Wichita Falls Wedding Options
Color and Theme
With so much information to sift through, it’s not surprising that finding the ideal design for your wedding day can be difficult. Your wedding theme is the concept that unifies your wedding from the moment your visitors exit their cars until they return to their vehicles after the reception. This concept will permeate everything, from your dress to the color palette you employ. Finding the appropriate theme and color palette is essential, and there are a few factors to consider when making these decisions.
And don’t forget your wedding photographer. Make sure you hire the best wedding photography studio in Wichita Falls.
Your venue should reflect both your desired wedding theme and your personalities as a couple. A beach wedding wouldn’t work as well with a tea party motif, for example, and neither would likely look good with a gothic color scheme of blacks, deep reds, and purples. Consider yourself and your partner when selecting a location and motif. Consider who you are, what you like, and what you purchase. When you decorate your home, will you use modern furnishings or are you more of a farmhouse elegant pair? These factors will guide you towards the appropriate venue options. Close your eyes and visualize the ideal wedding if all else fails. This enables you to think intuitively and from the heart, increasing the likelihood that whatever you envision is the best option for both of you.
Websites that allow you to browse themes and ideas can be both a boon and a bane, particularly if you lack a venue or a fundamental concept for your theme. Attempt to avoid them until you know where you are going. Use them to select centerpieces and decorations as opposed to guiding your overall decision. Using them in this manner enables you to adhere to your theme and avoid being tempted by other options.
Your palette consists of the colors you’ll use to convey your theme. The typical color palette consists of three hues, two primary and one secondary, but there are numerous alternatives available.
Choosing Your Location
There are several factors to consider when choosing a venue, with your guests being the most essential. Certainly, your wedding is about you, but if you’re inviting guests, it’s also about them. For instance, if you’re inviting a number of singles between the ages of 20 and 30, you probably shouldn’t ask them to pay for a destination wedding in the Bahamas. In addition to the weather and season, the number of visitors and your budget can influence your choice of outdoor venues. Churches may have restrictions on decor and even the type of attire permitted.
Here are some guidelines for selecting the ideal wedding venue:
1. Create a list of queries to ask a location contact. You should ask these questions to everyone you encounter in order to gauge their perceptions of the venue’s capacity. Remember that not everyone is aware of everything that may be occurring. During the month of your wedding, your venue’s coordinator may be unaware of upcoming renovations that a maintenance worker is aware of.
2. Take a camcorder! Take photographs of everything at each of your potential locations so that you can evaluate them later with a level head. These can be placed in your binder so you can share them with others as you deliberate. Examine everything, including the changing rooms, restrooms, and kitchen!
3. If you can visit the venue during the wedding season, that is ideal, but at the very least, attempt to visit around the same time of day to get a sense of the lighting! As the sun moves through the sky or the lights are turned on, you’ll want to observe everything from various perspectives. It is even better if you can visit while the wedding venue is being prepared!
4. Is your venue full service? You’ll need to know this before you begin planning, as it can have a significant impact on costs. So that you are aware of the costs associated with your ceremony and/or reception, you should request a proposal outlining all pricing and policies. Remember, if you are planning a distinct reception, to book the venue for the ceremony first.
5. Everything must be in writing! Make sure you understand precisely what qualifies the site as your venue. Most locations will require you to sign a contract and leave a deposit. Ensure you understand the requirements to secure the desired venue!
Reserving Your Celebrant
Despite the fact that choosing your officiant is a straightforward task, it is one of the most crucial aspects of your wedding. Your officiant sets the tone for your wedding vows, attracting guests with their voice, their words, and even the bad jokes they may attempt to tell to elicit laughter. Many religious organizations provide their own officiant, while other venues may not. Regardless, you’ll want to pose the following questions to ensure that the officiant is the right one for you:
1. Are you permitted by law to marry us? Or, can we marry our closest friend?
In most cases, only priests, rabbis, and pastors are legally permitted to perform wedding ceremonies. However, in some states, you can obtain a special license that may allow a friend to perform the ceremony instead. You must also ensure that online ordinations are valid. Some jurisdictions prohibit online-ordained ministers from performing legally binding ceremonies.
