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Category: Tips & Advice

Discover Young Hip & Married’s expert tips, advice and guides on all things wedding ceremonies and elopements!

Congratulations, you’re married! And now it’s time to put pen to paper and work on your wedding thank you cards. While some couples groan at the thought of tackling their thank you cards, we want you to look forward to this big act of gratitude. Finish your final wedding task with smiles on your faces, and read on to learn how to write wedding thank you cards (that don’t suck).

Check out some of our best tips and tricks, as well as a template for your cards below!

Do you need to write wedding thank you cards?

YES.

Yes, you do. Even if the person didn’t give you a gift, even if you thanked them in person at the wedding, and even if they live overseas, you need to send them a thank you card. At YHM, we’re big fans of getting rid of traditions that don’t feel like you. But the wedding thank you card is one tradition we stand behind.

Think of your wedding thank you cards as really the nicest way to end your wedding and begin your marriage. You’re reaching out to your closest loved ones and expressing your gratitude.

Divide the work

Both of you got married. Both of you are using that blender. So both of you should be writing the thank you card.

And we’re not just talking about one spouse figuring out how many cards you need, assigning which ones the other spouse should write, and telling the other spouse what to write. We’re talking about both of you doing the mental work and writing the cards together.

Split up the work and decide together what you want to say, what kind of cards you want to use, and when you will write them. It may feel like one spouse should take this on, but it’s actually a really nice activity to do together as a married couple.

And no, bad handwriting does not make you exempt from this task.

by Erica Miller Photography

Start early

Tradition says that wedding thank you cards need to be sent within three months of your wedding day. Of course, that’s not a hard and fast deadline. But you should aim to get these cards out in a timely manner.

The nice thing is, you can start before the wedding even finishes! If you have a wedding registry, odds are you’ll receive gifts before the wedding. So why not get started on those thank you cards?

Even if you can’t write the cards before the wedding, you can get a head start by ensuring you have the cards ordered and envelopes addressed. Once you are able to start writing, come up with a plan for how you’ll tackle this task. You can set a number of cards you want to write each week or designate a certain time of week for card writing. Change “Netflix and chill” to “Netflix and quill” – break out the pen and start writing cards while you binge your favourite series in the background.

Keep a list

In order to make card writing as easy as possible, you need to stay organized. As soon as you start opening gifts or cards, start a list. On it, write down who gave you what. It’s also helpful to jot down a quick note about that person from the wedding, such as how much fun you had dancing to Destiny’s Child with them on the dance floor. You’ll want to include that personal detail in their wedding thank you card, and it can be easy to forget if you’re writing the card weeks later.

by Erica Miller Photography

Check with your vendors 

Bonus tip: Check in with your vendors to help make the card writing process even easier. For example, when you’re ordering your wedding stationary, like invites and save the dates, see if you can also include thank you cards. That way, you don’t have to worry about ordering cards after the wedding. If you’re getting addresses printed on envelopes for your invites, go ahead and double up that order so now you have addressed envelopes for your wedding thank you cards too!

It’s also a good idea to check in with your wedding photographer if you want to use wedding or engagement photos on your thank you cards. Ensure you’ll get your photos back in time. And does your photographer offer card printing? Perfect! That’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Don’t worry!

Remember, this isn’t a university admission essay you’re writing. It’s a thank you card to a friend or family member who loves you.

These cards do not have to be long; short and sweet is the way to go! Bad handwriting is allowed. And they don’t have to be formal. Have fun with it! Include a personal joke or fun nickname that you have for that person.

And make the card writing process fun for yourself. Have a blast picking out a gorgeous wedding photo for the card. Reward yourself with a glass of wine when you finish writing a batch. Relive awesome wedding memories as you write. And enjoy signing off the card as a married couple, perhaps with a new last name!

by Emily Nicole Photos

Template for wedding thank you cards

Okay, let’s get to it. Here is your template for writing wedding thank you cards (that don’t suck). There’s five simple steps:

1 – “Dear (person’s name)”

That wasn’t so hard, right? If a gift is given from a couple or a family at the same address, it’s okay to send one card to all of them. If it’s a group gift however, like friends going in on a larger registry item, it’s nice to send individual cards to each person/couple.

2 – Thank them for attending

Start your card with thanking the person for coming. You want to celebrate their presence before their presents! Here are some ways to do that:

  • Thank you for celebrating our wedding with us! 
  • We are so glad you could attend our wedding!
  • Thank you for joining us on our special day! 

3 – Add a personal detail

This is what takes your wedding thank you card from generic to heartfelt. It’s not just about the gift; it’s about the memory made. So add a quick line such as…

  • We had the best time rocking out on the dance floor with you.
  • Thanks to your recommendation, we had the best wedding cake ever! 
  • The reading you did at the ceremony really touched our hearts.
  • Thank you for attending all of my outfit fittings with me! 

4 – Thank them for the gift

It’s time for the thank you. But instead of just thanking your guest for the gift, go one step farther and add how you’re using the gift, what it means to you, how you feel about it, etc. For example:

  • Thank you for the toaster. You’ve made our mornings so much brighter! 
  • We so appreciate the towel set. They’re so cozy and we love using them.
  • Thank you for the gift certificate to our favourite restaurant! We’ve already made reservations to celebrate our one-month anniversary there. 
  • We can’t thank you enough for the blender! You’ll have to come over to try one of our smoothie creations. 

5 – Finish with well wishes

We’re in the home stretch! End your wedding thank you card with well wishes for your guest and a final thank you. Some great ending lines include:

  • Thank you so much for all of your love and support!
  • We are so happy you were there and can’t wait to see you again soon.
  • Thank you once again for joining in our celebration.
  • We are so lucky to have you in our lives! 
  • Thank you for being an important part of our special day. 

Sign your names and mail that card off!

by Erica Miller Photography

Extra tip on writing cards for cash gifts:

If you’re writing a thank you card for a cash gift, there’s no need to mention the exact amount. But it is nice to recognize the gift and explain how you’ll be using it. Hint: try to come up with something more fun than buying groceries or paying off debt!

For example, you can say: “Thank you for your generous contribution towards our goal of buying our first house” or “Thanks to you, we were able to enjoy a Michelin-star dinner on our honeymoon. It was delicious!”

Extra tip on writing cards if they didn’t give a gift:

Writing a card for someone who didn’t buy you a gift? Don’t mention it! Remember, that person still loves you and took the time to show up for you on your special day. Simply cut out step four from the template above, and be sure to include a nice personal detail and warm wishes.

written by Riana Ang-Canning

Congratulations! You did it; you got married! The knot has been tied and you are officially newlyweds.

But now what? What happens after you get married?

After months (or even years) of touring venues, trying on outfits, creating timelines, scheduling appointments, gathering addresses and rewriting vows, the big day has come and gone. So where do you go from here?

