Wedding planning 101

Wedding planning questions

Lots of questions come up when planning a wedding. Find answers to all of your wedding planning questions in these articles. From which vendors to tip to most common wedding etiquette questions to how to write thank-you cards, our experts guide you through.

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When Is Wedding Season In Texas?
Wedding planning 101

When Is Wedding Season In Texas?

Wondering when wedding season peaks in Texas? Lasso your Texas wedding date with our guide to the state’s wedding season, culture, and tips.

Groomsman at wedding
Wedding planning 101

A Complete List of Groomsmen Duties

Everything a groomsman does before and during the wedding can be found here. Read on to learn more.

illustrated clock
Wedding planning 101

How Much Time Should You Have Between a Wedding Ceremony and Reception?

If you’re having your wedding ceremony at one venue and your reception at another, how much of a gap should you have between events? Don’t freak out if you think an hours-long gap will break up your big day.

how many groomsmen are in a wedding
Wedding planning 101

How Many Groomsmen Are In A Wedding? Zola Expert Wedding Advice

Find out the average number of groomsmen in a wedding party and factors to consider when planning your special day.

catered dinner at wedding
Wedding planning 101

Is It Ever OK to Break Up With a Wedding Vendor?

Breaking up is hard to do, but sometimes it's necessary. Having trouble with a wedding vendor? Here's when it's OK to part ways and how to do it gracefully.

Pop the Question: "What Should I Do if I’m Burned Out From Wedding Planning?"
Wedding planning 101

Pop the Question: "What Should I Do if I’m Burned Out From Wedding Planning?"

In this month's Ask Us Anything, our Team-Z experts share tips for navigating wedding stress and burnout.

couple walking in the street before wedding
Wedding planning 101

A Guide to Postponing Your Wedding

Postponing your wedding is never easy. Get through it with our guide to postponing your wedding—from how to talk to your vendors to how to tell your guests and everything in between.

Second Wedding Etiquette
Wedding planning 101

A Guide to Second Wedding Etiquette

Find out everything you need to know about second wedding etiquette with this complete guide from Zola. Read on now.

What to Say When You Can't Attend a Wedding
Wedding planning 101

What to Say When You Can't Attend a Wedding

Declining a wedding invitation can feel awkward. If you’re looking for the right words to break the news, we have you covered.

Everyone That Can (and Should) Help You Plan Your Wedding
Wedding planning 101

Everyone That Can Help You Plan Your Wedding

It takes a village to plan a wedding, so there’s no shame in asking for support in whatever form you may need it.

Pop the Question: "How Do I Make Sure My Wedding Is Gender-Inclusive?"
Wedding planning 101

Pop the Question: "How Do I Make Sure My Wedding Is Gender-Inclusive?"

In this month's Ask Us Anything, our Team-Z experts share tips for making your wedding more gender-inclusive, no matter your orientation.

Couple getting married in Los Angeles on the beach
Wedding planning 101

How to Get Married in Los Angeles: A Complete Guide

If you plan to get married in Los Angeles, make time for preparations. Learn about costs, wedding venues, COVID-19 updates, and more in our complete guide.