2. Are you comfortable with unconventional readings?
This is your ceremony, so you should be able to include meaningful words, not just those of your officiant. If you plan to have your best friend read a poem written by an unorthodox author at your wedding, you should ensure that the officiant will be comfortable with the idea.
3. Are we required to participate in premarital counseling?
Before they will marry you, some officiants require you to complete a premarital counseling course, frequently with them. Before choosing them, you will need to know beforehand if this is a prerequisite.
4. Are you comfortable in an environment that contains alcohol?
This is essential if your wedding will be performed by a member of the clergy and will be conducted in the same location as your reception. Ensure they are comfortable, or contemplate a replacement minister.
5. If we secure your services, must we adhere to a traditional order of service?
Numerous clergy adhere to a specific wedding format. If you wish to deviate from this, you will need to locate an officiant who is flexible!
Do You Need a Wedding Planner?
A wedding planner is someone you can employ to help alleviate some of the stress associated with wedding planning and to coordinate all “day-of” issues. When considering employing a wedding planner, there are several factors to consider, including your budget, wedding size, wedding date, and available planning time. If you enjoy DIY (do-it-yourself) projects, planning your own wedding might be fun, but it’s a time-consuming process, and those who work may find it extremely useful to have a second person on hand to monitor and coordinate everything. In addition, many wedding planners have worked with vendors whom they can recommend.
However, it can be difficult to let go of the planning of your ideal wedding day. It can be difficult to hand it over to a stranger who may not share your vision. It is crucial that you take the time to interview wedding planners, determine your needs, and hire the person who feels right. Before meeting with a wedding planner, spend some time compiling a list of what you need assistance with, what your vision is, and anything else that will help the vendor comprehend who you are as a couple.
Prepare a list of interview questions before entering an interview with a wedding planner. Keep in mind that you are seeking to hire a planner. Don’t be afraid to ask inquiries. Get to know the individual with whom you will be collaborating. Consider posing a few of the following inquiries:
• Why did you decide to pursue a career as a wedding planner?
• What was the most difficult wedding you’ve ever coordinated, and how did you resolve any issues that arose?
• How many consumers do you service annually? How active do you anticipate being during our wedding month?
• How long has your company been in operation? Do you possess an operating license? How many large-scale nuptials have you coordinated?
• Do you have references or a portfolio that we can review?
Even though you will be interviewing the wedding planner to determine if they share your vision, the wedding planner will also be observing you to determine if you are the type of client they wish to work with. People tend to act in ways they wouldn’t ordinarily, and nobody wants to be trapped in a situation with a “bridezilla” from which they cannot escape. Be frank and forthright about your expectations, but also courteous. How you conduct yourself during the interview will give the wedding planner insight into how you will manage conflicts and issues that arise during the wedding planning process.
Wedding planners are available to assist with a variety of issues. Their responsibilities can range from day-of coordination to design and logistics to vendor relations. You will need to discuss your requirements with the event planner to ensure that they are met. Some questions you’ll want to pose are:
• What planning services do you provide? What will our responsibilities be if we employ you?
• Do you coordinate the setup, breakdown, rehearsal dinner, and honeymoon?
• Do you service wedding attire?
• Are your planning services customizable, or do we have to choose from pre-made packages?
• How frequently can we meet or contact you?
• Do you manage rehearsals the day before?
• Can we choose our own suppliers? Will you attend supplier meetings?
• Do your planning services manage vendor issues and complications?
Lastly, you should ensure that the services are within your budget. Consider requesting the planner:
• An itemization of expenses
• Revised and updated contractual language
• A comprehensive summary of their fees
• Their payment procedures
• Their down payment cost
• The policy on refunds and cancellations
Once you have gathered all of this information, take your time making a decision. Since weddings are such emotionally charged events, it is essential to proceed slowly when making major decisions. If someone doesn’t feel appropriate then keep interviewing. If someone feels right, complete your interviews and then give them a call to see if they continue to fit the bill for wedding planning. Once you’ve made a decision you’re comfortable with, whether it’s to hire a planner or to do the work yourself, you’ll be able to focus on other aspects of planning!
