1. Wedding Gown
   Ask around. There may very well be an heirloom dress in the family or a close friend may have a gown you can borrow. Most women would be honored by the request. One thing, be sure to get permission for major changes or size alterations you would like to have made. Also, if the dress is going back to the original bride or family member after the wedding, it is only fair that you pay to have the dress cleaned and prepared for storage before returning it.
    
2. Bridal Party
   The smaller the group you have standing up front, the less expense is involved. Even if the attendants pay for their own attire, there are still flowers, gift and rehearsal dinner expenses involved when having a large bridal party.
    
3. Flowers
   Instead of bouquets that bubble over with exotic flower selections from around the globe, a single long-stem rose tied with a satin ribbon for the bridesmaids is a simple and elegant choice. The bride could use a small prayer book or bible with a small bunch of lily-of-the-valley.
    
4. Attendant Gifts
   Take a casual photo of your bridesmaids and purchase inexpensive frames to give each member a memento from one of your bridal showers or a "girls' night out". Be sure to include a message and the date on the back of the picture for an even more meaningful touch.
    
5. Invitations
   Go simple! The most impressive wedding invitations are the sleek, one card type. Also, selecting a card size that does not require extra postage will save money incrementally depending on the size of the guest list.
    
6. Photography
   Professional photographers usually have several options for you to choose from. You can get the album you want without breaking the budget. After you have selected the pictures you want in the formal album, ask about buying the rest of the proofs. If you know someone who takes great photos, ask them to be your photographer. Usually you can buy the film and pay for the developing yourself. At the reception, it is fun to have disposable cameras at each table to get plenty of candid and often very funny shots. Just be sure to include the development costs for each camera in the budget.
    
7. Guest List
   Keep it short. Invite the people that are most important to you, your family and friends. An intimate gathering will be more memorable for you and everyone you share it with.
    
8. Ceremony
   Decorate the church with large bows and simple flower arrangements. Large flowers such as magnolias look beautiful at the end of long, wooden pews.
    
9. Rice Shower
   Some brides substitute rice with bird seed. Cut a yard of netting into 2" x 2" squares, place a small amount of bird see  in the center, gather up the four corners and tie it with a ribbon. With bird seed, there's also no cleanup necessary at most venues.
    
10. Programs
    Wedding programs are not necessary, but if you want them and have access to a computer, you can easily make them yourself. Most paper or craft stores carry a variety of covers. Select your favorite and get creative. Be sure you have the correct spelling for all names.

During ancient times, the most sacred place for a wedding was someplace created by nature, like a hilltop or a mountainside where heaven and earth meet.  As people came to believe in one deity, they built houses of worship, and their sacred places came to include those churches, cathedrals, temples and synagogues.  The bride and groom of today have many locations to choose from.  Consider the following before you commit to one of the "typical" churches or temples.

Apple Orchard	Greenhouse
Aquarium	Historic Battlegrounds or Memorial Site
Art Gallery	Lighthouse
Baseball Field (or other sports arena)	Museum
Beach	Observatory
Castle, Estate or Mansion	Luxury Hotel
Country Inn	Plantation
Concert Hall	Pier or Waterfront Park
College or University Chapel	Ranch
Farmhouse	Scenic Mountain Resort
Garden	Ship, Boat or Yacht

Let the place that you select reflect something personal about you and your groom.  If you are both avid campers and love the outdoors, make arrangements with your local forest preserve.  If you love going to the races, try booking the local race track.  If you are interested in literature, check out you local library.  The sky is the limit; use your imagination.  Let your interests lead you somewhere very special.

Some of the options listed will depend on the weather and the time of year.  If Mother Nature smiles down on you, unique sites such as these can be very memorable for all who attend.  It should go without saying, that for any outdoor site, you will need a backup plan, just in case of inclement weather.  Renting a large white tent to be set up on the property will add just one more touch of visual appeal to any outdoor venue.

Hosting your wedding reception at the same place where the wedding is held is not only very convenient for everyone involved, but it is also a great way to trim expenses.  Chances are, you will pay a somewhat higher fee for the nontraditional venue, compared to a local church, but it may save you from renting a hall or banquet room for the reception.

Very Formal Wedding

• Attire: This style of wedding adheres to strict wedding etiquette.  The wedding gown should be elegant and traditional, with a long train and veil in a complementary length for the bride.  6-12 bridesmaids wearing floor-length dresses.  Mothers of the bridge and groom also wear floor-length dresses.  The groom and all the men in the wedding party wear formal attire.  If your wedding is scheduled for daytime, cutaways are appropriate.  Evening weddings require white tie and tails.
   