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\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n ","subtopicPage":{"articles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"when-is-wedding-season-in-texas","title":"When Is Wedding Season In Texas?","excerpt":"Wondering when wedding season peaks in Texas? Lasso your Texas wedding date with our guide to the state’s wedding season, culture, and tips.","author":"McCall Minnor","publishedAt":"2021-12-31T20:46:39.134Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5MgAbdePE0VYzovA2HQOKr/e4ed127943aa67897f569048fcc79edc/Hero_OutdoorSummerElopementatCypressValleyCanopyTours_CreatrixPhotography.jpg","altText":"When Is Wedding Season In Texas?"},"heroCredit":"Creatrix Photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- In most states, the typical wedding season is May through October. But as a southern state, Texas has a slightly different wedding season.\n- Texas’s warm climate means year-round outdoor wedding ceremonies, but the best season depends on your location and Texas wedding venue. \n- As the largest mainland state, Texas covers the entire urban-rural spectrum. You can choose a hip city venue in Austin or Dallas, or you can drive fifty miles outside the city for a beautiful ranch setting.\n- Like every state, Texas has its own peculiar culture and rules surrounding weddings. Before booking a venue, make sure you know the state’s marriage license laws, tourist seasons, weather, and cultural traditions.","body":"You’ve heard the old rule—the best time of year to throw a wedding is late spring to early fall. However, for certain locations and couples, that time frame just doesn’t work. In fact, some [wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) might work best during the “off-season.” And that’s just the case if you’re getting married in Texas.\n\nWith warm weather and diverse venues, Texas operates on a unique nuptials calendar. To help you book the best wedding date, we’re going to explore the Texan [wedding season](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-season-should-you-get-married-in).\n\n### Winter\n\n- __South Texas Location:__ The more south you travel, the warmer the winter months are. Cities like Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo stay mild in winter, perfect for outdoor or partially outdoor winter weddings.\n\n- __Indoor-Only Celebration:__ Skip the sweat and sun. An indoor wedding keeps your guests in comfort, plus prevents any heat damage to decor or food. Search exclusively for indoor venues across Texas with [Zola's vendor database](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors).\n\n- __Lower Budget:__ Traditionally, winter is the least popular time to throw a wedding. But that means major savings on all vendors and services. Most venues have “off-season” menus, offering a significantly lower price for rentals. \n\n### Spring and Fall\n\n- __Higher Budget:__ As the [most popular times of the year](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/most-popular-months-to-get-engaged-and-married), peak months mean higher charges. If you’re keen on a spring or fall date, then set aside enough funds to cover the peak wedding season prices (particularly for venues).\n\n- __Outdoor Celebration:__ When the weather’s this good, an outdoor wedding is practically required. Spring and fall are the perfect times for garden, vineyard, ranch, farmhouse, or even backyard weddings in Texas. \n\n- __Flexible Date:__ During the spring or fall wedding season, you’re facing a little more wedding competition. One booking tip? Pick a weekday instead of a weekend. Weekday weddings have more flexibility, and some venues will even offer lower prices.\n\n### Summer\n\n- __North Texas Location:__ Cities in North Texas keep the heat pretty mild during the summer, compared to other regions. If your wedding is located in Dallas, Fort Worth, or Arlington, then you can worry less about sweating off your clothes.\n\n- __Medium Budget:__ Depending on the Texas venue, midsummer may or may not be considered peak wedding season. Make sure your budget has enough room to cover any potentially higher costs.\n\n- __Rain Plans:__ Summer isn't just the state’s warmest season. It's also the rainiest, particularly in June. Don't let the rain wash away your wedding by keeping a backup indoor space if any drops start to fall.\n\n## Locations for Texas Wedding Season\n\n- __Austin:__ Bring your celebration to Texas’s most creative, popular city for a truly unique wedding. The mild spring and fall seasons welcome outdoor celebrations across the parks and riverfront, while the city’s hip warehouses and hotels can host an artsy reception.\n\n- __Dallas:__ In Dallas, you’re close enough to Fort Worth and other North Texas cities to have your pick of the venue litter. At your fingertips, you have peaceful ranches, historic homes, and beautiful urban locations like The Dallas World Aquarium. And with mild North Texas weather, the outdoor wedding season is long and plentiful.\n\n- __El Paso:__ With its strong Mexican culture, El Paso practically feels like a destination wedding location. The adobe architecture and roaming plains give a tranquil, rustic feel to all celebrations. For a taste of West Texas culture, this border city is as authentic as it gets.\n\n## Texas Weather Tips—How to Handle the Heat\n\n- __Mixed Settings:__ No matter the weather, it’s always hotter under the sun. To balance out any outdoor events, provide at least one shaded or indoor setting during your wedding. For summer weddings, you can even have dedicated indoor “cooling areas” in case anyone needs a break from the heat.\n\n- __Heat-Resistant Decor:__ Not every plant can withstand Texas summer temperatures. Strategically picking heat-resistant decor will keep your wedding picture-perfect. Look for florals like protea, sunflowers, eucalyptus, and local wildflowers that won’t wither in the sun. \n\n- __Light Dress Code:__ Three-piece suits and formal ball gowns might look great for wedding pictures. But in the sweltering heat, you’ll be sweating up a storm. Give all groomsmen, bridesmaids, and guests the chance to wear lighter clothing that still matches your style.\n\n## Types of Texas Wedding Venues\n\n- __Farms, Barns, and Ranches:__ Sitting at number one are Texas’s renowned and picturesque countryside properties. For a real Texas-style outdoor wedding, you can’t beat the state’s rustic barns, spacious ranch grounds, and sunshine. Authentic farmsteads like [The Barn at Watson Ranch](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues/the-barn-at-watson-ranch) can be found outside the largest and smallest cities across the state. \n\n- __Hotels, Inns, and Resorts:__ With so many tourist-worthy locations, Texas has tons of charming inns and swanky hotels. Take guests on a remote getaway at the boho-chic [Camp Comfort](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues/camp-comfort), or host a sleek modern reception at [Virgin Hotels Dallas](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues/virgin-hotels-dallas).\n\n- __Historic Estates and Mansions:__ With its long history of settlers, Texas has some elegant historic properties dating all the way back to the 1800s. Set your wedding in classic style at the Victorian-era [Allan House](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues/the-allan-house) or Houston’s fire station-turned-venue at [Station 3](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues/station-3).\n\n## Popular Texas-Style Wedding Decor\n\n- __Rustic and Rural:__ When in a farmhouse, embrace the earthy and heartwarming vibes of the space. Texas is the perfect locale for a rustic wedding, complete with mason jars, wooden furniture, and lantern lights. For a touch of cowboy style, add some succulents and leather details to your decor.\n\n- __Modern and Elegant:__ Clean lines, sharp color palettes, and geometric designs fill the industrial buildings in Texas cities. For the modern couple, a matching sleek aesthetic will wow your guests. Bring your monochromatic or minimalist dreams to life in these urban spaces (Zola has the perfect [modern invitation designs](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/76edc091-c9c1-4224-b1e2-e209fbcb389b) to set the mood beforehand). \n\n- __Vintage Southern:__ Nothing turns up the charm factor like the vintage southern decor. Lacy tablecloths, tinted glass, soft pastels, and plenty of florals bring a timeless touch to any celebration. Whether going for a groovy 70s or a romantic 50s look, a retro theme brings style and fun to your wedding.\n\n## Texan Food and Menus for Wedding Season\n\n- __Southern Classics:__ Heartwarming and sinfully delicious, traditional southern food can please any crowd. Favorites include crispy fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and pecan tarts. Or for a more dressed-up menu, put a modern spin on these dishes and serve them as bite-sized hors d'oeuvres. \n\n- __Tex-Mex Tastes:__ Over decades, Texas has developed this unique cuisine that combines American and Mexican flavors in harmony. Delicious dishes like chili con carne, fajitas with flour tacos, enchiladas, and nachos make for some excellent sit-down or buffet food.\n\n- __Coastal Cuisine:__ If on the Gulf shore, take advantage of the seafood. Grilled shrimp, lobster, snapper and grouper are all popular options for lighter reception fare.\n\n## Tips for Marrying in Texas\n\n### Marriage Licenses and Laws\nSince marriage licenses are granted by county, the individual rules might differ between Texas cities. But no matter your location, there are a few Texas marriage laws that apply to every couple. \n\nTexas allows couples to obtain a formal marriage license or a common law marriage license. For either license, you and your partner must be:\n\n- 16 years or older (stricter rules apply to minors)\n- Unrelated as close blood relatives \n- Married within Texas borders (if applying for a formal license)\n\nYou’ll also need a few documents to apply, including:\n\n- Photo ID (passport, driver’s license,)\n- Social Security number or employee ID number\n- Birthplace information\n- License fee (anywhere from $71 to $88)\n\nOnce you and your partner successfully apply for and receive a marriage license, you have to wait 72 hours to marry. Then, you’re free to get hitched within the state. Remember, in popular cities or wedding locations, it’s best to apply on the earlier side. Long lines shouldn’t keep your marriage at bay.\n\n### Tourism and Popular Events\nEvery major city has festivals and events that draw crowds. Avoid the tourists or loud celebrations on your wedding day by planning around those events. A few major Texas festivals that you should avoid during the prime wedding season:\n\n- __March:__ South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo\n- __April:__ San Antonio Fiesta, WorldFest Film Festival in Houston\n- __May:__ JMBLYA in Dallas\n- __July:__ Gran Fiesta de Fort Worth\n- __August:__ Austin Pride Parade \n- __September:__ Austin Urban Music Festival, Texas State Fair in Dallas\n- __October:__ Austin City Limits, Austin Film Festival\n- __November:__ Astroworld Festival in Houston\n\n### Embracing the Culture\nThis state has personality, mixing western, southern, Mexican, and cowboy influences under one massive name. If you choose Texas as your love story locale, it’s only right to embrace the culture. From food, to decor, to cowboy boots, celebrate the Texas way on your big day.\n\n## Say “I Do” in Texas With Zola\nIn a state this large, you have every wedding option under the Texas sun. Whether you want a winter ballroom reception in Dallas or a summertime ranch wedding ceremony in El Paso, Texas has the versatility to help you plan your dream wedding. With a little help from a local wedding planner and our seasonal guide, you can create a Texas wedding that’s worth shouting “yee-haw!”","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_VendorMarketplace"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Find Vendors in Your Area","url":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/onboard?question=intro"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:51.642Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-does-a-groomsman-do","title":"A Complete List of Groomsmen Duties","excerpt":"Everything a groomsman does before and during the wedding can be found here. Read on to learn more.","author":"Deanna deBara","publishedAt":"2020-12-21T20:09:28.826Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1Vqr2t25ePaczIWuQlE5ec/eb7eec51f1a5302c8f578ee213d19c0b/Hero_MinneapolisFallWeddingatUGardenRestaurant_EventCenter_EileenKPhotography.jpg","altText":"Groomsman at wedding"},"heroCredit":"Eileen K Photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨ \n\n- Groomsmen should be there to support the groom throughout the wedding planning process.\n- A groomsman should do everything they can to attend any pre-wedding events (such as the engagement party or bachelor party).\n- Typically the groomsmen plan to be by the groom’s side on their big day, from the time they get ready to when they say their “I do’s”—and, of course, for the celebration after the ceremony.\n","body":"When planning your wedding, one of the big questions is who you’re going to ask to be in your wedding party—and, more specifically for grooms, who you’re going to ask to be your groomsmen. But, when you ask someone, you begin to wonder, “what does a [groomsman](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-your-groomsmen) do?” Or, in other words, what are the groomsmen’s duties, [etiquette](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/groomsmen-etiquette-101-a-beginners-guide), and responsibilities—before, during, and after your big day? For your need-to-knows and top priorities, read on.\n\n## Pre-Wedding Groomsmen Duties\n\n### 1. Support the Groom Throughout the Wedding Planning Process \n\nGenerally, when you ask someone to be a [groomsman](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-groomsmen-is-normal), you ask them well before your actual wedding day. And so, one of the groomsmen’s biggest responsibilities is supporting you in the months, weeks, and days leading up to your wedding.\n\nWhat that support looks like will depend on you, your groomsman, and what kind of support you need. It could be something as small as hopping on the phone and listening to you vent about things when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed by [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding)—or it could be something more involved, such as helping you [choose a wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue) or finalize your [wedding attire](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-grooms-attire).\n\n*How* your groomsmen support you as you plan your wedding is a completely personal and individual experience—but supporting you during the wedding planning process definitely falls under the “groomsmen responsibilities” umbrella.\n\n![What Does a Groomsman Do? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/18sGLdkzF7hWaPCXO2ZM74/65305275a2387cb733140d1beaf9a451/inline_shutterstock.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Shutterstock\n\n## 2. Plan the Bachelor Party\nThis is often the first duty that comes to mind at the mention of groomsmen—and, many believe, the most important. One’s bachelor party is meant to celebrate, well, the *bachelor* and his upcoming wedding. That said, it also breaks up wedding planning, gets everyone excitement for the wedding, and can act as a great stress-reliever. Most often, the bulk of the planning will come down to the groom’s Best Man/Woman/Person. However, the smoothest way this can go over is if every member of the groom’s party helps in one way or another. If possible, assign each party member a task—or have them sign up for one each, themselves. From hotel and AirBnB research, to booking meals, to planning activities and logistics, there’s a lot to go around.\n\n### 3. Attend All the Pre-Wedding Events \n\nGroomsmen duties include planning to attend any and all of your pre-wedding events. This includes your [engagement party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-an-engagement-party), your [bachelor party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelor-parties), and your wedding rehearsal. (Depending on the size of your wedding party, how close you and the groomsman are, and how involved they want to be in the process, your groomsmen might also help the best man plan your bachelor party.)\n\nNow, your groomsmen should do everything they can to be at all your wedding-related events—but if there are extenuating circumstances that prevent them from being there (for example, if the date of your engagement party conflicts with a family wedding, or if your bachelor party is a five-day affair and they can’t get off of work), it’s important to be understanding. \n\nThe only exception to that rule is the rehearsal dinner. You need your entire wedding party, including your groomsmen, to be at your wedding rehearsal dinner; that way, everyone knows where they’re supposed to be, when they’re supposed to be there, and what they’re supposed to be doing, which will ensure that your wedding ceremony goes smoothly.\n\n## During the Wedding Groomsmen Duties \n\n### 1. Get Ready With the Groom\n\nOn your actual wedding day, it’s customary to get ready with your groomsmen, whether you’re all going full-blown tux or a bit more casual.\n\n“Getting ready” can mean a lot of different things. If you’re having an afternoon wedding, you might get together with your groomsmen in the morning for breakfast, then spend the rest of the day hanging out before changing into your wedding attire and walking down the aisle. You might make time for groomsmen photos or have a pre-wedding toast—however you want to spend the day with your groomsmen is up to you. In any case, your groomsmen should plan to make themselves available for the entirety of your wedding day.\n\n### 2. Make the Wedding Day As Stress Free As Possible\nYour wedding day can be a stressful time. Between nerves, last minute logistics, and demands from family and guests, it can be overwhelming, which is why one of your groomsmen’s most important day-of wedding responsibilities is to make sure that your wedding day is as stress free as possible.\n\nFor example, if your groomsmen notices that you’re nervous, they might ask you to go for a walk or to play a quick video game to get your mind off your nerves. If there’s a logistical issue (for example, if the bartender is missing an ingredient for your signature wedding cocktail), your groomsmen can step in and take care of it so that you don’t have to.\n\nThe point is, your groomsmen are there to support you on your wedding day—and a big part of that is making sure that you’re as stress free as possible in the hours leading up to your “I do’s.”\n\n![What Does a Groomsman Do? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3LOgNQfi2RgLiqI1rpN4Zq/095484200902c1039d988fd5dac0fe72/inline_shutterstock_1_.jpg) *Photo Credit* // Shutterstock\n\n### 3. Participate in the Wedding Pictures, Ceremony, and Reception\nYou asked your groomsmen to be in your wedding party because you wanted them to be a part of your big day—so it goes without saying that your groomsmen need to participate in all parts of your wedding, including your [wedding ceremony](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-ceremony-programs), [wedding photos](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-photo-list), and [wedding reception](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-reception-timeline). More specifically, you may ask them to stand at the alter, hold your wedding rings throughout the ceremony, help rally everyone (the wedding party, bridesmaids, family) for photos, or get people out on the dance floor.\n\n### 4. Prepare and Deliver a Speech\nIf specifically asked, a groomsmen should prepare and be ready to deliver a speech at the wedding ceremony. Typically, this task is given to the best man and, thus, requires a best man speech, but can really be asked of anyone in the wedding party. In the case that you request a speech from a groomsmen, they should put the time and effort into writing in well before the day of the wedding. You might even consider asking them to time it (or give them a time limit), so that you and/or your planner can incorporate it into the reception’s events smoothly.\n\n## Post-Wedding Groomsmen Duties\n\n### 1. Assist in Cleaning Up\nNot every wedding takes place at a professional venue. Whether yours is in an AirBnB rental, your own backyard, or similar, your groomsmen should offer to stick around after the celebrating is done to help clean up. This is typically a large task best handled when specific to-dos are delegated. Ask that different wedding party members pick up cups and drinks, take down decorations, put aside wedding gifts, and anything else that tidies up the space.\n\n### 2. Assist in Loading up Gifts\nWhether you, the newlyweds, are staying in a hotel or driving home, you’re going to need a hand (or several) getting your gifts out of your wedding venue. Request that your groomsmen aid in collecting, transporting, and storing said gifts either in your room or car. If your car isn’t big enough, don’t hesitate to ask if anyone else can lend their car and time helping transport things (of course, only ask those who are safe to drive at the time).\n\n### 3. Attend (and Remind Others to Attend) the Post-Wedding Brunch\nAs a member of the wedding party, it’s a groomsman’s duty to make an appearance at the post-wedding brunch—typically, the following morning. If the majority of the wedding party or guests are staying in the same hotel, AirBnB, or similar accommodations, it may also be up to the groomsmen to seek out attendees, knock on their doors, and remind them of the celebratory event. This morning can be rough, after all, and some people might really appreciate the literal wakeup call.