Category: Tips & Advice

As wedding officiants, we know a thing or two about love stories. And that’s why we want to help you write the best story on your wedding website!

Keep reading to learn why the “Our Story” section of your wedding website is so important, read examples of wedding website stories, hear our top tips for what to include, and find out who to ask for help!

What is “Our Story” on a wedding website?

Our Story is the section on your wedding website where you share the story of your relationship – how you met, how you fell in love and how you decided to get married. It’s a chance to let your guests learn more about you two and remind them of the real reason why you’re getting married – love!

Do we have to write about our love story on our wedding website?

No, writing your love story on your wedding website isn’t mandatory, but it is a really good idea!

Some of your guests may be new friends who don’t know how you two met or family members of one partner may not know anything about the other partner. Your love story is a great way to catch all these people up on the important details of your lives.

When you’re in the midst of wedding planning, it can be so easy to get caught up in the logistics. You spend so much time planning out the food, the outfits, the decor, etc. It can be nice to come back to the reason why you’re having this whole party. Plus, putting together your website love story is really good practice for writing your vows!

What to include in Our Story on your wedding website

The “Our Story” section of your wedding website could include things like:

• How you met: Take people back to the beginning of your relationship.
• Your first date: Who asked who out? Where did you go? What were your first impressions of each other after that first date?
• The proposal: How did you decide to get engaged? What did the proposal look like?
• Your relationship milestones: Talk through the highlights of your relationship like moving in together, adopting a pet, changing careers, going on trips, etc.
• Dreams for your future: What are you looking forward to? Most of your love story talks about things that have already happened so this is your chance to dream big for your future together.
• Why you’re getting married: Share what you love most about each other and why it is you want to get married.
• Excitement for the big day: Don’t forget to end your story with a line that lets your guests know how excited you are to celebrate with them at your wedding.

Does your story have to include all of these elements? Nope. Choose the elements that are important to your relationship and the stories you want to share with your guests.

8 tips for writing your love story on your wedding website

1. Remember your audience: You’re writing this story for your loved ones, so it’s okay to be casual and conversational. But remember that your grandma might read this, so keep it PG!
2. Write your love story together: Both you and your partner should contribute to writing your love story. You can each write different parts or you can write together.
3. Include your personalities: This isn’t a cover letter or corporate website! Don’t be afraid to include funny stories and a bit of your personality throughout your wedding website.
4. Keep it short: No one wants to read a novel. Stick to the important or special details and skip the rest.
5. Make it easy to read: It’s tough to read a block of text so help your guests out by breaking up your story with short paragraphs, photos and headings (if needed).
6. Get inspired: Before you start writing, take a walk down memory lane. Look through photos, videos, cards and letters to remember your best relationship moments.
7. Choose a POV: You’ll want to choose a point of view (POV) to write your story in, either first person singular (I), first person plural (we) or third person (she/he/they). Check out the our story wedding website examples below to see these POVs in action.
8. Stick to a chronological story: It’ll be easier for your guests to follow along if you tell your love story chronologically – in the order that events happened.

Our Story wedding website examples

Below are three examples of Our Story sections you might see on a wedding website!

Jenna & Sam: Short love story written in the first person from one partner’s POV

Our love story began with a disastrous blind date, set up by our prankster friends who thought it would be funny to pair two people with entirely different tastes. Our first date was a comically terrible karaoke night where we butchered classic songs. Sam’s attempt at an air guitar solo was unforgettable, and we couldn’t stop laughing.

Sam proposed with a comically oversized carnival ring, deadpanning, “Will you tolerate my love forever?” We laughed so hard but I managed to say yes through the giggles.

Our journey has been filled with hilarious moments, from navigating Sam’s action figure obsession to my attempts at converting him to indie music. We’re getting married because life is a riot with each other, and we want a lifetime of laughter, ridiculousness, and quirky adventures.

Our wedding will be a laugh-filled celebration of our unique love story. We can’t wait to share our humour and happiness with our loved ones as we embark on this new journey as spouses.

Alex & Jamie: Queer love story written in the third person

Alex and Jamie’s love story began in the heart of Victoria’s Pride Parade. Alex was dancing with friends when they locked eyes with Jamie across the street. There was an instant connection that felt like destiny.

Their first date was a cozy night at a quirky local cafe. Jamie and Alex talked about everything; it was an evening of shared laughter and shared dreams. They both knew they had found something extraordinary.

On a beautiful summer evening, Jamie took Alex to the same spot where they had first met at Pride. Surrounded by love and acceptance, Jamie got down on one knee and asked Alex to marry them. Tears of joy and the cheers of the crowd were their witnesses, and Alex said yes without hesitation.

Alex and Jamie’s love has been a journey of self-discovery and growth. They’ve built a life centred on love, acceptance, and activism. They’ve supported each other’s personal and professional endeavours, celebrating every milestone along the way. Jamie and Alex want to stand proudly together, not just as partners but as a symbol of love’s diversity and strength.

Alex loves Jamie’s fierce passion and their ability to make Alex smile even on the toughest days. Their commitment to their community and their love is inspiring. Alex’s strength, resilience, and their beautiful heart never cease to amaze Jamie. Their love is a guiding light in Jamie’s life, and Jamie will cherish every moment spent together.

Jamie and Alex can’t wait to exchange vows, dance to their favourite anthems, and share this moment with their chosen family. Their hearts are bursting with excitement as they embark on this journey together as spouses, proudly living their love story.

Sarah & Michael: Travel love story written in the first person plural (we)

Our love story began in the most unexpected place – an airport. It was a typical busy Friday evening and we were both waiting for a flight to Toronto. Across a crowded terminal, we locked eyes and smiled at one another, total strangers who just so happened to share a moment.

Our first date was a spontaneous adventure. We decided to grab a cup of coffee right there at the airport and talked for hours about our dreams, travels, and everything in between. It felt like we had known each other forever. Time flew by, and before we knew it, our flight had been delayed. It was almost as if fate itself conspired to keep us together that night.

Fast forward to a romantic getaway in Paris – the city of love. As we strolled along the Seine, Michael got down on one knee and asked Sarah to be his forever. It was a moment straight out of a fairytale, and she said yes without a moment’s hesitation. We celebrated our engagement with croissants and champagne, knowing that our love was destined to be an extraordinary journey.

Over the years, we’ve built a life filled with countless milestones. From moving in together and adopting our beloved rescue dog, Charlie, to supporting each other through career changes and personal growth, we’ve always been each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Our adventures, whether they were exploring new cities or cozy nights in with a good book, have strengthened our bond in ways we never imagined.

We’re getting married because our love story has been nothing short of magical. We’ve found in each other a best friend, a confidant, and a partner in all of life’s adventures. We share the same values, dreams, and a deep love that grows stronger with every passing day.

As we stand on the precipice of this incredible journey together, we are filled with excitement and joy. Our wedding day is not just about celebrating our love; it’s about joining our lives in front of our cherished friends and family. We can’t wait to dance the night away, share our vows, and embark on this beautiful adventure!

Don’t want to write your own story? Let the experts write it for you!

It can be intimidating to try and sum up your whole relationship in just a few paragraphs. You know you have a great love story but you’re just not sure how to tell it. So why not let the experts at Young Hip & Married write your love story for you?

Our wedding officiants have been writing and sharing love stories for years with their custom written ceremonies and the hundreds of weddings they’ve officiated. With your input, our officiants will write a story on your wedding website that is completely personalized to you.

Your love story. Our storytelling.

Get in touch to inquire about our wedding website story writing services and pricing!