• Stationery: Plain white or ecru invitations with enclosure cards (reception and respond cards) that are engraved, thermograved or letterpressed in black ink.  Your wedding stationery should not have any accent colors or decorations (embossed flowers, hearts, etc.).  A blind embossed or debossed bevel border is acceptable.
   
• Ceremony & Reception: The ceremony should take place at high noon, late afternoon or evening, with 200 or more guests invited.  The ceremony is followed by a large, lavish reception.
   

Formal Wedding

• Attire: A traditional wedding gown with a chapel or sweep train and a veil for the bride.  2-6 bridesmaids wearing floor- or ankle-length dresses.  The mothers of the bride and groom also wear elaborate floor- or ankle-length dresses.  The groom and all the men in the wedding party wear formal clothes.  Stroller jackets with striped trousers are appropriate for daytime weddings, while evening weddings attire should be black tie.
   
• Stationery: Your stationery should be the same as for a very formal wedding.
   
• Ceremony & Reception: The ceremony can take place at any hour of the day, with at least 100 guests.  The ceremony is followed by a festive reception.
   

Semi-Formal Wedding

• Attire: A simple floor- or ankle-length dress for the bride with a hat or short veil for the bride.  1-2 bridal attendants wearing ankle-length dresses.  The mothers of the bride and groom also wear ankle-length dresses.  The groom and all the men in the wedding party wear dark suits.
   
• Stationery: Invitations with accent colors and designs (flowers, hearts, etc.).  They can be printed in raised, letterpressed or matte ink in a color of your choice.  Enclosure cards, including map or direction cards are enclosed with the invitations.
   
• Ceremony: The ceremony can take place at any hour of the day, with fewer than 100 guests.  The ceremony is followed by a festive reception.
   

Informal Wedding

• Attire: Informal wedding attire is usually characterized by a suit with a dress that falls just below the knee.  The bride has one attendant, usually a maid or matron of honor, wearing a dress that falls just below the knee or a nice pantsuit.  The groom and his best man both wear a suit, which can be accented with a colored tie.
   
• Stationery: A handwritten invitation announcing the location of the ceremony and reception.  Send announcements to those who were not invited to your small ceremony.
   
• Ceremony: The ceremony is held during the daytime.  The list is small and only includes relatives and close friends.  The reception is usually small, held at a local restaurant or at someone's home.
   

Please keep in mind that this is just a guideline, not a rule book.  You can use your own unique ideas to create the wedding of your dreams.  Today's couples are mixing some of the very formal traditions with the semi-formal.  The most important thing to remember is to plan a wedding that will make you happy and one that you can look back on with fondness.

There are several traditions that people will say have to be included in the ceremony.  In reality, it is up to you which ones you choose to acknowledge; after all, it is your day.  Here are few traditions that are important to have as part of you ceremony.

Probably the oldest, most universal and most important tradition is the exchanging of the rings.  The ring is a circle which is a symbol of perfection and never ending love.  People have been exchanging rings since ancient Egyptian times, maybe even before that.  The wedding ring is worn on the third finger on the left hand.  There are two possible origins to this particular part of the tradition.  Ancient Egyptians believed that the "vein of love" ran from the ring finger on your left hand directly to your heart.  A ring was placed on this finger to indicate eternal love.  In the 17th century, the ring was placed on this finger for religious reasons.  During the ceremony, the groom would slide the ring part way up the bride's thumb, index finger and middle finger while the priest said, "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."  The next available finger is the third finger, which is where the the ring is placed when the priest says, "Amen."  The ring was said to have been blessed and be an outward sign of the unity between man, wife and God.

The tradition of giving the bride away is quite literally that.  The marriage would be arranged by the bride's parents and she would be given to her groom for monetary gain. It does not mean quite the same thing today, however.  The bride is still given away, usually by her father, but now it symbolizes her parents' blessing and support of her union.  It is seen as a promise of continued trust and support as she starts this new part of her life.

The bridal bouquet is another must have tradition.  Each flower means a different thing (see Flowers: The Bridal Bouquet).  In ancient marriages, the bride would wear herbs under her veil as a sign of fidelity.  In Greek weddings, the bride usually carried ivy as a symbol of never ending love.  Spaniards would wear orange blossoms to represent happiness and fulfillment.  Today, however, flowers are usually chosen based on the wedding colors to bring beauty to the wedding ceremony.

