thank-you cards, the cost of professionally printed wedding stationery certainly adds up. Although hiring a professional to create these important keepsakes is a fantastic hassle-free option, there’s something to be said for the warmth and cost-effectiveness of DIY wedding stationery.
Making your own wedding stationery is a great way to not only save money but also add a personal touch to your big day. It’s an opportunity to let your creativity shine, craft bespoke keepsakes, and leave a lasting impression on your guests from the moment they receive their invitation.
So, if you’re looking to add a touch of uniqueness and a dash of your own personality to your wedding stationery, keep reading! This post explores the benefits of making your own wedding stationery, gives a step-by-step guide to DIY wedding invites, and highlights some wedding invitation etiquette to consider.
The benefits of making your own wedding stationery
There are several benefits to making your own wedding stationery. These include:
Budget-friendly. Professional printing services can be very expensive, and the cost-saving benefits of making your own wedding invitations can’t be underestimated. Plus, anything you save in wedding invitations can go towards other aspects of your big day!
A personal touch. Professionally printed wedding invitations are professional and beautiful. However, there’s nothing like the handmade beauty of a DIY wedding invite. This personal touch means your wedding invitations are 100% original and tailored to match your colour scheme and decor.
Quality control. When you make your own stationery, you have full control over the quality. You can choose the type of paper, font, printing method, and ensure that every detail meets your standards. This level of control guarantees a finished product that’s exactly as you envisioned.
Easy to make last-minute changes. DIY stationery gives you the flexibility to make last-minute changes to your design. For example, you might have a sudden inspiration for a different accent colour or decide to include a special quote or song lyric that resonates with you and your partner.
A bonding experience. Making your own wedding stationery can be a fun bonding experience with your soon-to-be spouse, maid of honour, or other members of your wedding party.
Making your own wedding invitations isn’t difficult. It just takes a little bit of time, effort, and forward planning. Try following our eight steps to design, create, and send your dream, budget-friendly wedding invitations.
Making your own wedding invitations isn’t difficult. It just takes a little bit of time, effort, and forward planning. Try following our 11 steps to design, create, and send your dream, budget-friendly wedding invitations.
1. Find your style
The first step of wedding invite DIY is to gather inspiration and find your personal style. Most people like to match their invitations to the theme of their wedding. For example, neutral and elegant, dark and bold, bright and colourful, or pastel and cutesy.
However, if you’re not yet sure what theme you want, try flicking through wedding magazines, checking out dreamy Instagram posts, pinning on Pinterest boards, or visiting art galleries. Take photos of anything that catches your eye and collate them into a physical or digital mood board. Are there any common themes, colours, or styles? If so, these might be the clues to your wedding invitation style, and you can use these as your inspiration when crafting your wedding invites.
2. Calculate your budget
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that low cost means no cost. There will still be expenses you need to budget for when making your DIY wedding invitations. For example:
Paper. Consider the thickness of your paper and the type of paper you’d like. For example, you might opt for heavyweight cardstock if you want a luxury look and feel. On the other hand, recycled or coloured paper is great for a shabby-chic or rustic look.
Ink. Higher-quality ink is understandably more expensive than its budget-friendly counterparts. In addition, printer ink is usually cheaper than calligraphy ink or specialty glitter ink. While it may seem like a small detail, the choice of ink can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your DIY wedding invitations.
Envelopes. Think of envelopes as the gift wrapping of your wedding invitations. Custom-designed or coloured invitations will be more expensive than their standard counterparts. Embellishments like wax seals, custom printing, or personalised stickers will increase the cost.
Postage. Postage costs will be pretty standard no matter where they’re sent from. However, you can save money by ensuring your invitations fall within standard size and weight guidelines to avoid extra fees. You can also hand-deliver invitations to save on postage costs.
Embellishments like ribbon, glitter, bows, dried flowers, or appliqués. Again, the quality of these materials is usually reflected in their cost.
Crafting tools. Crafting tools might include small things like glue, scissors, or precision knives. However, they might also include larger items like printers, computer software, or larger paper cutters. These large tools can save a lot of time if you have a lot of invitations to craft, but the upfront cost can significantly increase your budget. If possible, consider renting these tools or hiring professional vendors for one-off use, for example, a one-off printed stencil which you can then use for many hand-crafted invitations.
It’s also a good idea to keep a small budget aside for any unexpected costs or last-minute changes that might creep up during the design process. Setting a small extra budget aside will help you be prepared in case of any bumps in the road.
Pro tip: If you’re not a fan of number-crunching, don’t worry – our handybudget tool will do all the hard work for you!
3. Consider using technology or professionals
If you’re not very crafty, you can speed up wedding invitation DIY by using technology or professional wedding vendors. For example, you could download a wedding invite template, print it off on cardstock, and hand-finish it with dried flowers, ink, and ribbon. You can find a range of print-on-demand wedding templates with the following great suppliers:
On the other hand, if you’re looking to speed up the writing process, you could print, cut, and decorate your own wedding invitations, before handing them over to a professional calligrapher for a touch of elegance. This way, you get the best of both worlds —the efficiency of technology, your own personal touches, and the beautiful finish of a skilled calligrapher.
The key takeaway here is that making your own wedding stationery is a flexible and customisable process. If hands-on crafting isn’t your forte, technology and professional vendors are there to lend a helping hand.
4. Pick your theme and colours
The next step is to pick your theme and colours. Most couples match their invitation colours to the colours of their wedding. This will give guests a sneak peek at what they can expect and keep a consistent theme across all the wedding stationery.
However, some people prefer their wedding invites to be in a contrasting colour or style to their wedding theme. This can make your wedding invites more striking and memorable.