\n\nWhen you ask someone to be a groomsman, what you’re really saying is that they’re an important part of your life—and you want them by your side for one of the most important *days* of your life. It’s a big deal and they’ll want to show up for you in every way that you want and need them to (and then some). So, before your wedding, make your groomsmen aware of what they’re expected to do leading up to, throughout, and after the wedding takes place. And, of course, that you’d love to enjoy and celebrate your big day with them by your side.","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Find out the average number of groomsmen in a wedding party and factors to consider when planning your special day. ","title":"How Many Groomsmen Are In A Wedding? Zola Expert Wedding Advice","slug":"how-many-groomsmen-is-normal","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3AdiYWTM0p9cmFT5ehsQiP/face758687c142f37af29a5e01420e09/Hero_GlamorousWeddingatInnatNewHydePark__ManuelMontenegroPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"how many groomsmen are in a wedding "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Make sure that your best man speech isn’t too long—or too short with this guide.","title":"How Long Should the Best Man Speech Be?","slug":"how-long-should-the-best-man-speech-be","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ZkjIHIJVZsSENJUhhROPt/d25fb38281560f02e0a17575edde29ac/Inline_OneLove_Photography__1_.png","altText":"best man at wedding"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"A head-to-toe guide of all the groomsmen accessories that your wedding party might need. Read more here.","title":"Groomsmen Accessories: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"groomsmen-accessories-a-comprehensive-guide","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5UK4UJmDBN6CORWP82GDCp/e104aab1ac0e7bd52401978ba6349f29/Hero_New__6_.jpg","altText":"Groomsmen Accessories"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":" If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing wedding day clothing for men, check out our guide to groom’s attire. ","title":"A Complete Guide to Wedding Attire for Grooms","slug":"a-guide-to-grooms-attire","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3VMpMOUBZSyCkaeYeEmqgk/8db23790cfb65c8c8eebd5f2ecc5c522/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"groom in cobalt blue tux jacket"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:48.683Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-much-time-should-you-have-between-a-wedding-ceremony-and-reception","title":"How Much Time Should You Have Between a Wedding Ceremony and Reception?","excerpt":"If you’re having your wedding ceremony at one venue and your reception at another, how much of a gap should you have between events? Don’t freak out if you think an hours-long gap will break up your big day. ","author":"Laura Hensley","publishedAt":"2020-10-10T02:40:30.425Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/100BmjWwzv8BqDgeqvNFbt/82e646bb97b34f4414a2e9422b5448c4/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"illustrated clock"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"Wedding planning is a lot of work, and it takes great effort to create a seamless day-of schedule. The two most important times for guests are your [ceremony](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/ceremony) start time and [reception](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/reception). The rest of your itinerary is typically based around these main events. But, how long of a break should you have between your ceremony and reception? Here are some things to consider when it comes to the gap between wedding events. \n\n## Location\nIf your wedding [ceremony](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/ceremony) is held at the same venue as your reception, couples typically host a [cocktail hour entertainment](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-tips-for-successful-cocktail-hour) immediately between events, since guests do not have to travel from place to place. A [cocktail hour](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-tips-for-successful-cocktail-hour) usually lasts 60 minutes—90 minutes max—which allows plenty of time for wedding party photos, and time for guests to both fill their drinks and snack on some bite-sized foods. Come up with some other wedding cocktail hour ideas that will keep the guests entertained and get them excited about the reception. \n\nOn the other hand, if you’re getting married at a place of worship, for example, time slots are often limited and given during daytime hours. This means that you’ll have to be a bit more strategic with your planning, if your wedding reception is in the evening. If this is your case, and you’re holding your reception at another nearby venue, there are a few things that you’ll need to consider. \n\n![How Much Time Between the Ceremony and Reception?](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4ifxTw2aErFBachgUgVMt1/c2158dca388ed3be86e19cee35efdcdb/Inline_UrbanLoftWeddingatLacunaLofts_AshleyHammPhotography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit //* Ashley Hamm Photography\n\n## Distance Between Venues\nFirst of all, you’ll need to allocate enough time for guests to travel between locations.If you have a church ceremony at a location in your hometown, yet you’ve rented a reception venue 45 minutes away, you’ll want to factor travel time into your schedule. Too little time between the ceremony and reception can make guests feel rushed, and too much time can leave them aimless and bored. \n\nIn an ideal situation, guests can comfortably move from the [ceremony venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) to the reception site within an hour to an hour and a half time frame. For example, if your wedding ceremony ends at 3:30 p.m., but it takes 30 minutes to drive to your reception venue, and your cocktail hour starts at 5 p.m., the most time that guests will have on their hands is an hour gap. Of course, not all venues will permit such ideal timing, so, in situations where hours-long breaks in between ceremony and reception are inevitable, you need to get creative. \n\n## Keeping Guests Entertained \nIf there’s going to be several hours between your wedding ceremony and cocktail hour to kick-off your reception, make sure that you supply your guests with a guide of things to do in the meantime—especially if they’re coming from out of town. If your ceremony wraps up at 2 p.m., for example, but your wedding reception starts at 6 p.m., it’s important that guests have somewhere to go—or something to do—during the break. \n\nCreate a little map or guide for guests with things to do, which can include cafes, local shops, some sightseeing (given that it’s not going to dirty their wedding outfits), or even organize a little tour, if possible. Let guests know ahead of time what’s available for them to do, which can easily be added to your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website). For [destination weddings](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/destination-wedding-checklist), guests may be able to go back to their accommodation to freshen up in between ceremonies and events. You can also include a map of the area and recommendations of nearby attractions in [wedding welcome bags. ](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/heres-exactly-what-to-put-in-your-wedding-welcome-bags)\n\nThe important thing to keep in mind; however, is that you don’t want guests to be bored and find themselves [drinking](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/drunk-wedding-guest) at a local bar or eating a full meal before your reception. Limiting the time between ceremony and reception will help prevent anyone from enjoying themselves a little too much before the official party begins. \n\n![How Much Time Between the Ceremony and Reception?](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5tTtGA6MtfeLZJcIdV6QSp/c49a26de13017c533ae1b4ca63b40745/Inline_ClassicallyBeautifulIrishCatholicWedding_Gerber_ScarpelliPhotography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit //* Gerber + Scarpelli Photography\n\n## Host a Pre-Reception Gathering\nIf you’re overly concerned about an hours-long gap between your ceremony and reception, you might want to consider having a family member or friend help host a little pre-reception gathering for guests. For example, if guests are staying at the same hotel, a “pre-party party” at the hotel’s lobby bar or outdoor garden is a fun way for people to mingle and stay in a wedding mindset. Alternatively, if your ceremony venue has a space for people to gather, you can also set-up some snack tables for people to mingle around before heading over to the reception space. This is also a [prime opportunity for your wedding photographer](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-photo-list) to get large group shots, while everyone is still together and looking their best. \n\nIt’s natural that you want your wedding day to be as seamless as possible and move naturally from ceremony to reception. However, it’s important to remember that no matter if you have one hour or three hours in between events, with some solid planning, activities for guests, and a positive attitude, people will be ready to celebrate with you all night long. ","tag":"Advice","updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:47.216Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-many-groomsmen-is-normal","title":"How Many Groomsmen Are In A Wedding? Zola Expert Wedding Advice","excerpt":"Find out the average number of groomsmen in a wedding party and factors to consider when planning your special day. ","author":"Deanna deBara","publishedAt":"2020-12-21T19:58:25.118Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3AdiYWTM0p9cmFT5ehsQiP/face758687c142f37af29a5e01420e09/Hero_GlamorousWeddingatInnatNewHydePark__ManuelMontenegroPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"how many groomsmen are in a wedding "},"heroCredit":"Manuel Montenegro Photograph","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- There’s no such thing as “normal” number og groomsmen at your wedding—but there is an average, which is about five.\n- Consider how many people your partner is asking to be on his or her side of the wedding party, how much space is available at your venue, and whether there are any guests who might feel left out if they’re not asked.\n- Ultimately, there’s no right, wrong, or “normal” number of groomsmen; just build a wedding party that feels right for you and your wedding day.","body":"One of the most important parts of the [wedding planning process](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding) is figuring out who you want to ask to be in your [wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one)—and, as a groom, part of that is narrowing down how many [groomsmen](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-are-the-groomsmen-duties) you want to stand by your side on your big day.\n\nBut, when it comes to your wedding party, how many groomsmen is normal? Does a “normal” number of groomsmen even exist? And, what factors should you consider when figuring out who and how many groomsmen you want in your wedding party?\n\n## The Average Number of Groomsmen in a Wedding Party \n\n![How Many Groomsmen Is Normal? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4BCAiHkxjk12bywl5iorO4/520a78ffa33671b2c8e4747187f5b956/inline_shutterstock_1_.jpg)\n*Photo Credit * // Shutterstock\n\nSo, let’s jump right in—is there even such a thing as a “normal” number of groomsmen to have in a wedding party?\n\nAnd the answer is: It depends on how you define “normal.”\n\nThere is certainly an average number of groomsmen. According to data outlined in a [2018 article from The Atlantic](https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/11/american-weddings-bridesmaids/575404/), the average wedding in the U.S. has five [bridesmaids](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties)—and, generally, the number of groomsmen matches the number of bridesmaids. By that logic, the average number of groomsmen in a wedding party totals to five groomsmen. But, the average doesn’t equal a “normal” number of groomsmen. A “normal” number of groomsmen is whatever feels normal to the groom. For some grooms, that could mean having 15 of their closest friends and family members standing next to them when they say their [wedding vows](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-vows). To others, it could mean keeping their groomsmen to their [best man](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-are-the-best-man-duties) and one other close friend or family member. And, for others, it could mean skipping a wedding party altogether.\n\nBottom line? “Normal” is a subjective term; a normal number of groomsmen for one groom could feel like way too many (or way too few) for someone else—so, ultimately, all grooms can do is decide on a number of groomsmen that feels comfortable and right for them and their wedding day.\n\n## What to Consider When Choosing Groomsmen\n\nSo, there’s no “normal” when it comes to how many groomsmen to have in your wedding—there’s only what feels normal for you.\n\nThat being said, there are definitely things you’ll want to consider when choosing how many groomsmen to have in your wedding party—and who you’re going to ask to take on groomsmen responsibilities—including:\n\n#### How Many People Are in Your Partner’s Wedding Party?\n\nWhen you’re figuring out how many groomsmen you’re going to ask to be in your wedding party, one factor you should definitely consider is how many bridesmaids or groomsmen your partner is asking to be in his or her wedding party.\n\nNow, do you have to have the exact same number of people on both sides? Of course not! But, many couples prefer having a somewhat balanced wedding party; having 15 bridesmaids and two groomsmen, for example, might look a little off balance when everyone is standing at the altar as you’re saying your “I do’s.”\n\nYour partner’s wedding party count is definitely something to keep in mind as you’re building your wedding party. But again, there is no right or wrong way to do it—so if your partner wants 15 people in their wedding party and you only want two (and you’re both in agreement), then go for it.\n\n#### How Much Space Is Available?\n\nTraditionally, the groomsmen stand next to the groom during the wedding ceremony. So, another thing to consider when choosing the number of groomsmen to have in your wedding party is how many groomsmen can actually fit at your ceremony site.\n\nSome wedding venues are smaller than others. If you’re getting married in a smaller space, trying to squeeze 10 groomsmen into that space might not make for the most comfortable ceremony (for you or them). Before you decide on how many groomsmen to have in your wedding party, make sure to consider your wedding ceremony space—and make sure that there’s plenty of room for your groomsmen.\n\n(If there’s not a ton of space, but you still want to have a larger wedding party with guests, you could opt to just have your best man stand next to you during the ceremony—and have the rest of the groomsmen sit in the first \nfew rows.)\n\n![How Many Groomsmen Is Normal? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7A09nncEKIT8aGZLSGtoYp/66d9401fea3d5e990dba5ed0114000fe/inline_shutterstock.jpg) *Photo Credit * // Shutterstock\n\n#### Is There Anyone That You’re Leaving Out?\n\nUltimately, who you choose as a groomsman is completely up to you—and you should only choose the people that you truly want to stand next to you on your big day.\n\nBut, as newlyweds, you should also consider other people’s feelings when building your wedding party—and whether you’re leaving anyone out that might be hurt if they aren’t asked.\n\nFor example, let’s say you have four brothers—but you only ask three of them to be groomsmen? That might lead to hurt feelings. Or, let’s say you have a tight-knit group of friends and you ask them all to act as groomsmen—except for one? That one friend is probably going to feel pretty left out.\n\nAgain, it’s your decision—and you shouldn’t feel pressured to ask anyone to be a groomsman if it doesn’t feel genuine. But, before you finalize your groomsmen head count, make sure that you’re considering everyone’s feelings—and, if you anticipate someone feeling hurt, have a plan to talk to them and relieve any hurt feelings or misunderstandings.\n\nWhen it comes to how many groomsmen to have in your wedding party, don’t worry about whether your count is “normal” or “average.” Build the wedding party that feels right for you—whether that’s two groomsmen, six groomsmen, 15 groomsmen, or any number in between.\n","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Make sure that your best man speech isn’t too long—or too short with this guide.","title":"How Long Should the Best Man Speech Be?","slug":"how-long-should-the-best-man-speech-be","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ZkjIHIJVZsSENJUhhROPt/d25fb38281560f02e0a17575edde29ac/Inline_OneLove_Photography__1_.png","altText":"best man at wedding"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"A head-to-toe guide of all the groomsmen accessories that your wedding party might need. Read more here.","title":"Groomsmen Accessories: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"groomsmen-accessories-a-comprehensive-guide","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5UK4UJmDBN6CORWP82GDCp/e104aab1ac0e7bd52401978ba6349f29/Hero_New__6_.jpg","altText":"Groomsmen Accessories"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":" If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing wedding day clothing for men, check out our guide to groom’s attire. ","title":"A Complete Guide to Wedding Attire for Grooms","slug":"a-guide-to-grooms-attire","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3VMpMOUBZSyCkaeYeEmqgk/8db23790cfb65c8c8eebd5f2ecc5c522/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"groom in cobalt blue tux jacket"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"From how much you should expect to spend on a wedding ring to tips for how to choose the right one for you, check out this guide on wedding ring styles, types, and materials.","title":"A Guide to Wedding Rings","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-rings","topic":"Getting engaged","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5P3fQN4IfleT7GqBYDmSs/8149be86e6f0b1e35a8e477b1a792fe8/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"gold wedding band and three diamond eternity wedding bands on a white sequined fabric"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:46.495Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"break-up-with-a-wedding-vendor","title":"Is It Ever OK to Break Up With a Wedding Vendor?","excerpt":"Breaking up is hard to do, but sometimes it's necessary. Having trouble with a wedding vendor? Here's when it's OK to part ways and how to do it gracefully.","author":"Kathleen Wong","publishedAt":"2019-10-07T18:20:35.362Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1eaIjk7B1Yb8HT51YP9i88/1133caa5d4a99df147a81560cbbddc9f/HERO_BJonesPhotography_10807x720.jpg","altText":"catered dinner at wedding"},"heroCredit":"B Jones Photography","body":"So, you spent hours (probably days) [researching which wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search) could make your wedding dreams a reality. But now as you get closer to the wedding, you’re finding yourself second-guessing your decision. Whether they aren’t living up to your expectations or drop the ball with increasing consistency, you may want a way out of a relationship with a vendor. Breaking up with anyone is awkward, and a signed contract definitely doesn’t help. Here’s how to gracefully part ways with a vendor so that you don’t end up getting screwed.\n\n*__TIP: Get [matched with wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search) you can trust now on Zola. Answer a few questions and we'll do some match-making to help you find your perfect wedding vendors.__*\n\n## What merits a breakup with a vendor?\nIn some cases, it takes some time to realize that you and your vendor are just not on the same page—and will never get there. Ending things with a vendor is messy and risky, though, so you should only do it if absolutely necessary. In other words, it’s ill-advised to keep booking vendors and then simply changing your mind. In fact, we staunchly recommend against that strategy. \n\nIt’s up to you as a customer to figure out what you want and be upfront about expectations as you meet with vendors. Assuming that you’ve attempted to communicate clearly and make it work with your vendor, here are some legit reasons to break up with them.\n\n![INLINE KenzieRaePhotography 1080x720 Carley&Elizabeth](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4sqrcpK4EWBX68vSjLtyJg/8a6d852718b51fe3f693a287462cc6b6/INLINE_KenzieRaePhotography_1080x720_Carley_Elizabeth.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Kenzie Rae Photography\n\n### Your photos are consistently unflattering. \nAfter sharing your vision with your photographer and taking some test or engagement photos, you open the file to realize that the photos were not what you had in mind. OK, deep breaths. If, after some back and forth on editing and style, [your photographer](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-does-a-wedding-photographer-cost) continues to deliver unflattering photos of you, it may be time to reconsider. Wedding photographers are expensive and these are the people you’re trusting to create those lasting physical memories of your day. Don’t feel like you should keep a photographer for the wedding if you most likely won’t like what they produce.\n\n### Your band or DJ is condescending. \nWhen you choose a [wedding DJ or band](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choose-wedding-band-or-dj), you usually choose them for a particular style or type of experience. However, that doesn’t mean you relinquish all creative control of the music at your reception. Any professional musician or DJ knows that part of working a wedding means catering to the couple's musical tastes. \n\nIf you bring a list of song requests to your DJ or band and they react in an unsavory or condescending way, part ways. Your wedding is supposed to be fun and if your DJ is making you feel bad over your music choices, it’s a bit of a buzzkill. Even if your wedding entertainment agrees to play the songs, if it’s left a bad taste in your mouth, you may feel uncomfortable during your reception. Better to move on than have your favorite songs tainted by a negative experience.