The ceremony kiss is another major tradition.  This kiss concludes the marriage ceremony.  It is to represent the sharing and joining of the bride and groom's souls.  In ancient roman times, the kiss sealed the agreement between the two families to join in a lifelong commitment.

A final tradition is throwing rice.  This can be done either at the wedding ceremony as the couple leaves the church or it can be done after the reception.  Rice, in particular, is considered a life giving seed.  By throwing it on a couple, the couple is bestowed with fertility.  Many churches now will not let you throw rice because of the mess and the potential harm to birds.  If that is the case, you might consider bubbles instead.  It will have the same message, but is easier to clean up.

After the bride and groom have exchanged their wedding vows, a majority of the couples then proceed with the lighting of the Unity Candle.  This has been a tradition for several years and symbolizes the two becoming one.  The bride and groom each take a pre-lit taper candle and then light a larger candle, extinguishing the taper candles. This a beautiful part of any wedding ceremony.

Lately, a unique and new way of symbolizing unity has emerged called the Sand Ceremony.  It is believed to have originated in the west coast in the late 1990s.  A couple planning on having a beach ceremony wanted to have a Unity Candle but feared the flames would be blown by the wind.  Instead, the bride collected sand from the beach near her home and the groom did as well.  Each sand collection was put into two crystal vases (or bottles).  At the ceremony, the two vases were set on the altar on either side of an empty crystal jar.  After the couple exchanged vows, the minister then explained to the congregation the symbolism of the two different sands combining together to become united as one. 

Even if you do not live near the beach, there may be a place you played as a child that has a sand box or perhaps a place you may have spent summer vacations or a garden you spent time with a loved one in.  Use your imagination; the Sand Ceremony will bring a unique element to your wedding and will surely be implemented by countless brides for years to come.

Many couples choose autumn as the time of year to hold their wedding. Autumn is the harvest season and during this time of year, many festivals are available. Autumn provides a peaceful and transformative atmosphere which is perfect for a wedding. The main benefits of a fall wedding are temperature, foliage, and wedding locations. There are many great wedding locations, but it is up to the bride and groom to choose the best location for the theme of their wedding. The top locations for a fall wedding are a farm, vineyard, orchard and an old church if possible. The following are wedding locations you are sure to remember for a long time.

Weddings at a Farm

Farms provide a extremely scenic location in the fall, especially considering the changing leaves, the livestock in the fields, as well as barns, silos and other buildings close by. If you are looking for a vacation that combines natural beauty with old and historic buildings, an old farm is a great location for your wedding. Farms are located all over the world and you are sure to find one you like without traveling a great distance.

The Harrington Farm

For those individuals living in the New-England area who are looking for a top-notch location for a fall wedding, the Harrington Farm may suit your needs. This farm is located in a quite country town in the state of Massachusetts. In the fall, you can witness the colorful leaves blowing around in the light autumn breeze. This farm has a main house, which was built in the 1700s. This alone makes the Harrington Farm a great place to hold a wedding. This farm is a popular wedding location because of the beautiful view. After your ceremony, you do not have to go very far because a reception hall is also available which holds up to 200 guests.

Read Part 2

A Wedding at an Orchard

By definition, an orchard is an area with intentionally planted trees and shrubs, intended for food production. Although this sounds like a simple garden, they can be a perfect location for a wedding. An orchard wedding is very similar to a farm wedding; the main difference is that fresh fruits such as blueberries, apples, cherries and much more, surround an orchard. Both focus on the surrounding landscape, so the weather and temperature must be taken into account, but an orchard's fruits along with the autumn foliage create an ideal location to hold your fall wedding. If you enjoy the outdoors, an orchard wedding is sure to meet your satisfaction; especially in the fall.

For couples living in Northern California, The Orchard at the Ranch is an amazing and scenic locale. Nestled in beautiful Somis, California, this ranch provides everything you need for a wedding including a reception hall. Aside from these necessities, you receive a 76-acre wonderland. This location provides a breathtaking view surrounded by trees and mountains. A gazebo is surrounded by a lush forest of trees creating the ideal location for pictures with your family and spouse.

Although California and Massachusetts provide some fascinating locations for a fall wedding, you do not need to travel to find the scenery you want. There are many local alternatives, which do not require much travel. If you want to get married locally, begin by compiling a list of local farms, historic sites, and even state parks. These are all excellent choices for a picturesque fall wedding.

