At Old Church Chapel, we are often asked how to incorporate the memory of a loved one into a wedding ceremony held at our Wedding Chapel. Here are 10 great ideas.

Here is a great article that discusses some options:

10 beautiful ways to remember lost loved ones on your wedding day

The loss of a loved one can feel all the more tough on special occasions, a wedding day being one event where the thoughts of a friend or relative who has passed are all the more amplified.

While there are of course no words or actions to make up for the absence of a parent, family member or friend on such a monumental occasion, there are ways of honoring their memories which can help couples and guests to enjoy the day while also taking time to reflect.

1. Display their photo(s) on a table with your wedding guest book

The way most couples choose to remember lost loved ones on their wedding day is usually with a display of framed photographs on a table where guests can come to reflect as they enter the ceremony or reception venue. It’s a nice idea to pop the photos beside the guest book so that guests can see them as they add their best wishes to the couple with the memories of their loved ones in mind.

2. Save a seat at your ceremony

A beautiful idea for the ceremony is to reserve a place where your loved one would have been seated. A large framed photo along with an item that would remind people of them is a nice way to feel them there without having to say anything.

3. Carry a photo locket on your bouquet or button hole, cufflinks or shoes

Brides and grooms in the past have come up with some amazing ways to hold their dearest near them on their big day, whether through the addition of a gorgeous photo locket on a bouquet or a photo pocket watch on a suit. Some brides who had lost their father before their wedding have pinned tiny photo lockets to the back of their shoes as a way to ‘walk’ down the aisle with their dad on the day.

4. Wear a piece of their jewelry

Wearing something that belonged to a loved one, or incorporating some of their jewelry or clothing into a wedding outfit is a wonderful way to keep their memory alive on the big day. Wearing a ring or a watch, or having a piece of their wedding dress incorporated into the bride’s gown, are all wonderful ways to carry a loved one with you as you enjoy the celebrations.

5. Make a toast with their favorite tipple

No doubt your lost loved ones will be mentioned in the wedding speeches, but if it’s possible, a toast to their memories using their favorite tipple is a lovely way to allow everyone a moment to consider someone who has passed. Remember it doesn’t have to be alcohol! A glass of cidona, orange, hot water and lemon or whatever beverage you most associate with your loved one will go down equally well!

6. Serve their signature dish as part of the wedding meal

Even the worst cooks among us have a signature dish, and while you maybe don’t want to serve beans on toast as your main for your fancy wedding celebrations, finding a way to incorporate the dish your loved one is most famous for can be a fun way to honor their memory. Think of your canapés as a way to include something a bit different ie ‘Chicken skewers with Dad’s famous bread sauce’, ‘Mam’s crowd-pleasing pigs in blankets’ or serve up ‘Nan’s comforting Christmas trifle’ as part of your dessert.

7. Light a candle in their memory

Keep a candle burning from the ceremony to the night in memory of your loved ones, surrounded by photos of them where guests can come to reflect throughout the celebrations.

8. Hold a ‘special’ dance in their honor

Not having someone there for specific traditions can be very difficult, and many people who have lost a father will know the idea of not having a father-daughter dance is a tough one to accept. Holding a special dance in honor of a lost loved one can be a lovely way to honor their memory after the traditional first dance if you choose to have one, and how you go about it is all up to you. Pop on their favorite showband hit and get everyone jiving on the floor or ask a friend or relative or siblings to stand in for somebody for a slow dance.

9. Donate to their favorite charity in lieu of favors – If your loved one had a special charity they liked to donate to, you can incorporate this into your day by donating to the charity. Many people opt to do this for charities in lieu of traditional favors, and some of the bigger Irish charities can supplier cards to display informing guests of the couple’s wishes.

10. Take a moment out

Simply taking a designated moment in the morning or evening to think about the people who should have been there could help to get through the day and celebrate with them in mind. Take a moment to yourself away from guests to reflect in your own personal way, whether that’s saying a few words, thinking quietly, writing, drawing or however else you like to remember your lost loved one.

 

Read the entire article here www.independent.ie

Here is an interesting article from Brides.com about Jasmine and how to use this wonderful flower in your wedding ceremony.

 

Flower of the Week: Jasmine

 

Seasonality:

Although there are hundreds of varieties throughout the world, the common jasmine is widely available in the U.S. from late spring to early fall.

Most jasmine has a trailing, vine-like quality, which makes it well suited to loose, romantic bouquets and centerpieces.

Shelf life:

Jasmine foliage and flowers are quite delicate and prone to drying out in the heat. Keep cut pieces in water as long as possible and spritz occasionally with a spray bottle to freshen up.

Colors:

The buds of common jasmine are pale pink (the flower closes at night time), and the flowers themselves are white.

Price: $$-$$$

Common jasmine is relatively inexpensive, but it can sometimes be tricky to find large pieces that are cut. One option is to buy a larger plant and trim the vine from there (or if it’s in the height of the season, find it growing wild).

It works well with:

Jasmine pairs nicely with other romantic late spring and summer blooms like peonies, garden roses, and ranunculi. Because the vine can be a bit cumbersome in large quantities, it’s best to keep jasmine as a smaller accent in a bouquet or as a very simple, trailing centerpiece.

Read the entire article at www.brides.com

We realize that if you choose to have your ceremony at our Wedding Chapel, you may be planning a event that is small enough that you can orgainze, plan, and track all the details yourself – even though a dedicated Wedding Planner is a joy to work with.