\n\n### Your hair and makeup aren’t matching your vision. \nLike your wedding attire, you likely spent a long time researching, perusing, pinning, and picking your wedding day hair and makeup looks. If, after one or more test runs, your makeup artist or hairstylist can’t deliver—and by this we mean is way off—you may need to restart your search. You want to look and feel your best on your wedding day, whether that means a total glamourized version of you or a barely-there no-makeup-makeup look. Don’t risk hating your final look. If you don’t like it the day-of, you probably won’t like the photos either.\n\n### Your planner is MIA. \nIf you hired a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, it’s probably because you expected him or her to handle and plan in the areas that you needed more support. So, if that person is consistently late to appointments, is impossible to reach, or straight-up misses meetings, then it’s probably time to move on to a new one. Staying with a flaky planner is most likely going to make the wedding planning process much more stressful. Kind of defeats the purpose of a planner, right?\n\n### Your caterer won’t adhere to dietary restrictions. \nIt’s not uncommon to host a wedding with a guest list full of dietary restrictions and special food requirements. Now, obviously you should be upfront with your caterer about expectations in this regard before booking. However, if more guests than you anticipated have special diets or if your caterer said they could accommodate and now refuses, you’re in a bad situation. This one is tricky because ideally, you vetted caterers who specialized in special diets or dietary restrictions. That said, you can’t necessarily assume everyone’s needs ahead of receiving their meal enclosure cards. \n\n### Your vendor isn’t inclusive. \nThis may be obvious to you, but even the best vendors sometimes don’t align with what you consider the best values. If you overhear your vendor say something discriminatory or offensive about you, other clients, or even in a general sense, terminate the contract. There is no reason to tolerate inappropriate or ignorant behavior or speech. Similarly, if you find out about instances in which your vendor discriminated against other couples or individuals, bring it to the table and part ways if you feel it’s necessary.\n\n## How To Break Up With a Wedding Vendor \nAfter thoughtful consideration—and we really mean thoughtful—you and your SO finally decide that it’s best to go your separate ways from a wedding vendor. Here’s what to keep in mind when you break up with your wedding vendor—and how to go about it with grace and tact.\n\n### Re-read your contract. \nSo you and your vendor have had several talks and it’s just not going to work out. What now? Before you bring up anything to your vendor, take a careful [read over your contract](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-a-wedding-rfp). Most vendors have dealt with cancellations before and their cancellation policy is most likely outlined in the contract. You want to be well-versed in what you signed up for ahead of the conversation.\n\n### Talk in person. \nTime to rip off the bandaid. Pick up the phone or meet with them in person to let them know how you’re feeling about working with them. Don’t chicken out and do this over email or text. An in-person discussion is much more productive (and frankly, mature). When you do get a chance to talk, don’t take things personally and try not to let things get heated. Offer constructive and friendly feedback and let them know that while this is the last thing you wanted, you’re going to need to end the contract. \n\n### Get the termination in writing. \nBefore you leave the in-person discussion, be sure to establish a next step to get the official termination in writing. While we hope that the cancellation goes smoothly, you never know what could happen. A statement in writing signed by both parties is essentially your second contract that upholds whatever termination agreement you come to. Even an email correspondence or recap of your meeting is critical in case things go south and you need proof of when you cancelled the contract.\n\n![INLINE LensesAndLaughterPhotography 1080x720 Jess&Brian](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/HaUPkvC7sGj3nIaYvR5Xt/23b629201dffd2a8e509028d074963b5/INLINE_LensesAndLaughterPhotography_1080x720_Jess_Brian.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Lenses And Laughter Photography\n\n### Don’t ghost. \nWe know it’s tempting but whatever you do, don’t just disappear on the vendor and never return their calls! It may sound dramatic to you (hopefully it does!), but it happens. Not only does this create bad blood but it could also create extra stress down the line for you, including the stress of the financial sort. If you don’t uphold your end of a contract—whether that’s not making appointments or even skipping payments—your vendor could take legal action, depending on your contract.\n\n### Prepare to take a hit. \nThe hard truth of breaking up with a wedding vendor is that it will probably cost you. Depending on your contract, you’re most likely not entitled to get your money back and you may even need to pay more or the full sum of the contracted rate. You may get lucky if the breakup is due to negligence on your vendor’s part, but if it’s really about aesthetics or opposing personalities, expect to eat the costs.\n\nNo matter what, we highly discourage ending a vendor relationship unless absolutely necessary. There are a handful of other routes you can take before cutting a contract short and potentially ruining a relationship. However, if you feel like you need to do it, then do it—tactfully. Breaking up with anyone is unpleasant, but in the long-run, you’ll be happy you did it.","tag":"Advice","nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Wedding photos encapsulate the emotions and memories of your special day. Learn about wedding photographer costs and packages to find the perfect match for your needs.","title":"How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in 2023? ","slug":"how-much-does-a-wedding-photographer-cost","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/67CxDAxXCS4YT36KeeGL30/3dd71b4c82dfe7a9233bc254c7576a9d/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"average wedding photographer cost"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Music makes the reception, so you need a wedding DJ that can keep the energy all the way up. Narrow down your search with our guide to choosing the perfect DJ for your big day.","title":"How to Choose Your Wedding DJ","slug":"how-to-choose-your-wedding-dj","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6V8yIOmS3LBVMBJHp6gWhg/deca065a855a5f9c4618a8d6e1a5e44c/AntonDrummondPhotography_HeroImage_1080x720.jpg","altText":"indian couple dances to wedding dj"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Food is a wedding highlight for most guests. So, you want it to be good. Quickly narrow down your options (and eat some really good food) with our guide to finding the perfect wedding caterer.","title":"How to Choose a Wedding Caterer + 4 Tips","slug":"how-to-choose-your-wedding-caterer","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5M4mYAIlu1kgy1lDIv0us0/ae15b2a4ee8e1c6db153a90f47f34b9e/Hero_New_BeautifulUrbanWeddinginDowntownSeattle_MicheleM.Waite.jpg","altText":"wedding caterer"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need to cut wedding costs? Here are five ways to do so that you might not have thought about. Read up, and get ready to spend smart!","title":"29 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs","slug":"5-ways-cut-wedding-costs","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Budgeting","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4XUtTaJVTcHtvYZbB5mOWW/9543c7efa84e5c6a4d1d3b58ea0da85a/amy-peppercorn-photography.jpg","altText":"Bride and groom sitting side by side outdoors in wedding attire as the sun sets"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Make your wedding uniquely yours with meaningful touches that reflect you and your partner. Read on for all the ways to add a personal touch to your reception. ","title":"6 Small Ways to Add Personal Touches to Your Reception","slug":"personal-touches-reception","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3TqBUP5kQExPNCYVi74qTF/9eed7647697701248ceef6f8c30bc9a8/HERO_PhotobyCariadPhotography.jpg","altText":"couple adds personal touches to reception"},"type":"articlePage"}],"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:45.719Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"pop-the-question-burned-out-from-wedding-planning","title":"Pop the Question: \"What Should I Do if I’m Burned Out From Wedding Planning?\"","excerpt":" In this month's Ask Us Anything, our Team-Z experts share tips for navigating wedding stress and burnout.\n","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2023-09-01T21:16:24.373Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1kzm5Mg5kzZtOvyUmKHhmP/6a5901590ec11f877cf94951d78c026d/September.jpg","altText":"Pop the Question: \"What Should I Do if I’m Burned Out From Wedding Planning?\""},"heroCredit":"Kinga Howard","body":"You have questions, Zola’s wedding experts on Team-Z have answers! We understand what you’re going through and realize that planning a wedding is something you’re probably doing for the very first time. Team-Z is in the know and wants your wedding day to flow smoothly, so [Pop the question](https://www.zola.com/community/topic/ask-team-z). \n\n*Dear Team-Z,* My wedding date is creeping up, and the more my partner and I cross off our [wedding planning checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-best-parts-of-wedding-planning), the more things we have to add to our ever-growing list of to-dos. We love being engaged and can’t wait to marry each other, but we’re just feeling so stressed about planning a wedding with an already full life. Carving out time to do last-minute projects has become extremely daunting, and TBH, it’s causing us to be less patient with each other. We’re at the point where we just want the day to come and go so we can finally relax (yay, honeymoon!). I feel so bad voicing this, but we really want to get re-revved up about our big day. \n\n*~ Planning on Empty*\n\n---\n\n## So, How Do You Keep Going When You’re Feeling Burnt Out?\n\n*Planning on Empty*, Team-Z is glad you asked! And let us first say that you and your significant other aren’t alone in your feelings. No matter how long you’ve been engaged — a month or a couple of years — meetings with wedding vendors seem to bring attention to more and more things you’ve never even considered before. All of which end up on your wedding to-do list. So, it’s natural to feel like for every one thing you cross off, you’re adding two more. Team-Z gets it!\n\nIt’s not ideal, but experts say that stressful times can [cause strain on relationships](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340998/#:~:text=Specifically%2C%20stress%20can%20lead%20to,the%20deleterious%20effects%20of%20stress.). However, it’s important to have frank conversations with each other and be honest about having [wedding planning stress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress). If you’re tempted to be short with your partner, just take a breath and remember that your frustrations are task-oriented, not due to your SO. If you’ve wondered, “Is it normal to be stressed about wedding plans?” The answer is yes! What you’re feeling is typical, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep feeling frustrated. \n\n__From who to ask for help to how to reset, here is Team-Z’s advice on how to push back on wedding stress and reinvigorate the excitement for your big day.__\n\n## How to Deal With Wedding Planning Stress\n\n### 1. Hire/Check-in with your wedding planner or coordinator.\nThe first rule of getting help for your big day is hiring a professional service — either a wedding planner, coordinator, or both. So whether you have one already, or felling the need to get one in the midst of planning, knowing what all a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-planner) should do and ease the stress of jugling tons of tasks.\n\nTypically, wedding planners help you during the planning process, and the level of service often depends on the package you select. Sometimes, they are there to guide you along the way, keeping you on track with the timeline and budget. They can even answer questions specific to your area, such as “What is the most popular month for weddings?” On the other hand, a wedding coordinator is there on the big day to ensure everything runs smoothly. \n\n### 2. Get help from friends and family.\n\nYou may be feeling overwhelmed, but there are probably a lot of folks who would love to play a part in your big day. Ask your wedding party, close friends, or family members to pitch in where they can. If your future sister-in-law has fabulous handwriting, have her help address invitations. Maybe your uncle has a keen eye for design and would gleefully seize the opportunity to attend a meeting with your florist. Asking for help takes the burden off of you and your partner while creating space for others to feel like they’ve contributed to your big day.\n\n### 3. Focus on essential tasks.\n\nIn the early days of dreaming about your wedding, it’s easy to get distracted by all the [wedding details](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-details) on Pinterest. Alternatively, take a step back and think about what is absolutely necessary and where you can simplify. Your wedding day won’t go well if you don’t write your vows or finalize your catering menu. However, there are things you can let go of if time is short, such as handmaking your favors or having yet another get-together with your wedding party. Reducing tasks can go a long way in easing your mind. \n\n### 4. Use checklists to keep on track.\n\nWhy is a wedding checklist important? It can help you focus your mind while setting goals for what you need to accomplish and when. Many wedding to-do lists help you manage what you must do in the timeline leading up to your special day. You should finish some tasks months ahead, and others you’ll concentrate on the week of the wedding. Knowing what to do and having a deadline can help manage unwanted wedding stress.\n\n### 5. Do activities that relax you.\n\nDoes your current schedule oscillate between working and planning your wedding? If so, life becomes mundane, and you need to plan time for fun and relaxation. Simple things like meditation and movie nights can help you get your mind off your to-do list. Getting a massage or pedicure can leave you feeling [pampered and rested](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/relieve-wedding-stress-7-types-of-rest). If taking breaks doesn’t come naturally for you, schedule some onto your calendar so you don’t forget.\n\n### 6. Share your feelings with others.\n\nTalk to your fiancé about what’s going on in your head. When you’re doubting that you chose the best month to get married or are absolutely dreading a vendor meeting, let them know what’s on your mind. Another good perspective can come from other couples. Whether they’re engaged or newly married, having someone in the same phase of life can be a helpful sounding board.\n\n### 7. Share your feelings with others.\n\nMarking things off your wedding checklist gives a sense of accomplishment, but take it a step further when feeling especially unmotivated. Grab an iced coffee on the way home from a vendor meeting you were dreading. Or, go out for ice cream with your partner to recognize that you’ve lessened your list of things to do. Even if you simply give yourself a [mini high-five](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/ways-to-celebrate-all-your-wedding-planning-milestones), take a moment and savor the feeling of getting something done. \n\n### 8. Remember why you’re planning a wedding.\n\nFocus on your end goal — being married to the one you love. Sometimes, reminding yourself of the “why” behind wedding planning is enough motivation. Being grateful for your relationship and the fact that you found a life partner can make a world of difference in your mindset. It’s even better to express that feeling of thankfulness to your partner by texting or telling them at the moment.\n\n### 9. Take a technology break.\n\nIf “When is wedding season?” is always on your mind, you may be on your phone constantly searching for answers. That constant barrage of information can be incredibly stressful in a world where it’s possible to be connected 24/7/365. Resist the urge to check social media when you wake up and before bed. Challenge yourself only to check your personal email every few hours. Close out all of your apps so you’re not tempted to mindlessly scroll or play games after you’ve answered an important call. Being unavailable is okay for a while, especially if you need a mental reset.\n\n### 10. Consider counseling for stress management.\n\nHaving someone to talk to who can listen and evaluate why you’re feeling a certain way can be a lifesaver. If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed and need a nudge to return to feeling positive, make an appointment with a professional counselor. They’ll be qualified to help you delve deeper while giving you insight into your mental health if needed.\n\nWell, *Planning on Empty*, Team-Z wishes you the best in your wedding planning journey and hopes you can find time to unwind. Enjoy!\n\n## Pop the Question with our Team-Z\n\nYou’ve got questions. The wedding planning experts of Zola’s Team-Z have answers! You’ve finally found the one and know the next steps, but how do you plan the perfect wedding day? From proposal etiquette and [wedding websites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) to [registry items](https://www.zola.com/search/wedding-registry), your head is probably spinning as your to-do list gets longer. That’s where Zola’s smart, savvy team — Team Z — can help! You ask, we answer. It’s as simple as that! ","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":" In this month's Ask Us Anything, our Team-Z experts break down the realities of wedding planning stress.","title":"Pop the Question: \"How Do I Stay Sane While Planning My Wedding?\"","slug":"pop-the-question-stay-sane-planning-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/11EOMxJS79n9KH3XnlHf60/372ece307a179ffe7e8c733a65bbdac6/EA_cover.jpg","altText":"Pop the Question: How Do I Stay Sane While Planning My Wedding?"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"A couple from Santa Clara, CA shares how they planned their $31K wedding in California wine country.","title":"How we saved on our $31K wedding in Livermore, CA","slug":"31k-wedding-livermore-ca-zola-budget-diary","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4vacML8VB9NeEqQAtge2T0/85c8420e9fc07956f9ea3deccfec9542/0809_AugustBudgetDiaries-EA-Hero__1_.jpg","altText":"How we saved on our $31K wedding in Livermore, CA"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Whether you are the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom, there are a few key things to remember as you shop for your dress. Check out Zola to learn more.","title":"17 Mother of the Bride and Groom Outfits: The Complete Guide","slug":"mother-of-the-bride-vs-mother-of-the-groom-dresses-whats-the-difference","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7dVCQQlOP19zfMJm7z10K4/d739dd2224080b0cff35dfcc12d8e662/Hero_RomanticAlFrescoWeddingatRamscaleStudios_Feather_FawnPhotography.jpg","altText":"well dressed wedding party"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Take a trip down memory lane together and read through our wedding website About Us examples to help guide and inspire you as you tell your own love story as you plan for your special day.","title":"5 Creative “Our Story” Wedding Website Examples","slug":"5-creative-wedding-website-about-us-examples","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/zMxIHIn1oAqAvbIeyWc2o/ce539986b6dcbe9b8d6d9a29ce672f4c/hero_stephaniedeephotography.jpg","altText":"Couple outside smiling and dancing in front of a heart wall mural"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Find beautiful wedding ceremony scripts ranging from unique to traditional. Print and borrow them, or get inspiration to write your own!","title":"8 Wedding Ceremony Scripts to Borrow & Printables","slug":"wedding-ceremony-script","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2189XuQqFs1q0sSz2l1T1H/3f8c146df0bc33f66c636d2d6b4a8ea8/wedding-ceremony-happy-women-flowers.jpg","altText":"wedding-ceremony-happy-women-flowers"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:44.977Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-to-postpone-your-wedding","title":"A Guide to Postponing Your Wedding","excerpt":"Postponing your wedding is never easy. Get through it with our guide to postponing your wedding—from how to talk to your vendors to how to tell your guests and everything in between.","author":"Jane Chertoff","publishedAt":"2020-03-16T22:21:01.539Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7AGHcAXKxar4G9VZvzMpml/f6d3d22649dbd0464d8db328c702646c/A-Guide-to-Postponing-Your-Wedding-and-Change-the-Date-Checklist.jpg","altText":"couple walking in the street before wedding"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"Being faced with the decision to postpone your wedding comes second only to actually needing to postpone it until further notice. And, if you just had to make that decision, you’re understandably feeling sad and maybe even angry. After all, you’ve already spent months or even years planning for the event. We really get it. \n\nFirst things first: It’s perfectly OK to spend some time grieving for the day you envisioned that’s now on hold. Now is the time to practice all the self-care you need—whether that’s with some relaxation and deep breathing, indulging in your favorite foods, venting to anyone who will listen, or all of the above.