5 fun alternative ways to tell your love story

Don’t want to write the same love story on your wedding website that everyone else writes? Try something different! Here are five different ways you could share your story:

1. Timeline of your relationship: Instead of writing out long paragraphs, you could create a timeline sharing the different moments of your relationship such as when you met, when you moved in together, when you got engaged, etc.
2. Interview with the couple: Sometimes it’s easier to write when you’re answering questions. Create or search for some relationship questions you can each answer in place of writing out your full love story.
3. Ask your loved ones: Rather than answering interview questions yourselves, you could interview your closest loved ones. Ask them to describe your relationship and how they knew you had found the one.
4. Art version of your love story: Consider yourself better with a paintbrush than a pen? Then you can draw, paint, craft or design your love story and share that in place of a traditional written story.
5. Video sharing your story: Sometimes it’s easier to talk than to type. If you’re better at conversation than writing things down, a video with the soon-to-be newlyweds could be a great way for guests to really get to know you two.

What else do we need to include on our wedding website?

Besides putting Our Story on your wedding website, here are a few other things your website should include:

• The basics: Guests need to know who is getting married, where and when, plus when they need to RSVP by. This is the basic info that guests often forget, so make sure it’s prominent on your site.
• Location info: Depending on your venue, you may want to provide a map, driving or transit directions, and parking instructions. If you have a shuttle or want to provide hotel recommendations for the local area, your website is a great place to let guests know.
• Guest expectations: What should guests expect at your wedding? Let them know the dress code and any other info that will help them prepare for the day, such as knowing the outdoor ceremony will be on grass (don’t wear heels!) or that you’re not serving alcohol.
• RSVP: Many wedding websites allow you to gather and track RSVPs directly on the site. Make this obvious so even your least tech-savvy guests can easily RSVP.
• Gifts: Your wedding website is the perfect place to put information about gifts, such as a link to your registry or a note about how you’d (very graciously) prefer a monetary contribution to your honeymoon.
• Photos: Not sure what to do with all of those beautiful engagement photos? Put them on your wedding website!
• FAQs: This is a great place to answer all of the questions your guests may have so hopefully they don’t text you the week of the wedding to ask. Information about plus ones, kids at the wedding and unplugged ceremonies can live on your FAQ page.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to resend the link to your wedding website in the week or two leading up to your wedding. While you likely included the URL on your wedding invitations, mosts guests will have forgotten it by the time your wedding rolls around (and they may have thrown out your invite, sorry to break it to you!).

To ensure everyone has all of the info they need, you can send out a quick email or text to your guests with the link and letting them know how excited you are to celebrate with them.

With these tips, we know you’ll be able to write the best story on your wedding website. And if you’re not feeling up to the task, get in touch to let the experts handle the writing for you!

A virtual wedding? Isn’t that so 2020? While 2020 might have been the year of the virtual wedding, online weddings are still very much a thing in 2023 and beyond.

Keep reading to learn why virtual weddings are still needed post-pandemic, the different types of online weddings you can host, your options for streaming, and our top tips for a successful virtual and in-person wedding ceremony!

What is a virtual wedding?

A virtual wedding, also known as an online wedding, a live stream wedding or a Zoom wedding, is a wedding ceremony that is streamed online for guests to attend virtually from all over the world. These weddings became very popular during the pandemic when restrictions prevented large weddings from taking place.

In 2023, virtual weddings usually happen in addition to in-person weddings. For example, a couple may get married in a small elopement with just 15 guests in attendance, while streaming their wedding to many more loved ones around the world.

Why do we still need virtual weddings in 2023?

Even though most pandemic-era restrictions are lifted and large weddings are back, a virtual wedding could still be a good option for you in 2023. Here are five reasons why you might want to hold a virtual wedding:

1. Virtual weddings are cheaper. Rather than paying for a venue that seats 200 people and decorating it, you can rent and decorate a smaller venue without compromising on your guest list by inviting some guests to attend virtually.
2. Online weddings can be more intimate. If you’re wanting to elope but still want to share your wedding with a few loved ones, a live stream is a great way to have both a private moment and invite a few people to watch from afar.
3. You can involve more friends and family. Whether due to budget or venue constraints, you may not be able to invite everyone you love to join your wedding in person. But when you stream your ceremony, your guest list is only limited by the number of Zoom attendees you pay for!
4. You can involve loved ones who can’t attend in person. A virtual wedding is a great way to involve guests who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend your wedding ceremony, such as those who live far away, can’t travel or aren’t well enough for a big event.
5. You get a great keepsake of your day. With most virtual ceremonies, you’ll have a filmed version of your day to look back on. This can often include videos or written messages from your virtual guests, making it a great keepsake and memory of the day.

Different types of online weddings

Before you start setting up a camera, you’ll want to decide what kind of online wedding you’re looking to have. There are a few different options to choose from and decisions to make.

One-way or two-way video

With a one-way video, you’ll stream your wedding ceremony to your guests and they’ll watch it as if they’re watching a TV show. They won’t have their cameras on or be able to interact with you. With a two-way video, your wedding will be more like a FaceTime call with both sides able to chat and be seen on screen.

Most couples opt for a one-way video, as it can get very chaotic if hundreds of online guests are trying to speak or show their faces at once. You could also have a one-way video for the ceremony and then open up the video chat afterwards.

Hosted or not

Another virtual wedding planning decision you’ll need to make is whether to have your event hosted or not. A host can be a designated guest who serves as virtual MC, or may come included in your professional videography or live stream package. You can also opt to not have a host and simply start streaming your wedding at the appointed time.

If you do choose a host, you’ll have to decide if you want the host to be on-site and if they’ll also be the person to deal with any technical snafus. The host should not be the couple getting married or anyone involved in the ceremony, as they’ll be too busy in front of the camera to be behind it.

Stream just the ceremony or more of the wedding day

When it comes to virtual weddings you can choose to stream just your wedding ceremony or other parts of the wedding day. You may want your online guests to join you for speeches, even having virtual speakers take a turn at the mic, watch your first dance, or keep attending throughout the reception.

Keep in mind that while most virtual guests are happy to sit through a 20 minute ceremony, it’s not nice to ask them to stay glued to their computer screens for hours while you and your IRL guests party the night away. If you’re going to extend your live stream past the ceremony, have a plan for what virtual attendees will do.

Share your wedding live or later

While most Zoom weddings are live streamed, as in broadcast live online as they are happening, you do have the option to share your wedding ceremony after the fact instead. This could be a good option if you’re worried about internet at your venue, since you can film the ceremony offline and upload it once you have better wifi. This is also a great option if your guests aren’t able to attend live, since they can watch a recording whenever works best for them.

If you are planning to share your ceremony later, you may choose to just send out your wedding video, instead of a full live stream of the ceremony. Depending on what you work out with your videographer, the wedding video may include snippets of the full day in a beautifully edited package, which some guests may appreciate more.

Deciding how to stream your wedding

Just a few more decisions to make before you go live with your wedding ceremony! How do you plan to stream it?

DIY

You can choose to DIY your virtual wedding. This might look like setting up a tripod for your phone or camera, buying microphones and subscribing to an online video platform, like Zoom.

While DIY-ing your live wedding video is usually the most budget-friendly way to do it, it can also be the hardest to organize. You’ll need to coordinate all of the tech, plus ensure you capture good quality video and sound. I think we’ve all sat through a virtual pandemic wedding where you couldn’t hear anything and someone stood in front of the camera for half the time – don’t let that be your 2023 virtual wedding!

Professional videography

On the other end of the spectrum, you could hire a professional videographer to capture your wedding and stream it to your virtual guests. Many videographers offer live stream packages, thanks to their popularity during the pandemic, so are experienced in this area. You’ll also be able to rest easy knowing they’re going to capture the best audio and video.

Of course, hiring a professional videographer is going to cost a lot more than just setting up a Zoom account. But if you were planning to have a videographer anyway, asking about a live stream option may be a more affordable upgrade than you think. While we know it’s not in everyone’s budget, nothing beats having a wedding video to relive all of the sights and sounds of your special day.

PS: Check out our awesome elopement videography partner, Capture Media!