Here is a list we found of the 25 Best Wedding Planning Websites and Apps from Brides.com.  Hope you find it useful!

The 25 Best Wedding Planning Websites and Apps for Every Kind of Bride

If you thought coming up with a trendy wedding hashtag, using only e-vites, and having charging booths at your wedding meant you were having tech-filled nuptials, you’ve just nicked the tip of the iceberg. Heck, a couple just got married in virtual reality this summer! Tech can be infused into every part of the wedding including the planning, all the events surrounding the big day, the attire, the actual wedding, and, of course, documentation. Plus, your guests can totally benefit from some of these new platforms as well.

Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning adventure or checking off the very last things on your wedding checklist, here are our favorite digital tools (besides BRIDES.com, obvs) for planning the wedding you want while still having a life.

1. Best for the bride who doesn’t know where to start: WeddingWire
This venue and vendor database is a one-stop shop, with more than 200,000 local listings and 2.5-million reviews by real brides. So if you’re clueless about where to wed and who to hire, do a quick search and narrow results by type, location, price, or rating. When you’re done with the big-ticket items, you’ll find checklists, budget templates, and etiquette tips.

2. Best for inspo you can actually use: Carats & Cake
Ever see a wedding photo and think, “Who made that centerpiece?” Or “I have to have those shoes!” Carats & Cake eliminates the guesswork, providing a rundown of all the vendors used in its real weddings (caterers, florists, photographers, etc.). Check out full portfolios and reviews, then book them on the site.

3. Best for finding a Versailles-worthy chateau in the South of France: The Venue Report
With “reporters” who research the latest event spaces, this directory has the hottest hotels and party pads, plus off-the-beaten-path locales like, say, a glamping venue in Montana that can accommodate 250 guests. The experience is seamless: filter results by region, price, and capacity, review essentials like site fees and curfews, and contact the venue directly.

4. Best for planning without the planner: WeddingHappy
Think of this free app as your personal assistant. It’s preloaded with tasks to guide you through your to-dos, and it even alerts you as you approach deadlines for things like “mail invites” or “pay deposit for the band,” the same ways a planner would do in real life. Share your “event” with your fiancé, mother, or hands-on MOH so everyone has access to the same info.

5. Best for color coordination: myPantone
Did a certain teal nail polish strike your fancy? Fire up myPantone (from $7.99), snap a photo, and the app will identify the exact color and point you toward others that anyone struggling to pick a palette or who’s letting her bridesmaids choose their own dresses “as long as they’re seafoam green,” this is a must.

6. Best for fab invitations that won’t break the bank: Minted
Minted works with indie artists and graphic designers to offer chic ready-made invites, save-the-dates, ceremony programs, escort cards, and more. Templates can be customized, down to the card size and paper stock. On a tight budget? Print your suite at home or take the file to a local copy shop. Minted also offers bespoke invitation design (from $234 per 100 invitations) in case you don’t have an illustrator on speed dial but still want a hand-drawn map of Nantucket or a watercolor rendering of you and your fiancé.

7. Best for a wedding web site that looks totally different: Riley & Grey
Riley & Grey is where design-minded brides go to create their wedding hubs ($35 per month). Modern templates are added every few months, so you won’t accidentally use the same one as your BFF who’s getting married six weeks after you. Your site will be not only gorgeous but also user-friendly, with zero clicks required; simply scroll down to toggle between tabs like “People,” for bridal-party bios, and “Place,” for tips on where to stay, eat, and drink near your wedding venue. You can even embed links to Kayak for flight bookings and Google Maps for directions.

9. Best for organizing hotel-room blocks: Skipper
Your Maui destination wedding will be epic. Finding hotel rooms for 150 guests? Less so. Let Skipper do the work: Plug in your wedding location, dates, and the number of rooms needed, and the site will populate nearby hotels at a variety of price points. Smaller parties can lock in discounted rates at one hotel directly through the site (in most cases, 15% off); brides who need more than nine rooms can pick up to four hotels, and a Skipper booking agent will negotiate deals at each on their behalf and email contracts to secure the group rates.

10. Best for keeping your planning crew informed and on point: Google Drive
Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, photos—anything and everything can be uploaded, stored, and shared in Drive for seamless viewing and editing by anyone with a Gmail account. (So, anyone.) Want to pull up your guest list, budget, vendor contacts, or décor inspo during a venue walk-through? The mobile app is there in a pinch. Need to share important dates with your fiancé, parents, and planner? The hub links directly to Google Calendar, so no one gets to complain about being out of the loop.

10. Best for keeping your planning crew informed and on point: Google Drive
Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, photos—anything and everything can be uploaded, stored, and shared in Drive for seamless viewing and editing by anyone with a Gmail account. (So, anyone.) Want to pull up your guest list, budget, vendor contacts, or décor inspo during a venue walk-through? The mobile app is there in a pinch. Need to share important dates with your fiancé, parents, and planner? The hub links directly to Google Calendar, so no one gets to complain about being out of the loop.

11. Best for anyone who loves a to-do list more than life itself: Trello
Forget that massive notebook—organize your entire wedding on Trello’s virtual pin board. Line up each “card” in a column (which you can name for a category like Venue or Photography), and drag and drop as the task is completed or pushed back. You can attach photos (place-setting mock-ups) or documents (final contracts for review) to cards, then give them color-coded labels—to indicate things like “vendor paid” or “follow up later”—and set deadlines, which the auto-generated email reminders will help you hit on time.