The Wedding Reception
Choosing your wedding attendants is one of the most essential decisions you will make. These are the people who will be standing beside you as you exchange your vows, seated with you at your reception, and, presumably, with you for years to come. When it comes time to choose the members of the wedding party, many people choose longtime friends and family members, and everyone has close acquaintances that they have difficulty placing in the ideal position. It is essential to remember, however, that the wedding party consists of more members than the honor attendants, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. The wedding party consists of ushers, candle-lighters, program-distributors, and even a friend who sings during the ceremony. Each of these positions is essential to the success of your wedding.
Selecting Honor Guests
The landscape of wedding planning is ever-changing and fluctuating, but the definition of an honor attendant will never change, despite the fact that the requirements for filling the role may vary frequently. The Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor should be the couple’s closest friends who are capable of handling the responsibilities of assisting to run the wedding, planning a bridal shower, and supporting the couple as they begin their new life. In the past, this position was typically held by a close relative or sibling of the bride and groom; however, in recent years, this has expanded to include close friends and even individuals of the opposing sex. No longer is it considered inappropriate to have a male “Man of Honor” or a female “Best Woman” guiding your bridal party. As nuptials have moved away from a strict interpretation of tradition in favor of modernizing the practice, these types of occurrences have become more common and for good reason. The wedding party consists of the individuals dearest to the bride and groom; their emotional bond cannot and should not be diminished by gender or familial ties.
Instead of focusing on gender and familial ties, consider your closest friends and the requirements of the honor attendant role.
Honor stewards will typically:
Honor attendant/Maid of Honor:
• Assist in the selection of bridesmaid attire and ensure that it is collected up and altered
• Assist in coordinating the ladies’ gift to the bride
• Maintain the ring and corsage throughout the ceremony.
• Be a witness to the signature of the marriage license
• Take a place in the receiving line
• Assist the betrothed throughout the reception
• Assist the bride with her farewell attire and manage the dress and accessories.
• Assist with invitations
• Aid in addressing place cards
• Plan and host a pre-wedding celebration, such as a bridal shower or bachelorette party
Best Man:
• Coordinate the groomsmen and attendants’ gifts to the groom.
• Plan the bachelor celebration
• Ensure that wedding-related payments are prepared and present them to vendors during the ceremony.
• Ensure that the attendants and groomsmen arrive on time and appropriately attired
• Ensure guests are appropriately seated
• Retain the ring throughout the ceremony
• Be a witness to the signature of the marriage license
• Drive the couple to the reception if no other conveyance has been arranged.
• Toast the bride and groom and dance with the bride, mothers, lady of honor, and unmarried female guests
• After the wedding, collect and take care of the groom’s apparel.
• Assist in guiding guests to the reception
• Assist handicapped visitors
• Assist with wedding site cleanup after the ceremony
It is crucial to find someone who can fulfill these duties while also providing the emotional support you’ll need on your wedding day. The individual should be capable of resolving disputes with vendors and, in some instances, acting as a wedding planner or day-of coordinator. If you find it difficult to choose between two individuals, however, do not be embarrassed to choose both! Two maids/matrons of honor and two finest men are perfectly acceptable. If you want your sixteen-year-old sibling to be your maid of honor, but you also need your 24-year-old best friend to assist with the duties, you should list both as maids of honor in the program. Your guests will comprehend and be both honored and moved by the fact that you deemed them worthy of standing next to you in a position of honor.
Choosing Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen should be proportional to the magnitude of the wedding. As groomsmen also serve as ushers, it is generally advisable to select one per fifty visitors. Since many brides prefer to have an equal number of attendants and groomsmen, it is common to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Remember that it is acceptable to be selective. If you consider someone to be an on-again, off-again friend, it may be prudent to err on the side of caution and refrain from inviting them. You cannot rescind an offer to be a bridesmaid or groomsman once it has been made and accepted, so make sure that the people you ask are the ones you want standing with you in photographs and at your reception! Similarly to honor attendants, it is perfectly permissible to have mixed-gender wedding party members. Moreover, bridal party attendants must be able to:
• Pay for their attire and accoutrements of choice (excluding flowers).
• Arrange for their own travel
• Be prompt in your preparations for travel and attire
• Be punctual for wedding-related activities
• Participate in rehearsals and other pre-wedding events as you are able (rehearsal should be mandatory).