\n\nOnce you’re ready to face your inbox and voicemails, you can start to let your vendors, wedding party, and guests know your plan moving forward.\n\nRemember, Zola is here to support you as you navigate this stressful time. We know how difficult a decision like this must be, no matter the reason why. To help you navigate, here is some general guidance for postponing a wedding. \n\nCommunicate that your plans are changing.\n\nReview your contracts and arrangements.\n\nUpdate your wedding plans.\n\nAs you adjust your plans, refer to our printable checklist to make sure you cover all of your bases and stay on track. Take in what helps, depending on your personal situation, and be sure to reach out to us at support@zola.com if there’s anything else we can help you with.\n\n![change the date checklist](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/73Z3reyLSKaSGjYPrAYk4F/84465a8f460110575fcbae92ced63888/change-the-date-mock.jpg)\n\n\"download\n\n \n## Communicate that your plans are changing.\nWeddings require a lot of planning on everyone’s part, so the sooner you let everyone know what’s happening, the better. Your priority should be to let everyone who was planning to be a part of your wedding know including vendors and wedding parties. Your bridesmaids and groomsmen especially can offer support as you confirm the date change with the rest of your guests.\n\n### 1. Contact your venue, vendors, and suppliers.\nYou’ll need to reach out to your venue, vendors, and any suppliers who are involved with the wedding and let them know what’s up. This team of people is unique to you and is going to help you the most when it comes to basic logistics. Together, you can work out a plan for rescheduling and discuss the financial implications. \n\nIf you’re [using a wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-planner), they may be able to help with some of these calls and emails or provide a list of everyone you need to talk to. They can also help you read through and [navigate the vendor contracts](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-negotiate-with-wedding-vendors) you had in place. \n\nAs you reach out, keep in mind that your vendors are, oftentimes, business owners. A postponement will impact them, as well. Understand that everyone will need to work together to find the best possible solution for all parties. Be polite and professional as you explain your situation, concerns, and request for guidance. It’s fine to email the vendor initially but plan to set up a time to discuss on the phone, in person, or via video chat, if possible. \n\n__You can use the following template as an initial email:__ \n\n> *Dear [Vendor Name],*\n> \n> *We are reaching out because we have made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding, set to take place on [date]. We recognize we had a contract in place with your team to provide [service]. We’d like to set up a time to discuss next steps and alternative dates you may have available. Thank you for working with us during this challenging time, and we hope to speak soon.*\n> \n> *Sincerely, [Couples Names]*\n\n### 2. Talk to your close family and wedding party.\nIf you haven’t already, talk to your inner circle first to let them know you’re postponing. This includes both your immediate families and [wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one). You can use these important people in your life as a “working group” to come up with a new date, depending on when works best for everyone’s schedules. \n\nIf your parents or others are financially involved in your wedding, you can also use this time to discuss the numbers and how the change in date may impact the budget. Be understanding if they don’t have additional funds to help cover all the changes. Continue to express your gratitude for whatever assistance they can offer. \n\n### 3. Let your guests know.\nNext on your checklist is notifying your guest list. You can [notify guests](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-update-guests-about-changes-to-your-wedding \"how to update guests\") in a few different ways. An individual phone call to everyone might not be practical, but you can send a mass email or text. (This is probably the easiest and safest bet for reaching everyone if your wedding is soon.) You can also [bulk notify](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002148872-Can-I-send-a-message-to-my-guest-or-a-bulk-message-from-this-tool-) guests via your Zola app and/or wedding website. \n\n#### To do this via the Zola app:\n- Open your app and [navigate to Guest List](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests)\n- Select the envelope icon on the top right\n- Choose how you’d like to send your message \n\n#### To do this via your Zola wedding website: \n- Open [Guest List on a desktop](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests)\n- Check ‘Select All’ (the box next to the headers for your Guest List)\n- Select ‘Bulk Actions’ and then ‘Send Message’\n\n__You can use the following template for your guests:__ \n\n> *Dear Friends and Family:* \n> \n> *We have made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding [due to ... if you are giving a reason.] We will keep you updated regarding our wedding details. We are looking forward to celebrating together.*\n> \n> *Love, [Couple Names]* \n\n \n## Review your contracts and arrangements.\nYour contracts and arrangements will all need to be updated to accommodate your new date, so take time to review them thoroughly. Your wedding planner may be a huge help when reading your vendors’ contracts.\n\n### 4. Help your guests.\nYour guests may have already made travel or other arrangements they will now need to cancel or reschedule. In addition to simply letting them know the wedding is postponed, offer support where you can. \n\nIf you are able to negotiate any cancellation or reimbursements for [hotel room blocks](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-book-hotel-rooms-for-your-wedding-guests), let your guests know how they can go about getting their money back. __Pro Tip: Send them a contact if you have one so they can reach out directly instead of calling a hotel chain’s general number.__ \n\nNot all your original guests may be able to attend your new wedding date and that’s OK. Try to be as understanding as possible of your guest’s concerns and schedules without stressing yourself out more. \n\n*__Postponed weddings are more common than you’d think—lean on your partner and friends for extra support if anyone gives you a hard time.__* \n\n### 5. Consult your wedding insurance policy \nDid you take out a wedding insurance policy when you first started planning? Now is the time to take it out and review the terms. \n\n__Some items to look out for include:__\n- How much of the total wedding cost does your policy cover, and does it cover postponement or cancellation costs or change fees? \n- What circumstances are covered in the event you need to postpone or cancel—natural disasters, travel cancellations due to weather, personal circumstances like sickness or injury, [global health crises](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/guests-weddings-and-vaccines-what-you-need-to-know), etc.? \n- What if the honeymoon needs to be canceled or postponed—will the insurance costs cover this? \n\nOnce you have a better idea of what may or may not be covered, you can reach out to the insurance company and ask to speak to your agent there. Explain the circumstances and inquire what (if anything) will be covered. \n\n### 6. Review your vendor contracts.\nYour vendors likely have a policy outlined in their contract regarding postponed weddings, and understanding all of your vendors’ expectations is the first step to changing your date. Vendors will try their best to help you, but ultimately may not be available on your new date. If that’s the case, you probably won’t get your deposit back. \n\nSome vendors may also charge a fee to change your wedding date. They’ve put in a lot of planning and there’s plenty more required to prepare for a whole new date for you. In other cases, you may be moving your date to a new season or weekday which may affect the cost of their services. \n\n \n## Update your wedding plans.\nNow that you’ve looked over your contracts and notified everyone involved in your plans, it’s time to officially choose your new wedding date and finish up planning. We’ve included this printable guide of questions to ask your vendors everything you need to know.\n\n![questions-to-ask-vendors](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6BlZ2IAcBBD3sFiPrBXarW/6b304609f1aa4cea7151d077549536ad/questions-to-ask-vendors-mock.jpg)\n\n\"download\n\n### 7. Update your vendor contracts.\nYour first call should be to your venue to see what dates they have available for your wedding. Once you and your partner choose a few dates, call your other vendors and ask their availability and discuss their rescheduling policies further. If a vendor agrees to a new date, make sure you have that confirmed in writing along with how the new date affects your previous agreements. \n\nThere’s a good chance that rescheduling will cost you more than your original agreement, so keep your budget updated as you call. Read the fine print on your contract and try to negotiate when you can—just be polite and fair, keeping in mind what they’re going through as well. \n\n__Before you change your date, be sure to clear the new date with all of your vendors—just because your venue can make it work does not mean that your photographer, florist, or caterer will be available.__ You may need to make some tough choices and find a new vendor or two, which may result in a lost deposit. It’s a good idea to prepare your budget knowing that two to three vendor deposits may be lost. \n\n### 8. Announce your new plans.\nWhen all of your vendor contracts are updated, you officially have a new wedding date. Congratulations! It’s time to send Change the Dates to your guests and let everyone know to start planning. Be sure to update your wedding website and app before you send physical invitations to avoid any confusion.\n\n#### To change the date on your Zola wedding website:\n- Within “Checklist” click on “Open Settings” in the top right corner\n- Change your wedding date\n- Hit “Save”\n\nTo get the message out quickly, you can announce your new dates on social media. Post your new wedding date on your story or send directly to your guest list with these [social media story templates. ](https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17881671148547255/)\n\n![phone-mockup](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1IPpUqbeXBTLFmOUNwAv9k/8de27c6c877569264bfea7685cb3daeb/phone-mockup.jpg)\n\n### 9. Adjust your travel plans.\nOnce your new date is chosen and your vendors are confirmed, it’s time to arrange [new travel plans](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/guests-weddings-and-vaccines-what-you-need-to-know). Generally, hotels are pretty accommodating and you probably won’t owe any fees to change your booking—though you will be charged or lose your deposit for a cancellation. If you had a hotel block for your guests, you’ll want to review that contract for your hotel’s specific guidelines.\n\nIf you planned any air travel then adjusting your dates may be more costly. If you purchased flight insurance this should be a relatively smooth process. If not, you’ll likely have to pay a fee to reschedule your itinerary. The sooner you get this addressed the cheaper it will be, and depending on the situation some airlines may be pretty flexible.\n\n### 10. Build a backup plan.\nIf you need to postpone your wedding but don’t want to delay your actual marriage, you have [backup wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/backup-wedding-plan-quick \"backup wedding plans\") options that will allow you to keep your date and party later. [City hall celebrations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/city-hall-wedding-ideas \"City hall wedding ideas\"), adventure elopements, and micro-weddings are all ways to have an intimate and special ceremony.\n\n## Celebrate your day regardless. \nIf you are up for it, do something just for you and your fiancé on the day your wedding was to take place. Some options include picking up cupcakes in your wedding cake flavor, spending the day relaxing together with your favorite movies, or taking a walk or drive to the spot you got engaged or had your first date. \n\nRemember that whenever or wherever your wedding ultimately takes place, it will be beautiful—and your loved ones will be there to support you. Until then, try to soak up being engaged to the love of your life for just a little longer. ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Attending a wedding this summer? Here’s everything you need to know about guests, weddings, and vaccines.","title":"Guests, Weddings, and Vaccines: What You Need to Know","slug":"guests-weddings-and-vaccines-what-you-need-to-know","topic":"Zola behind the scenes","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ReUuubL41mTVam3Mcwdep/6a81d8e3da664a815c3a1afe920e6487/Hero_Zola__15_.jpg","altText":"Guests, Weddings, and Vaccines: What You Need to Know"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"While the act of gift giving is universal, these 10 wedding gift traditions from around the world are unique to the countries that celebrate them. Click here to see the list. ","title":"10 Traditional Wedding Gifts from Around the World","slug":"wedding-gifts-from-around-the-world","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/51N4kjv6lhCoPC8Tb1WynE/6816273657f3de56c49d4db2b629d093/10-Traditional-Wedding-Gifts-from-Around-the-World.jpg","altText":"south asian indian wedding couple holding hands"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need wedding cake ideas but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with this list of 112 wedding cake ideas, organized by wedding season. ","title":"112 Wedding Cake Ideas & Designs","slug":"wedding-cake-ideas","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5V0DFlLCeXlId6h1UScbIm/b57fdd7bbf656730765e7a6c1d8ff03f/112-Wedding-Cake-Ideas-and-Designs.jpg","altText":"wedding-cake-ideas-by-season"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Your wedding centerpieces don't have to feature dramatic florals in order to be beautiful. Save money and get creative with these 29 unique centerpiece ideas for your wedding reception. ","title":"29 Unique Wedding Centerpiece Ideas You'll Say \"Yes\" To","slug":"wedding-centerpiece-ideas","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Wedding Style","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1aWsBliSOvNekdFYz2buxx/d846fe5dd67279c4fdf5c793c8c1fda0/Hero_New_Zola.jpg","altText":"Unique Wedding Centerpiece Ideas"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Create a beautiful, shareable free wedding website that will keep all your information in one place and make you and your SO's life easier.","title":"How to Build a Wedding Website: Guide + Tips","slug":"make-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ivfWCLfICZzRAlSL2XROu/d275878391dec1bf789fae38c8c5d62b/7-Reasons-to-Make-a-Wedding-Website.jpg","altText":"free wedding websites on zola.com"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Craft your dream wedding website effortlessly with Zola's step-by-step guide. Showcase your love story and details in style. Start creating today!","title":"How to Create Your Wedding Website: 10 Simple Steps ","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6a4MvmncJr4AKia1nFr6Tn/91e1616adecb7211caf14038546e0f27/DESKTOP_ww.png","altText":"Zola wedding website as seen on a laptop computer"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Your wedding website is a key place to communicate with your guests and share pertinent information, so it’s important to write well to avoid confusion. Keep reading for writing tips, wording samples, and a breakdown of what to include in each section of your wedding website. \n","title":"What to Include on Your Wedding Website + How to Write It","slug":"how-to-write-your-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1UmijQFt4JzxNmSmvX6JlP/5fe0a294419eda7ccafa3d42174fde40/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-write-wedding-website.jpg","altText":" Zola eastwick wedding website displayed on laptop, tablet, and phone screens "},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:44.200Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"a-guide-to-second-wedding-etiquette","title":"A Guide to Second Wedding Etiquette","excerpt":"Find out everything you need to know about second wedding etiquette with this complete guide from Zola. Read on now. ","author":"Janina Villanueva","publishedAt":"2020-12-23T16:28:30.357Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/14DaHb9AhdfYK4vrdY7noy/6e33a40e95c0e963bb571b0131bf2edd/Hero_New__21_.jpg","altText":"Second Wedding Etiquette"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"Second weddings are relatively common nowadays, and so are third (and even fourth) weddings. Finding love the second (or third) time around should be celebrated. If this is your second wedding, planning should be much more comfortable, given that you have experienced getting married before—you are now more aware of what you want and what’s important to you. You have an idea of where to splurge and where to scrimp on your budget when it comes to [wedding planning](https://welcome.zola.com/allproducts_desktop_ra/?pkey=googlesem_desktop_brandexact_np&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%2520(Exact)&orderkey=googlesem_desktop_brandexact_np&gclid=Cj0KCQiAh4j-BRCsARIsAGeV12BzkQY4PrYjbLLbquKzKtjV-z-OnxXPLqlnkxQnRlz2Qg5-MDQ7vFkaAlrIEALw_wcB). You are now more comfortable saying no when you need to. \n\nBut, second weddings can be complicated, with more people who may want to be involved and certain expectations from the watchful eyes of those who are around you. So here’s a guide to second wedding etiquette that will answer all of your questions.\n\n## The Wedding Announcement\n\nProbably the trickiest part of planning a second wedding is the announcement. Since it involves previous marriages, always remember to be considerate and diplomatic when it comes to your [second wedding invitation wording](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/getting-remarried-invitation-wording). If there are children involved, talk to them first. Depending on your relationship with your previous spouse, speak to him or her, especially if you share custody of the kids. You wouldn’t want them to hear about your wedding from someone else.\n\nOnce you have spoken to the people who matter most, and who will be directly affected by the marriage, you can send out the wedding announcement. Social media is a more commonly used avenue for any milestone, so be mindful of what you post on your feed, which both friends and followers can see.\n\n![Second Wedding Etiquette | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2KkNJTNjfUjno2yCO5XYFN/06e6bb82da0905a3f34f7aba64f7f46b/Inline_Chris_Zarconi_Photography.png)\n*Photo Credit //* Chris Zarconi Photography\n\n## Who’s Paying?\nGone are the days when the bride’s family pays for the wedding, even if it’s the first one. The bride and groom usually split the cost of the second wedding. If your parents offer to contribute, graciously say yes, but don’t expect them to foot the entire bill.\n\n## Wedding Party, and Involving Children from Previous Marriages\n\nWhile most second weddings only have two members of the wedding party, which are the maid of honor and the best man, there’s no rule that says that you can’t have your closest friends and family by your side on your big day. If this is something that you want, go ahead and have a wedding party for your second marriage.\n\nYou may also want to include your kids from your previous marriage at the ceremony. Depending on their age and comfortability, they can stand as junior bridesmaids and/or junior groomsmen, ring bearers, or flower girls. You can also give them other roles, such as walking you down the aisle, reading at the ceremony, or taking part in lighting the unity candle. Second marriages involving children are often made into a family affair, because more than celebrating the love of two people, it’s also the uniting of two families. \n\n## Invitees\nWhen it comes to second marriage wedding etiquette, you don’t need to invite everyone, especially not the people from your past. Sometimes the friends that you had during your first marriage are no longer part of your life. Do you invite your ex-spouse and his or her family? Mostly, the answer is no, but again, it depends on how it ended and how your relationship is with him or her now. Ultimately, you just invite the people you want most to be with you, and those who support you and your new marriage.\n\n![Second Wedding Etiquette | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3XCTyLPOakZ0qNb3P1SKQN/446db934888bc303755a81e451bec97f/Inline_Stephen_Gosling_Photography__1_.png) *Photo Credit* // Stephen Gosling Photography\n\n## Wedding Gifts and Registry\nWedding gifts and registries are not mandatory, but it can be an excellent resource for your families and friends who think of ways to indulge you. Have a small [wedding registry](https://welcome.zola.com/allproducts_desktop_ra/?pkey=googlesem_desktop_brandexact_np&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand%2520(Exact)&orderkey=googlesem_desktop_brandexact_np&gclid=Cj0KCQiAh4j-BRCsARIsAGeV12BzkQY4PrYjbLLbquKzKtjV-z-OnxXPLqlnkxQnRlz2Qg5-MDQ7vFkaAlrIEALw_wcB) that can serve as a guide to your wedding guests. Websites for the modern bride, such as Zola, can create a bridal registry from multiple stores for gifts, experiences, and cash funds, as well as group-gifting so that your workmates can pool resources and give you and your spouse a gift that you both can enjoy.\n\n## Other Traditions\n\nGo ahead and break other traditions. All brides can wear white, even on their second or third weddings. Go for color and style that makes you feel the most beautiful. Let go of the thought that it has to be small and intimate since it’s your second wedding. You can have a bridal shower and a big reception party. You can chuck the garter and toss the bouquet at the reception, and keep the dances and toasts. Stick to [wedding traditions](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/decor-inspiration/wedding-traditions) that you believe in.