12. Best for registering for what you really want: Zola
We love a blender as much as any kale juice-obsessed bride-to-be, and Zola has that standard department-store stuff, like Matouk bedding and Waterford-crystal stemware. But you can also request specialty goods, like a Sonos sound system or a BioLite camp stove, or set up a honeymoon or charity cash fund. Bonuses: Guests can easily go in on pricier items together with group gifting, and you also get 10% off all items on the site for up to one year after your wedding date.

13. Best for registering for experiences: Newlywish
Kitchen already stocked up? Check out Newlywish, where you’ll find an incredibly diverse list of registry activities. Dance lessons, cooking classes, massages, concert tickets, sporting events—the list goes on and way on. You can even register for interior-design consultations and OpenTable gift cards.

14. Best for getting cash, the classy way: Tendr
What to do if you’d rather get money toward a down payment than gifts? Register on Tendr, which lets guests electronically send funds (by wire transfer or credit card). You can specify where the cash will be allocated, and it’s delivered via beautiful artist-designed e-cards.

15. Best for a registry that’s as easy for guests as it is for you: Amazon
If you’ve been saving items to an Amazon Wish List, it will be easier than ever to get started on the mega e-tailer’s registry site. All the staples are there (KitchenAid appliances, Le Creuset cookware), plus spruced-up sections like a list of the top 100 most popular items, curated lifestyle collections (minimalists will flock to the Scandinavian-inspired edit), and “boutiques” for products by Jonathan Adler, Michael C. Fina, and the MoMA Design Store (a.k.a. Narnia for cool kids). It’s also a gift for your guests, since most just have to log in to shop.

16. Best for on-demand beauty: Vensette
Have the experts come to you with this VIP beauty booking app. Reach out at least three months before your wedding to book a custom package (from $200) that includes two trials and day-of hair and makeup by editorial-worthy artists (currently available in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami, plus wedding hot spots like the Hamptons, Napa Valley, Palm Springs, and Palm Beach). Pick pros who fit your price and style, and they’ll show up at the time and location of your choosing, making it easier than ever to find a crack team for your engagement photos, shower, bachelorette, and big day.

17. Best for crowd sourcing bridesmaids’ dresses: Weddington Way
Need to rally your girls from coast to coast? Skip the stress (and the travel) of a group shopping trip with Weddington Way, which lets you browse styles using a variety of filters (color, length, body type, price) and share and comment on selections in a virtual showroom. Plus, the site has more than just bridesmaids’ get-ups: You can find attire for the groomsmen, flower girls, and yourself. (Check out the LWDs.)

18. Best for nailing your venue layout: AllSeated
Having trouble visualizing how to organize tables at your reception? Send AllSeated a photo of your venue and it will deliver a 3D rendering of the space so you can digitally arrange tables, chairs, bars, and other furniture and assign place settings as RSVPs roll in. Share the graphic with your vendors (caterer, rental company, DJ) to make sure the room is set up right—because there’s always that one cousin who shouldn’t be within arm’s length of the bar.

19. Best for painless thank-yous: Postable
You’re back from the honeymoon, convinced the stresses of planning are behind you. Not so fast. It’s time for thank-you notes. If you just can’t even, try Postable: Choose a design, type a heartfelt message, and add the recipient’s address (manually or imported from a spreadsheet), and the site prints a card, puts it in an envelope, and mails it ($3 each, plus postage). Will guests know you cheated? Likely not; Postable uses “smart fonts,” so repeat letters are slightly different from one another. Handwritten cards are ideal, but our etiquette experts sign off as long as each note is personalized.

20.Best alternative to shuttle busses: UberEVENTSUber has made getting to and from almost anywhere so much easier—now, use it to get your guests from ceremony to reception in style. UberEVENTS lets you manage how, when, and where guests ride through a promo code. Plus, you’ll only pay for the rides that are used, and the bride and groom can set a budget how much they would like to cover. It will totally put you at ease knowing that none of your wedding guests will need to hitchhike or risk driving inebriated. Plus, guests don’t have to feel restricted by a shuttle schedule. FYI: the UberX option is up to 40% cheaper than taxis and significantly less than shuttles, valets, or parking.

21. Best way to play matchmaker (both romantically and friendly) with your guests: GuesterlyIf you loved your high school yearbook, then you will be a big fan of Guesterly. It is basically a who’s who for your wedding guests and a great way for everyone to get to know each other. This can be especially great for those long destination wedding weeks or weekends. The bride and groom can simply choose questions, email them via custom link, track responses, and design a guesterly mag for printing or digital sharing.

22. Best way to include guests who couldn’t make it: WebWedIf your wedding wasn’t streamed on social, did it really happen? For those of your loved ones that can’t make it, consider a company like WebWed. Through the app, you can send an invite to your guests that couldn’t attend and let them get a 360-degree view of the whole day right on their phones.

23. Best way to find hidden gems: Facebook RecommendationsYes, Facebook has been around for what seems like forever, but now, with their new Recommendations tool, guests can tap their network of friends to find cool stuff to do in your wedding location. When you write a Facebook post looking for advice on local places or services, you’ll have the option to turn on Recommendations. Your friends can comment with suggestions, and you’ll see all of them mapped out for easy access and saved in one place. Best of all, you’re getting recommendations you trust. For example, if you’re looking for things to do while in Napa—simply ask your friends! It’s likely your friends will recommend places like The Model Bakery for the best English muffins or the Carneros Resort for a place to stay.