Online companies

A compromise between DIY-ing your online wedding and hiring a professional videographer would be going with an online company. A number of online wedding livestream companies popped up during the pandemic to help couples plan and execute their virtual weddings.

While these companies are usually more affordable than hiring a videographer, they often still leave the audio and video aspects of setting up a virtual wedding to you. But if you’re confident in your camera skills and just need someone to run the virtual part, one of these companies might be the way to go.

10 tips for your virtual online wedding

Here are a few more tips to make sure your virtual wedding goes off without a hitch!

1. Practice with your tech ahead of time. Especially if you’re going the DIY route, make sure you’re very comfortable with your tech and your online set up. If possible, do a test run at your venue to make sure everything is working.
2. Have someone available to troubleshoot. During the livestream, designate someone to be your tech troubleshooter. If anything goes wrong, this person is responsible for trying to fix it. It may help if this person is on-site in case they need to adjust a camera lens.
3. Have a plan B. This mostly applies to a DIY or online company livestream, but you’ll want to make sure you have back up options in case plan A fails. This might mean having a second camera charged and ready or a plan to hot spot off your phone if the venue wifi falls through.
4. Prep guests ahead of time. Leading up to your virtual wedding, make sure your guests have everything they need to attend. Give them the time, the URL and anything they’ll need to login. It might also be helpful to have some tech-savvy attendees set things up for the less tech-savvy ones, such as sending your cousin over to grandma’s house.
5. Be sensitive with your guest list. Hopefully, virtual guests will understand why they’re not being invited to attend in person and still enjoy celebrating with you online. But because virtual weddings are less common in 2023, you may get some pushback. Prepare yourself to politely answer any questions or deal with hurt feelings. And please, don’t demand or expect a gift from anyone who only attends virtually!
6. Make it special for your virtual guests. To help let your virtual guests know you still value their presence, make the wedding a special event for them. You can do this by sending fancy e-vites, reaching out with personal notes, asking guests to dress up, or even sending care packages to virtual guests with fun party favours.
7. Encourage guests to participate. Depending on what type of virtual wedding format you opt for, there may be a chance for your online guests to participate and engage in the ceremony. Whether that’s raising a glass to you in a virtual breakout room, turning on their cameras to applaud, leaving you a video message or writing in the chat, let your virtual guests know how they can participate and encourage them to do so.
8. Let your vendors know that you’re streaming your wedding. Don’t forget to tell your vendors that you’ll be streaming your wedding. They may have some tips and tricks for you, or be able to help you get everything set up on the day. For example, your wedding officiant can make an announcement during your ceremony that the wedding is being live streamed, so in-person guests know not to block the camera. Your officiant can also give you a chance to wave and smile at the camera, which your online guests will love!
9. Get copies of the video and chat. Most livestream platforms will have a way for you to record and save the video, as well as any comments that get left in the virtual chat room. And, of course, if you have a professional videographer doing this, they will definitely be able to provide you with an edited version of the ceremony. It’s so much fun to watch your wedding back and see what your guests were saying along the way.
10. Don’t forget to enjoy your ceremony! Sometimes planning a virtual wedding can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to figure out all of the tech, audio and video parts yourself. So while it pays to practice and be prepared, don’t forget to also enjoy your own wedding ceremony. Your virtual guests won’t mind if you’re running a few minutes behind or there’s a little static on the mic, as long as they get to watch you share your heartfelt vows with each other. After all, that’s why everyone is tuning in!

Whether you’re having a virtual celebration, in-person or a bit of both, we’d love to help create a custom ceremony that’s personalized for you two. Check out all of our ceremony packages, meet our officiant team and get in touch to book today!

When it comes to wedding ceremony guest behaviour, there are a few rules we believe all guests should follow. As wedding officiants who have married thousands of couples over the last decade, we’ve seen what happens when guests get it right and how bad it can go when guests get it wrong.

So guests, this one is for you! Read on for all of the do’s and don’ts of wedding ceremony guest behaviour so you can ensure an awesome wedding ceremony for everyone!

PS: All of the lovely guests pictured below are on their very best wedding ceremony guest behaviour, of course! 

Don’t arrive late

One of the biggest wedding ceremony sins a guest can commit is showing up late. It’s a wedding myth that ceremonies always start late. They often start on time, meaning that as a guest, you should plan to show up early so you have time to park, find the venue and get a seat.

There’s nothing worse than a group of guests loudly trying to find seats once the ceremony has already begun. As subtle as you think you’re being, you’re not. You’re disturbing other guests and being rude to the couple by interrupting their ceremony.

Or if the couple decides to delay the ceremony to wait for you, you’re actually delaying their entire wedding day schedule. That might mean vendors have to leave or events, like sunset photos, get cancelled. You don’t want to be responsible for that, so get there early!

Do follow the dress code

If the wedding ceremony you’re attending has a dress code, follow it! And if there’s not a specific dress code, make sure you’re still following some basic rules: no white dresses and nothing super casual. Try to find out from the couple or the wedding party how formal the ceremony will be, or do some research by looking up the venue.

You also want to dress for the season and venue. While you can hope that the couple will provide fans, blankets or umbrellas as needed, you still don’t want to show up to an outdoor winter wedding in sandals or a summer beach wedding in long sleeves.

Don’t try to find the couple before the ceremony

There’s always that one guest who thinks it would just be so great to find the couple before the ceremony and wish them well. They just have to get a photo, give a hug or share a few well wishes before things get started. They say, “Oh I’m just going to sneak upstairs and say hello. They won’t mind! I’m their favourite.” But trust us, you don’t want to be this person.

The couple getting married is busy before the ceremony. They’re taking photos, getting dressed, doing their hair and makeup, and taking care of so many last minute details. They don’t need to be interrupted by you, even if you mean well and you swear it’s just going to take a second.

If the couple didn’t invite you to get ready with them or hang out before the ceremony, odds are they don’t really want you there. Just wait to see them at the ceremony and catch up with them at the reception.

Do find your seat

Instead of finding the couple, what you can find is your seat! Another reason to arrive early for a wedding ceremony is to give yourself time to find a seat. Most couples are happy for guests to sit anywhere; seats aren’t often assigned and you usually don’t have to stick to a specific side. The only seats that may be off limits are the first row, usually reserved for immediate family, the wedding party or to honour passed loved ones.

Sometimes before a ceremony begins, guests will be mingling and standing around chatting with one another. As the ceremony is about to start, the wedding officiant or a venue staff member may make an announcement asking people to find their seats. Please, do so! The longer you stand around, the longer it takes for the ceremony to start.

Don’t be drunk at a wedding ceremony

Here’s a wedding ceremony guest behaviour we wish we didn’t have to talk about. You may have heard of guests getting drunk at wedding receptions but wedding ceremonies? Sadly, it happens. With many ceremonies happening later in the day, that’s plenty of time for attendees to start drinking before the festivities. Some couples even serve drinks or have a bar at their venue for guests to enjoy before the ceremony.

So enjoy, but don’t overdo it. The couple getting married have put a lot of effort into their special day and don’t want it ruined by someone getting too rowdy at the ceremony. Pace yourself and your friends (and your liver!) will thank you for it.

Don’t have your phone volume on

We know. You haven’t had your phone volume on since 2012. You don’t even know what your ring tone sounds like! But do everyone a favour and just double check, okay? Because you do not want to be the person whose phone rings or whose alarm goes off in the middle of the ceremony.

Unless you need your phone for an emergency, silence it and make sure any alarms are turned off.

Do put your phone/camera away

If your friends are having an unplugged wedding, please respect their wishes and put your phone, camera, tablet, etc. away. Not sure if the wedding is unplugged or not? Do some digging. Most couples will have this information on their wedding website, on a sign at their ceremony, and repeated by their officiant before the ceremony begins.