\n\nIt’s your wedding, so focus on what makes you and your spouse happy—you can have the wedding of your dreams. Your guests, who are people who love you, will support you and your love, no matter what.\n","tag":"How To","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Don’t know what your second marriage ceremony wording should include on the invitation? Read on for our top tips and advice.","title":"Getting Remarried Invitation Wording","slug":"getting-remarried-invitation-wording","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6PQ4uwmD7oxKRff66wW4hT/bbb3c993e4661c03be506190096631b5/Inline_Limelight_Photography.png","altText":"Second Wedding Invitation Wording"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need second wedding ideas on a budget? Our experts can help. Read on for our top tips.","title":"Second Wedding Ideas on a Budget","slug":"second-wedding-ideas-on-a-budget","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/17dnIW012chQLKxJEfiYiC/f62b3bfccc1a4f1307792ed6b5c1b334/Inline_Casey_Durgin_Photography.png","altText":"Second Wedding Ideas on a Budget"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Looking for some non-traditional second wedding ideas? You’ve come to the right place. \n","title":"10 Non-traditional Second Wedding Ideas","slug":"5-non-traditional-second-wedding-ideas","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1f0H4I9L6fIbCSWTHKBysF/f7b32ce4d4d6d04fa8e93866a07bd617/Hero_VintageSteampunkWeddingatCaswellHouse_NikkNguyenPhoto.jpg","altText":"Second Wedding Ideas"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t know how to plan a wedding shower for a second marriage? The experts at Zola can help! Read on now. ","title":"Most Common Wedding Etiquette Questions, Answered","slug":"wedding-party-etiquette-guide-for-a-second-marriage","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1iqtO6RHh45lL5XNok6T0Q/07c83d192e7b8769766987dcffe1de7e/Hero_RomanticWeddingatTheGardensatHeatherFarm_StudioOpia__1_.jpg","altText":"Wedding Party Etiquette Guide for a Second Wedding"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:42.475Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-to-say-when-you-cant-attend-a-wedding","title":"What to Say When You Can't Attend a Wedding","excerpt":"Declining a wedding invitation can feel awkward. If you’re looking for the right words to break the news, we have you covered.","author":"Anni Irish","publishedAt":"2020-12-16T22:41:26.127Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/75O81TrgVdlxxNNBhhTIpb/2bfeb4dd14b13aa0e4ac261660a02260/Hero_New__2_.jpg","altText":"What to Say When You Can't Attend a Wedding"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"If you’re not able to attend a wedding you’ve been invited to, because you’re short on money, don't know the couple getting married very well, or have a prior commitment, breaking the news can be a little stressful. \nDon't worry, though, several wedding etiquette tips can help you let the happy couple know in the nicest, most polite way possible.\n\n## Think It Through \n\nTake a few days and consider your options. Is there a way to make it work financially? Can you possibly attend the event you’ve already committed to, as well as the wedding? Being thoughtful about declining the invitation will make you feel better about it and is also something the couple getting married will appreciate. \n\n## Consider Your Relationship With the Couple\n\n![What to Say When You Can't Attend a Wedding | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/RHofd1eSuiry107iTOhCj/ede0d59a14f9910301a81f803e574533/inline_unsplash_1_.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Unsplash\n\nFilling out the wedding RSVP card stating you can't come isn't enough. When it comes to declining a wedding, a call, or even an in-person meeting is the best way to approach it. Depending on how close you are with them, thinking about the best way to deliver the news is also important. If the couple getting married took the time to invite you and send an invitation, give them the courtesy of a call—and possibly more. Whichever route you go, remember to congratulate them on this new and exciting chapter in their lives. \n\n## Don’t Explain Too Much\n\nWhen it comes to the larger reason why you can't attend, remember not to overshare. The couple doesn’t need to know every detail as to why you can't attend their wedding. Get to the larger point of why you can't attend, and try to keep it short and sweet. Simply stating that you have a prior commitment or your finances are a bit tight right now is more than enough information. Being straightforward can also help cut back on potentially awkward follow-up questions. \n\n## Say Thank You and Be Polite, But Don’t Apologize Profusely\n\n![What to Say When You Can't Attend a Wedding | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ksxUboxpgXUxrEVGzcAnj/1477be86613cca37142767fc18e8705c/inline_unsplash.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Unsplash\n\nThis is essential etiquette: Remember to thank the couple for inviting you. It’s important to be gracious and polite in this kind of situation. Saying no is hard enough. Doing it with tact and grace helps the situation go more smoothly for all parties involved. \nSaying your sorry is the right thing to do, but try to avoid over-apologizing. Repeatedly saying sorry can just make things more awkward for everyone involved. Say your peace, let them know you’ll be thinking of them, remember to thank them for the invitation, and try to move on. \n\n## Be Timely\n\nAnother thing to keep in mind when declining a wedding invitation is to do it on time. Every wedding invitation comes with a deadline, so pay attention to what it is and meet it. Although telling a close friend or family member that you are unable to attend their wedding is difficult, it has to be done if you aren't able to come. The sooner you're able to let them know you can't attend, the better they can plan accordingly. \n\n## Send a Gift\nAnother polite gesture is to send a wedding gift. Even though you aren't able to attend in person, sending a gift also lets them know you thought of them and want all the best for them on their special day. Remember to take a look at their registry, and pick something out that makes sense for you. \n\nWhile there is no concrete road map to properly declining a wedding invitation, the sooner you can let the couple know, the better. It will take the pressure off everyone, and you can breathe a little easier after you deliver the news.","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Check out our list of dos and don’ts for wedding guests to avoid any embarrassing wedding faux pas.","title":"Dos and Don'ts for Wedding Guests","slug":"dos-and-donts-for-wedding-guests","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4vU3Qmq5GM4ueQ6mU8Q2AI/ede946744da5e6f4377ca4a35d9c0af2/oliver-pan--oFxHLYKgLA-unsplash.jpg","altText":"bride and groom kissing with guests cheering and holding sparklers"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Attending a wedding stag or without a date isn't easy. Here's how to prepare to have a great time and enjoy a wedding even if you're alone.","title":"How to Attend a Wedding Alone","slug":"how-to-attend-a-wedding-alone","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/586CgwrhtMQaaJ4vdjp1E4/e1af8a5a91a9276caba64f166b1ac5bf/omar-lopez-0JufVigFHj8-unsplash.jpg","altText":"couple dances at wedding"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The plus-one debate is a common one—should you ask for one or shouldn't you? Find out when it's OK to ask for a plus-one and how to do it the right way.","title":"Is It Ever OK to Ask for a +1 to a Wedding?","slug":"is-it-ever-ok-to-ask-for-a-1-to-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5jPfAVVcMUF5b6XyZNpbI5/c6d73d0449a0394a915573ba45e7315c/Is-it-Ever-OK-to-ask-for-a-Plus-1-to-a-wedding.jpg","altText":"plus-one at a wedding"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don't know what to wear to a black-tie wedding? Discover essential do's and don'ts for a flawless, elegant look. Dress to impress with our expert guide.","title":"Black Tie Wedding Attire: Do's and Don'ts ","slug":"what-to-wear-and-not-wear-to-a-black-tie-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3b3O9GlaB15QourRyIR7Ki/58ac27ececd6f88d7db19d9a052f689d/Hero_New__6_.jpg","altText":"couple in black tie wedding attire"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:40.648Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"who-should-help-you-plan-your-wedding","title":"Everyone That Can Help You Plan Your Wedding","excerpt":"It takes a village to plan a wedding, so there’s no shame in asking for support in whatever form you may need it. ","author":"Maggie Mahoney","publishedAt":"2022-12-05T16:11:50.607Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1zE5hOmnTr629vOzbiBJpC/51fa87572b53207607de5ad8aa6eea68/1116_EA_FLR-Everyone_To_Help_Plan.jpg","altText":"Everyone That Can (and Should) Help You Plan Your Wedding"},"heroCredit":"Leah Rivera Photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- When it comes to details and creative vision, support best comes from your partner, your wedding vendors, and other engaged people in your physical or online community. \n- Financial support for your wedding typically comes most heavily from your parents, you and your spouse, and in smaller quantities, from other family members, friends, and community members. \n- Who you lean on for emotional help during your wedding planning journey is a deeply personal choice. However, a best friend, close family member, married friends, and your therapist may be the most obvious choices.","body":"Your wedding is one of the most exciting and memorable events of your life. Whether you’ve been dreaming of your special day since you were young or have only more recently begun to envision your perfect wedding, this moment is one that you want to cherish and share with your closest loved ones. \n\nFor couples getting married in 2023, the pressure can feel especially great. Some of these individuals have postponed their special day (perhaps more than once). They may have been engaged for two years or more (longer than most previous generations), have attended many other couples' weddings, and all the while, been inundated by wedding content on social media. This can lead to heightened anticipation and high expectations.\n\nAlthough throwing a fun event remains one of the biggest priorities, the [planning that leads up to the nuptials](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding) is not devoid of stress and anxiety. The old adage “it takes a village” applies itself perfectly to the logistics surrounding executing a beautiful wedding. From the fundamentals of booking vendors and organizing your celebration, to ensuring you have ample financial and emotional support, wedding planning becomes far more than a one-person job. The sooner that you and those important to you in your life understand and accept that, the better. \n\nAs help for [planning a wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) can come in many different forms, below are Zola’s recommendations for who in your life can—and should—pitch in, according to our [2023 First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2023). You’ll also find tips for how to go about reaching out to your friends and family for support ahead of your wedding. \n\n### Those Who Can Help You Plan the Details \n\nWho you choose to lean on during the time leading up to your wedding comes down to personal discretion and can be anyone you trust and whose opinion you value. However, there are some important figures that are common sources of comfort and assistance for most brides and grooms.\n\n### 1. Your Partner\n\nYour wedding is about you and your partner and the love you share, so it stands to reason that their support and opinions are greatly important in the planning stages, especially regarding a venue, music, and other personal touches to make the day unforgettable. In fact, according to [Zola’s 2023 First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2023), 77.88% of all surveyed engaged couples of varying generations cited their partner as being their “rock” during the planning stages. This percentage was higher than for any other person, even parents and best friends. \n\nObviously, your partner’s degree of involvement depends on their level of interest. Some partners want to be involved in each small decision in the planning process, while others are content to make the more impactful decisions like band, food, and reception location together and leave other minor details up to the wedding vendors or their spouse. \n\n### 2. Wedding Vendors\n\nThose in the wedding business are experts in their field and can be amazing resources in planning the details of your wedding day. From professional florists to event planners, caterers, venue sites, and wedding DJs, these experienced artists have participated behind the scenes in many weddings. They can help you and your spouse realize and execute your creative vision. \n\nIf you already know what you want coming in, these vendors will work efficiently with you to take logistical elements off of your plate and make your dreams come to life. On the flip side, if you feel more indecisive, they are wonderful experts to raise questions to or help guide you in narrowing down your wants. A good florist, for example, can suggest flowers similar to other flowers you may already like or provide color palette suggestions that may complement your existing color scheme for the venue and bridesmaid dresses. The amount of creative freedom you want to give these vendors is totally up to you. \n\n### 3. Other Engaged Couples\n\nNo one quite understands the joy (and sometimes pain) of planning a wedding like other engaged couples. If you have friends who have recently gotten married or friends who are getting married around the same time as you, these people may have insights and tips that can improve your experience. Reach out to them—especially for vendor recommendations for anything from hair to food. Good friends know that sharing is caring and will be happy to help you out however they can. \n\nYou can also lean on the broader engaged community online for inspiration and advice. Wedding planning Facebook groups, advice articles, and [community pages](https://www.zola.com/community) on wedding websites like Zola serve as useful starting points and public forums for specific questions you may have. \n\n## Those Who May Help You Financially \n\nPaying for a wedding is no small feat, as costs can vary widely depending on the location, number of guests, and level of extravagance. \n\n### 1. Parents or Parental Figures\n\nIf you’re looking to go the [traditional route in terms of who pays for a wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/who-should-pay-for-wedding), it’s customary for the bride’s family to cover the majority of the wedding-day costs, such as the reception, and for the groom’s family to pay for elements like the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon. However, there is nothing that says you have to go for that exact split. \n\nMany young couples do opt for at least some parental financial support for their wedding, while also pitching in themselves. In fact, 59% of couples getting married in 2023 have parents paying in part or in full for their wedding. \n\n### 2. Friends, Family, or Your Community \n\nOf course, not every couple has the option to lean on parental support. [Planning a wedding without parents](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/plan-a-wedding-without-parents) can be tough to navigate, whether it's due to illness, distance, strained relationships, or even death. \n\nAlthough it may be less customary to ask for financial support for your wedding from friends or other family members, it’s not out of the question to do so. Many people in your community may be more than happy to pitch in. This monetary support can come as physical donations, paying for your flowers, cake, or even contributing toward your wedding dress. Keep in mind that every little bit counts, even if it isn’t straight cash. For example, friends, family, or your community can donate items to serve as decor, a backyard for your reception, fold-out tables, and other useful items that will save you money.\n\nA creative way to ask for financial support from your community is to ask that instead of wedding registry items or gifts, your guests donate money toward the actual wedding day. You may also consider starting a crowdfunding effort that you share via Facebook. \n\n## Those Who Can Support You Emotionally \n\nEmotional support is perhaps one of the most valuable ways people in your life can support you as you plan the biggest day of your life. The stress surrounding wedding planning can feel intense, so having plenty of shoulders to cry on and loved ones to help you keep a level head is essential. \n\n### 1. Best Friend/s\n\nClose friends provide a safe space to express your feelings during good times and bad. As long as your best friends are available and willing to support you as you navigate the stressful stages of planning, you should feel comfortable to vent to them during moments of need. Although talking about wedding planning may not change the reality of the situation, it can be cathartic and ease some of the emotional burden you feel. Your friends may also supply helpful advice or a fresh perspective on a situation you are too close to for you to see clearly. \n\n### 2. Siblings and Close Family Members\n\nEmotional support can come in many forms from your siblings and extended family. You may want someone to just listen as you talk and cry without interjection, give you a hug on a bad day, or jump in with solutions and suggestions. If the stress of planning consumes a lot of your time, your family can also cook you meals to take daily stressors off of your plate or make sure you take breaks and get out of the house to recharge mentally.\n\n### 3. Married Friends\n\nMarried friends who have already been through the pressure of wedding planning act as your allies and offer an older and wiser perspective. We recommend going to these friends for reassurance when you get overwhelmed or have specific questions and concerns.\n\n### 4. Therapist\n\nThe ultimate source of emotional support comes in the form of a therapist. Since they are professionals, you can feel comfortable sharing your feelings with them no matter what, even if your family and friends have grown weary of listening to you vent. We recommend that you ask your therapist to give you stress management and coping strategies to minimize your wedding planning apprehension.\n\n### How to Reach Out for Help\n\nReaching out for wedding planning assistance may feel tough, however you may be surprised how willing people are to help. Here is how you can navigate the process in the least stressful way possible: \n\n__1. Create Message Templates__\n\nTexting and emailing friends is an easy mode of gathering support, especially if you’re nervous. Templated texts make the process even easier. For example, if you are in need of emotional support from your best friend you may say: “Hey, I’ve been stressed today about wedding planning and could really use your support. Do you mind if I come over and vent tonight?”\n\n__2. Ask Your Wedding Party or Family to Gather People to Help and Delegate Tasks For You__\n\nIf you’re nervous about reaching out to your community on your own, your wedding party or close family members can take outreach off of your plate. For example, if you simply tell your maid of honor that you need help with wedding planning details, she can relay the message to your bridesmaids and organize a group of people to complete tasks that need to be done. Your parents can perform the same type of labor for you by gathering donations from other relatives for the wedding expenses or asking that family members reach out to you via call or text to provide moral support periodically. \n\n## Zola: The Ultimate Wedding Planning Partner\n\nYou should never feel embarrassed about asking for help, especially when it comes to such a momentous occasion with so many logistical components. Even telling one person you could use their support can quickly turn into an entire community rallying behind you. Who you choose to depend on and open up to leading up to your wedding day can tell you a lot about the people you most value in your life. Plus, [Zola's here for you](https://www.zola.com/) every step of the way with tools to help you plan your wedding from start to finish. \n\nWith the right support in your corner, planning a wedding can transform from a draining experience to one of joy and ease.","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Zola is here to help you navigate potential pre-wedding fights so that you can stop others from taking over your wedding planning. ","title":"How to Stop Others from Taking Over Your Wedding Planning","slug":"how-to-stop-others-from-taking-over-your-wedding-planning","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2ZRGvm2yDPIcVn75qEujQY/c160645582f58754297fbed06cde86e0/05.jpeg","altText":"Stop Others from Taking Over Your Wedding Planning"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"From who to ask to the different communities that you can join, here’s everything you need to know about finding the wedding planning community that’s right for you. ","title":"Finding the Right Wedding Planning Community for You","slug":"finding-the-right-wedding-planning-community-for-you","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2RgzV0AwaxBSgmmfPvcyvi/d2ac64f20aa675eb18890ede68c0eb4e/003.jpeg","altText":"Wedding Planning Community "},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Wedding planning is time-consuming, especially when you and your spouse lead busy lives with school, children, classes, and/or work. Here’s how to fit wedding planning into your day-to-day life, without letting it become overwhelming.","title":"How to Fit Wedding Planning into Your Schedule","slug":"how-to-fit-wedding-planning-into-your-schedule","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5owDuqnKTWIJyUsPWgBNo4/41a3e3f0915f092af3e6ea988d3efbc6/004.jpeg","altText":"How to Fit Wedding Planning into Your Schedule"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:39.741Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"make-sure-my-wedding-is-gender-inclusive","title":"Pop the Question: \"How Do I Make Sure My Wedding Is Gender-Inclusive?