Ultimately, the choice between matching or contrasting invitations comes down to your personal preferences and the message you want to convey to your guests.
5. Consider the fit
The secret to getting professional-looking wedding invitations is to ensure they’re properly centred in the middle of your paper and there’s an even border all around the document.
Start by ensuring your design sits right in the middle of your chosen paper. Centring not only enhances the visual appeal but also gives a sense of balance and professionalism. Use a combination of precise measurements, guides, and printer settings to ensure your corners and borders are aligned, and make sure your printer settings are calibrated for accurate results. Pay attention to factors like paper size, weight, and orientation to avoid any unexpected surprises.
Be aware that your printer might not always play ball: we recommend cutting your invitations with an extra-wide border. You can then trim them down to the exact size after printing for a flawless finish.
6. Gather your supplies
You should then gather your wedding invitation supplies. Although you can collect them as you go, it makes more sense to take a proactive approach and collect all the materials you need before you start your wedding invite DIY. This way, you can settle down and focus all your attention on making your beautiful invites.
7. Make a first draft
Now for the fun part — it’s time to get started! It’s a good idea to make a first draft of your invitations to make sure you’re happy with the layout and colour scheme, and to make sure there’s enough room for all the written information.
Creating a first draft allows you to fine-tune your wedding invitations and ensure they communicate all the essential information. Take your time at this stage to make sure your invite is exactly how you’ve envisioned. Once you’re satisfied with the draft, you can start crafting the rest of your invitations!
You don’t have to go completely DIY when making your first draft. There are plenty of downloadable wedding invitation templates you can find online, which you can customise and then print out at home for a fraction of the price.
Many professional stationers also offer bespoke, DIY options. For example:
Print Glorious Print –Print Glorious Print is an online customisable wedding invitation company. You can tailor pre-designed templates to build the perfect design for your wedding invites.
Amore Invitations –Amore Invitations specialise in creating and designing elegant handmade wedding stationery and greetings cards. This includes templates you can edit and print at home (with digital downloads starting from as low as £1!).
Pure Invitation –Pure Invitation offers bespoke DIY and handmade invitations and on-the-day stationery, in countless colour combinations. Choose to DIY using their easy assembly kits or let them do the assembly for you.
Chic wedding designs co –Chic wedding designs co work with leading artists, illustrators, calligraphers and brands to offer a highly curated and unique collection of designs. These can be personalised by you online and sent digitally.
Danielle Hamilton –Danielle Hamilton provides fully editable DIY wedding stationery. You can download them as a digital file (in PNG, JPG, or PDF), and then take to your local printer or print at home to save thousands!
8. Assemble your wedding invites
Once you’ve perfected your first draft, you can start making your invitations. We recommend blocking out a day and doing them in one sitting. Although it might seem like a lot of work, the relief that will come from completing your wedding invitations in one day will be well worth the effort.
If you have a lot of invites to DIY or you aren’t very crafty, we recommend enlisting the help of your soon-to-be spouse, parent, or someone else from the wedding party. Having an extra pair of hands and a fresh perspective can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, it can be a fun experience that creates happy wedding planning memories.
9. Post your invites
Once completed, it’s time to pack your invitations into envelopes and post them to your guests. Be sure to include an RSVP card so your guests can respond to your invitations.
Double-check any addresses before you post your wedding invitations. There would be nothing worse than putting all that effort in for the invitation to go to the wrong place!
10. Track your RSVPs
Try to keep track of your RSVPs as they come in. Although this may seem like a task you can put off, keeping a record of your RSVPs as you receive them will save you a lot of time and stress as your wedding day approaches.
Pro tip: Use Bridebook’sGuest List tool to effortlessly manage all your wedding guests and invites. Here you can add the date you sent their invitation, the date you received their RSVP, any important information like dietary requirements, and even their contact details.
11. Celebrate!
The final step is to celebrate! Finishing making your own wedding stationery is no small task, and you deserve a glass of bubbles or a nice cup of tea once it’s all over.
Wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date, allowing your guests ample time to RSVP and make necessary arrangements. If you’re having a destination wedding or a wedding during a busy season, consider sending them even earlier.
Include a dress code
If you have a specific dress code for your wedding, mention it on the invitation. Common dress codes include “black tie,” “formal,” “semi-formal,” or “casual.” However, you can also ask people to dress in specific colours, or even to completely avoid specific colours. For example,
“We would appreciate it if our guests dressed in pastel shades to maintain the tea-party aesthetic. Please avoid dark colours like black or navy blue. And, of course, please don’t wear white.”
Address the cards properly
Although it may sound simple, addressing your cards to the proper people can prevent any miscommunications or mix-ups regarding who is invited to the wedding. For example, if you’re having a child-free wedding, but you address your wedding invitations “To The Smith Family,” there may be some miscommunication regarding which members of the family are invited on the day. However, if you specify, “To Jane and John Smith only,” there will be no confusion.
Include an RSVP card
Including RSVP cards is a practical way to facilitate the RSVP process. To be extra proactive, pre-address the RSVP slips and include a stamp in the envelope.
Making your own wedding stationery is a fun and creative way to infuse a personal touch into your wedding day. Although professional wedding invitations are beautiful and convenient, crafting your own invitations will allow you to design an invitation that’s as unique as your big day, not to mention affordable. Although it might seem daunting, crafting your own wedding invitations is easier than you might think. All you need is a little forward planning, a dash of creativity, and plenty of time.
So, if you’re considering DIY wedding invitations, take the plunge with confidence and enthusiasm. Enjoy the process of turning your ideas into special keepsakes for your family and guests, and remember that every detail you add and colour you choose becomes a part of your love story.