While 20 minutes without looking at your phone might sound tough, remember that an unplugged ceremony means you can focus on what matters – your awesome friends getting married! It also means your friends get to see your smiling face and not the backs of your device.

Don’t block the photographer or videographer

Whether the couple has opted for an unplugged wedding ceremony or not, make sure you’re not blocking the photographer, videographer or any other wedding vendor during the ceremony. Your friends have paid good money to have these talented individuals capture their day. Don’t make their jobs even harder!

This means being aware of your surroundings. If you notice a camera behind you, try not to move around too much in your chair. If you’re standing and you see the videographer trying to walk by, step to the side. And please, do not jump into the middle of the aisle at any point!

Do try to limit noise from your children or step outside

We get it – kids make noise. No one is saying you have to ensure your children are silent for the entire wedding ceremony. If the couple invited kids to their wedding, they know a meltdown or crying fit could happen. But you can do your best to avoid it!

Let your kids run around before the ceremony to get their wiggles out. Depending on how old your children are and their experience with weddings, you may want to talk them through what’s going to happen so they know what to expect. You may also want to bring some quiet toys to keep them busy, such as colouring books, or a quiet snack for them to eat. Heck, you could even bribe them with screen time if they stay quiet!

If your child does start to cry or fuss, don’t be afraid to take them out of the ceremony space. It’ll be better for everyone – the couple, the other guests, you and your child – if they can take a break until they’re feeling better. This is why we often recommend parents of young children sit towards the back and on the far end of a row so they can make a quick exit if needed.

Don’t interrupt the wedding ceremony

As best you can, try not to interrupt the wedding ceremony. Obviously, things do happen. In the case of an emergency or another important issue that needs immediate attention, please do interrupt. But if it can wait until after the ceremony, please don’t.

This means no whispered conversation with your bestie throughout the vows, no getting up to leave if you can help it, and no shouting out in the middle of the ceremony. Even if you just thought of a hilarious one-liner that you’re sure will have all the guests laughing, save it for the after party!

Do participate when asked

While interruptions are unwanted wedding ceremony guest behaviour, you should participate when asked. If the wedding officiant invites you to take part in a community vow, say I do. If a ring warming is taking place, warm the rings. And if the couple has asked you to join them in song, put those vocal cords to use!

More and more, couples getting married are trying to involve their guests in their ceremony. They want you to feel engaged, enjoy yourself and be a real part of their celebration. So even if you are not a big “participator,” suck it up and participate for your friends.

Don’t fall asleep!

We’re hoping this is a wedding ceremony guest behaviour you don’t need to be reminded about. But please, don’t fall asleep! No matter how tired you are, no matter how long the ceremony is and no matter how bored you feel, don’t let those eyelids close. Remember that your friends have put a lot of time, effort and money into this ceremony and they’d like you to stay awake for it.

Another thing you shouldn’t do if you’re bored at a wedding ceremony? Be on your phone. In addition to not sleeping, you also shouldn’t be texting, scrolling, swiping or otherwise staring at a tiny screen in your hands. Not only is this distracting to other guests, but it looks awful in photos and is just rude to the couple getting married.

PS: Couples, worried your guests are going to fall asleep or get bored during your ceremony? Not with a Creative & Custom Ceremony that is personalized to you two!

Do know where you’re going after the ceremony

The ceremony finishes, you clap and cheer as your friends recess back up the aisle…and then what? What are you doing and where are you going after the ceremony?

Depending on the wedding, you may move straight into a cocktail hour, you may be instructed to join the couple for group or family photos, or you may be on your own for a few hours until the reception starts at a different venue. Pay attention to any announcements the wedding officiant makes about post-ceremony plans and double check the wedding website so you know the schedule for the day.

Don’t bring your card/gift to the wedding ceremony

Generally speaking, you don’t need to bring your gift or card for the newlyweds to the wedding ceremony. Assuming you are attending the reception later that day, that is when you can bring your gift. The reception will usually have a designated spot, like a gift table or box for cards, where you drop off your present. Even better, most registries have the option to ship gifts directly to the newlyweds, meaning all you have to bring to the wedding is a card.

The ceremony, on the other hand, usually doesn’t have a designated spot for gifts. So there will be nowhere to put that giant KitchenAid Mixer you wrapped up. You’ll have to lug it around with you and you won’t be able to hand it to the couple, as they’ll be busy getting married or taking photos.

If you aren’t attending the reception, you can look into options to ship a registry gift or give a virtual gift, such as an e-gift card. You could also leave your gift or card with another guest who can bring it to the reception for you.

Do have a great time celebrating your friends getting married!

Above all, the most important wedding ceremony guest behaviour rule is to have an incredible time celebrating your friends who are getting married. Do this by focusing on their love and the beautiful day they’ve planned. Enjoy yourself, cry those happy tears, and help your loved ones have a wedding ceremony they’ll look back on fondly!

Places, everyone! The wedding ceremony is about to start. But where does everyone stand during a wedding ceremony? Is everyone even standing or should some people be sitting? What about the wedding party, readers and the officiant?

Below we’re breaking down all of the blocking and placement that you need to know before your wedding ceremony to make sure everyone is where they’re supposed to be on the big day. Ready? Let’s hit the mark!

Where does the couple stand during a wedding ceremony?

After the processional, the couple getting married usually stands at the front of the aisle, facing one another, centred to their guests. In some religions and cultures, the couple will face forwards instead of facing each other, and they may sit for parts or all of the ceremony.

However, if this isn’t a practice in your religion/culture, we recommend facing each other instead of facing forward. That way, you get to see each other and have an emotional connection throughout the ceremony. You also let your guests see at least half of your face – which is better than them staring at your back the whole time!

What side does the bride stand on?

Traditionally the bride stands on the left while the groom stands on the right. But not all weddings have brides or grooms, so we say you should stand wherever the heck you want!

Where does the officiant stand during a wedding ceremony?

Traditionally the officiant stands behind the couple, centred between them, facing the guests. In this position they’re able to both address the audience as they lead the ceremony while also assisting the couple through different parts, such as their ring exchange.

And a good officiant (like the ones you’ll find here at Young Hip & Married!) will know to move aside for all of the important moments, like your vows and first kiss. That way, you can have an intimate moment just with your partner and you won’t have your officiant in the background of all of your photos.

You may have seen a new trend where officiants stand in the aisle during the ceremony but… we actually don’t think this is the best idea. Since your officiant is mostly speaking to your guests throughout your ceremony, guests won’t know whether to look ahead at you or behind to your officiant.

And while the trend is meant to make things easier for your photographer to capture photos of just you two, it can actually be harder for your photographer and videographer to move around with your officiant in the aisle.

Where does the wedding party stand during a wedding ceremony?

Usually after processing down the aisle, the wedding party will stand on either side of the couple in a long line. Attendants for Partner A will stand behind them and attendants for Partner B will stand behind them.

And while this is the traditional format we see at most weddings, it’s not mandatory. You can choose to have your wedding party process down the aisle and then sit in the front row instead of standing with you at the front or you can get married without a wedding party at all. It’s up to you how you want your party to sit or stand during your ceremony.

Should guests be standing during a wedding ceremony or sitting?

Guests standing during a wedding ceremony is less common than having them sit. Standing is best for elopements with a small guest list and a short ceremony. That way, everyone standing can still see what’s happening and won’t have to stand for too long. For ceremonies longer than 5-10 minutes and with more than 20 guests, you’ll want to provide seating. Note that you may also need to provide seating for a shorter and smaller ceremony if your guests aren’t able to comfortably stand.

Where do guests sit during a wedding ceremony?

Traditionally, guests sit in rows on both sides of the aisle facing the couple and the officiant. Often these are chairs laid out in rows or benches/pews that you would see in a religious institution. It used to be that Partner A’s family and friends would sit on one side of the aisle while Partner B’s would sit on the other, but that’s just a wedding ceremony myth in modern weddings!

