It is the personal touches which make the day. The morning of both weddings, I surprised my brides with a single long-stemmed rose. She, in turn, placed it on the altar for the wedding. Because we supplied our own music, the groom’s mother was able to bring a favorite song for a dance with her son. Working around a holiday worked well for us. Instead of lighting a unity candle, the bride and groom used the Advent wreath and recited a prayer specially written for them, describing the significance of each candle. At the summer wedding, the bride and groom chose to have several of their friends participate in the ceremony with readings and words of encouragement that made the ceremony very special to them.

A wedding can be beautiful, unique, imaginative and the day of your dreams, and affordable, if you plan, use a budget, communicate your wishes and desires, negotiate when necessary, and remain flexible. Most important to all your preparation, have a good time, and remember your wedding isn’t the culmination of all your planning and hard work, but the beginning of a new life full of memories and traditions waiting to be created.