24. Best way for easy communication and sharing: BurnerThis is a great way to collect all your wedding photos from guests as well as organize your RSVP list without any paperwork. The Burner app creates a temporary phone number that guests can text to accept or decline the invite or maybe even leave a sweet audio greeting. Plus, guests can also send questions here as the app acts similar to a chatbot.

25. Best way to plan your wedding/bachelorette weekend outfits stress-free: FineryEven with the Rent the Runway wedding shop, women still often have those “I have absolutely nothing to wear” moments. And when you have to plan days of outfits for a big destination wedding, that feeling becomes overwhelming. Cue Finery, a site that literally shows you that you do, in fact, have some amazing outfits and if you don’t, it will help you find exactly what you need. Founded by actress Brooklyn Decker and Whitney Casey, the (free) app analyzes your wardrobe, then categorizes and presents it to you. Women spend two hours a week planning outfits—a number that no doubt (at least) doubles for planning wedding outfits. The software syncs with your email, automatically accounting for any online wardrobe purchase you’ve made; then, you can manually add items you’ve bought in brick and mortar stores. It can help the bride or a guest plan out every detailed assembly for a wedding week or weekend leaving you completely stress free!

Read the entire article www.brides.com

 

Yes, pets are welcome at our Wedding Chapel!   After reading this article and having several inquiries about including a treasured pet in a wedding ceremony, we realized that it is a service that is needed at our Wedding Chapel.  We have reached out to Marcy Chapin, of Imaginations by MRC, to be on call to offer assistance with preparing your pet for the ceremony and taking care of your pet during your special day.  See Marcy’s website here:  www.ImaginationsBy Mrc.com

Please make sure to let us know when booking the Wedding Chapel that you will be including your pet in the ceremony.

What to Consider Before Including Your Pet in the Wedding at our Wedding Chapel

“A pet plays an important role in a couple’s life and for many pet parents, family festivities would not be complete without their pet’s involvement,” said John D’Ariano, President of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS). “As a result, it’s becoming more common for couples to customize their wedding parties to include family, friends, and furry companions.”

But if you’re looking to include your pet, there are a few precautions you need to take. We checked in with the NAPPS for some tips on how to keep your pet safe and happy during the wedding festivities.

Consider Your Pet’s Personality

A pet can be a guest of honor and simply stand with the wedding party during the ceremony, or your pet can have a specific role (ring bearer or flower girl are common roles) in the ceremony. But before giving your pet a starring role, think about whether this will be an enjoyable experience for him. Will your pet feel comfortable around your guests? Is he obedient and well behaved? There’s no guarantee that your pet will behave exactly how you want him to on the day of the wedding. Even the most outgoing and friendly pet can be overwhelmed by a crowd of guests, according to NAPPS.

To make sure that your pet has enough time to develop a level of comfort around your guests, consider hiring a pet sitter, who will act as your pet’s guide. And if your pet is especially skittish, consider having someone carry him or letting him ride in a wagon. And if he’s overly affectionate or easily distracted, be sure to use a short leash.

Confirm That Pets are Allowed in Your Ceremony Facility

With everything else on your to-do list, it’s easy to forget this simple—yet important—step. You don’t want to show up on the day of your wedding, four-legged ring-bearer in tow, only to be told that he needs to get off the propery, stat.

Can’t bring your pet? You can still include her in the wedding! Include your pet in your portraits after the ceremony:

Don’t Jeopardize Safety for Style

Planning on dressing your pooch in a tux? Make sure it fits properly and doesn’t create any discomfort for your pet. Keep the accessories simple—a bowtie or flower attached to the collar is a fun way to deck out your pet. Ensure that any accessories won’t come loose and pose a choking hazard to your pet. Be sure to check if any flowers or plants being used at your wedding are toxic to your pet.

Notify Your Photographer

Prepare your photographer to capture your pet in action. It’ll help your photographer prep for those unplanned moments, like when your dog leaps up to kiss you during the vows. Your photographer can also help you brainstorm fun photo ideas with your pets for after the ceremony.

Book a Pet Sitter

You have enough to worry about on the day of your wedding—hire a pet sitter to be responsible for bringing your pet to the ceremony, taking him home after, or watching him during the reception. That way, you won’t need to worry about who’s feeding the dog (or keeping him away from the chocolate).

To read the entire article : bridalguide.com

Old Church Chapel has a sound system available for your wedding ceremony.  At our Wedding Chapel ceremonies, our couples usually bring their own music, plug it in and play whatever they choose.

Here is an article from Brides.com that talks about the songs couples frequently ban from their wedding ceremony and reception.

 

These Are the Songs Couples Frequently Ban From Their Weddings even at a Wedding Chapel

 

Weddings can be tricky. As in, there are a lot of unwritten rules for pretty much everything. Brides, shouldn’t send out their invitations until at least six to eight weeks before the big day, while guests should never ever drink more than they can handle. Dos and don’ts run the gamet, but what about in regards to music? Recently, FiveThirtyEight surveyed over two dozen professional DJs on about 200 weddings to figure out what the most commonly banned songs and/or artists are. The results are pretty hilarious.