If you want to get creative, you could try a different seating arrangement. These creative ideas often work best with smaller guest counts, as they can be hard to execute with hundreds of people. Instead of chairs you could have sofas, hay bales with blankets, or small bistro tables set up around your space. And instead of sitting in rows, you could have guests seated in a circle around you. While we love the idea of your guests literally encircling you with their love, keep in mind that some guests will be staring at your backside the whole time!

What about parents of the couple, readers, honoured guests, etc.?

Anyone who is not getting married, officiating the wedding or in the wedding party is usually seated (or standing) with the guests. However, you can still ensure special guests get the VIP treatment.

Honoured guests, like your parents or close family members/friends can be seated in the front row. You’ll want to reserve these seats with a wedding sign and let these guests know the seats have been saved for them. Some couples also like to save a seat for a special guest who has passed away and can’t attend. This can be done by placing a photo, flower or other special marker on a seat in the front row.

For anyone involved in your wedding ceremony, such as readers or people assisting with a unity ceremony, ensure that they can get from their seat to where they need to be easily. This usually means sitting on the aisle, close to the front or in the front row. Once again, you may want to reserve these seats or let these guests know where they should sit.

Now that you know where everyone is supposed to stand during a wedding ceremony, it’s time to take your ceremony planning to the next level. Check out our Custom & Creative Ceremony Package where an officiant will work with you to create a personalized ceremony that tells your love story and is true to who you two are – no unnecessary traditions required!

written by Riana Ang-Canning
feature image by Erica Miller Photography

They say timing is everything and that’s certainly true when it comes to your wedding date! Rather than blindly pointing to a spot on a calendar or going with whatever your venue suggests, you can choose your wedding date based on what works best for you and your guests. Since you’ll be celebrating your wedding anniversary every year (we hope!), this is a date you’re going to want to pay attention to.

Let’s check the weather, the calendar and maybe even your horoscope to find you the perfect wedding date!

Step 1. Discuss the basics of your wedding

Before you can choose your wedding date, you need to nail down some of the basics of your wedding. Sit down with your partner and have some big picture conversations about what you envision for your day. Will you be hosting a wedding locally or doing a destination wedding? Are you picturing an intimate elopement or hundreds of your closest friends and family?

Even if you don’t know exactly when and where your wedding will take place, you can discuss the broader experience you want to have. Are you leaning towards an all night dance party at a chic downtown venue, a brunch wedding on a beautiful vineyard, a camping wedding weekend by the lake or something else entirely?

With these basics in mind, you’ll have more information when it comes to actually choosing and booking your wedding date.

Step 2. Pick a year: 2023, 2024 or beyond?

Starting with the most broad part of choosing your wedding date, you should first decide what year you want to get married. Generally this will come down to how much time you need to plan the kind of event you have in mind – this is why it’s important to know whether you’re planning an elopement for two or a big wedding for 200.

On average, couples are engaged for 12-18 months and spend about a year planning their wedding. Of course, that is just an average; some couples plan their weddings in just a few weeks and others book a wedding date years in advance. But generally speaking for your average full-size wedding, you should count on a year of planning.

You’ll also need to think about availability of your venue, vendors and guests. While you might be ready to get married next week, there’s a good chance your dream venue is booked, your vendors are busy and your guests can’t make it with that little notice. Popular venues and vendors often book out more than a year in advance, which explains why couples often need a year or more to plan their weddings.

Step 3. Decide what season to hold your wedding

With a year in mind, you can now think about what season you want to hold your wedding in. Typically, summer and late spring/early fall weddings are most popular and winter weddings are least popular. However, this will vary depending on where you’re getting hitched. For example, no one wants to get married in Arizona in July!

While getting married in a popular season usually means better weather, it may also mean busier vendors, more crowds and more expense. Wedding venues and vendors typically book out their busy wedding season dates sooner, so you’ll need to book early or have fewer venues and vendors to choose from. With more weddings happening during that season you might have a harder time securing a spot for photos, booking beauty services, hiring a limo, etc. And with wedding season often coinciding with tourist season, you and your guests may be paying top dollar for hotels and flights.

A wedding in the off-season might mean you’re putting up with worse weather and an outdoor wedding might be out of the question. But it could also mean more venue and vendor availability, discounted off-season prices, and fewer crowds and events happening around yours.

Step 4. Weekend vs weekday wedding?

As we discussed in our wedding ceremony myths post, it used to be that Saturday night was the only time for a wedding. But in 2023, we’re seeing weddings at all times and every day of the week. From early morning beach elopements to Sunday brunch and Thursday afternoon, it’s no longer taboo to hold your wedding on a weekday.

Of course, a Saturday or weekend wedding does have its perks. Most people have Saturday and Sunday off work, meaning you can plan wedding events all weekend long. Guests will be able to come in from out of town without taking too much time off and party the night away, knowing they don’t have to get up for work the next morning.

But because Saturday weddings are still the most popular, they’re also the most booked and often the most expensive. Many venues and vendors will offer discounts for mid-week weddings and have more availability. But keep in mind that not all of your guests may be able to attend a Monday lunch wedding.

Step 5. Consider holidays and events when you choose your wedding date

Before you choose your wedding date, you’ll want to double check that your wedding doesn’t overlap with any local events or holidays. Pull up your city’s event calendar and make sure there’s not a huge parade, race, event or party in town that will make it difficult for your guests and vendors to get to your wedding.

Sometimes it’s not possible to avoid holding your wedding at the same time as a big city event – perhaps the event was announced after you booked your wedding or you forgot to check. In that case, make sure all of your guests and vendors know about the event ahead of time and make plans so they can still arrive at your wedding. This may mean booking hotels much earlier and securing transportation for your guests.

Holding your wedding on a holiday long weekend can be a pro or a con. It may mean more guests can travel to your wedding without taking extra time off work. But it might also mean your guests will have established family plans or not want to travel during a busy and expensive long weekend. Steer clear of the most expensive travel times and family holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, to have the best chance of keeping your guest list in tact.

Step 6. Consider special, lucky or unlucky dates

Now that you’ve chosen a year, picked a season and established that your potential wedding date doesn’t overlap with any holidays or events, you may want to think about any particularly significant dates. For some couples, this is a really big deal. They want to tie the knot on the same day they got engaged or their dating anniversary. Or perhaps they want to choose a wedding date that is lucky in their culture or lines up with lucky numbers according to numerology or astrology.

If lucky dates don’t mean much to you, or don’t line up with the season you want to get married in, you could also think about unlucky dates. Are there any days you definitely don’t want to get married on? Friday the 13th is a popular answer. There may also be times of year that are particularly bad for a wedding, such as tax season if you’re an accountant.

Lastly, consider any other special dates on your calendar, such as holidays, weddings or events you’ve already committed to. Obviously you don’t want your wedding to overlap with anything else you have scheduled. You’ll want to pay particular attention to any other weddings that might be coming up, especially if you’ll have overlapping guest lists. Your family may not be able to afford to attend both your wedding in Hawaii and your sister’s wedding in Italy in the same month.

Step 7. Check in with your VIPs

The final thing you need to do before you choose your wedding date is check in with your VIPs. Usually these are people you wouldn’t want to get married without. If you can’t envision your wedding day without your grandparents or best friend, you may want to check in with them to make sure they are available. Give them a general sense of when you’re thinking (e.g. summer 2024) and see if there are any dates they can’t make.

You may also have some VIP vendors you really want to work with. (Who us? Oh stop it, we’re flattered!) If you’ve fallen in love with a photographer on Instagram or dream about hiring a particular baker, it wouldn’t be a horrible idea to check in and see what dates they have available. Many vendors won’t be able to hold a date for you without a deposit and knowing where your wedding is taking place, but you can still get a sense of their availability for your potential wedding date.

What’s more important: your date or your venue?