Below we’re sharing five things to do now that you’re married. Some of them are practical (like writing those thank you cards!) and others speak more to how your life will change now that you’re past the wedding stage and entering your marriage.

Deep breaths! Remember, this is the whole reason why you had a wedding in the first place!

5 things to do now that you’re married

1. Take care of any post-wedding to do’s

Just because the band has gone home and the cake has been cut doesn’t mean your wedding is totally over. You may still have some tasks on your wedding planning to do list post-reception.

Here are a few post-wedding tasks you may need to take care of:

  • Make any final vendor payments (including tips)
  • Send thank you cards to your guests (we have a thank you card template you can copy!)
  • Leave reviews for your vendors
  • Donate, sell or return any wedding items you no longer need
  • Store/preserve any special mementos, such as your wedding outfit or a piece of cake
Two women hold each other after their ceremony atop a mountain in Vancouver
by Emily Nicole Photos

2. Enjoy using your new names and titles

After your wedding day, you and/or your partner may decide to change your last name(s). This it totally optional, and there are more ways to do it than simply having the woman take the man’s last name in a hetero relationship.

If you’re interested in changing your last name, check out our guide to changing your last name in BC, Ontario and Oregon.

Once you’ve gone through the hard work of changing your last name officially, you can enjoy the fun part of changing your name socially (PS: you may also decide to only change your name socially and still use your given name legally). Have a blast changing your handles on social media and updating your work directory.

Even if you’re not changing your last name, you and your partner may still identify with new titles after your wedding, like wives, husbands, spouses, etc. There’s something so fun about using those titles when they’re brand new to you!

3. Experience the post wedding blues (they’re normal!) 

Sadly, after a wedding usually comes the post wedding blues. This is a real thing and happens to many newlyweds. It only makes sense that after months of planning for this big event, you’ll feel a little blue when it’s all over. Accept that it’s totally normal to feel sad, empty or down after your big day.

Be kind to yourself and give yourself what you need to move through a time that isn’t rainbows and sunshine. For some people, that might mean carving out some alone time to journal, meditate, go to the spa or cozy up with a book.

For others, you may prefer to work through your blues by surrounding yourself with friends or discussing things with your new partner. If you don’t think you can handle your feelings alone, do not be afraid or embarrassed to reach out for professional help.

Groom kissing his bride's head and hugging her after their ceremony, what to do now that you're married
by Emily Nicole Photos

4. Keep the celebration going after your wedding day

Not ready to stop the party? Great, keep it going! You can keep your wedding going to avoid (or at least delay) the big come down.

You can do this by hosting post-wedding events, like a morning after brunch or a full out wedding weekend of activities. This is also a great opportunity to spend time with out of town guests who came in for the wedding. Host a BBQ on the beach, a picnic in the park or a bar crawl to spend more time with your far-away loved ones.

Of course, you can also keep the wedding celebration going in your daily life. Think of the things you loved most about your wedding – how can you incorporate those things into your everyday life?

Maybe you had the best time on the dance floor at your reception, so you sign up for ballroom lessons with your new spouse to keep your dancing feet from getting cold. Or maybe the food blew you away, so start trying out new recipes at home and checking out your local food scene. Or perhaps it was the moments with loved ones that meant the most to you, and so you start hosting dinner parties to see more of your favourite people.

5. Look forward to things outside of your wedding 

Your wedding was awesome but surely there’s a lot more in your life and your marriage that you can start looking forward to. Maybe you’re heading off on an awesome honeymoon, putting a down payment on a house, moving to a new city, adopting a pet, planning to grow your family or getting a big promotion at work. All of these milestones will give you something wonderful to look forward to post-wedding.

Of course, there are small things to look forward to as well. Look forward to your weekly date night, a new movie coming out and getting all of the photos back from your wedding photographer.

And definitely look forward to all of the wedding chores you don’t have to do anymore. No more squeezing into uncomfortable fancy wedding shoes, no more emails with countless vendors, and no more annoying phone calls about napkins colours or guest lists with your nosy Aunt Vicky.

Two grooms smile and embrace after they got married in a helicopter elopement with Young Hip & Married
by Emily Nicole Photos

What comes next after your wedding? Your marriage!

Your wedding was one day. Hopefully, it was a great day. But it was still one day in your entire lifelong marriage.

It shouldn’t be that your wedding is this great highlight and everything else is downhill from there. Your lifelong marriage is the exciting part! Remember, the whole point of your amazing, incredible wedding is your marriage. That’s the reason for the party.

So what comes next? Making your marriage even more incredible than your wedding. All of that time, money and energy you spent on your wedding – put that into your epic marriage. Your relationship is worth it.

Sure, it might not be dressing up, dancing and fancy gifts every day. But it will be so much better!

At Young Hip & Married, we believe that we all, vendors and couples alike, have a role to play in making the wedding industry safer, more welcoming and more inclusive for all people. A big issue in the wedding industry is a primary focus on the “bride’s day” and assumption that all couples, and even all guests, are heterosexual. Obviously, that isn’t the case. So we want to do what we can to facilitate a safe, welcoming and inclusive wedding ceremony that celebrates all types of love.

Helping us with this mission is our amazing officiant, Beth. If you missed it, check out Beth’s chat with us all about queer weddings. 

Following up on last year’s post about inclusive wedding ceremony language, we’ve asked Beth to help us put together some more easy ways to create a welcoming and inclusive wedding ceremony.

PS: We think this article is applicable for wedding-planning couples, vendors and guests!

Even if you aren’t LGBTQ+

… odds are someone in the wedding party, some of the guests and/or some of the vendors are. Even if you are heterosexual and cisgender, it’s unlikely everyone involved in the wedding will be. Taking the time to ensure your wedding is safe and inclusive makes it a welcoming environment for everyone.

by The Nickersons
by Bake Photo

Not every label fits every person

Many people outside (and even inside) the LGBTQ+ community are confused about how to refer to people with terms and language that honour them. A good rule of thumb from Beth is to describe people using adjectives instead of nouns (e.g. “gay people” and not “the gays”). Avoid the word “homosexual” as it sounds clinical and “lifestyle” as it implies a choice. “Queer” is also a complicated term as it can have negative connotations for some LGBTQ+ people, from when it was previously used as a derogatory word, but has been reclaimed by other LGBTQ+ people as a positive term.

The best approach is to use a term that the person has already applied to themselves. If you’re not sure, politely ask. You may also want to do some independent research and familiarize yourself with terms like cis, trans, and non-binary. Here are two great places to start your research: QMUNITY and GLAAD.