For starters, forget dances that involve any kind of related choreography. The “Chicken Dance is so over, as 23.1 percent of couples placed that at the top of their “do not play” list. Forget the “Hokey Pokey;” 10.4 percent would rather do away with the song. And the “Macarena”? No bueno. 17.6 percent of couples chose to nix the Los Del Rio hit. 22.5 percent of couples aren’t fans of the “Cha-Cha Slide” either. Others include the “Cupid Shuffle,” “YMCA,” and the “Electric Boogle (Electric Slide)”. Basically, no one likes line dances.

Ironically, a few songs from the site’s “Ultimate Wedding Playlist,” which was published last year, made their way onto this list. Songs include “Shout,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Sweet Caroline.” Even more surprising (and kind of disappointing) is Beyoncé’s widely acclaimed “Single Ladies” also made the cut. We’re going to need an explanation for that one, because, well, it’s Beyoncé.

And honestly, isn’t doing this so much fun?

Couple’s also chose to steer clear of songs that contain inappropriate lyrics or have the tendency to remind someone of a broken relationship, such as “All of Me” by John Legend.

“[Some songs] are perceived as overplayed, cliché and perhaps cheesy,” said Gregg Hollmann, a New Jersey-based wedding DJ. “Wedding couples want to be unique.”

 

Read the full article Here www.brides.com

Here is an interesting article from Southern Living which points out some things to consider when planning your wedding.  We love that Inviting too large a crowd is included in this list – why not keep your guest list on the smaller side in order to be able to take advantage of our Wedding Chapel for your ceremony.

Our historic, totally restored, Wedding Chapel is the perfect spot to hold your ceremony.

6 Mistakes This Wedding Planner Wouldn’t Make at Her Own Wedding

When it comes to coordinating a flawless affair, no one knows weddings better than a planner who lives and breaths bridal. Although a wedding planner will do everything in her power to steer a bride in the right direction, at the end of the day, it’s not her wedding. She’s sure to offer insight on major decisions, but she just might bite her tongue when a bride feels passionate about certain details or a Southern mama puts her foot down.

So, what exactly wouldn’t a Southern wedding planner do at her own soiree? We looked to Arkansas and Tennessee wedding planner Katherine Shell Benson of Bella Baxter Events to get the scoop. After planning a million and one weddings below the Mason Dixon, we knew she would have a solid list of mistakes she might avoid at her own event.

Mistake 1: Inviting too large of a crowd.

Big guest lists come with added food and décor costs, but they can also stir up drama. “Guest lists over 150 people tend to create more emotional headaches with in-laws and parents than you may realize,” says Katherine. “Some couples even risk being able to invite guests they actually want to attend, because all sorts of people will come out of the woodwork when word of a wedding gets around. Wedding guests should personally know the bride and groom well. Otherwise, it’s just random people you’re supplying with a night on the town.”

Mistake 2: Keeping your guests waiting after the ceremony for refreshment.

Katherine advises never leaving wedding guests waiting too long without any kind of food or refreshment. She’s experienced this issue herself as a thirsty wedding guest. “After-ceremony pictures with the bride and groom can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes, which is too long to keep your guests waiting for refreshments,” says Katherine. “I highly encourage couples to have cocktail hours with passed appetizers to keep their guests happy while they wait for the newlyweds to arrive.”

Mistake 3: Cutting costs by hiring an unseasoned photographer or wedding vendor

Be weary of friends, family, or work acquaintances who suddenly become wedding planners, photographers, or DJs the moment they hear you’re getting hitched. “A good wedding photographer is worth their weight in gold,” says Katherine. “They can take the smallest of weddings and create the most magnificent wedding gallery you’ll treasure forever. The same can be said for all of your wedding vendors.”

Mistake 4: DIY-ing your own wedding flowers

“Unless you are a professional florist, it’s not worth the last minute stress,” Katherine advises. “Who wants to stay up all night the evening before your wedding day to work on flowers? Especially after you have just left your rehearsal dinner and are exhausted from greeting your guests and possibly a little tipsy from a good time, too.”

Mistake 5: Setting up or breaking down your own wedding (or asking family and friends to do so for you)

“Who wants to work all day on their own wedding day and pay for everyone to come party? Nope! I wouldn’t ask my family or bridal party to set up or break down the event either. They are there to celebrate, so let them. It’s worth the investment to hire good vendors to take care of this for you.”

Mistake 6: Getting married on a Saturday.

Sure, Saturday weddings are easy on guests’ schedules, but the costs may not always outweigh the weekend convenience. “Saturday events cost more money than any other day of the week,” says Katherine. “Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays are where it is at. Often vendors and venues have price breaks for these days.”

Read the entire article at:  www.southernliving.com

 

Really important words when planning your wedding – focus on what is important to you and entertain your wedding guests from the heart.  Please take a look at our Wedding Chapel – it has been built and restored with heart, history, and is filled with romance and love.

 

Here is an article that gives some great ideas on how to maximize your wedding day plans while minimizing the costs involved.

 

Getting married? 3 inspired moves to maximize your wedding guests’ experience but minimize costs.

Wedding planning — and spending — is not for the weak. Aside from the whole “joining your life to another’s until death,” you have to throw the biggest party of your life that pleases your new spouse and family, fits into your budget and is actually fun for your guests. Not an easy task!

Pinterest images, wedding blogs and television shows can set unrealistic expectations. Take Tom and Katie from “Vanderpump Rules,” who got married in a forest dripping with flowers for around $51,000, the cost reported by E! News. Images like these show couples going as big as they can to make their wedding more memorable than the last. At least in theory, the splashy decor, music and activities are meant to dazzle guests. Right?