At some point on your journey to finding the perfect wedding date, you’ll have to decide what is more important to you: your date or your venue?

If you are tied to a specific wedding date, you’ll have less venue availability. You’ll only be able to choose from venues that are available for Sep 14, 2024 as opposed to venues with any weekend availability in September or October 2024. On the flip side, if you’re tied to a specific venue, you’ll only be able to choose your wedding date from the dates they have available.

Unless you are tied to a very specific wedding date, it’s best to go into your wedding venue search with a general idea of when you want to get married (i.e. a season, a year and weekend vs weekday) as well as any dates that don’t work. You’ll then share that information with any venues you tour and are interested in. They can let you know what dates they have available within your specifications.

Remember: You don’t have a wedding date until you have a venue. Once your chosen venue has confirmed availability and you’ve booked with them, you then have your official wedding date. You’ll need this date and the venue location in order to book all of your other wedding vendors. That’s why it’s important you book your wedding venue first!

Whether it’s a sunrise wedding on the beach or a midnight wedding to ring in the new year, Young Hip & Married would love to officiate and get you wed! Meet our team of officiants, check out our packages and reach out today to book!

Love knows no boundaries, and neither should the celebration of your love! In a world where no one wants to do extra paperwork, a commitment ceremony provides a meaningful alternative for couples to express their dedication to each other.

Whether it’s a vow renewal, a destination wedding, or a symbolic union for LGBTQ+ couples, commitment ceremonies offer an opportunity to honour love without the constraints of legal paperwork. Keep reading to discover what commitment ceremonies are, how they differ from legal weddings, and why hiring a wedding officiant can make your commitment ceremony that much more meaningful!

What is a commitment ceremony?

A commitment ceremony is any type of event or ritual that celebrates a couple coming together and dedicating themselves to one another. This could be an informal moment, such as a couple reading love letters to each other in their living room, or a more planned and formal event, such as a wedding ceremony.

Generally speaking, commitment ceremonies are non-legal, meaning that no legal paperwork is signed. The emphasis is on the emotional or spiritual commitment, rather than on the legal changing of marital status.

Examples of commitment ceremonies:

A vow renewal is a type of commitment, or recommitment, ceremony. With a vow renewal, a couple that is already married plans an event to recommit to one another and share new, updated vows that reflect on their years of marriage. Because they are already legally married, no legal paperwork is needed at their vow renewal.

Many destination weddings are actually commitment ceremonies, rather than legal ceremonies. That’s because many couples find it easier to get legally married at home before or after their destination wedding, rather than have to deal with paperwork abroad to legalize their marriage.

Sadly, in places of the world where LGBTQ+ couples cannot be legally or safely married, many choose to hold symbolic commitment ceremonies instead. While they can’t sign any paperwork, they can still honour their commitment and celebrate with friends and family. Finding LGBTQ+ friendly wedding vendors can be difficult in these areas, proving once again how much harder queer couples have to work just to have their love acknowledged and respected.

You may have also heard of commitment ceremonies happening with blended families. Regardless of whether or not the parents are legally married, some blended families will choose to have commitment ceremonies with their children, involving them in the ritual of forming a new family. Commitment ceremonies are also popular in certain spiritual and religious groups where the legal importance of marriage is not as heavily emphasized.

How is a commitment ceremony different from a legal wedding ceremony?

The biggest difference between a commitment wedding ceremony and a legal wedding ceremony is the paperwork. At a legal ceremony, a marriage licence is signed and filed, registering the marriage with the governing body in your area and legally changing a couple’s marital status. With a commitment ceremony, no legal paperwork is signed or filed and no legal statuses change as a result of the ceremony.

Otherwise, these two ceremonies can be identical! You can still put on your fanciest wedding outfits, have wedding parties, exchange vows and rings, share a first kiss and celebrate with your guests. You can have a wedding officiant conduct the ceremony and even sign a document of your own making, such as the promises you want to keep to one another.

Importantly, a commitment ceremony is not a fake wedding. Just because a couple is not legally registering their marriage during the ceremony, it doesn’t mean their relationship and commitment to one another is any less strong or important. Nor does it mean they shouldn’t get to celebrate their commitment like everyone else! Since when does a government stamped piece of paper prove that your love is real?

Why would you want to have a non-legal ceremony?

There are many reasons why a non-legal ceremony may make more sense for you than a legal one. As mentioned above, you may choose a non-legal ceremony to renew your vows, since you’re already legally married. If you’re getting legally married before or after a destination wedding, your ceremony in the destination would be non-legal.

If you can’t get legally married to the person you love, a non-legal commitment ceremony may be your only choice. There are also situations where getting married may impact your ability to get health insurance, apply for certain jobs or make use of certain benefits.

Of course, you may just feel like a commitment ceremony is the right choice for you two and a better fit than a legal ceremony. Perhaps the legal part of marriage is not important or appealing to you. That’s okay! You can still be completely committed to your partner without official paperwork and you can still plan a meaningful commitment ceremony without signing anything.

Should you hire a wedding officiant for your commitment ceremony?

If you’re planning a commitment ceremony with vows, guests and rings, a wedding officiant could be a great touch. (Though, of course, we’re a little biased!) While a wedding officiant is important for signing and filing the legal paperwork, they do so much more for your wedding ceremony.

An officiant can help you customize and design a commitment ceremony that tells your story and shares your love with your guests. They can offer advice on vows and readings, run your ceremony rehearsal, and answer any questions you have along the way. Importantly, on the big day they bring a sense of calm and professionalism to your ceremony. You’ll know that you have an experienced, reliable vendor with you who can guide you through the ceremony.

Get in touch to learn about how we can help you plan the perfect commitment ceremony!

Deciding on a wedding venue is one of the first wedding planning tasks you must cross off your list – but it can also be one of the hardest! After all, your venue sets the tone for your event and likely makes up most of your budget. So how do you make sure you’re choosing the right one? What should you look for in a wedding venue?

Below we’re covering 16 categories you’ll want to keep in mind when you look at venues. To help you make your decision don’t miss our wedding venue FAQs, plus figure out how many wedding venues to visit.

Availability of the venue for your wedding date

The first thing you need to confirm with a potential venue is availability. If the venue isn’t available for your date, move on! But what many couples don’t know is it’s usually the venue that decides the date of your wedding.

In most cases, couples will tour wedding venues and inquire about availability for a certain year or season. The venue will then respond and let you know what days they have available in that timeframe. If you’re happy with the options, you’ll select one and that will become your wedding date.

Unless you’re very attached to a specific date, it’s best to go into your wedding venue search with a rough timeframe in mind (e.g. summer 2024) rather than a specific date. That way, you can be more flexible and have more options of venues and vendors to choose from.

Spaces/rooms available

The next thing to look for in a wedding venue is the space itself. Can the venue host both your wedding ceremony and reception or will you need a second venue? Do they host both in the same area or two separate areas? What spaces are exclusive to your wedding and which ones are shared?

You’ll also want to inquire about other spaces you may need for your wedding. If you’re planning an outdoor event, is there a back-up indoor option in case of bad weather? Is there a getting ready space you can access? If you need a space for childcare, cocktail hour or a tea ceremony, ask if those are available.

Location of the venue

When you’re three pages deep in a Google search for wedding venues in your area, you may not realize that you’re actually looking at venues hours away from your city. While the look and price tag of a venue are important, so is the location. Is your venue easy to get to? Is it easy to find or will your guests need instructions? Is it close to other wedding sites, such as where you want to take photos or where you’ll be getting ready?

Is there parking available or can it be accessed by transit? Do you have to arrange a shuttle for your guests? Depending on the number of guests you’re inviting, needing to have a shuttle or pay for valet parking can add up.

Style of the wedding venue

If you have a wedding style in mind, you’ll want to find a venue that matches that style. For example, if you’re planning a modern, downtown, chic affair, a barn in the suburbs probably won’t cut it. While you could bring in a lot of decor to turn that barn into a downtown loft, it would be very expensive. You’re probably better off changing styles or finding a venue that is already in your style of preference.

