TO KEEP YOUR CEREMONY ON TRACK WITH THESE TIPS

When Katherine and Mike Palmeri look back on their October wedding at Palmetto Bluff, their minds go immediately to one thing: the ceremony itself, which the couple wrote together, including their vows.

“Neither of us is religious, but it was really nice for us to write the whole thing together,” Katherine said.

While most toasts are for the bride and groom, there is much to be celebrated at a wedding. The newlyweds may toast their bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as their families, friends and guests.

From the proposal to the prenup, there are a few nitty gritty details that need to be handled before that sweet walk down the aisle.  

You’ve met the love of your life and you’re ready to tie the knot. But how should you propose, and what will you need to make it down the aisle? Here are a few tips to help you on the road to wedded bliss.

The reception details take considerable focus, but the ceremony itself is the main event. Plan ahead to ensure your nuptials are both memorable and legally binding!  

The ceremony isn’t just a beautiful moment between two people in love; it’s a binding event in the eyes of both the local government and, depending on your personal preference, your house of worship, and there are several things you need to do before you say “I do.” Before you can walk down the aisle, you need to make sure you’ve filled out all the forms — dotting your “I”s and crossing your “T”s. 

ido01The ceremony is perhaps the most important part of your wedding. Make sure it’s both memorable and official.

Before you can walk down the aisle, you need to make sure you’ve filled out all the forms — dotting your “I”s and crossing your “T”s. The ceremony isn’t just a beautiful moment between two people in love; it’s a binding moment in the eyes of both the local government and, depending on your personal preference, your house of worship, and there are several things you need to do before you say “I do.”

By Robyn Passante

In recent months, celebrity magazines and gossip blogs have been buzzing about the supposed trend of celebrity wedding vow renewals. In June, Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott featured their re-nuptials on the season finale of their reality show, "Tori and Dean." Heidi Klum and Seal reportedly renew their vows every year. And Khloe Kardashian and NBA star Lamar Odom just said "I still do" on their first anniversary in October.

Once you have an idea of the kinds of things you and your fiancé want, the timeline for getting things done, and a budget, the fun part can begin. Most brides and grooms really enjoy planning the actual ceremony and reception. The trend now is for couples to plan their special day together, and to put a lot of their own personality and style into it. Many wedding ceremonies and receptions now have themes. This makes it more memorable for everyone, especially the bride and groom.

Some popular nuptial themes include: a garden party, with tons of flowers, berries, and candles; jazz-age weddings, where music truly sets the tone; Victorian era ceremonies, complete with period costumes; medieval weddings, also with period-appropriate costumes and feasting; weddings planned around a holiday; and weddings planned around your ethnic background (especially in the clothing and flowers); and weddings planned around a distinctive place in your area.