“Couples are personalizing big time — the wedding celebration is their first big statement, so to speak, as a married couple,” Lauren Kay, deputy editor for the Knot, said in an email interview. “Guest enjoyment and entertainment is a huge part of that. To-be-weds want to share things that are unique to them and will have a lasting impact on their guests. In an effort to stand out, couples are splurging on things like photo booths, games, musical performances and even unexpected entertainment like acrobats and live painters.”

Yet one has to wonder: Is any of that cash going to waste? Delicious food and great music are one thing. But are your friends and distant relatives really going to feel joy because of the embossing and handwritten calligraphy on your invitations? Are they going to have a better time because of a giant ice sculpture, outfit changes or your name projected in lights? Will they even use those gift-bag koozies emblazoned with your faces?

Yet one has to wonder: Is any of that cash going to waste? Delicious food and great music are one thing. But are your friends and distant relatives really going to feel joy because of the embossing and handwritten calligraphy on your invitations? Are they going to have a better time because of a giant ice sculpture, outfit changes or your name projected in lights? Will they even use those gift-bag koozies emblazoned with your faces?

They definitely won’t if they can’t even get a seat at the wedding. According to the Knot’s 2016 Real Weddings Study, couples are so focused on the “wedding experience” that they’re slashing guest lists to accommodate their vision. The average number of wedding guests dropped from 149 in 2009 to 141 in 2016, but the cost per wedding guest is up to $245 — compared to $194 in 2009.

Never fear. Here are three big ways you can add personal flair to your nuptials without dropping a ton of dough.

1. Focus on your top three priorities.

Everyone is different, and while some would be fine using Paperless Post and serving donuts, others might be horrified by anything short of snail mail invites and classic wedding cake. That’s OK! The key, though, is picking your battles.

To stay focused and on budget, home in on your three most-desired wedding features, Meg Keene, founder and editor-in-chief of A Practical Wedding, said in a phone interview. “Identify the top three things that are most important to you and stick to those priorities, especially when you get in deep with wedding planning,” she said.

Newlywed Erica Dunaway of Jacksonville, Florida, told Mic that flowers, an open bar and good food were top priorities for her April wedding.

“I wanted a wedding filled with lush greenery and flowers, so making sure the flowers were perfect was high on my list,” Dunaway said. “Also, I work in the bar business, so I wanted to have an open bar. I also didn’t like having everyone stuck at a table for a sit-down dinner, so we did chef-manned food stations instead. You could customize your own pasta or seafood paella, for example.”

For her own nuptials, the Knot’s Kay said her non-negotiable was her wedding stationary. “I wanted really gorgeous stationary and my husband had his heart set on a live band,” she said. “So we devoted more than the average spend in those categories and scaled back in others to stay on budget.”

Need more ideas to make your day special? You’re not alone: 75% of couples have at least one “signature wedding” element, according to the Knot’s survey, up from 66% in 2008. This includes a special cocktail (24%), photo booths (78%), games (18%), musical performances (12%) and fireworks (8%). Just remember to pick your three splurges carefully and prepare to cut back on other expenses using savings hacks like these.

2. Burn your Pinterest board and get real.

While there’s nothing wrong with having a “dream” wedding board, you’ll eventually have to come down off your cloud and back down to reality, Keene said.

“I suggest that for every dream Pinterest board you create, you design another one that is based more in reality,” Keene advised. “There’s a tremendous difference between your dream wedding and the actual wedding. While there’s nothing wrong with pinning these tantalizing pictures, once you price things out you’ll probably be floored to find out the actual costs.”

“I suggest that for every dream Pinterest board you create, you design another one that is based more in reality,” Keene advised. “There’s a tremendous difference between your dream wedding and the actual wedding. While there’s nothing wrong with pinning these tantalizing pictures, once you price things out you’ll probably be floored to find out the actual costs.”

Plus, money is not the only practical matter to consider. Think carefully about how your nuptials will be experienced from your guests’ perspectives. Seemingly great ideas don’t always hold up in reality: If bottles of wine you’re giving out as favors at your destination wedding won’t fit (or pass TSA muster) in carry-on luggage, for example, they might not be the best choice.

When all else fails, keep it simple: Stay true to the theme and what you want from your wedding, Keene added. “I remember going to a friend’s wedding who had a ’50s-style band,” she said. The band set a festive mood for guests, making other elements, like favors or an expensive cake, feel less necessary.

One move to avoid? Trying to replicate an expensive wedding for less, Keene said. Just because Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban gave away Tiffany desk clocks as wedding favors doesn’t mean you should troll a discount site for something similar. “Not only is trying to replicate an expensive wedding incredibly stressful, everything ends up looking half done,” Keene said. “You are better off just identifying the top three priorities you have for your big day and then getting rid of the rest.”

3. Entertain guests from the heart.

Staying true to your roots and sharing your love versus trying to “impress” is the best way to go. “I like that weddings can be a chance for couples to express themselves, especially since marriages bring together two different families, perhaps from two different worlds,” Claire Stewart, assistant professor of hospitality management at City Tech, CUNY in New York, told Brides. “I always enjoy it when someone wants to share part of their upbringing, such as with a certain food native to their hometown or country, or chooses to serve a special food because of family memories.”