But if you don’t have a style in mind, that’s okay! Many couples will let the style of the venue dictate the style of their wedding. If you’re not committed to a specific look, let the natural style and atmosphere of the venue guide you. That way, you can lean into what the venue already offers and not have to spend as much money changing the style of the space.

Capacity and guest count

A very important thing to look for in a wedding venue is the right capacity. Can the venue fit your number of guests? Most venues will have strict capacity limits, determined by the fire code, about how many people can attend a sit-down or standing celebration. Make sure you inquire about this number and remember that it often includes the couple and vendors who are in the space too.

While too many guests is a fire hazard, you also don’t want to book a large venue with too few guests. Having an intimate reception for 50 in a ballroom for 200 can feel uncomfortable and make it look like you had a bunch of no-shows. Luckily, most venues solve for this by putting up room dividers or offering smaller spaces for smaller parties. Make sure to ask about this at your wedding venue site tour and visit a space that would work for your guest count – not too big and not too small, but just right!

Timing on the big day

Just because your wedding is booked for a specific day doesn’t mean you get that entire day at the venue. Most venue rentals are for a set number of hours and will require you to pay more to extend your time. Make sure you ask exactly what hours you have the space so you can plan your wedding itinerary accordingly.

Is there a hard time you need to be out by? Is that when guests need to leave and you can start cleaning or when all clean up needs to be done? When can guests arrive? Can vendors arrive earlier to set up? What about the wedding party?

You also want to ask if other weddings will be happening at the same time as yours or right before/after your wedding. At larger venues, it’s common to have multiple weddings at the same time. Some venues will have multiple weddings on the same day, meaning you will need to start your wedding on time and may not have access to spaces, such as a getting ready room, for as long as you’d like.

Cost of the wedding venue

Obviously one of the huge things you need to know about your wedding venue is the price. How much does the wedding venue cost? You’ll also want to ask some follow up questions to ensure you understand what you’re paying for.

What is included in the cost? Some venues will include things like chair rentals or AV equipment in the cost and others won’t. Does the cost change if you add more guests? Are you paying per head or a set number for the full space? Is there a minimum spend? Are there fees on top of this cost, such as taxes and tips? When is the payment due and is there a deposit you need to pay to secure your booking?

Inclusions and venue packages

Related to the cost of the venue is any inclusions or packages that you’re buying. Some wedding venues simply charge you for the space and others charge you for a venue package that may include catering, decor, drinks, rentals, etc. Inquire about exactly what is included in your booking – what is part of the total cost and what costs extra.

Are there specific vendors you need to work with? Some venues have a list of preferred vendors (vendors they recommend) and others have a list of vendors you must work with, such as an in-house catering team. In some cases having in-house vendors, such as catering or bar services, can be helpful. Planning is smoother and you know that these vendors are familiar with the venue. But it limits couples who would prefer to bring in their own vendors.

Catering: In-house or brought in?

On the topic of catering, it’s important to ask your venue if you can bring in your own food and drink or if you need to use in-house or select catering vendors. If you can bring in your own, does it need to be from an approved vendor list, from a professional grade kitchen, or can your grandma bake your cake? Can you BYOB and, if so, do you need to get your own liquor licence? Are there corkage or other serving fees?

If your venue provides catering, you’ll want to look into the menu and set up a tasting to make sure you like the food. Can you make requests for favourite dishes? Can you modify any dishes on the menu? Can the caterer accommodate any dietary restrictions you or your guests might have?

Set up and take down

Even if your venue is naturally beautiful, you’ll likely have a few things you want to set up before your ceremony or reception. Many couples bring in decor, lighting, flowers, chairs, tables and more. You’ll want to double check with your venue when your vendors can come in to start setting up. You’ll also want to know exactly when everything needs to be out; some venues allow you to come back the next day and pick up items while others need you to clear out immediately after your wedding is over.

Can you have items dropped off at your venue ahead of time? If so, is there a cost for the venue to receive and store these items? Is there a space to store them, such as a room, closet or fridge? Some vendors also charge extra if they have to take items up and down stairs, so it’s a good idea to inquire about a delivery entrance and/or elevator.

Accommodation at/near the venue

Does your wedding venue also offer accommodation? Many couples choose to get married at hotels, resorts, inns or glamping sites where they can not only host their wedding, but also stay a few nights. Staying on-site before and after your wedding can be very convenient. You can plan additional events, making it a full wedding weekend, and not have to worry about transportation or running late. Of course, planning extra wedding events and staying over a few nights can be expensive.

If accommodation is offered, is there space for guests to stay too? Many venues with accommodation will offer room blocks and special rates to wedding guests. If there isn’t accommodation on-site and you or your guests are travelling in for the wedding, you’ll want to research accommodation options nearby.

Experience with weddings

Is experience something you look for in a wedding venue? A wedding venue that has hosted hundreds of weddings over the years may be able to offer more expertise for your wedding day. They will likely have processes in place for how to run weddings and experience handling any hiccups. They may even have an entire staff team dedicated to hosting weddings.

That’s not to say that new venues are the wrong choice. Sometimes a new wedding venue, or a venue that isn’t usually used for weddings, can offer their services at a discount, which helps couples on a budget. They may also be able to offer more personal or more flexible services, since you are one of their first weddings. That being said, they may also run into some challenges if they haven’t hosted many weddings before.

Regardless of whether you go with an old or a new venue, make sure you ask the right questions and are comfortable with the level of experience your venue offers.

Wedding venue restrictions

No one wants to talk about the things you can’t do at a wedding venue. But it’s important to inquire about restrictions when you’re venue shopping, as they may be deal breakers for your wedding. Some common restrictions to ask about include:

• When does the music need to end? Are there quiet hours you have to respect?
• Are certain decor items restricted? For example, some venues prohibit flames (candles) or confetti.
• If you’re bringing in and serving alcohol, what are the restrictions of the liquor licence?
• Are there restrictions around the kind of entertainment you can have? Some venues may have rules in place for live bands or DJs.
• Can you remove any of the current decor? Can you rearrange the current set up?

Reviews and contracts

Before you make a decision about your wedding venue, make sure you do some homework. Look up the venue’s Google listing or listing on wedding vendor databases, like The Knot or Wedding Wire. What do past couples say? Read through reviews and look up photos so you have a better idea of what a wedding at that venue will look and feel like.

You’ll also want to read through any contracts or paperwork your venue provides. We’ve all scrolled to the bottom and agreed to terms and conditions without reading them but in this case, it pays to take a few minutes to read properly. There are too many horror stories of couples losing money and having horrible experiences because of a misunderstood or overlooked contract. If you’re unsure about anything in the contract, just ask!

Some key things to look out for in your contract: How much are you paying, what is included and when is the payment due? What happens if you need to postpone, reschedule or cancel your wedding? In what scenario could you terminate the contract, if needed?

Make sure everything you’ve discussed with the venue – such as what spaces you’ll be using, what services are included, and your total guest count – is included in your contract. You don’t want to be a few months out from your wedding only to find out the ceremony space you loved isn’t included in your venue contract, even though you discussed it at the venue visit.

Communication and care

An overlooked, but very important, aspect you’ll want in your wedding venue is excellent communication and care. You want to work with a venue that wants to work with you. That means they are responsive, transparent and respectful.

Good communication doesn’t necessarily mean you’re able to text the venue manager all day long or call them in the middle of the night with your questions. Wedding vendors are busy! But you should expect to receive responses to your calls, emails and questions in a reasonable amount of time. If you’re just trying to book a venue visit and haven’t heard back in weeks, that’s a red flag.

You also want communication with your venue to be transparent. Are they upfront about any fees or are there hidden costs? Do they answer questions directly? If you bring up something you read in a bad review, how do they respond?

