2007-07-01 14:12:55 · 10 answers · asked by nisey0910 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Theknot.com
Follow their checklist.
http://www.theknot.com/
2007-07-02 01:04:44 · answer #1 · answered by Suz123 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it is impossible to answer everything with a small amount of space. Here are a few things to do (if in the state of Florida) . Get engaged, Get a License, Get married.
Yes it is that simple and since it is YOUR wedding do not let others tell you anything else. There are many web sites and many places to find lots of information.
I am a wedding officiant and thus I can only answer questions on the last part "Get married"
The most common mistake made is; Couples meet with just one Officiant.
Yet, most Bride's search for the perfect Bridal gown and look over many Tuxedo styles and colors. This same effort should be placed on the Officiant.
Too many couples spend more time on their wedding cake, linens and caterer than in the selection of an Officiant.
My experience shows that the Officiant and the Dee-jay are the last ones contacted.
Funny thing is.....they are the ones controlling the festivities from "start to finish!".
A few things to ask your Officiant:
Q. Are they licensed to officiate ceremonies in Florida?
Florida law states "A notary public is authorized to solemnize the rites of matrimony." Thus it is legal for a Notary to perform your ceremony; just ensure they are still current. Ask for proof or go to the Florida state website and type in their name. Go to this website: http://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/not001.html
Q. Does your Notary Public wedding officiant have Errors and Omissions insurance?
E&O policies help protect you in case of mistakes.
Q. Do they have a business license?
Many Notary Public Wedding officiants will provide services without a business license. Would you hire any other vendor if they did business without a license?
Q. Do they have any experience or references?
While numbers might be impressive; service is what counts.
Q. Are they members, in good standing, with the local Better Business Bureau?
Membership costs money and involves an application process; it helps clarify the seriousness and commitment to service and excellence that a business has for it’s customers. It also gives a place (for the customer) to go if there are problems or issues.
Q. Will you get a chance to read or hear your ceremony before the day?
A simple question, considering it is YOUR ceremony.
Q. Will the Officiant allow you to write you own vows?
The law states a notary public must witness a ceremony. It does not say what that means. The vows are part of a ceremony. If the Officiant does not let you have a decision in this; FIND ANOTHER OFFICIANT !!
Q. Do they have a back up in case of an emergency?
Things happen. What will you do if the officiant can’t make it?
Q. Will the officiant attend AND participate at the rehearsal?
The rehearsal can “make or break” the wedding ceremony. Often times the rehearsal is the first time the ushers get to see who grandma is; or the first time the couple has had full access to the ceremony site. Many officiants will attend a rehearsal but not coordinate, direct or lead it. They depend on your planner, coordinator or hotel staff to do all of it and they will only stand there and pretend to read the ceremony. If they say they will participate, ask them to see their plan for a rehearsal.
Q. Are there hidden charges?
Money is always a question when planning a wedding.
It is wonderful to get something inexpensively; it is not wonderful to find out it was cheap.
Everything should be laid out from the beginning and agreed upon. Make sure the price is inclusive (travel, time, script writing). Most Officiants request a non-refundable deposit, this is normal and it covers a small loss in the event your ceremony is canceled or moved to another date.
Q. If unable to perform a certain type of ceremony will they refer you to an Officiant that can?
Do you have special requirements, beliefs or needs that the officiant is unwilling or unable to meet? They should be able to refer you to another officiant.
Q. Will they work well with other vendors?
Sadly, some Officiants have restrictions on your ceremony. Some do not allow flash photography or allow the photographer to position themselves close to, along side or behind them.Often times you will never know until after the ceremony begins, or after the photos come back. Be sure, if you're spending thousands on a photographer and/or videographer, that the Officiant won't restrict them or place them where they can’t perform their services. Ask them before you hire them!!!!
Q. Are they planning on, or expecting to, attend the reception?
Some Officiants require that they, and in some cases their spouse, attend the reception. Remember to ask and include them in your budget planning.
Have fun and enjoy your wedding day !!
2007-07-01 14:32:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once you know you want to spend the rest of your lives with each other, here's what you do:
1) Talk about engagement
2) Talk about the BIG issues that are important foundations in every healthy r'ship such as children, religion, family, and finances. If you have debt problems, you need to discuss this with your future spouse. Afterall, it's not fair they find it out after you're married. Some people never talk about these things then realize after they're married that one person is a big saver and the other is a big spender. It's important you come to an agreement on such important issues.
3) Seek pre-marital counseling from a church or psychologist. In those sessions, any issues or potential problems will be worked out.
4) Get engaged and talk about both your ideas on your ideal wedding. it's important the wedding be a reflection of you BOTH. contrary to what everyone wants you to think, it's NOT just about the bride.
Hope this helps.
2007-07-01 14:56:23 · answer #3 · answered by bestadvicechick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if I were planning a wedding right now the first thing I would do is introduce my fiance to my priest. The priest will set us up for several months of a course for marriage preparation. After that he will allow the couple to set up a date for the ceremony.
Once the couple determines they want to get married it's a good idea to put a deposit on the place where you both want the reception. Sometimes it's up to a year that you have to wait for an open time.
what else do you want us to tell you about?
2007-07-05 13:59:06 · answer #4 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you know what you want? Be honest with yourself and w/your partner.. Study this person, See what he/she is all about/how they are w/family, friends, kids & pets. Pls make sure you have things in common. Pls make sure that is LOVE not lust. Always remember that you will be w/this person for the rest of your days. And think, Will you love him/her for that long? Please make sure you have respect for each other, that is very important. Respect their thoughts and opinions and always try to meet half way. Is not always going to be your way.... like it is now.... After that everything else will fall in place.
When planning the wedding remember that the most expensive one is not always the best one. Don't spend all your money on your wedding day and then be broke for the rest of your life. Sad to say but Money is the cause of most devorces it brings alot of fights and problems. So be sure you guys can get through a tought time like that. Try to do things your self for the wedding, you will have a better time with each other and good memories.
I only spend $3,000.00 on my wedding and I had over 100 guest, they all had a wonderfull time and I was not broke at the end of the night.
2007-07-01 14:33:21 · answer #5 · answered by Waleska 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first decide a basic price you wish to spend, allow at least 3 months for flowers, candles and photographer. Look for your dress at least 5 months early. book your place for the wedding and receptiion as far in advance as possible, they book up fast during the summer and early fall. The early you check into everything, the better, more room for changes and adding items as needed. I do silk florals and candles for weddings, and you would not believe the people who 3 weeks before their wedding places orders and makes changes at the last minute and still expects it to arrive in the mail a week before the wedding. I have saved money for bride's who book early, by shopping around for what they need. best wishes.
2007-07-05 00:56:29 · answer #6 · answered by Mandy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get Engaged, Plan the wedding, Attending pre-marital counsling, otherwise....its a road that people just have to go down and take what comes at you. The road to marriage is very different for each person. There is nothing to prepare for it, just be in love and get married!!
Congrats!
2007-07-01 14:17:12 · answer #7 · answered by Tiffany 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They say wedding is a 3 ring process. Engagement ring, Wedding ring, sufferRing :P I may not know much but I hear that bran muffins are a part of the ceremony!
2007-07-01 14:20:11 · answer #8 · answered by ChAtMaN 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
wait wait wait then spend spend spend
remember flowers cake everything double if the word wedding is attached
oh and the truly most important thing ... remember its your day so relax and enjoy
2007-07-01 14:24:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
TheKnot.com
2007-07-01 14:16:35 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