Remember that this person is a whole person, and not solely defined by their sexual orientation or gender identity. For example, how often are straight people identified by their sexual orientation? We would never say, “This is my straight best friend” so why do we feel the need to say, “This is my gay best friend?”

by Tyshawnna Reann Photography

Don’t assume pronouns

When we see a stranger or a new person, we tend to make a lot of assumptions about their gender and the pronouns they use for themselves using clues from their clothing, hair and the shape of their bodies. But even if someone seems very “masculine” or “feminine” to you, your best guess may not actually reflect their gender identity. Before someone has told you their pronouns, it’s best to use gender-neutral terms, such as “The person in yellow has the seating chart” instead of “She/that woman has the seating chart.”

It might feel awkward to ask for someone’s pronouns, but it’s actually a way of honouring their personhood, and it’s way better than making a wrong assumption and hurting them. Simply say, “What pronouns do you use for yourself?” Avoid the term “preferred pronouns” as pronouns are not a preference but the reality of who someone is. Beth encourages everyone to practice offering their own pronouns in their email signatures, and in person, when they introduce themselves to someone new (“Hi, I’m Beth – I use she/her pronouns”). We shouldn’t always expect transgender or gender-nonconforming people to have to take the initiative.

by Erica Miller Photography
by Emily Nicole Photos

Avoid gendered assumptions

Unfortunately, the entire wedding industry is very gendered. It’s not uncommon to hear that men must propose to women and that women must wear dresses on their wedding day. And how many times have we heard that the wedding day is all about the bride and the groom just has to show up?

Let’s fight against all of that! As vendors, let’s ask questions instead of making gendered assumptions. Don’t assume there will necessarily be a bride in all weddings, or that a bride will come down the aisle in a dress, holding a bouquet and on her father’s arm. Ask all couples more general non-gendered questions such as, “How are you both arriving at the front?”

When LGBTQ+ couples get married, they usually can’t help but break some traditional gendered norms at weddings, but straight/cisgender couples need not be afraid of challenging these same norms too! Women can propose, and they don’t have to wear dresses on their wedding day. Men can walk down the aisle. Girls can carry rings, and boys (and men!) can carry flower baskets and bouquets.

by Erica Miller Photography

Use gender neutral language

We talked a lot about this in our post about inclusive wedding ceremony language, but Beth wanted to highlight two main areas where gendered language can be traded for something more inclusive.

We hear “bride and groom” a lot in the wedding world. Instead of using these very gendered terms, trying using “spouses” or “spouses-to-be,” “partners,” “the couple,” “newlyweds” and even just first names.

Another term we hear a lot, and not just in weddings, is “ladies and gentlemen.” At first glance, this may not sound like a very exclusionary term. But for non-binary people, who don’t identify as either ladies OR gentlemen, it can be. Instead, opt for a gender neutral term like everybody, loved ones, friends and family, or folks.

by Jelger & Tanja Photographers

Make the wedding party inclusive as well

It’s not uncommon to hear terms like “bridal party,” “bridesmaids” and “groomsmen,” but again, these terms can be exclusive, especially now that many couples are choosing to have a mix of genders standing up on both sides.

As vendors, you can simply ask, “Who is standing up with you at your ceremony?” That way, you avoid labeling the attendants at all.

For couples, this is your chance to create a new term that is not only inclusive but also really fun. Sure, you could go with “attendants” or “wedding party” – there’s nothing wrong with that. But what about “wedding crew,” “wedding posse” or “wedding squad?” Beth also mentioned awesome alternatives like “friends of honour,” “best people” and “the fellowship of the ring.”

Remember, gender neutral language extends to children too. Vendors can ask, “Will you have any children participating carrying flowers or rings?” And couples can find creative alternatives to “flower girl” and “ring boy.”

by E Fraser Photo
by Tyshawnna Reann Photography

Ask polite questions

We get it. If you’re not used to changing your language and thinking about inclusion or gender, this can all be pretty confusing. But with practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

If you are confused, remember that you are allowed to ask questions. Politely, ask questions that are humble and respectful. Beth cautions to never ask questions about a person’s sex life, genitals or life before transitioning. Likewise, you don’t want to ask ignorant questions like, “Who wears the pants?” or “Which one of you is the wife?” But respectful questions that will help you to learn and improve your relationship with the person are appreciated and encouraged.

by Emily Nicole Photos

Extend inclusion to guests

Beth reminds us that we need to be extra sensitive with guests and their involvement in LGBTQ+ weddings. There may be someone on the invite list who has an issue with the relationship, guests who have refused to come, or guests who were banned from attending. There may also be guests who travelled long distances to be there and show their support. For some LGBTQ+ couples, their chosen family may be more meaningful than their birth family.

As vendors, we want to be aware of these dynamics and not assume certain traditions, like a father walking his daughter down the aisle, will happen just because they usually happen. Be open to non-traditional options and including guests as little or as much as the couple wants. For couples, don’t be afraid to let your vendors know about any challenging guest dynamics, and anything you want or don’t want to happen.

Another great way to ensure all of the guests feel safe and welcome is to check with the venue and see if they have all-gender/gender-neutral washrooms available. If not, see if one washroom could temporarily be designated in this way, so that every guest at the wedding feels comfortable.

A note on social media:

Beth wants to extend a final note about social media. Before sharing photos of LGBTQ+ couples, or tagging them, ensure you have their permission. There may be safety concerns as not all LGBTQ+ people are out to everyone in their community.

Avoid hashtags that use terms that the couple wouldn’t identify with. As Beth says, “Identities before optimization.” It’s more important that this couple is respected and accurately identified than it is that your post is optimized for likes and follows. Be careful not to tokenize an LGBTQ+ couple. They may be LGBTQ+, but above all, they’re two people in love.

A wedding is a super important day – not only for the couple but for their attendants, guests and vendors. And so it should be important to ensure this day is welcoming for all by creating a safe and inclusive wedding ceremony. That way, everyone can celebrate love with people who are affirming them in a safe space.

A huge special thanks to Officiant Beth for sharing her insights with us for this post!

 

wisdom & writing by Beth Carlson-Malena
written by Riana Ang-Canning
feature image by Bake Photo

As you may have heard by now, Young Hip & Married has expanded into Seattle, Washington! We are so excited to be Seattle wedding officiants, helping WA couples tie the knot.

To help you plan the most epic Seattle wedding, we’re turning to our expert, Seattle Officiant Janie! Janie has officiated many Seattle weddings and is ready to share her wisdom to help you plan yours.

Here’s everything you need to know when planning a Seattle wedding.

Planning a wedding in Seattle? You need a rain plan

Seattle is known as the Emerald City because of how green and lush it is. And you know what makes it so green and lush? All that rain. Seattle is one of the rainiest cities in all of America so it’s essential that couples plan for rain.