Old Churches

An old church provides an opportunity for a scenic and rewarding wedding experience. These historic structures are mostly made of stone and are surrounded by trees and shrubbery. An old church is a romantic and scenic location, and is an excellent choice for a fall wedding. If possible, an old church nest to a forest or state park is ideal. This will only add to the beauty of the church, and will also give your guests an area to explore throughout the day.

Local Parks

There are many local and state operated parks around the country. These locations contain many trees and other foliage that look wonderful in the autumn. Imagine being joined by your family and friends surrounded by the fall foliage, colorful leaves and trees. This image is a serene experience that you must experience to believe.

Autumn is an ideal season when it comes to planning a wedding. The changing color of the autumn leaves and gentle breeze create a dreamlike atmosphere. Many great fall wedding locations include farms, orchards, old churches and state parks. These locations provide a great mix of history and natural beauty that make them worth looking into for your wedding. One recommended tip for finding the best location is to plan your wedding at least year in advance and preview these locations. This can help make the decision of where to get married much easier. This allows you to see the location and you may know what to expect when you big day arrives.

Read Part 1

Here is a list of 50 romantic songs that can be played as part of the prelude, postlude or at the wedding reception.

• From This Moment by Shania Twain
• I Do, Cherish You by 98 Degrees
• Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
• I Cross My Heart by George Strait
• I Knew I Loved You by Savage Garden
• I Need You by Leeann Rimes
• Everything I Do (I Do It For You) by Bryan Adams
• Power of Love by Celine Dion
• Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
• Amazed by Lonestar
• Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden
• At Last by Etta James
• Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
• I Swear by John Michael Montgomery
• I Finally Found Someone by Barbara Streisand and Bryan Adams
• Don’t Know Much by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville
• After All by Cher and Peter Cetera
• Tonight I Celebrate My Love by Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson
• Unforgettable by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
• I Love the Way You Love Me by John Michael Montgomery
• When I Said I Do by Lisa Hartman-Black and Clint Black
• You Had Me at Hello by Kenny Chesney
• Always by Atlantic Starr
• Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie
• Your Love Amazes Me by John Berry

Read: Part 2: 26 - 50

Here is the conclusion to the list of the top 50 romantic wedding songs.

• Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
• The Prayer by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
• I Believe in You and Me by Whitney Houston
• Me and You by Kenny Chesney
• Valentine by Martina McBride
• Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
• I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro) by Donna Summer
• You Were Meant For Me by Jewel
• Every Breath You Take by The Police
• Faithfully by Journey
• Greatest Love All by Whitney Houston
• Have I Told You Lately That I Love You by Rod Stewart
• Take My Breath Away by Berlin
• You Light Up My Life by Debby Boone
• Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts
• Beautiful In My Eyes by Joshua Kadison
• Here and Now by Luther Vandross
• When I Fall In Love by Celine Dion and Clive Griffin
• I Could Fall In Love by Selena
• Making Memories of Us by Keith Urban
• Lady In Red by Chris DeBurgh
• Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Henry Mancini
• Cherish by Kool and the Gang
• We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters
• Honestly by Stryper

Read: Part 1: 1-25

The Ceremony

• Groom at the alter
  
  
• Grandparents being seated
  
  
• Groom’s parents being seated
  
  
• Bride’s parents being seated
  
  
• Flower girl walking down the aisle
  
  
• Ring bearer walking down the aisle
  
  
• Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
  
  
• Maid/Matron of Honor walking down the aisle
  
  
• Father walking bride down the aisle
  
  
• Father giving bride away
  
  
• Bride and groom at the alter Bride and groom exchanging vows
  
  
• Bride and groom exchanging rings
  
  
• Bride and groom lighting unity candle
  
  
• Bride and groom-the kiss
  
  
• Bride and groom walking down the aisle
  
  
• Pictures of the receiving line
  
  
• Bride and groom exiting the church
  
  
• Bride and groom getting into car/limo/carriage 

Your wedding will undoubtedly bring on a wide array of emotions for everyone involved. There will be moments of extreme happiness, uncontrollable excitement, high levels of stress and sometimes even sadness. If you have lost a loved one recently, that loss will be felt very keenly during this time of family togetherness and celebration.

If you wish to acknowledge this loved one, do it in the spirit of remembrance. This will be your personal choice to include a passage of scripture or a special quote in the wedding program, or request that the officiant say a few words on your behalf.

Another way to include the memory of a deceased loved one in the celebration is to have a small table at the reception with a framed photograph of the family member, with a few items of memorabilia surrounding the picture. For instance, if your grandfather was an avid fisherman, place his tackle box near the picture. If your late grandmother loved quilting, arrange one of her creations on the table and place the framed photo of her on top. These are simple but very personal sentimental gestures that are appropriate for your celebration. It will remind others of happy memories.