Lastly, but most importantly, does your wedding venue value you? While you might just be one of a hundred weddings they host each year, do you feel like you have the information and support you need? Do they care about your wedding? Are they inclusive and supportive of your marriage? Even huge venues can and should take the time to make you feel like a valued, respected and celebrated customer.

Vibe: How does the wedding venue make you feel?

The last thing to check in on with any potential wedding venue is the overall vibe. How did you feel when you first walked into the space? How did you feel when you met the venue manager and heard about the services? After you slept on it, were you just as excited about the venue the next day?

Are you comfortable with the contract and cost? How do you think your guests will feel at the venue? What is the overall emotion or feeling you have when you think about hosting your wedding at that venue? You should feel good about your wedding venue, which is why doing a “vibe check” is so important.

It can be hard to remember everything you learned about a venue, especially if you’re visiting quite a few, so we recommend taking notes during your venue tours. Immediately after a tour, sit down with your partner to discuss how you both feel about the space and take notes on that too. This can be as simple as typed notes or a voice note on your phone. That way, you can read or listen back to the notes and remember how you felt in the moment.

Now that you know what you should look for in a wedding venue, you’re well on your way to finding and booking the perfect venue! Once your venue is booked, you can begin booking your other vendors. Meet our team of wedding officiants and get in touch to book your ceremony package! 

One of the first things you’ll tackle when wedding planning is choosing a venue. But how many venues should you look at for a wedding? When do you need to start looking and who should you bring with you to the venue tours? If you haven’t planned a wedding before, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the wedding venue choices!

So today we’re sharing all our best tips about venue visits and choosing a venue that’s going to work for your wedding. Learn all about venue tours below and check out our wedding venue FAQs for even more info!

When is the best time to look at wedding venues? 

While there is no one right answer, you’ll probably want to start searching for venues 12-16 months before your wedding date and booking a venue about one year in advance. However, this will vary based on what kind of wedding you’re having, where and when the wedding is, and what kind of a researcher you are.

If you’re someone who loves a spreadsheet and won’t feel comfortable booking a venue until you’ve done extensive research, start your venue search early. If you have your heart set on a popular place to get married or popular wedding date, you’ll also want to start your search early. If you’re more flexible with your venue needs, date or location, you can probably afford to put your search off for a few months.

How many venues should you look at for a wedding?

Once again this will depend on the type of researcher you are and the type of wedding you’re having. Some couples will look through hundreds of options online while others will see one and be ready to book.

Because looking at every possible wedding venue can be very overwhelming, we suggest discussing wedding venue criteria with your partner first. That way, you’ll already know you’re looking for a downtown Vancouver venue that seats 300 instead of having to consider all wedding venues everywhere. With your partner, you may want to discuss:

• Size: How many people are you planning to invite?
• Style: Should the venue be modern, rustic, glam, relaxed, etc.?
• Price: What is your budget for the venue?
• Location: Where do you want to have your wedding? Are you looking at destination wedding venues or does it need to be within an hour of home?
• Inclusive: Are you looking for a wedding venue that’s all-inclusive with other services, like catering and rentals, included? Or would you prefer a blank space so you can bring in all of the other vendors and services yourself?

How many wedding venues should you tour in person? 

Once you’ve looked through wedding venues online, it’s now time to consider which wedding venues you want to tour in person. Generally speaking 2-5 wedding venue tours works for most couples, but how many wedding venues you should visit depends a lot on you and the wedding you’re planning. Some couples want to see dozens of venues and then decide while others are happy to go with the first venue that ticks enough boxes.

Remember that you’ll be able to learn a lot about a venue during your online research. Based on what you find out, you should be able to eliminate a lot of venues and get your short list down to 3-5 places. From there, you’ll set up venue tours. A venue tour typically takes 30-60 minutes, but factor in more time to travel to and from the venue, ask questions, and compare notes with your partner.

If you’re not able to tour a venue in person, many venues offer online tours or video walk-throughs. This is a great option if you are planning a destination wedding and can’t visit the location ahead of time.

Who goes to look at wedding venues? 

Usually it’s just the couple getting married who goes to look at wedding venues. You don’t need to bring anyone else with you, but do try your best to both be available for the tour. That way, you can make a decision together having both seen the space, rather than one person trying to describe it to the other.

In some cases, your wedding planner may attend venue tours with you, but this will depend on when you book your planner and what services they offer. Many couples book a planner after they book their venue and have a confirmed date, so you may not have a planner yet. Once you’ve booked your venue, some of your vendors may want to visit it ahead of your wedding day, such as your planner, photographer or decorator. But they don’t all need to be there on your first tour before you’ve booked the place.

You may want to bring a few loved ones along with you on your wedding venue tours but be warned: more opinions are not always more helpful. It can be tough to make a decision as a couple if you have an entire entourage of people weighing in. It can also be difficult to coordinate that many schedules, making venue tours hard to book. Our advice: If you want to bring other people, choose 1-2 people whose opinions you really value and who understand that this is your wedding (even if they’re helping to pay for it!).

When should you book a venue for a wedding? 

Generally speaking you should book a venue for a wedding about one year out from your wedding date – which is why we suggest starting your search a few months before this. Of course, as we’ve mentioned a few times now, the exact time frame for booking a venue will depend on you and the type of wedding you’re planning.

Very popular venues can book up years in advance while non-traditional venues, say a restaurant private room that you rent out for the reception, may still have availability a couple of months out. Venues are booking up earlier and earlier with the backfill of covid weddings, so it pays to start your venue search early and book as soon as you can.

Remember that you’ll need to book your venue before you can book anything else for your wedding. That’s because all of your other vendors will need to know where your wedding is, what date and what time – and you’ll only be able to answer them with certainty once you have a venue booked. That’s why venues get booked a year or more in advance, because couples need that time to plan the rest of their wedding!

How many weddings does a venue do a year? 

This varies a lot by venue. Some venues will just do a few weddings per year, such as a museum that is occasionally rented out for weddings. But others, like hotel ballrooms, will do multiple weddings a week. Some larger spaces, like conference centres, will have multiple weddings happening at the same time, all in different parts of the building.

Remember that most venues serve other functions besides holding weddings. They may also host conferences, expos, shows and parties or be used for camping, dining, school activities, etc. So just because a venue doesn’t do very many weddings doesn’t mean their calendar is empty.

How big should a wedding venue be? 

Just like Goldilocks, you’re looking for a venue that is not too big and not too small but just right!

Every venue will have a legal capacity limit. If they exceed their limit, that would be a fire violation and they could get fined or lose their operating licence. Worse, you and your guests will be in danger should anything happen. Not only are capacity limits important for everyone’s safety, but they also affect people’s comfort. Squeezing 50 people into a room meant for 20 means the room will be hot and stuffy, guests will be bumping into each other, and no one will be having a good time.

Remember that capacity limits are in place for a reason. If the capacity limit of the venue you love is 100 but your guest list is 150, you need to make some guest list cuts or find a new venue.

On the other end of the spectrum, you also don’t want to book a wedding venue that’s too big for your guest list. Seating 75 people in a space for 200 might sound like no big deal but it can feel uncomfortable. The large room will make it seem like you had a bunch of no-shows and the empty space might be awkward for guests who want to party. Ever get to a club too early when it’s half empty and no one is on the dance floor? Don’t let that be your wedding!

Pro tip: If you’re not sure how a wedding of your size will look at your venue, ask! Your venue should be able to explain how they can make the space work for your group, such as using a partition to make a room smaller. They may even have photos from past weddings of a similar size to yours to give you an idea of what the space will look like.

What’s the point of an amazing wedding venue without an amazing wedding ceremony? Say no to a cookie-cutter wedding with our Custom & Creative Ceremony Package, written and personalized just for you to tell your unique love story. Check it out and book your wedding officiant today!