If you’re hoping for no rain, have your wedding in the summer. Janie says, “Summer in Seattle is usually perfect for weddings; it’s not too hot, not too cold, but it can rain, of course. So preparing for that possibility is vital – if you want an outdoor wedding, you need to have an indoor plan. Bringing umbrellas is also a good idea.”

For elopements and small weddings, we definitely support the umbrella idea!

by Caroline Ross Photography

Consider a farm venue

Farm weddings are hugely popular in Seattle, and for good reason. Janie filled us in that most larger Seattle weddings she officiates these days are actually held on farms outside of the city.

Janie shares why she thinks this is, “One reason for this, I think, is many people here have weddings outdoors, but the farm provides an indoor option if the weather is bad. Also, most of these venues are all-inclusive with the ceremony and food for the reception.” Sounds like a pretty great venue option!

DIY your flowers

Many couples like to DIY elements of their wedding in order to save costs, add a personal touch and get more involved in their wedding plans. If that sounds like you, Janie suggests an easy area where you could add DIY to your Seattle wedding. She says, “Many people buy bunches of flowers at Pike Place Market or one of the other farmers’ markets in the city the day before or day of the wedding and make their own bouquets and table centerpieces.”

If you’re feeling creative, why not give DIY flowers a try?

Channel PNW vibes

If you’re lucky enough to be getting married in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, you might as well lean into the natural theme all around you. It isn’t really a Seattle wedding without some essential PNW elements. Janie describes the PNW vibe perfectly, “Natural, very green, DIY and purposely not too refined. We love locally sourced, reusable, organic items and ingredients.”

Getting married at the park? Get your permit!

Heed Janie’s warning here to ensure you don’t get kicked out of your perfect wedding venue. “If you want to get married in the city at a park, you do need to get a permit from Seattle Parks and Rec, which isn’t too difficult. The most popular sites I’ve been to are Washington State Arboretum (which has beautiful huge trees and flowers), Japanese Gardens, and Alki Beach.”

by Bake Photo

Watch out for traffic

Seattle is infamous for two things. One of them is the rain. And the other is the traffic. But don’t worry – Janie has your back. She has lots of awesome advice to help you and your guests avoid Seattle’s notoriously bad traffic.

Janie shares, “If you’re getting married on the weekend, traffic might not be too bad. Except for Friday evenings, those are terrible. Pay attention to bridge closures. The 520 bridge and I-90 bridge both often close on weekends and make traffic a bit of a nightmare, especially if guests are expected to travel across Lake Washington.”

One more thing to think about? Sports. Janie continues, “The other traffic thing to pay attention to is sporting events – Mariners’ games, Seahawks’ games, University of Washington football games. That can grind traffic to a halt on the weekends as well.” You’ve been warned!

by Emily Nicole Photos

Ask about venue access

Here’s one you might not have thought about. Sure, your Seattle wedding ceremony is scheduled for noon, but what time do you have access to the venue? Can you go in at 9:00 AM to set up? Or are you not allowed in until 11:45 AM?

Janie warns, “If the wedding party can’t get into the venue until right before the ceremony begins, it makes preparations for everyone involved pretty frantic.” So be sure to ask your venue exactly when you can gain access and begin your wedding day preparations.

Thank you so much to Officiant Janie, our Seattle wedding expert, for sharing all of her firsthand advice and wisdom. You can read more about Janie here and contact us to book her as your Seattle wedding officiant.

Stay tuned – we’ll be sharing Janie’s top Seattle wedding venues in a future post!

More and more couples are opting for intimate elopements over big fancy weddings. And we think that’s awesome! If a big wedding isn’t for you, an elopement could be the perfect way to save money, avoid stress and still get married. But how do you share your elopement with your loved ones? We’re glad you asked.

Even though an elopement is traditionally a couple running off just the two of them to get married, we totally understand wanting to share your elopement with your people. These days, most couples elope because they prefer an intimate wedding and not because they’re running away and marrying without parental consent.

So how do you involve your loved ones but still honour your elopement desires?

We have a few ideas for how to best share your elopement with your friends and family. Check them out!

Live stream your elopement

If you want to share your elopement with your loved ones so they feel like they’re right there with you, there’s really no better way than live streaming the event. Set up a camera, or even a laptop or phone, and press record on your elopement. This is a great way to involve loved ones who live far away since they can tune in from anywhere.

Of course, if you don’t want to live stream your elopement, you could always hire a videographer to capture the ceremony and then share the video with friends and family after the fact. You could also jump on a video call immediately after your I dos to share the moment with your nearest and dearest.

by Amanda Arch Photography

Host a post-elopement reception

A great way to share your elopement celebration is to keep the party going and host a post-elopement reception. This can be a big, all-out, wedding-style reception with hundreds of people and a banging dance floor. Or it can be an intimate dinner with just your parents. Or a backyard barbecue, afternoon tea, brunch, games night – whatever works for you!

If hosting a reception immediately after your elopement isn’t an option or isn’t your preference, you could hold one before or after. A pre-elopement party could double as an engagement party. Or you could wait until a year later and host an anniversary party.

Bonus: hosting a reception is a great way to get someone who is into planning involved in your day. Have an aunt who is gutted she doesn’t get to plan your wedding since you’ve decided to elope? Let her know she can go wild planning you a post-elopement picnic!

Invite them outfit shopping

Going dress shopping or for a tux fitting are considered iconic wedding planning activities to some. Many parents, siblings and friends may have always dreamed of going with you to try on dresses, suits and veils. If you are planning to wear something special for your elopement, you can still invite your loved ones outfit shopping with you and share that experience together.

by Emily Nicole Photos

Share your photos

A great way to share your elopement is by sharing your photos! You can do this in a number of ways such as:

  • Ordering albums or prints to gift to your loves ones
  • Creating an online gallery for friends to view
  • Making marriage announcement cards to send to family
  • Using your wedding photos in your annual holiday card

Bring mementos

Sometimes you don’t have to share your elopement with people – you can just have a token of them with you on the day. Niki and Steve eloped on the stairs of the church where her grandparents were married 72 years ago. Niki brought along a photo of her grandparents so they would be there on her wedding day.

You can do something similar for your elopement by bringing along photos, wearing family heirloom jewelry or incorporating family traditions into your ceremony.

by Erica Miller Photography

Collect letters

If your loved ones can’t attend your elopement, maybe their words can. A great way to share your elopement day with your friends and family is by asking them to write you letters that you can open right after you tie the knot.

Sophia and Taylor, who won the Sweet Lovin Wedding Contest we were a part of, had letters from their family to open after their elopement in June. Their aunt reached out to the elopement organizers ahead of time and arranged to surprise the newlyweds with letters of love and congratulations.

by Michele Mateus Photography

Decide who to tell and when

So this isn’t exactly about how to share your elopement but it is about how to share the news of your elopement. Some couples inform everyone in their life that they are eloping while others prefer to elope in secret or decide to elope spur of the moment.