Thinking of giving out party favors? Aim for something useful, unusual and, ideally, personal. “Be more original than candy bars,” Luxe Event Productions’ Misty Damico told GQ. “Feeding your guests chicken and candy to say, ‘Thanks for coming to our wedding’? It’s not a 10-year-old’s birthday party.”

One smart move, if it applies, is to feature your creative side hustle, which is what Dunaway did for her wedding. In addition to working in the bar business, she is also the owner of apparel company Soul Salt Crochet Co. As party favors, Dunaway hand-crocheted nearly 130 hats costing roughly $3 apiece, which added a unique, personal touch to her beach-inspired wedding.

Functional handmade favors like Dunaway’s end up being memorable keepsakes and show that you threw some love — not just money — into your guests’ experience. And there’s nothing more priceless than that.

Read the entire article here: mic.com

 At Old Church Chapel our philosophy is that your wedding ceremony should be special, it should be as unique as you are.  Here is a wonderful article about the changing traditions and rituals of some of today’s wedding ceremonies.

Giving meaning to the moment – Think Wedding Chapel!

Wedding traditions come and go, evolve and change. There are some staples most would probably never want to forgo — in both ceremony and celebration. I would never advocate leaving out the “I do” part of the ceremony (and in some states, it’s a legal requirement.) The idea of the couple voicing their agreement to marry is essential to the entire meaning of this milestone; the exchange of vows as well.

A toast to the couple is another age-old tradition that is fantastic, and not to be skipped. And there are countless more traditions that just feel so right. Traditions and rituals connect us to the past and give meaning to the moment.

Remember, that’s ‘just how it’s done’ is never a good reason in my book. Maybe there’s another way. Or you can simply skip it, if it’s not for you.

Here are a few of my personal pet peeves and suggested alternatives.

Long receiving lines — It can go many ways, but receiving lines sometimes feel like they take forever, especially after sitting for the ceremony, no matter how wonderful it may have been. Please know it’s OK to forgo a receiving line, and instead,make sure the newlyweds visit every single table at the reception and share a few words of thanks with absolutely every single person. Remember the receiving line gives each guest a chance to personally interact with the couple.

Cutting the cake late — As someone getting a little older (ha!) I’m not always up for staying late. But it’s bad form to leave a reception before the couple cuts the cake. Regardless of this fuddy-duddy, if the party is already rocking and everyone’s on the dance floor, it breaks the mood to stop and cut the cake, so please try to do this immediately after the meal.

Long readings and mumblers — Readings can add a lot to a wedding ceremony. I like that there is so much wisdom to draw from in the world, it is powerful to bring in ideas and inspiration from different sources. Whether religious, spiritual, literary, poetic or even movies and pop culture, we can find great words to inspire and share. But if your reader is not comfortable performing the reading, or the reading itself is too long, it can fall flat. You can always include a reading in a program, or just be sure to choose the right person to read. It’s fine to skip readings when there is no one appropriate.

The ceremony/reception gap — Have you ever been all dressed up with nowhere to go? I recall a family wedding a few years back when my husband and I attended the ceremony in the church, about an hour from our home. The reception was yet further and wasn’t scheduled for a few hours after that. We would have had time to go home, turn around, and go back to the reception, or just kill some time. Obviously, we didn’t want to go for a meal, so what to do? This is why many couples are choosing to have their ceremony and reception in the same location. But if this isn’t possible, take a long and hard look at your time line.

The wedding program — I’m not against a program, but please try to give it some ‘added value.’ To simply outline the service does not really add to your guests’ experience, but rather encourages them to simply follow along and check-off each section. Let the ceremony unfold, and give them something good to read in a program booklet. Or, again, it’s OK to skip the program booklet all together.

When you plan your wedding, besides your own vision, try to see it through the eyes of your guests. And remember what you liked and disliked about weddings you have attended. These insights will guide you in creating your big day, in the best way!

 

Read the entire original article here: www.poconorecord.com

At Old Church Chapel, we try to make the wedding ceremony portion of your planning stress-free.  Our Wedding Chapel is non-denominational and available to all who wish to celebrate their commitment to each other.  If you desire a “pop-in” service which is basically a replacement for the bygone days of a courthouse wedding ceremony, that is something we specialize in.  If your plans are more elaborate, we are available and will work to make your day as special, memorable, and wonderful as possible.  We try to take the stress out of planning a ceremony at our Wedding Chapel.

 

Here is a great article about how to handle the rest of the stress that can happen in your planning process:

How to Handle Wedding Planning Stress, According to Science

 

According to a recent Zola study of 500 engaged or newlywed couples, most of you are freaking the eff out about wedding planning—96% of you, in fact (and odds are, the other four percent is lying). Having your stress level in overdrive is completely understandable—you still have your job, your family, your bills (you know, a life), plus, you’re spending a lot of money for a party for 120 of your nearest and dearest. No biggie, right?

According to the study, 40% of couples categorized wedding planning as “extremely stressful” while 71% thought it was more nerve-wracking than other major life events like finding a new job. “When anybody comes to me and says they’re stressed with the planning of their wedding, it is my first suggestion that they take a deep breath, step away from their email, and remember the big picture,” says event planner Sarah Kudlack of Philadelphia’s Heart & Dash. “Being stressed out about the details is not going to change the fact that you’re marrying the love of your life.”

