In the past, brides had two choices for a wedding – formal or casual. Now wedding themes have expanded to include a much wider variety of tastes and lifestyles. Most wedding consultants would agree that the first question most brides and grooms should ask themselves today is, “What does our dream wedding look like?” The answer to that question will guide most of your decisions in planning your big day. The degree of formality and your personal style will drive your choices for a gown, other formalwear, reception location, the menu, flowers and music. Here are some of the most common wedding themes being selected by today’s couples:
The Formal Evening Wedding – This is the most traditional wedding style. It is also likely to be the most expensive of weddings. Gowns tend to be more ornate, food tends toward gourmet, table settings more formal, cakes more extravagant, flowers more lavish and receptions tend to feature string quartets and full bands.
The Formal Daytime Wedding – This type of wedding is virtually similar in all functions to the formal evening wedding--only the time changes, and possibly the price.
The Cocktail Party Wedding – This type of wedding is growing in popularity and refers particularly to the type of reception given. The reception is a giant cocktail party with a large buffet of appetizers, gourmet dishes, multiple bar stations, and passed champagne and hors d’oeuvres. This can be a very elegant and formal, but is less expensive than a sit down dinner.
The Dessert and Champagne Wedding – This is a popular wedding style for an evening wedding and reception that takes place after 8 PM. Look for unique, smaller venues for this type of reception, which can be very sophisticated and unique.
The Outdoor Wedding – This type of wedding is not new but is increasing in popularity. The degree of formality you prefer will guide your choices of location and events. Some consultants are excellent at turning a rustic outdoor location into an elegant and formal event. The choice is yours as an outdoor venue lends itself to a variety of preferences.
The Traveling Wedding – These have become very popular in some areas of the country. The term refers to a wedding party that moves to various sites on a chosen property for the ceremony and reception. The ceremony would be in one location, with cocktail in another, the dinner buffet in another and finally the dance in another. These can be outside or inside or both.
The Ethnic Wedding – More couples are choosing to incorporate traditions, rituals and customs from their families’ heritage and cultural backgrounds. This is an excellent way to personalize your ceremony and reception with everything from wedding blessings to food choices.
The Destination Wedding – The destination wedding enables couples, friends and family members to combine vacation and time together with their special day. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the union of two lives and two families.
Whatever you choose-—be sure to design the wedding of YOUR dreams.
Elegant Event Planning and Design is a professional, full time, event planning firm specializing in commitment ceremonies and weddings. Elegant Event Planning and Design www.eleganteventdesign.com
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