There may be some people in your life who will want to have a heads up about your plans and who would be very hurt if they found out after the fact. You know who those people are (looking at you, mom and dad). They might need some time to adjust to the idea of you eloping and you may have to explain your reasoning to them.

If your dad has been dreaming of walking you down the aisle his entire life or your mom has been practicing for your mother-son dance, you may want to let them know you’re eloping before you actually do. Other people, like your Uncle Bill who you see once a year or your high school friends on Facebook, can wait to hear the news until after you’ve eloped.

Invite (some of) them

Back in the day, eloping meant running off, just the two of you and an officiant, to tie the knot. And we still do plenty of elopements that are just the couple and two friendly strangers we recruit to be their witnesses. But elopements don’t have to be just you two if that’s not what you want. You can invite (some of) your loved ones.

In our Awesome Elopement package, we allow for up to 10 guests and in our Awesome Elopement Plus package, we allow for 11-20. So if you love the idea of eloping and want an intimate ceremony, but can’t imagine getting married without your parents or best friend, invite them!

Photo by Erica Miller Photography

How would you share your elopement with your loved ones? Or how did you? Let us know! 

feature image by Emily Nicole Photos
written by Riana Ang-Canning

If you love all things cozy and romantic, a winter wedding might be the perfect choice for you. With a winter wedding, you don’t have to deal with guests sweating it out under the sun or overbooked venues during the height of wedding season.

But what do you need to remember when planning a winter wedding?

Keep holiday dates in mind

A winter wedding will usually fall around the same time as some of the biggest holidays of the year: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Unfortunately, this may mean that some of your guests are unable to make it to your wedding. They may have competing holiday plans.

A winter wedding around a holiday may also mean increased flight and hotel costs for any guests who have to travel to make it to your nuptials.

On the bright side, many people do have more time off work during the winter season. This may mean you can turn your winter wedding into a winter wedding weekend and keep the celebration going!

by Emily Nicole Photos
by Emily Nicole Photos

Watch the weather

Even though you’re planning a winter wedding, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get the beautiful blanket of white snow you’re dreaming of. You might get rain, a blizzard or no snow at all. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you don’t want to plan on having a large part of your day outdoors.

Winter weather also means delays. Take this into account when telling your guests and vendors when to arrive.

We have less sunlight in the winter. If you’re planning to take photos outside, work with your photographer to find the best time. You may have assumed you could sneak away during dinner for sunset photos but the sun might actually be setting at 3:00 pm!

Avoid just red and green

No matter what time of year you hold your wedding, if your main colours are red and green, everyone is going to assume it’s a Christmas wedding. So unless you actually are planning a Christmas wedding, avoid making everything red and green.

There are lots of other awesome palettes you can turn to for a winter wedding. This is a great time to look at darker colours and jewel tones, or even sparkly metallics. Have fun and don’t be afraid to use colour – it will pop beautifully against a snowy white or rainy grey background.

by Erica Miller Photography
by Erica Miller Photography

Dress for success

If you’re getting married in the middle of winter, a strapless dress while standing outside for an hour of photos may not be the best idea. There are lots of fashion-forward ways to look chic while still staying warm. You can look at long sleeves, faux fur shawls, capes, knit mittens, and more!

Lean into your theme

If you’re having a winter wedding, embrace it! Choose in-season greenery instead of expensive tulips and daisies. Serve mulled wine or eggnog instead of margaritas. Opt for comfort food, like mac n cheese, instead of salads and BBQ. Go for the full romantic winter ambiance with low lighting, soft blankets and lots of candles.

by Emily Nicole Photos
by Emily Nicole Photos

Don’t forget your footwear!

Ladies, if you’re dead set on wearing heels, save them for inside your venue. But do consider boots for any outdoor photos or portion of your wedding. You don’t want to slip on any icy surfaces or end up losing a toe to frostbite.

Bonus: if you’re wearing a long dress, you won’t be able to see the boots anyway. So put on your warmest boots, add a pair of leggings and don’t be afraid to throw some hand warmers in your shoes too.

Consider a single venue

Winter wedding or not, holding all of your wedding festivities at a single venue is a great way to cut down on costs and simplify things for yourself and your guests. But it’s even more important in the winter. A single venue means guests don’t have to drive somewhere new or deal with winter weather delays and traffic.

Bonus: many venues decorate for the winter holidays. Ask your venue what sort of decor they’ll already have. You may be able to save a little money if their current holiday decor is to your taste.

by Erica Miller Photography
by Erica Miller Photography

Add cozy touches

The best part of winter is snuggling up under a blanket by the fire. Recreate that cozy winter feeling for your guests with some of these ideas:

  • Offering a warm drink to guests upon arrival
  • Providing a coat check for outerwear and wet boots
  • Leaving blankets on seats for guests to stay warm
  • Gifting ornaments as your wedding favour
  • Ending the night with a hot chocolate bar!

Limit outdoor time

Brrrr! No one wants to spend an entire winter wedding outside. Even with heat lamps or warm blankets, you’ll want to keep your outdoor time to a minimum. If you’re planning photos outside for you and your wedding party, be strategic about how long you’ll be out there. And give people a way to warm up between photos.

You’ll also want to be conscious of how long your guests are spending outside. For example, if you’re planning a receiving line, make sure it’s indoors. And if guests arrive early to your ceremony or reception, ensure they can wait inside instead of out in the cold.

by Amber Leigh Photography

Rethink your honeymoon plans

If you get married in December and plan to jet off to Jamaica over the Christmas break for your honeymoon, you’ll be heading there at the busiest and most expensive time of year. Travelling to warm locales in the winter, and travelling anywhere over Christmas, can be pretty expensive. If you have your heart set on a beach destination, start looking out for deals early.

Or embrace the cold and opt for a different kind of honeymoon. You could trek to see the Northern Lights in Finland, do a road trip around Iceland, or even find a cozy log cabin for a romantic retreat.

Of course, if travelling right after your wedding isn’t in the cards, you could always postpone your honeymoon for a more convenient, and less expensive, time.

Ask about backup plans

If you’re planning a winter wedding, it’s very important that you have back up plans for everything. If your DJ gets snowed in, what happens? Or if someone in the wedding party is late, what can you do? What’s the plan if the power goes out or the street is closed off? Talk to your venue and vendors to find out what plan B looks like.

by Erica Miller Photography
by Erica Miller Photography

Bonus: Vancouver winter wedding? Pack your umbrellas!

Bonus tip: If you’re planning your winter wedding in Vancouver, you should count on rain. You might luck out and not have to deal with it, but plan for it just in case. We advise investing in some beautiful umbrellas or choosing a rain-proof location to tie the knot.

What tips and tricks do you have for a winter wedding?
Let us know! 