Before you start to go down the stressy rabbit hole, there are easy ways to calm those nerves and enjoy this experience with your fiancé. We asked the experts what you need to do to keep calm and plan on; here’s what they had to say:

Prioritize

For 35% of the couples surveyed, it’s the details that are driving them the most cray. “Decide right now that if you’re going to nitpick every single detail, you’re going to be unhappy,” says Michelle Leo, a wedding planner in Salt Lake City. “If you’ve got a great attitude about your wedding, you’re going to have a great day.”

To help keep things in perspective, prioritize the essentials—those things that are super important to making this your dream wedding—then refer to your “must” list over and over during the planning process so you don’t go down a spiral of DIY projects you saw on Pinterest or feel the need to constantly upgrade your flower arrangements. Repeatedly checking in with your initial goals will help you stay on track—and on budget. “By putting a lot of those key pieces in place right at the very start of the planning process, you’re going to avoid a lot of stress down the road,” says Leo. “You’re going to avoid overspending on things you decided at the get-go weren’t that important.”

Communicate

Mom and Dad are also the source of some major tension—53% of couples said their parents are the biggest stress-causing culprit, while 33% said it’s their in-laws. “You need to remember the wedding is about you and your future husband, and the life you are starting,” says Nashville-based wedding planner Kelly Dellinger. If mom and dad are contributing to your wedding budget, they’ve bought themselves a say in the planning. Sit down with them right from the start and talk about your vision for the big day, and hear what they have to say about the things that are ver important to them; then find ways to compromise so everyone is happy. Getting your families on the same page right from the get-go is the best way to avoid butting heads when you’re in the thick of planning.

Create a Plan B

There will be things that happen that are out of your control—namely, the weather, says Leo. Being prepared for any “worst-case scenarios” will help you roll with the punches if—and when—something does go awry. “Step back and calm down about the fabric swatches not matching or whatever small little hiccup comes up,” says Dillinger. “If you get married at the end of the day, it was a great wedding.”

Make Time for Self Care

86% of couples said pre-planning stress caused them to experience physical symptoms like breakouts, reduced sex drive, headaches, and changes in appetite—even hair loss! So while it may seem counterintuitive when you have so much to do, stepping away for something restorative, like a manicure, yoga class, or a Netflix binge, is critical for your overall well-being. “Set certain times you’re going to work on wedding planning, and then leave it,” says Charlottesville, Virginia-based wedding planner and florist Mallory Joyce. For example, allot two hours in the evening, three nights a week, for wedding-related tasks. The other nights, do something you enjoy; 61% of the Zola respondents chose to listen to music, 27% opted to hit the gym or get a massage, and 12% found stress relief in a yoga class. “Eating healthy, exercising, whatever it is you do to help relax and re-center yourself, is really important to do during your wedding planning process,” says Joyce.

Meditate

When your iPhone is lighting up endlessly with text messages from your vendors, it can be tempting to throw the thing out the car window. But that little device can be a lifeline to some peace of mind. Apps like Calm and OMG I Can Meditate offer timed meditation practices that can help you go from manic to chill in anywhere from two to 10 minutes. “Ultimately, what meditation helps us practice is non-judgement, gratitude, but sometimes you need little cues for specific tools that you might want to pull up faster,” says OMG I Can Meditate founder and meditation coach Lynne Goldberg. “When you get stressed and you get into that ‘fight or flight’ reaction, your heart rate increases, your blood pressure goes up, you’re releasing cortisol and adrenaline into your bloodstream. When you meditate, what you’re doing is the anecdote. You’re releasing oxytocin, serotonin, you’re slowing your heart rate, you’re lowering your blood pressure, you’re actually changing your mood. It helps you see things with a lot more clarity.”

Go on a Date!

According to the Zola survey, 43% of couples say that wedding planning put a strain on their relationship. Respondents said the stressors came from differing opinions on the wedding details (50%!), followed by problems with family and friends, and when their significant other either didn’t help with the planning or didn’t do things on time. Double down on the reasons why you’re marrying this person—it can help you work through any tiffs because he forgot to return the DJ’s call. “The last thing I want for any couple is to feel stress on their wedding day that takes away from this beautiful thing that’s happening and this new chapter that’s beginning for them,” says Kudlack. Joyce agrees, saying: “The wedding is supposed to be a joyful time and often couples get caught up in the budget and family and all the plans, and they forget why they’re actually getting married—and it’s because they love each other.”

Read the entire article here :  www.brides.com

Old Church Chapel is a perfect wedding chapel for you if you are Renewing Wedding Vows

Why renew? Some couples choose to renew their vows after going through a rough patch in their marriage, representing a fresh start and looking to the future, while others might do it in celebration of milestone anniversaries.

The hosts: Typically, couples host their own vow renewals.

The location: You could revisit the venue where you were first married, or pick a place that is meaningful for you and your spouse. Another options is simply heading to a beach, a botanical garden, or your back yard. The smaller the renewal party, the more options you might have for intimate venues.

The guest list: Contrary to wedding planning, you can keep your list as small or large as you’d like for your vow renewals. It could be as simple as the two of you and close family.

The order of events: Again, this is your day, so you may choose to walk down an aisle, in a recreation of the ceremony on your wedding day.

The Vows: You may choose to say your original wedding day vows, or you could revise them, or even write completely new vows.

The gifts: Etiquette says there should not be any gifts given

The legalities: There are no legalities – so you can have anyone lead the ceremony/service of your vow renewals!.

 

Read the entire article at:

www.channel3000.com