A more subtle way to acknowledge a late loved one is through music. Discuss song selections with your organist and try to include favorites of your family member to the list of songs the organist will play while your guests are being seated. One bride did this by having a pianist play gospel music before the ceremony in honor of her father who had a passion for gospel music. It was a subtle way for everyone in the family to keep him in mind during the ceremony.

Honoring a deceased loved one at your wedding should he a remembrance that brings fond memories to mind. Honor their memory by reminding everyone of the joy they brought to the family and the joy that they would want to convey to the happy couple as you begin a new life together.

Recently, a friend planning her wedding asked my advice about what music should be played when she walks down the aisle. Somewhat a traditionalist, I suggested the "Bridal Chorus," which is more commonly known as "Here Comes the Bride." I was amazed when she told me an acquaintance at her church had suggested selecting something else, as that particular piece was originally the accompaniment to a rape scene in a play.

I’m sure the acquaintance in question was well meaning, but sadly, mistaken. The "Bridal Chorus" was written by the German composer, Richard Wagner, for his opera - Lohengrin. In the opening scene of Act 3, the "Bridal Chorus" is played as Elsa and the mysterious knight, Lohengrin, retire to the bridal chamber after their wedding. The couple express their love for each other. Their reverie is smashed when the bad guys, led by Telramund, who had been defeated by Lohengrin, rush in to attack the hero. A violent clash ensues and Telramund is killed. Then, Lohengrin turns to his bride and asks her to follow him to the king, to whom he will reveal his identity. Then the scene changes. Sorry, no rape scene here.

The "Bridal Chorus" is the most popular wedding march there is. I have attended many weddings, and it was the bride’s choice in every ceremony, except one, which is another story altogether. While the music was not part of the wedding ceremony in its original context, it has been the number one choice of brides for many years, and remains so today.

I wondered how the story of Lohengrin and Elsa could have become so twisted as to lead to its current defamation, so I did a little research. I discovered that it is seldom played at Jewish weddings, as Wagner had a reputation for anti-semitism, and the Nazis held Wagner to be among Germany’s greatest composers. The piece is also disliked by some Lutheran pastors, but that dates back to a general bias against the theater before World War I, and for pagan themes in some of Wagner’s works. The Roman Catholic Church does not approve of its use because it is secular music, and as such, is considered inappropriate as a processional hymn to the altar.

If you are being married in a church, the music should always be discussed with the minister. There may be valid reasons not to include a particular piece, and you should consider those, but please don’t reject a musical piece, especially one as beautiful and traditional as the "Bridal Chorus" based on rumors.

Another very popular piece to accompany the bride as she "takes her walk" is Felix Mendelssohn’s "Wedding March," which he wrote for William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, however it is more commonly used as the recessional music when the bride and groom leave the church together as man and wife.

Quite often people choose to have a reading or two at their wedding. Typical choices are a favorite excerpt from a book, a poem, a family prayer, etc.

Readings are typically done by guests of honor such as the Maid of honor, Best man or a parent. What you choose to have read will help set the mood and express to not only your soon to be spouse how you feel but, to the entire assembly of loved ones. If you happen to find quite a few that you would like to share but, just don’t want to make people sit through a very long ceremony, consider having some of the readings printed up. The guests may then read them to themselves and take them home if they want.

It can be a difficult task trying to decide exactly what you want said. What will tie into the mood that you have worked so diligently to portray? It’s easy to get frustrated and go with what everyone always chooses and be typical or worse yet redundant.

We have assembled a few favorites below. Hopefully you will enjoy them as well. If it’s not quite what you are looking for, maybe they will inspire you to write your own. Or if you are just not the writing type, you can go searching for something similar, or completely opposite! Look for poems, sonnets, excerpts from novels or even the lyrics to a song. Just keep yourself and your mind open and willing to become inspired.

Traditional:
Wedding Prayer by Robert Lewis Stevenson
How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
To a Stranger by Walt Whitman

A little less traditional:
An Excerpt From Tuesdays With Morrie By Mitch Albom
The Master Speed by Robert Frost
I Wanna Grow Old With You by Adam Sandler

Longer readings:
The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Tin Wedding Whistle by Ogden Nash

Lastly, a nice idea may be to use a prayer or blessing that comes from your heritage or religion. Below is a beautiful example of a short and sweet reading.

An Irish Wedding Blessing:
May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past