\"","excerpt":" In this month's Ask Us Anything, our Team-Z experts share tips for making your wedding more gender-inclusive, no matter your orientation. ","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2023-06-13T14:08:10.614Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1JrxOiNiiuQ2iQtLNWFREa/ea90be541a3140f3e13b19bbf4a5b2fc/Inclusive_Wedding_PTQ__1_.jpg","altText":"Pop the Question: \"How Do I Make Sure My Wedding Is Gender-Inclusive?\""},"heroCredit":"Caroline Veronez","body":"Have a burning wedding planning question on your mind? [Pop the question](https://www.zola.com/community/topic/ask-team-z) to our Zola advisors on Team-Z!\n\n*Dear Team-Z*, Both my fiance and I are actively wedding planning, and as a queer couple with lots of friends and fam across the spectrum, making our wedding feel inclusive is a priority. We have some ideas in mind, but we'd love any tips on how to make sure everyone feels respected. Sharing our love for each other while showing our guests that we care about them is a must, but we need ideas to ensure we cover all the bases in fun, creative, and inclusive ways. Think you could help?\n\n*~ Queer Without Fear*\n\n---\n\n## So, How Do You Have a Gender-Inclusive Wedding — No Matter Your Orientation?\n\n*Dear Queer Without Fear*, Thank you for your honest question! You’re definitely on the right track by prioritizing a safe and [inclusive environment](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/lgbt-wedding-traditions-and-how-to-reinvent-old-ones) for all, and your query is important for non-community members as they also try to navigate having an inclusive wedding. Keeping couples in the know, no matter their orientation, is a way to keep the positive vibes flowing as you celebrate your love, which is just that — your love, no matter what form it takes.\n\nMany folks have felt left out because the wedding community of the past was fairly gendered, but that’s thankfully been changing within the industry over the past several years. After all, “bride and groom” doesn’t describe every couple. Plus, putting genders aside is a fun way to get creative and let your personality shine through on your wedding day. Whether you have a wedding full of LGBTQ+ friends or only one attending, the last thing any couple wants on their big day is to make a loved one feel excluded at their wedding unintentionally. \n\nSo, prepare for some ultra-creative ideas that will make everyone feel loved as you celebrate the start of a lifetime together. \n\n## How to Have a Gender-Inclusive Wedding\nFrom creative wording to eye-catching signs, feel free to have tongue-in-cheek fun that everyone can enjoy so they’ll have a great time! Team-Z has ten tips for an inclusive wedding day as you look at wedding planning in a new light.\n\n### 1. Propose (or Be Proposed to)\n\n[Even if you’re a straight couple](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-womans-guide-to-proposing-to-a-man), it’s perfectly appropriate for either partner to pop the question and for the other to tear up as they hear the proposal. Team-Z loves it when these traditional roles are reversed or banished altogether with same-sex, non-binary, and other types of couples. In short, if you want to be the one to arrange the proposal — do it! \n\n### 2. Set the Tone With Your Wedding Stationery\n\nYour save-the-dates and wedding invitations are the first impression of your big day, so create boundaries from the start with [non-gendered language](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/gender-neutral-terms-to-use-wedding-planning). Here are a few of Team Z’s favorites.\n\n- Future spouse\n- Marrier\n- To-be-wed\n- Nearlyweds\n- Broom/Gride\n- Mx. and Mx.\n- Partner\n- Significant other\n\n### 3. Mix up Your Wedding Party\n\nWho says that wedding attendants need to be divided by gender? Bridesmen and groomswomen have taken their place alongside couples, but you can knock out all gender norms using a term such as groomsmates or bridesallies. Create your own terminology, or simply call them your wedding party. Swap traditional positions, such as best man and maid of honor, for verbiages like best person, person of honor, or best mate.\n\n### 4. Choose Community-Minded Wedding Pros\n\nNow is the time to support LGBTQ+ wedding vendors by choosing them to orchestrate your big day. Not only will you be giving them your business, but they’ll be able to help you with thoughtful ways to implement inclusivity on your big day. If you can’t find community wedding professionals, seek out those who are allies to hire for vital wedding tasks. At Zola we work with Vendors who embrace our same core values of tolerance, acceptance and respect laid out in our [Vendor Vows](https://www.zola.com/inspire/vendors/pledge), so that everyone in our community feels welcome. \n\n### 5. Plan a Bachelorx Party\n\nInstead of traditional bachelor and bachelorette parties, schedule a gender-neutral bachelorx celebration instead. Do all of the necessary fun things — AKA partying with your friends before the big day — and invite all genders. Plan a double celebration with your partner or throw separate bashes.\n\n### 6. Swap Traditional Attire Choices\n\nHave you always dreamed of wearing a [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/tips-wedding-dress-shopping)? Do it, no matter what tradition dictates. It’s your big day, and you and your partner should [feel free to express your true personality](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/gender-non-conforming-wedding-attire), especially at a time when everyone is coming together to celebrate you. You don’t have to reveal what you’re wearing on the big day but also make it clear to your wedding guests that they can wear whatever they want.\n\n### 7. Walk Down the Aisle Creatively\n\nTalk with your partner about who will stand at the front of the aisle and who will walk down. If you both want to walk the aisle, a sweet way to accomplish that is to have both of you start from opposite ends, meet in the middle, and then walk to the front together. You can either walk down the aisle with a mentor or go alone to meet your significant other.\n\n### 8. Offer Pronoun Buttons\n\nA fun way to add a playful element while doing away with ambiguity is to have pronoun buttons available for everyone. Have small, round pins printed with he, she, they, them, him, her, and other pronouns of choice. That way, folks can make combinations, such as she/them or he/him. To be sure all bases are covered, have a few “ask me” buttons available in case someone can’t find their pronouns on a button or you run out of a particular one. \n\n### 9. Toss the Toss\n\nMany couples are doing away with the bouquet and garter tosses, and you can follow suit. However, if you’d still like to do this, be ingenious. Either partner — or both of you — can wear a garter or carry a bouquet. Also, let anyone of any gender participate in either, neither, or both tosses! They’re just for fun and are a great way to include everyone. \n\n### 10. Banish Bathroom Woes\n\nInstead of gendered bathrooms, make each one for all genders or describe the rooms. Signs that indicate whether there are only toilets inside or toilets and urinals can be beneficial. And don’t feel like you have to use words. Quirky line drawings indicating what awaits behind the door can add an element of whimsy. \n\nThank you, *Queer without Fear*! Team-Z wishes you a fabulous planning season and a beautifully inclusive wedding. Enjoy!\n\n## Pop the Question with our Team-Z\n\nYou’ve got questions. The wedding planning experts of Zola’s Team-Z have answers! You’ve finally found the one and know the next steps, but how do you plan the perfect wedding day? From proposal etiquette and w[edding websites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) to [registry items](https://www.zola.com/search/wedding-registry), your head is probably spinning as your to-do list gets longer. That’s where Zola’s smart, savvy team — Team Z — can help! You ask, we answer. It’s as simple as that! \n\n*P.S.* If you aren’t already a part of [Zola’s active community](https://www.zola.com/community/sign-up?returnTo=%2Fcommunity%2Ftopic%2Fask-team-z) yet, put joining on your [wedding checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist). Not familiar? It’s where Zola’s couples ask questions and share their best wedding planning tips with other couples just like you. ","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Dating doesn’t need to be expensive, and our list of date ideas that don't break the bank will reassure you of that.","title":"30 Romantic and Affordable Date Night Ideas","slug":"30-romantic-affordable-date-night-ideas","topic":"Relationship advice","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1wugm9DOgCD5y3wCfcxJhC/e40cd6fc8994b3521cb2e8407896bacb/pexels-mental-health-america-_mha_-5531277__2_.jpg","altText":"30 Romantic Affordable Date Night Ideas"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"If you’ve never lived together before marriage, moving in can be an adjustment. Here are expert tips on how to communicate, set boundaries, and enjoy your newlywed home.","title":"7 Tips for Moving in Together After Marriage ","slug":"moving-in-together-after-marriage","topic":"Relationship advice","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3j8BVCfLTf3DR2YhPciwcA/084910eab3e960e055782787ea631353/7-Tips-for-Moving-in-Together-after-marriage.jpg","altText":"newlyweds move in together"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Want to find out where your partner stands on marriage, but not sure how to broach the subject? Read on to find how and when to talk about marriage when dating.","title":"How to Talk About Marriage When Dating","slug":"how-to-talk-about-marriage-when-dating","topic":"Relationship advice","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4XxX5CB6Xz06uYVX1pkihD/8363ec8437cf3a9816750c0a772ef8fb/Hero_TraditionalNuptialsinMiami_InfiniteLoopPhotography_Films.jpg","altText":"Talk About Marriage When Dating"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":" In this month's Ask Us Anything, our Team-Z experts break down the realities of wedding planning stress.","title":"Pop the Question: \"How Do I Stay Sane While Planning My Wedding?\"","slug":"pop-the-question-stay-sane-planning-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/11EOMxJS79n9KH3XnlHf60/372ece307a179ffe7e8c733a65bbdac6/EA_cover.jpg","altText":"Pop the Question: How Do I Stay Sane While Planning My Wedding?"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:37.995Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-to-get-married-in-los-angeles","title":"How to Get Married in Los Angeles: A Complete Guide","excerpt":"If you plan to get married in Los Angeles, make time for preparations. Learn about costs, wedding venues, COVID-19 updates, and more in our complete guide. ","author":"Monica Mercuri","publishedAt":"2021-04-27T16:14:28.740Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7b6TG1i4fGweDZvmnRk7Oi/fb95ac2f7d3e9f3d9f7d7ed4de87bea6/los-angeles-wedding-city-guide-hero-1.jpg","altText":"Couple getting married in Los Angeles on the beach"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/","body":"Wouldn’t it be amazing to get married in LA? From its bustling nightlife to the iconic Hollywood sign, Los Angeles is a popular wedding and [honeymoon destination](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/best-honeymoon-destinations) all-in-one. \n\nWith glistening beaches, infamous museums, and renowned shopping plazas, there’s so much for you and your guests to do and see in the “City of Angels.” As home to one of the world’s first pride parades in 1970, Los Angeles is a strong supporter of inclusivity and provides a welcoming community for same-sex couples. \n\nAs a newly engaged couple, [planning a wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-planner) in Los Angeles can be an exciting, yet time-consuming process. For that reason, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to navigate you through all the necessities. From COVID-19 updates to finding [Los Angeles vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca), you’ll have everything you need for your dream LA wedding!\n\nUse our jump-to links below to navigate this guide:\n\n- Where to Get Married in Los Angeles\n- How to Obtain a Los Angeles Wedding License\n- Los Angeles Wedding Trends\n- Real Weddings and Best Places for Photographs \n- LGBTQIA Marriages in Los Angeles\n- How to Find Local Vendors\n- Los Angeles Wedding Guest Guide\n\n## Where to Get Married in Los Angeles\n \n\n![where to get married in los angeles photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6L4fHf3WfCPq7TJzwbASCK/d945022674d937ee0e0e58e812f8ccba/1-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\nWhether you prefer a fabulous beach ceremony or the backdrop of a luxurious mansion, there are plenty of Los Angeles wedding venues to choose from for your special day.\n\nTo start, our list of pre-screened [wedding venues in Los Angeles](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca--wedding-venues) will help you find the perfect options that fit your wedding size, setting, and budget. Choose from dozens of beautiful locations throughout the city. Here are a few popular venue options in Los Angeles to consider:\n\n- __Gardens and country clubs:__ For a picturesque, botanical view, Los Angeles is home to immaculate gardens and spaces with gorgeous natural scenery. Say “I do” with the beautiful backdrop of green hills and plants in bloom. \n- __Ocean and waterfront venues:__ If you envision a sun-filled ceremony with an amazing coastline view, you’re in the right place. LA boasts over a dozen beaches and lakes, where venue options range from yachts to beach resorts. \n- __Mansions and estates:__ Host your California dream wedding at one of LA’s enchanting castles or historic mansions. From stunning architecture to vintage charm, these private venues can provide exclusive use of the property to entertain your guests on a grand scale. \n- __Hotels and resorts:__ For destination weddings, hotel and resort venues are a great option. These generally have ballrooms, courtyards, and other spaces for hosting events. Some hotels offer a discount group rate when booking for large parties, and may also have caterers or event planners on staff. \n- __Vineyards and wineries:__ As the largest producer of American wine, California is a popular getaway for wine lovers. You and your soon-to-be can plan a relaxed, yet elegant winery wedding and romantic wedding photoshoots in the vineyards. Guests can enjoy the gorgeous settings and, of course, great wine-tasting! \n\n## How to Obtain a Los Angeles Marriage License\n \n\nWhen planning your LA wedding, an important step is to apply for your marriage license. You will need this to get legally married in Los Angeles county. \n\n__COVID-19 Update:__ All offices of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (L.A. County RR/CC) are closed to the public due to the pandemic. Marriage License requests and other services, however, are still available online, by mail, or by appointment. \n\nAt your convenience, you and your partner can complete the [application for a marriage license](https://marriage.lavote.net/MLS/) online. The process is simple and should only take a few minutes to complete. Here’s what you will need:\n\n- __Proof of identity:__ Valid photo and age verification documents (Driver’s License, Passport, or Permanent Resident Card) of both parties are mandatory and must be in English. If the documents are in another language, a certified translator must submit them with an English translation and notarization. If under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian needs to notarize the marriage license. \n- __Proof of unmarried status:__ If you were previously married, you will need to bring documentation of your divorce or termination of State Register Domestic Partnership (if applicable).\n- __Pay the fee:__ A marriage license in Los Angeles costs $91. For confidential marriages, meaning not on public record, the fee is $85 (only available to couples already living together as spouses). \n- __Both parties present:__ During the COVID-19 pandemic, you and your partner must be present together during your virtual appointment with the clerk’s office to review the application.\n- __Get married within the timeframe:__ After issuance of your LA marriage license, you must have your wedding ceremony within the next 90 days before it expires. \n- __Return signed marriage license:__ After your wedding ceremony, you must return the marriage license to the main office location of L.A. County RR/CC in Norwalk city. \n\nAfter completing the application, you can [book an appointment](https://lavote.net/home/county-clerk/marriage-licenses-ceremonies/apply-for-a-marriage-license/apply) through the same portal.\n\n### Do I Need a California Marriage License?\nYes. To legally marry in Los Angeles county or any city in the State of California, you will need a California marriage license. \n\n### Where Do I Get My L.A. Marriage License?\nThe [L.A County RR/CC](https://lavote.net/home/county-clerk/marriage-licenses-ceremonies/general-info/eligibility) distributes marriage licenses. Currently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can apply for your marriage license online through the county’s website. Once reopened to the public, you and your partner can apply for a marriage license at one of its seven branch office locations.\n\n### How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License in L.A.?\nIt takes an hour to complete and process the marriage license in person. Currently, during COVID-19, the virtual appointment to process the license is 30 minutes. \n\n### Can I Get Married the Same Day in Los Angeles?\nYes. Since California has no waiting period after issuing a marriage license, couples can get married the same day in Los Angeles. To do so, you must have at least one witness during your wedding ceremony (not including the wedding officiant). \n\nAnyone who is ordained in the State of California can officiate your wedding. Acceptable Los Angeles wedding officiants include, but are not limited to, ministers or priests of any religion, commissioners of civil marriages, a California congressperson, or a judge. The most convenient place to find a same-day wedding officiant is City Hall. There are also many same-day wedding officiant services available throughout Los Angeles, such as through wedding planners.\n\n### Can Someone I Know Get Ordained to Officiate My Wedding in LA?\nYes. There are universal ministries that provide online ordination services, even some within the same-day, to people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and sexual orientations. This allows couples to choose whom they desire to officiate their weddings. Out-of-state and out-of-country marriage officiants can perform marriages in the State of California as long as they are ordained or invested by a denomination.\n\n### Los Angeles City Hall Wedding\n[City Hall weddings](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/city-hall-wedding-ideas) are increasingly popular for affordable, same-day ceremonies. The City Hall is easy to book, LGBTQIA supportive, and can serve as a neutral ground for couples with different religious backgrounds. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the L.A. County RR/CC offers to conduct civil weddings virtually via [online appointments](https://www.mytime.com/express_checkout/123989). Virtual civil weddings cost $35 in addition to license fees. \n\n## Los Angeles Wedding Trends\n \n\n![los angeles wedding trends photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4pL8AXRsbvQriIIjXN4htq/7a5743e351f34cfe2e561411f97c725f/2-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\nFrom tech and television industries to world-famous theme parks, Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world. Hosting a wedding in this stylish and chic city gives you instant access to luxurious metropolitan, amazing cuisine, and celebrity ambiance. \n\nPlanning during a pandemic may require patience and flexibility, but can also breed creativity. Beaches, vineyards, and castles are a few of many diverse places to recite your [wedding vows](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vows). Check out our [wedding colors and trends for 2021](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-colors) to learn more unique ways to personalize your LA wedding.\n\n### Average Cost of a Wedding in Los Angeles\n[Wedding costs](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding) can vary greatly depending on the location. Large metropolitan areas tend to have steeper prices, especially for venues. The average [cost of a wedding in Los Angeles](https://wedding.report/index.cfm/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/31080/idtype/m/location/Los_Angeles_Long_Beach_Anaheim__CA/) is $34,492, which is a bit higher than the 2020 national average of $33,900. Keep in mind that the average costs include elopements and ceremony-only weddings, which skip venues and have much smaller guest numbers.