 

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

Congratulations, you’re engaged! But now what?

Sure, you pop some champagne…but then what? Who do you tell? What do you book? As experienced wedding officiants, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after you get engaged.

It can be overwhelming to decide what to do next once you and your partner are engaged. Naturally, you’ll be feeling a lot of emotions, and you might also be receiving lots of comments and opinions from friends and family members.

Before you rush into wedding planning or commit to anything you don’t actually want, take a beat. Check out our list of step by step instructions for exactly what to do after you get engaged.

Step 1: Celebrate your engagement!

You’re engaged! Wahoo! You and your partner have decided you want to get married and spend your lives together. That is HUGE!

Pop some champagne, order two desserts and celebrate. This is an exciting moment and you two should bask in it together.

A lot of couples make the mistake of jumping straight into the next step once they get engaged. They quickly rush to share the news or immediately begin wedding planning.

And while we totally understand the desire to share your happy news and finally start planning your wedding, we encourage you not to skip this moment. You’ll only be newly engaged for so long. Make the most of this time and celebrate! 

Newlywed couple popping champagne on a mountain top after their helicopter elopement with Young Hip & Married
by Amanda Arch Photography

Step 2: Phone home and share your engagement news

After you and your spouse-to-be have celebrated, it’s time to share your happy news with your nearest and dearest. And you’ll have to go old school for this one – it’s time to pick up the phone.

Call your parents, your siblings, your best friends and everyone else who will want to celebrate the news with you. Even better – visit them in person if you can!

Pro tip: Make these calls all at the same time because word of your engagement will start to spread fast. Even if you let your loved ones know that you two want to be the ones to share the news, there’s a good chance your Aunt Trudy will let it slip and your Uncle Don might be upset if he doesn’t hear from you until two days later.

Step 3: Shut down any wedding planning questions

As soon as you’re engaged, you’ll be hit with a million questions. “What are your colours?” “When’s the big day?” “Will I be a bridesmaid?” “Do you need the number for a caterer?”

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of these wedding planning questions. What you don’t want to do is over-promise or be forced into making a decision on the spot.

Memorize this line and repeat it back to anyone who asks about your wedding details right after you get engaged: “We’re just so excited about the engagement and want to celebrate that right now. When we start wedding planning, we’ll let you know.”

Step 4: Share your engagement on social media

They say it’s not official until it’s on social media. Of course, you don’t have to post your engagement on social media. But most people like to share these big life moments with their far away friends and followers on the internet.

Only share your engagement on social media after you’re 110% confident that you’ve told all of the important people in your life directly. If you couldn’t tell them in person or over the phone, at least make sure they got a personal email, text or message.

The last thing you want to do is have your grandma find out you’re engaged when she’s scrolling through her Facebook homepage.

Newlywed couples hugging each other and smiling to the camera after their Young Hip & Married elopement; what to do after you're engaged
by Erica Miller Photography

Step 5: Get your ring sized and insured

If you have an engagement ring, you’ll want to make sure it stays safe. You don’t want it falling off or getting lost or stolen.

If the ring doesn’t fit properly, make a trip to the jeweller to have it sized. To insure your ring, take the appraisal (usually given to you by the jeweller at the time of purchase) to an insurance agent. Make sure you ask questions about what happens if the ring is lost, stolen or damaged.

You may also be able to add your ring to your home owner, rental insurance or car insurance policy for a lesser cost.

Step 6: (optional) Throw an engagement party!

If you want, now is a great time to throw an engagement party and celebrate with more of your loved ones. This is a fun way to mark this big milestone in your life and get everyone you love together.

Engagement parties are not mandatory and if you do decide to throw one, it doesn’t need to be huge. You can celebrate your engagement with a simple family BBQ or picnic at the beach with friends. Of course, if you want to go all out, rent that venue and pass around those canapés!

PS: Don’t forget your line from step #3 about wedding planning. You’re going to need to say it a lot during the party!

Step 7: Talk to your partner about your wedding plans

When you’re ready, sit down with your partner and discuss what you both want out of a wedding. You don’t have to nail down any specifics at this point.

This is when you can talk about what kind of wedding you want to have – big or small, local or destination, this year or next year. What do you want the vibe to be? Is there anything you absolutely do or don’t want at your wedding? You should also discuss an approximate budget and guest list.

One way to start this discussion is to have each of you separately write down the three most important things for to have at your wedding. For example, you might write, “Great food, great photography and a meaningful ceremony” while your partner writes, “personal vows, good music and great guest experience.”

These important wants for your wedding will help you see where to prioritize your time, effort and money. If you don’t care about flowers or your outfits, you don’t need to spend more time or money on those items.

 

Newlywed couples standing by the water in Richmond, BC with a purple sunset behind them
above & feature image by Emily Nicole Photos

Step 8: Do some wedding research

Now that you have a better idea of the type of wedding you are planning, you can begin to do your research. Gather quotes, visit venues and read reviews to get a better idea of what your options are and how much they will cost.

Another part of your research may be learning more about your budget. If you have relatives who will be contributing to your wedding budget, now is the time to sit down with them and learn what that contribution might look like.

Step 9: Take a break! 

Planning a wedding can be very overwhelming. It often feels like a full time job. It can be easy to lose yourself in your wedding planning and forget about other things. So take a break!

Take a step back from wedding planning and re-focus on your relationship. After all, you shouldn’t just be planning for this one day event – you should be planning for your lifetime marriage together.

Go out for dinner with your fiance and promise not to talk about anything wedding related. Keep up your other hobbies and make plans that have nothing to do with your wedding, so it’s not the only thing you’re looking forward to.

PS: This tip goes for your other relationships as well. If all of your recent phone calls with your bestie have been about wedding cakes and DJs, it’s time to take a break and ask about their life for a change.

Step 10: Start booking your wedding vendors and venue

Once you’ve got your research done, your budget and guest list set, and your relationship on track, it’s time to start booking things.

Depending on your wedding ideas, you may need to book 12-18 months in advance. Most couples begin by booking the venue first, which will confirm the wedding date, and then other large ticket items like photography, catering and planning/coordinating.

If you’re planning a destination wedding or elopement, your bookings and timeline may look different. For example, if you’re just looking for an wedding officiant and photographer for a simple elopement, you can check out our Elopement + Photography package right here!

Newlywed couple standing next to a wooden pole in a park that says "lovers." He's carrying his suit jacket and she has a bouquet of flowers in her hands.
by Tashlynn Photography

If you’re newly engaged, we hope that these 10 steps for what to do after you get engaged helped relieve some stress and set you on the best path towards your marriage.

Remember that this is supposed to be an exciting time in your life. Soak it in and don’t spend your entire engagement stressed about wedding planning.

