We are in the midst of what the wedding industry calls Engagement Season here in the United States. It spans from Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day. How do we know? Wedding sites often do questionnaires and jewelers note an increase in sales of engagement rings.
If you are recently engaged, it is easy to start scrolling through social media and look at what the industry wants you to think that you must do in order to have the “best” wedding and be happy and satisfied. I am arguing that you slow down and think about what you want.
The reality is you can get married very minimally. Depending on which state you live in, you just need to pay for a license and have a friend get ordained for free online. You need to agree to the statement of intent - the I dos, be pronounced, and have the license signed by your officiant and, depending on the license, a witness or two. Here in Yolo County California it is $98 for a public license.
However, most couples usually want at least a little more fanfare on their wedding day!
My suggestion? Carve out time for the two of you and talk about what you want. Ask questions and write your answers.
Here are some ideas:
How much would you like to spend?
Where is your ideal place to get married?
How many people would you like to invite?
What are musts for your wedding? Things that you know you will regret if you don’t have.
What do you not want?
What is your favorite memory from a wedding you attended?
What is something that you have seen at a wedding that you do not want at yours?
It is great to dream big but then sit on it to see if what you have written really matters or will it just be one more thing to stress about? I have officiated over one hundred weddings and one thing that I have noticed is the ones where the couples are relaxed and able to enjoy each other and their guests are the most joyful and therefore they are the best weddings!
What other questions would you ask?
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch. I love to meet couples and hear their stories!
Happy New Year!
Meg Gurley
Meg’s Ceremonies
203-464-2484
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