• Offer help whenever feasible
• Be attentive to visitors
Also, bridesmaids should:
• Supervise any attendant children
• Assist the bridal when prompted
• Be a part of the reception line and bouquet throw
Groomsmen should:
• Position the aisle runner
• Welcome guests and lead them to their seats
• Understand the seating arrangement as described by the best man
Provide each guest with a program
• Clean the ceremony site following the ceremony
• Provide direction
• Assist handicapped visitors
• Assist the bride, mothers, bridesmaids, and other single female visitors in dancing.
• Coordinate clothing return with the finest man
Keeping in mind that you want those who are near to you and who are qualified for the position will help you narrow down your options. Consider that these positions are traditionally filled by family members, notably in-law siblings, as a way of demonstrating that they are as much a part of your new family as you are of their old! It is an excellent method for calming any ruffled plumage and extending an olive branch if there have been conflicts.
It is imperative that you inform the photographer if you choose to have wedding party personnel of opposite genders in the different parties. Notifying them beforehand that you have a best woman or a man’s maid enables them to plan better shots and prevents inadvertent insensitivity on your special day.
Whether or not children are invited to your wedding depends primarily on your family, acquaintances, and personal preferences. In general, ceremonies should not include infants under the age of four. Unless they are exceptionally mature for their age, children may decline to walk down the aisle or act out during the ceremony. Children between the ages of four and seven can typically serve as flower ladies and ring bearers. Children between the ages of 8 and 15 may serve as junior bridesmaids, junior groomsmen, and pages, while those aged 9 to 12 may ignite the candles. It is also permissible not to have any child attendants, particularly at a wedding where the presence of children is discouraged.
Setting Your Budget
Getting married seems like it should be about the fairytale, the beauty, being swept up in the moment, and the emotions of love you have for your fiancé. Sadly, as the average cost of a wedding in the United States surpasses $25,000, many couples feel compelled to forego their dream wedding due to financial constraints. A budget allows you to determine what you must pay for, how much you are willing to pay, and where you can save money. Remember that overestimating is always preferable to underestimating. For example, never budget for fewer guests than you have invited; always budget for a few more.
There are eleven primary categories that should be covered when reviewing your budget, and there are a variety of checklists and spreadsheets available online that split down these categories. Your categories should generally be organized as follows:
Reception – 40% of total expenditures
10% of your overall budget for attire
10% of your overall budget for flowers and decorations
10% of your total budget for music
10% of your total budget for photography and/or videography
Favors and Gifts – 3% of Total Budget
Ceremony – 2% of total expenditures
Budget 2% of your total budget for stationery
2% of your total budget should be allocated for wedding rings.
Transportation – 1% of total expenditures
10% of your total budget is allocated to miscellaneous/buffer expenses.
These figures are variable and can be altered as desired. For instance, if you are planning a small, intimate ceremony and a larger reception, you may be able to allocate a smaller budget for the ceremony and a larger budget for the attire. Be careful to research local weddings for accurate statistics. Remember, you should never overspend in one area if you have underspent in another. Prioritize your budget so that you can set aside funds for the areas that are most essential to you. If your parents or someone else is assisting you pay for your wedding, you should discuss your plans with them so that they are also aware of where the money is going.
Do not be disheartened if you cannot afford everything you desire. While you may have to make some sacrifices, there are strategies that can help you lower your prices, save money, and afford more of what you want, such as that more expensive dress or those adorable party souvenirs! Here are some ways to save money while planning your nuptials. Remember that every dollar you save can be applied to other categories or saved for your honeymoon or other financial goals, such as purchasing a home.
1. Be courteous but not excessively accommodating with vendors. Say so if something dissatisfies you, such as a double booking or an unavailable option. The vendor may be prepared to offer you a discount on another product. However, being courteous is crucial. No one desires to assist a bride or groom who is impolite and demanding.
2. Borrow what you can rather than purchasing it. The proverb “Something borrowed…” is accurate. You can save money by borrowing or renting anything, including your attire. If you don’t care if your wedding dress sits in a box for the remainder of your marriage, you should rent a dress. You’ll save a considerable amount of money! Ask your friends and family what you can borrow, what they’re willing to lend you, and what they’re even willing to gift you!