At the end of the day, your relationship is what’s most important. When it comes time to book your wedding officiant, we’d love to help you craft a custom ceremony that tells your love story and reflects your values. Check out our ceremony packages here.

We’re so excited for you and this journey you’re about to embark on together! Congratulations on your engagement! 

Boo! Since today is Halloween, we wanted to share some awesome tips for planning a Halloween wedding. For some, Halloween is the ultimate holiday. They love it so much that they decide to plan their wedding around it!

A Halloween wedding can be spooky and serious, colourful and playful, or even elegant and mysterious. But above all? A Halloween wedding is just a lot of fun!

If you want to unleash your inner goblin or ghoul, read on for tips on how to plan a spook-tacular Halloween wedding!

Make your Halloween wedding theme clear

You want your guests to know what they’re getting into, especially if you want them to participate in your theme. So make it clear that you’re throwing a Halloween wedding by adding Halloween elements to your wedding website, save the dates and invitations. As soon as your guests click on your website or open your invite, they should know what’s going on.

Let your venue set the tone

Start your Halloween wedding off on the right note with a truly perfect venue. Look for something in a gothic style or perhaps a historic building that has a resident ghost on site! For photos, head out to a pumpkin patch or even a cemetery.

Attire is everything

Halloween is all about the costumes! As the couple of the hour, you can choose to actually dress up in costume or just do a Halloween-version of a more traditional wedding outfit. For example, you can add a skeleton tie to your tuxedo or a black sash to your dress. You can also do an outfit change and show up in costume at your reception.

You’ll want to coordinate your wedding party’s outfits to the theme as well. That might mean putting them in dark hued dresses and suits or having them wear masquerade masks. If you want your guests to participate in your theme by dressing up, wearing black or wearing a mask, ensure that’s clear on your invites and website.

Photo by Emily Nicole Photos

Get creative with make-up

One of the most fun parts about Halloween is getting creative with your make-up. Of course, you probably don’t want to go too gory for your Halloween wedding, but you can definitely make your look more spooky. You can do more bold make-up like a dark lipstick and black eyeliner or paint your face Día de los Muertos style. You may also want to hire a make-up artist or face painter to help makeover your guests.

Get your vendors in the Halloween wedding spirit

We can guarantee that your Young Hip & Married officiant will be game to dress up in costume, recite spooky Halloween poems or tell a ghost story. We love getting involved in a theme that our couples are passionate about!

You can get your other vendors on board too. Ask your DJ to don a mask and play Thriller or Monster Mash to open up the dance floor. Tell your florist you want a dark hued bouquet with black feathers. Or ask your photographer to set up a photobooth complete with witch hats and brooms!

Officiant Cindy getting into the spooky theme!

Go wild on decor

There’s so much you can do to decorate for a Halloween wedding! But before you jump into buying all the mini pumpkins you can carry, think about the tone you want for your wedding. Do you want it to be dark, gothic and spooky? Kitschy, fun and colourful? Elegant and mysterious? A Halloween wedding can be tasteful and as spooky or silly as you want.

Here are some awesome decor ideas:

  • Hang orange and black lanterns from the ceiling
  • Line the ceremony aisle with pumpkins
  • Have a skeleton hold up your guest book
  • Instead of direction signs on wood, put them on tombstones
  • Put your centrepieces in pumpkins or incorporate spooky branches or candelabras
  • Hang cobwebs in the corners of the room or along the tables
  • Bring out the fog machine for an eerie atmosphere

Serve Halloween-y food

Lots of food can easily be made suitable for your Halloween wedding. Spaghetti and meatballs become intestines and eyeballs. Mini-eclairs become witch fingers. And no one is going to turn down a caramel apple or slice of pumpkin pie!

You can also create spooky Halloween drinks with creepy names and fun tricks. Talk to your bar staff and let their imaginations run wild. Your cake is also a great place to go big with your Halloween theme.

Don’t forget about the candy! Half the fun of Halloween is trick or treating. You can even set up a candy bar so guests can trick or treat and take a bag of candy home as their wedding favour.

Go as big as you want to

Remember, not every single element of your Halloween wedding has to be Halloween-y. This is your wedding first and Halloween second. People will still understand and appreciate the theme if you opt for subtle references. You can scatter black and orange confetti on the tables or use mini pumpkins as your escort cards instead of dressing up like a zombie and painting everything orange and black.

But if Halloween is your passion? Go for it! You can totally go all out on your Halloween wedding. Bring in as many Halloween elements as you want. If you really want to go the extra mile, you could even hire a spooky tarot card reader or magician for your reception or set up a haunted house!

We believe that every wedding and every wedding ceremony should be different because every couple is unique. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t some universal wisdom about weddings taking place in a particular city. So if you’re planning a Los Angeles wedding ceremony, this is the post for you!

When you think of a Los Angeles wedding ceremony you might envision palm trees, Disneyland and celebrity wedding crashers. Or is it the beach, Hollywood sign and taco trucks? Turns out there’s more to a Los Angeles wedding ceremony that couples need to be thinking about.

Read on for our top nine tips for your Los Angeles wedding ceremony!

Before we dive into the tips, we want to give a special shout out to Officiant Sarah who is the expert when it comes to an amazing Los Angeles wedding ceremony. She shared some of her best tips with us from her experience on the ground officiating in the LA area. 

Los Angeles is a great city for guests

If you’re invited to a Los Angeles wedding ceremony, you’re in luck. Los Angeles is an amazing city for guests! There’s the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier and so much more.

With a large airport, your guests should have no problem making it to Los Angeles. And with so much to see and do, your guests will definitely be able to make the most of their time in LA. For out of town guests, it can be a nice touch to leave a list of recommended activities, restaurants, etc. Or you could even organize activities for a wedding weekend such as a beach picnic or group trip to Disneyland!

Consider the weather

As Officiant Sarah says, “LA has two seasons – hot and less hot.”

If you’re having an outdoor Los Angeles wedding ceremony, you need to prepare for the heat. You may want to provide sunscreen, fans and water for your guests, as well as shady areas for them to rest. Don’t ask them to stay out in the direct sun too long or they will melt!

Luckily, most Los Angeles weddings don’t get rained out as the city doesn’t receive much rain. But you still need to be prepared for fog and clouds off the coast. And if you’re getting married right on the coast, remember that it will be colder than in the city.

Traffic is awful, always

Officiant Sarah tells us, “Traffic and parking are everything, and should be considered with ceremony times/venues, etc.” She couldn’t be more correct! Los Angeles is known for its horrendous traffic so keep this in mind when planning your Los Angeles wedding ceremony.

Try to avoid having guests travel at rush hour, arrange for your hotel to be within walking distance of your venue and hold the ceremony and reception at the same venue to cut down on commuting. Give yourself and your guests lots of time to arrive by indicating an earlier start time on your invitations. And ensure your venue has adequate parking or encourage guests to carpool or use ride sharing services.

