It’s All in the Details!
Part 1 – The Ceremony
Creation & Calligraphy by: The Lettering Grove
Written by: Megan Adams & Julia Strange
In our last blog (“So You are Engaged – Now What?”), we discussed both the first steps in planning your wedding, as well as the most efficient way to prioritize them. While I personally find checking those items off the list exciting, other people will probably say that the most fun part of the planning process is what comes later – designing the details that make your big day unique to you and your partner.
There are so many opportunities to have fun with your ceremony, reception, and even all the mail sent out in the months before. No two couples are exactly the same, so no two weddings should be the same either! Creating a day you’ll love doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. In our next few posts, we’ll go over details of both the actual money and the reception after.
Let’s start with your stationary choices and what all gets mailed out to the guests ahead of time. This often includes Save the Dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and any additional information you might want them to know before the big day (such as hotel bookings, parking, gift registries, etc). Here are some questions to think about as you get started:
Printing by: Minted.com | Photo by: Peter Gubernat Photo
Am I interested in supporting and collaborating with a local artist or calligrapher (those invitation are made with handmade paper!)?
Creation & Calligraphy by: The Lettering Grove
Do I want something classic, or is there a trend that keeps catching my eye?
Do I want the ease of using a one-stop online shop (like Minted)?
Should I go digital?
Photos from left to right: Wandering Heart Photo, Emily Wehner, Eileen Call Photo,
(Second Row) Kaylee Creighton Photography, Kalli June Photo
As you answer these questions, remember to look back at your budget breakdown to see how much money you’ve set aside here. Even if you’re looking for something a little more economical, don’t write off the idea of reaching out to a local artist just yet. You might be surprised at the price you can get for something both beautiful and one-of-a-kind. Additionally, most of your guests are likely media-fluent, so in some cases it might make sense for your wedding website to play a more significant role.
Some couples also opt to use a local artist when it comes to day-of signage. If you’re not feeling a calligrapher, there are tons of sites you can look at, such as Etsy or, of course, Minted. Signs can be rented if you don’t need something too specific, or if you do decide to buy, you can repurpose the sign as a piece of home decor!
Photo 1: Calligraphy by – The Lettering Grove Photo by – Copperhead Photography
Photos 2&3: Photo by – Kalli June Photo
Photo 4: Etsy decal & Photo by – Peter Gubernat Photo
One final paper product to think about is your program. If your ceremony is taking place in a church, some will provide them for you. If not, you can check out an online or brick-and-mortar printing shop in your area. If programs aren’t a priority for you on your big day, consider the eco-friendly option of eliminating them altogether.
Another important detail to focus on is your floral style. Flower choice can make a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your big day. When browsing through different options for floral arrangements, what catches your eye? Something nontraditional like an asymmetrical compote? Not every florist will be able to pull that off, so find one that can really nail it. Here are some of my favorites examples:
Photos left to right: Flowers by – Blooms By Wildwood | Photos by – Jasmine Norris Photography
Flowers by – Old Forest Farm | Photos By – Redwood Lane
Maybe you’d prefer something a little more traditional? Great! Some styles are considered classics for a reason, and you should have no problem finding someone who can create something tasteful and timeless. Here are a few examples of more traditional styles that I absolutely love:
Photos Left to right: Flowers by – Home Grown Florist | Photo by – Emily Wehner
Flowers by – George Thomas Florist | Photo by – Peter Gubernat Photo
Flowers by – Flowerboys Indy | Photo by – Laura Von Photography
(Bottom Row) Flowers by – One of a Kind Events | Photo by: Adams Photography
Flowers By – Special Occasions by Chrissy | Photo by: Rhart Photography
There are some amazing arrangements florists can create. A recent trend that I can definitely get behind is oversized, cascading florals (featured below):
Photos Left to Right: Flowers by – Bokay Florist | Photo By – Rachel Giese Creative
Flowers by – Flowerboys Indy | Photo by – Sami Renee Photography
Flowers by – Bella Sorella Floral Design | Photo by – Anne Buskirk
Flowers by – Grounded Plant Floral | Photo by – Jenny Mundy Photo
Because there are so many options, really take your time browsing through ideas before you land on something. What you choose will likely be featured in your reception (we’ll get to that in the next blog), as well as another important (and arguably the most central) part of your wedding ceremony – what you get married in front of!
Some couples choose to rent something simple from their florist, or use what a venue might already have. If neither provides an option you’re crazy about, you can check out a local decor rental place, or even think about a DIY route if you consider yourself handy. Below are some examples of a simple and classic style I’ve noticed at weddings across the Indiana area:
Photo by – Kalli June Photo | Florals by – Amelia Marie Florals
Photo by – Sara E Adkins | Florals by – Wood Creek Florals
Photo by – Kelsey Virden | Arch By – Blue Blossom Rentals
Photo by –Wandering Heart Photo | Arch by – Lilly Lane
Photo by – Peter Gubernat Photo | Arch by – George Thomas Florist
Photo By – Hannah Crabb | Florals by – Laurilyn Farms
Photo by – Jenny Mundy Photo Flowers & Arch by – Grounded Plant Floral
Like with everything else, make sure the arch or backdrop of your choosing really reflects a style that you and your partner will love. If none of the pictures above really speak to you, Pinterest and Instagram have an endless amount of inspiration to help with your research. Just be sure to save some of that time and energy for creating the reception of your dreams! If the idea of planning a reception sounds overwhelming, stay tuned – our next post will include tips on centerpieces, dessert, and other details that go into making an unforgettable night.