3. Negotiations are always correct. Talk to your suppliers and be willing to negotiate. Inform them immediately if their price is too excessive, and be sure to shop around so you have bargaining leverage.
4. Consult with your vendors, including the location, to determine who they recommend. Due to the importance of referrals in the wedding industry, many vendors offer discounts to couples who have been referred by a fellow business and will also refer other businesses.
5. Use your pals! If you have talented peers and wish to include them in your wedding, you should do so. Allow them to sing, perform instruments, or even officiate your ceremony if they are so inclined and your state permits it. Be sure to give them a token of appreciation for their time and effort. Even if you give them a gift of money, you will most likely save.
6. Waiting for sales is an additional useful strategy. Numerous retailers offer discounts on items such as bridal favors and wedding party gifts, as well as clothing items. Sign up for store newsletters, search for coupons, and be prepared to pounce on bargains when they appear.
7. Read every clause of every contract you receive. On occasion, vendors may misquote you a price over the phone that is not included in your contract. If you are familiar with your contracts, you will be able to argue your account politely when these discrepancies arise. Be sure to discuss any enhancements, such as chair covers or fancy linens, in advance so that you are aware of any additional fees.
8. Sign up for reward programs everywhere you can, but avoid charging more than you can pay off each month.
9. Do everything yourself that you feel comfortable doing. It may be just the programs and place cards, or it may be the invitations, but doing things yourself will save you money!
10. Consider approaching purveyors about sponsoring portions of your wedding in exchange for advertising space, such as business cards next to the wedding cake or tucked into each guest’s favor. Others may very well say yes and pay for a portion of your wedding expenses, while others will likely decline.
Saying no and learning to manage your expectations can be difficult, but you can still have the wedding of your desires with some savvy spending and creative thinking.
Developing Your Invitee List
Choosing your wedding guests can be one of the most difficult and guilt-inducing aspects of wedding planning, but it doesn’t have to be. With carefully established ground rules and a combination of intuition and logic, you can make this task straightforward and enjoyable for you, your fiancé, and your families!
The first step in organizing your wedding guest list is deciding how many people you want to invite. This is contingent upon your budget, as each guest incurs venue, catering, and other expenses. Remember that many venues impose a limit on the number of visitors you can invite. Perform some investigation beforehand and be aware of the average maximum guest count for venues in your price range. This will make it simpler to set a guest limit.
Next, you’ll need to discuss the guest list with your families. If either set of parents is contributing to the cost of the wedding, it may be preferable to divide the guest list into thirds. Traditionally, the bride and groom take 50% of the guest list, while each portion of the family takes 25%. Communicate with your parents face-to-face and discuss ground principles. Discuss cutting rules such as no guilt-based invitations, only individuals you’ve spoken to within the past 18 months, and only relatives you’ve seen within the past few years. Despite the fact that it may seem unpleasant, try creating various lists. Your A list should include those individuals without whom you cannot fathom getting married. Then, you can begin eliminating those who are less essential so that you don’t have to exclude those who are extremely important.
Plus Ones: If you are planning a small, intimate wedding or have a guest limit due to venue or budget restrictions, observe this rule of thumb: plus ones are for those in a long-term relationship. Occasionally, people will still write in a guest, but you are permitted to contact them and politely explain that while you would love to be able to invite everyone, the venue and budget simply do not allow for more guests than those who were already invited.
If you do not want children at your wedding, the best method to avoid them is to address the invitation to the parents only, not the family. If you have out-of-town visitors with children, you should offer to pay for a babysitter at the hotel. It’s a modest price to pay to provide your guests with peace of mind and maintain a child-free environment at your wedding.
Office Invitations: In general, if you work in a small office, you should invite everyone, but if you work in a large office, you should invite only your closest coworkers. Whether you invite your supervisor depends on the nature of your relationship with him or her. The majority of the time, your boss and coworkers will comprehend if you wish to keep your wedding private.
Exes: Inviting an ex is generally frowned upon, but if you share children or have cultivated a friendship over the years, it may be acceptable to invite them. This is a decision that both parties should discuss, as one partner may not be comfortable with an ex-partner attending.