Consider your budget

Unfortunately, Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities to plan a wedding. WeddingWire tells us that the average cost of a wedding in LA is $33,000 – which is $5,000 more than the national average. With great restaurants, cool venues and beautiful beaches, Los Angeles is a popular place to get married – and you may have to pay for that!

Choose your date carefully

While summer is traditionally known as wedding season, the most popular time for a Los Angeles wedding ceremony is actually in the fall. October is the most popular month for weddings in Los Angeles as it’s after peak tourist season and peak summer temperatures have ended.

You also need to consider the city’s social calendar when planning your wedding. You will probably want to avoid holding your wedding the same weekend as the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, any NASCAR races and the Los Angeles County Fair. Of course, like in every city, you’ll also want to be aware of major holidays and sports games that could make hotels impossible to find and flights incredibly expensive.

Know the Los Angeles wedding ceremony trends

Officiant Sarah reflects on one trend saying, “A lot of people like to do their own flowers via the LA Flower district.” The Knot confirms that California couples do prefer to opt for DIY free-form bouquets and centerpieces with lots of herbs and greenery.
Other Los Angeles wedding trends include family-style receptions for a more homey feel, farm to table dining options and putting a spin on classic traditions. Of course, beach weddings are also very popular in Los Angeles.
The Knot also tells us that 25% of Los Angeles couples host black-tie weddings. On the whole, California couples, especially those in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, prefer to hold a formal or semi-formal wedding.

So many venues, so little time

Los Angeles is more than just beaches! You can hold your Los Angeles wedding ceremony in any number of cool venue such as an aquarium, a sports stadium, a movie studio, a unique restaurant or a converted ranch.

If you do opt to have your wedding on the beach, make sure you look into permits. Some beaches require permits and it may depend on the size of your wedding. This also goes for weddings held in parks, gardens and other public spaces. Be sure to check with the county about any applicable permits you may need.

Watch your rental budget

Los Angeles is home to many beautiful ranches, wineries and beaches that make the perfect backdrop for an outdoor Los Angeles wedding ceremony. But many of these venues require you to bring in everything yourself such as chairs, tables, silverware and linens. And while this does give you the opportunity to personalize your wedding and choose things to your taste, it also requires more time, coordination and money.

Officiant Sarah offers up another alternative. She shares, “The most recent wedding I officiated was at a gem of a venue in Fullerton, CA, nestled between Los Angeles and Orange County. It was all inclusive (tables, chairs, ceremony space, catering) and was a steal considering how expensive renting stuff is down here—the Muckenthaler Cultural Center.”

The Muckenthaler Mansion
The Muckenthaler Mansion

Know the laws

Brides.com warns us about some California laws that might put a damper on your wedding plans. Want to do a lantern send off after your Los Angeles wedding ceremony? Unfortunately, you won’t be able to. Sky lanterns have been banned since 2014 due to fire hazards and breaking that law will result in hefty fines.

Open flames are also often not allowed in many Los Angeles venues due to fire hazards and insurance policies. So don’t plan on lighting any candles until you’ve spoken to your venue. Balloon releases are also a no-no in California as they can endanger wildlife.

Ready to plan your Los Angeles wedding ceremony? Awesome!
With these tips, the only thing you have left to do is book an officiant. Meet our Los Angeles Wedding Officiants and get in touch to book one for your wedding!

written by Riana Ang-Canning

“Do we need a wedding ceremony script?”

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Hell yes!

A wedding ceremony script is the written version of your ceremony. It’s the schedule for what is going to happen, what your officiant is going to say, what reading is being recited and so on. It’s the blueprint to your ceremony. And it’s key that you have one.

You only get one shot, one opportunity

Your wedding ceremony is a one time thing. Even if you have a wedding rehearsal, you won’t be going through every single word and element of your ceremony. So when you show up on wedding day, that’s it. That’s when you’re having your one time wedding ceremony. The best way to know what is going to happen is by having your wedding ceremony script written ahead of time.

By Clint Bargen Photography

Timing is everything

A wedding day is all about timing. Ask any wedding planner and they’ll show you their detailed schedule, down to the minute, for when something is going to happen on the big day. Cut the cake at 8:12 PM, open the dance floor at 9:15 PM, and encourage the open bar enthusiasts to take a break at 10:47 PM. Your ceremony is no exception.

With a wedding ceremony script, you have the timeline and schedule for your ceremony. You can see exactly what is happening, for how long and in what order. This is essential for ensuring your ceremony goes smoothly and is on time.

Add your own voice

In creating or viewing your wedding ceremony script ahead of time, you have the ability to add your own voice. You can speak up about things you want to add, eliminate or change. You can alter words, make requests and incorporate things, like readings or prayers, that mean something to you. After all, this is your ceremony – it should sound like you!

By Amanda Arch Photography

Learn about your options

Contrary to what you might think from sitting through the same wedding ceremony a hundred times, there isn’t one set wedding ceremony script officiants have to use. Talk to your officiant and learn what your options are.

In our Custom & Creative Ceremony package, your officiant will personalize your wedding ceremony script so it’s totally you. They will write a wedding ceremony script just for you. They’ll tell your love story in your style and do as many edits as you’d like. It doesn’t get more unique and personal than that!

Know what is going to be said

One of the reasons we believe it’s so important to have a wedding ceremony script and for the couple to look at it ahead of time is so you know exactly what is going to be said. Nothing could be worse than standing up at your ceremony and realizing that your officiant is going on and on about something you totally don’t believe in or don’t care about. You don’t want to be making a disgusted face during your ceremony because your officiant decided to add in a quote you hate or a sermon you don’t believe in.

It’s so important to know what is going to be said – by you and by your officiant. You should be comfortable and happy with every word said during your wedding ceremony.

By Erica Miller Photography

There’s still room for surprises

You might be thinking, “But if we have a wedding ceremony script, won’t the ceremony be really dull? Where’s the surprise?” Trust us, there’s no way your ceremony will be dull. All of those words are going to take on a brand new meaning when you hear them during your ceremony while you’re holding hands with your spouse-to-be. And you’ll be so full of excitement, nerves and emotion you probably won’t even remember the words written in your wedding ceremony script.

Of course, you can still keep some parts of your wedding ceremony a complete surprise. You can keep your vows secret until the ceremony. If you’re worried about your vows not matching in tone or length, you can always send them to your officiant who will look at both vows privately. And if anything happens during your ceremony that wasn’t in the script, like a song that won’t play or a car alarm that goes off, you can be sure that your professional officiant will be able to think on their feet and get you through it.

 

Do you have a wedding ceremony script?

 

Written by Riana Ang-Canning
Feature image by Erica Miller Photography