\n\nOther factors, such as the time of year, catering, and the number of guests also contribute to the total cost. Before planning any wedding details, it’s best for you and your fiancé to set a budget. To help save money, some budget-friendly Los Angeles venues include public beaches and parks, which may only require a special event permit, and the City Hall. \n\n![average wedding costs in los angeles chart](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3wzpWDKj3jH6JlBXIpVxW1/f4ee26f6859f12efd68b7db4e607a0e4/los-angeles-city-guide-chart-1.png)\n\n### Best Times of Year for Weddings in Los Angeles\n\n![best times of the year for LA weddings photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/67m1jP6qyvni4xzazk3RzV/606e09f569044c7be9daab0dd6c9c534/3-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\nWith warm weather almost year-round, you can’t go wrong with an LA wedding. Instead, it’s best to consider your venue options and guest preferences. \n\n__Spring:__ March, April, May\n\nWith temperatures in the low to mid-70s and fewer crowds, spring is a comfortable season for walking and visiting outdoor attractions. There’s rarely any precipitation in LA during the springtime, making it ideal for outdoor weddings. Also, hotel rates are likely to have discounts during this time, which is great for traveling guests. \n\n__Summer:__ June, July, August\n\nSummertime in LA is peak tourism season, and also when the city experiences the hottest temperatures of the year. While you can expect higher hotel rates during this season, it is also a time when several popular summer festivals take place, including LA Pride. \n\n__Fall:__ September, October, November\n\nFall has cooler temperatures in the high-70s and is a great time to find flight and hotel deals when planned. If you prefer to avoid the peak tourist season, a fall wedding might be your best option. \n\n__Winter:__ December, January, February \n\nInstead of snow, Los Angeles receives a lot of rain during the winter. Don’t let precipitation rule out a winter wedding just yet. This is also a season when you can find good flight and hotel deals, which can especially come in handy to catch famous award shows in LA at this time, such as the Grammys. \n\n![Seasonal guide to LA weddings chart](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XEn5QgIGLhdFUc0yKsTl9/86e48e7d53971a6ad429b3058392dcfa/los-angeles-city-guide-chart-2.png)\n\n### Busiest Weeks in Los Angeles\nLos Angeles has several popular events and weeks throughout the year for your guests to enjoy. When planning your destination wedding, keep in mind that these may impact hotel and vendor availability and rates, as well as traffic and parking. Here are a few annual events to consider:\n\n- Chinese New Year and Golden Dragon Parade (February)\n- Los Angeles Marathon (March)\n- Coachella (April)\n- Jazz Reggae Festival (May)\n- LA Pride (June)\n- 4th of July Community Festival (July)\n- LA County Fair (September)\n- DTLA Film Festival (October)\n- Hollywood Christmas Parade (December)\n\n### Los Angeles Weddings and COVID-19\nBear in mind that activity restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic are constantly evolving and may differ by the area. From weeks up to the official day of your wedding, make sure to follow [news and updates](http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/) from the County of Los Angeles Public Health. \n\nCurrently, Los Angeles County can only have small private gatherings with a maximum of 15 individuals. Private gatherings must be outdoors with all guests wearing masks and maintaining a 6-foot-distance. If you, your partner, and all other wedding guests are fully vaccinated by your wedding date, you’re free to have an indoor wedding without restrictions. Be aware that certain venues may have stricter guidelines than Los Angeles County. \n\n## Real Los Angeles Weddings \n \n\nLooking for some inspiration to plan your California Dreamin’ wedding? Check out our [inspiration page](https://www.zola.com/inspiration) where you can browse hundreds of wedding photo submissions by season, location, and trending wedding styles. Here are a few romantic ideas from our [real Los Angeles weddings](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/los-angeles-ca):\n\n![real wedding locations in los angeles photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5CTrUg3qnxnNDh0DmZlnrS/396842809a07d5274a062d96b238f8bd/11-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg) \n[Romantic Outdoor Wedding at Descanso Beach Club](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding/romantic-outdoor-wedding-at-descanso-beach-club). Consider lush green bouquets for a cheerful spring garden wedding.\n\n![oviatt penthouse wedding photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4AgiLAGeqUunhyhnnxOdVb/07dde4ed9c0fe25bf47a914de68b62fe/10-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\n[Magical Oviatt Penthouse Wedding](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding/magical-oviatt-penthouse-wedding). Sophisticated yet simplistic, matching black bow tie tuxedos can add a classic touch. \n\n![disneyland wedding photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1qLPWQNGP7SZt4mtY8BZCx/1f1bca26cb3a0dada23b8d2203bc5fbe/9-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\n[Fairytale Destination Wedding in Disneyland](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding/fairytale-destination-wedding-in-disneyland). Tap into your inner childhood with a beautiful backdrop of the Disney castle. \n\n### Best Spots for Wedding Photos in Los Angeles\n\n![walt disney concert hall photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6d8QazSCANlIRYMtYeCLLF/4fb71af6736860163168b97b3e55176e/4-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\nWalt Disney Concert Hall\n\nFrom gorgeous coastlines to wondrous architecture, Los Angeles is full of inspiration for wedding photography. Here are some famous locations around the city to liven your backdrops: \n\n- [Griffith Park Observatory](https://griffithobservatory.org/)\n- [Huntington Botanical Gardens](https://www.huntington.org/gardens)\n- [Pasadena City Hall](https://www.cityofpasadena.net/about-pasadena/city-hall/)\n- [Korean Bell of Friendship](https://www.publicartinpublicplaces.info/korean-friendship-bell-1976)\n- [Walt Disney Concert Hall](https://www.laphil.com/)\n\n![la-guide-map](//images.contentful.com/77l22z9el0aa/3WtaIPiDBQuEkUoH66eSuR/317872aaa48df9e7f9873735da258901/la-guide-map.png)\n\n## LGBTQIA+ Los Angeles Wedding Information\n \n\n![lgbtq+ los angeles wedding info](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2VqUF8KhcHoCng6X4AYXBh/00b21e97df7a70c7c1835426685cef88/5-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\nEven before the state recognized same-sex marriage equality in 2013, justice for inclusivity was a part of Los Angeles’ history. Since having one of the world’s first pride parades in 1970, the city now hosts two of the largest LGBTQIA annual events in the nation, the [Outfest](https://outfest.org/) in April and the [LA Pride](https://lapride.org/) parade in June. Los Angeles is home to one of the largest LGBTQIA communities in the world, West Hollywood (WeHo), where couples can enjoy numerous same-sex nightclubs and find supportive wedding vendors. \n\n## How to Find Local Los Angeles Vendors\n \n\nBy now, your heart is set on a Los Angeles dream destination wedding and you’re ready to dive into the planning details. Once you’ve set a wedding date, it’s time to bring in the wedding professionals. Remember, a good rule of thumb is to book venues and other wedding planning vendors at least 12–18 months before your date. \n\nTo get you started, use our filter to sort vendor categories by price, venue style, wedding theme, and more:\n\n- [Venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca--wedding-venues)\n- [Florists](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca--wedding-florists)\n- [Caterers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca--wedding-catering)\n- [Beauty Professionals](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca--wedding-hair-makeup)\n- [Cakes and Desserts](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca--wedding-cakes-desserts)\n- [Photographers and Videographers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca--wedding-photographers)\n\n## Los Angeles Wedding Guest Guide\n \n\nIf this will be your first time visiting Los Angeles, you will soon receive a warm welcome from “LA traffic.” With such a large population, rush hour in the city gets congested quickly, which can strongly impact your plans for the day if not carefully planned. To help you prepare, here is an overview of the logistics and travel details so you get the best experience with your loved ones during your wedding. \n\n### How to Get to Los Angeles\n![how to get to los angeles photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7onhiyVHbX6h7Y16CJkKuL/004c95f100c9e1037804440a7528bf55/6-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\n\n1. __Getting here by plane:__ There are five main airports in the LA area that you can fly into. Upon your arrival, you can take a taxi, public transportation, or utilize one of many ride-sharing services available in the city.\n\n- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)- 16 miles to downtown LA\n- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)- 18 miles to downtown LA \n- Long Beach Airport (LGB)- 25 miles to downtown LA\n- John Wayne Airport (SNA)- 44 miles to downtown LA\n- Ontario International Airport (ONT)- 42 miles to downtown LA\n\n2. __Getting here by train:__ There are several [Amtrak](https://www.amtrak.com/book-early-save-20-percent-on-train-travel-across-america) rail trains you can take to LA from nearly anywhere in the nation, including [Amtrak Southwest Chief](https://www.amtrak.com/southwest-chief-train) from Chicago and [Amtrak Sunset Limited](https://www.amtrak.com/sunset-limited-train) from New Orleans. \n\n3. __Getting here by bus:__ [LADOT Transit](https://www.ladottransit.com/) is another common form of public transportation in LA to get to main commuter areas through the city, including downtown LA, for $1.50 fare one-way. \n\n4. __Getting here by car:__ This is the most convenient way for tourists to get around Los Angeles. If coming by car, major highways leading to Los Angeles include I-10 from Phoenix, I-15 from Las Vegas, Highway 101 from northern California, and I-5 from San Diego. \n\n5. __Metro Rail:__ Once in Los Angeles, you can take the [LA metro](https://www.metro.net/) rail to get around town using a $7 1-Day pass. \n\n### Best Neighborhoods for Out-of-Town Guests\n![LA neighborhoods for out-of-town guests](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/wW0CcaJF7blWpGWy29sBM/881ffedbcd7050bd1b78bb1107de8392/7-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\n\nNow that you and your wedding guests have an idea of how to get here, the next step is deciding where to stay. Since LA has great weather almost year-round, you and your guests may prefer sightseeing areas where you can walk to notable attractions. Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods in LA to consider: \n\n- __Beverly Hills:__ If you were hoping to bump into one of your favorite TV stars, this is the place to be. Beverly Hills is home to some of the most luxurious estates and mansions. Hop on an open-air bus tour to celebrity homes or a fun shopping spree on Rodeo Drive. \n\n- __Downtown (DTLA):__ As one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas, DTLA is a diverse neighborhood full of museums, theaters, markets, boutiques, and more. You may be able to catch a concert or fashion show while you’re there! \n\n- __Santa Monica:__ This beautiful, beachfront city sits west of LA and plenty of family-friendly attractions. Along the Santa Monica pier are plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, an aquarium, and Pacific Park, a full-service amusement park. \n\n- __West Hollywood (WeHo):__ Known for its vibrant nightlife, WeHo is known as LA’s largest LGBTQIA community. Take a stroll through Sunset Strip to check out comedy clubs and live music, or head over to the Design District for shopping and buzzworthy cuisine.\n\n- __Koreatown:__ Another buzzing night scene, Koreatown or “K-town” is one of LA’s most diverse neighborhoods. Enjoy some delicious Korean dishes, coffee shops, and multilevel malls. \n\n### 10 Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles\n![things to do in los angeles](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7DsctctmwV0smTUGOIMYjA/29e70b27c600f21d39ca8b40275f8836/8-los-angeles-wedding-city-guide.jpg)\n\nAs you can see, Los Angeles is such a lively city with so many hidden gems, you don’t know where to start! If you’re only in town for the wedding and are short on time, here are our top bucket list activities to do in LA before you leave:\n\n1. __Visit The Broad Art Gallery:__ Do you have a love for the arts? Visit the Broad contemporary art museum! With over 2,000 works of art, this gallery offers free general admission. (Set to reopen May 26, 2021) \n2. __Shop in Rodeo Drive:__ In the famous shopping district of Beverly Hills, you can enjoy three blocks of boutiques, shops, and food (and possibly spot a celebrity on the way!). \n3. __Catch a Concert at Santa Monica Pier:__ Enjoy some live music at the Pier any time of the year, any day of the week. Many bands come to perform on this busy pedestrian strip during holidays and major events. \n4. __Go Biking on the Marvin Braude Trail:__ This paved bicycle path is a 22-mile stretch that runs through the Santa Monica Pier and along the Los Angeles County coastline. It’s the perfect morning workout to catch some sun and a great oceanside view. \n5. __Check out the Huntington Library:__ A library, art museum, and botanical garden all-in-one, the Huntington offers group tours and fun workshops, including flower arranging, for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets are $25 for adult admission and free for kids.\n6. __Visit the LA Zoo:__ With over 2,000 animals of 270 different species, the LA Zoo has plenty of wildlife exhibits to explore and learn. The adult entry fee is $22 and $17 for children.\n7. __Take a Stroll Through Lake Hollywood Park:__ Take this easy, 2-hour hike through the park and catch a photo in front of the historic “Hollywood” sign. The park is free, peaceful, and full of wildlife. \n8. __Tour the Getty Villa:__ This Malibu home-turned museum is filled with ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art. You can take a tour of the property, check out scheduled performances, and grab a bite to eat at its Mediterranean-inspired cafe. Admission is free!\n9. __Go Skating through Sunset Boulevard:__ Stretching from downtown LA to the Pacific coast beach, this strip is where you can hop on a bike, tour bus, or helicopter tour for sightseeing and musical performances. \n10. __Take photos on the Hollywood Walk of Fame:__ The famous star-studded sidewalk is one of LA’s (and the world’s) most famous attractions. From legendary entertainers like Michael Jackson to your favorite fictional heroes (Bugs Bunny!), this sidewalk has almost every celebrity that comes to mind. \n\nWith this guide, you and your partner have everything you need to plan the perfect LA wedding. Be sure to check out more expert advice for additional tips and resources on all things wedding. From [destination wedding checklists](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/destination-wedding-checklist) to [invites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), Zola has everything you need all in one place.\n\n__Sources:__ [Los Angeles County Clerk](https://lavote.net/home/county-clerk/marriage-licenses-ceremonies/general-info/eligibility) | [The Wedding Report](https://wedding.report/index.cfm/action/wedding_statistics/view/market/id/31080/idtype/m/location/Los_Angeles_Long_Beach_Anaheim__CA/) | [Discover Los Angeles](https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/)\n\nUp Next: [How to Get Married in San Francisco](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-get-married-in-san-francisco)","tag":"How-To ","updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:37.238Z"}],"pagination":{"currentPage":6,"total":163},"subtopic":{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding","title":"How Many People Should I Invite to My Wedding?","excerpt":"What's the average wedding size? How do you decide who to invite? Here's everything you need to know about guest lists and who to invite.","publishedAt":"2023-12-20T00:00-05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5R0r7nUEIMR6LFRupFyLXq/dde06e86fdc367f3220947fd10603f44/0708_how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding_Hero__1_.jpg","altText":"Graphic of four people standing in a line celebrating"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## Inside this article \n\n- The average wedding size 2024\n- Average ratio of family:friends\n- What percentage of invited guests attend a wedding?\n- Wedding size for different weddings\n- How to decide who to invite to your wedding\n- How to limit guests on wedding invitations","body":"The big question finally was asked and it was accompanied by a resounding “YES!” You posted that beautiful engagement ring picture on social media. You’re both basking in the glow of fiancee-dom, when the comments start coming in. And, we’re not talking about the “OMGs” or the congratulatory emojis. We’re talking about:\n\n“So, are the kids invited?” “Can I bring this guy I met on Tinder? I think he’ll last!” “When’s the date? I want to make sure your third cousin Ali’s knee surgery doesn’t conflict.”\n\nAlmost as soon as you get engaged, friends and loved ones want to know if they’re invited to the wedding. But, before you start making that guest list, you’re going to have to decide how long that list is going to be. So, who gets a wedding invitation? What’s the average number of wedding guests? What’s the general percentage of wedding guests that decline? We'll help you decide how many wedding guests you should invite for your big day.\n\nSo, take a breath, put both of your notifications on mute, and let’s figure out how many people to invite to a wedding together.\n\n## How many people should I invite to my wedding?\n\nThe [number of people you should invite](https://www.tiktok.com/@zola/video/7152141616998894890?is_from_webapp=1&web_id=7218624746436494894) to your wedding depends on a few factors: your budget, venue, and vibe. Generally, it’s best to split the guest list between both you and your partner. So, if you want to invite a total of 100 people to your wedding, plan on doing 50 invitations each.\n\n## The average wedding size 2024\n \nThe average wedding size in 2024 is around 145, according to [Zola's 2024 First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024). This includes immediate and extended family, kids, and one or two tables of friends and their plus-ones. The average cost of a wedding, in case you’re wondering, sits between $20,000 - $40,000.\n\n## Average ratio of family:friends\n \nThere's no hard and fast rule about the correct ratio of family to friends at a wedding. Smaller (or destination) weddings tend to have a higher proportion of family members, while larger weddings may include old friends and new. A lot depends on how big your families are, too!\nDon’t worry too much if you have a lopsided wedding guest list. It’s pretty common and the main thing is that your wedding includes everyone special to you.\n\n## What percentage of invited guests attend a wedding?\n \nExpert wedding planners estimate between 25-40 percent of guests invited to a wedding can’t make it. This means that if you invite 200 people, you can expect around 120-150 guests to attend your wedding. Keep in mind: factors like location, date, time, and budget can also affect attendance rates.\n\n## Wedding size for different weddings\n \nThere’s no one-size-fits-all for wedding guest numbers. The overall decision comes down to what you and your partner would feel most comfortable with according to your family traditions, budget, and relationship vibe. Not sure where your numbers fit in, in the big wide world of wedding sizes? Here’s some guidance. \n\n### The Elopement (4-10 guests). \nThis is you, your partner, a few lucky witnesses (maybe your parents, siblings, or best friends), and the officiant. It’s romantic, memorable, and you’ll save money on stamps for the “Save the Dates.”\n\n### Micro wedding (6-20 guests). \nThink of this option as the “Elopement Premium.” Your guest list will include you and your partner’s immediate families, plus a few extremely close friends. Most likely, you could fit your reception dinner at your favorite restaurant, or even in one of your family member’s large backyards.\n\n### Small wedding (20-80 guests). \nThe “Family Reunion” option means you’re expanding from the “Intimate” list to include your aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friend groups. However, your version of a family reunion might be the close friend groups from all aspects of your life. You might choose to invite your old Girl Scout troop, your high school AV club, and your book discussion group. Once you exceed 20 guests, a venue can offer you support and a bigger space to celebrate.\n\n### Average (100-200 guests). \n[Zola’s 2023 First Look report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2023) found that wedding guests in the U.S. range from 100 to 150 (31% of couples surveyed), and 150-200 (23%). This includes immediate and extended family, kids, and one or two tables of friends and their plus ones. \n\n### Large (200-500 guests). \nFor a “Block Party Wedding” vibe, pretty much anyone who shares a last name with you or your soon-to-be spouse gets the invite (unless your last name is Jones or Smith. That’s a whole other ball game). \n\nYou can also include friends, co-workers, college roommates, old teachers, neighbors, your parents’ friends, and the people who you see every day who don’t quite make the cut on typical guest lists. You do lose some of the intimacy with a large wedding. You might be so busy saying hello to everyone that you won’t get a chance to have more than a bite of your wedding cake. \n\nWith that aside, this kind of wedding has a strong community atmosphere and gives your guests the freedom to mix and mingle with everyone from all parts of your lives.\n\n### Massive (500-2,000 guests). \nWhile you might not be marrying royalty, you may want your wedding to feel like an entire town is celebrating with you. If you have the wedding budget and the ability to invite that many people, the answer to “How many people should I invite to my wedding” is pretty much infinite. Here’s who’s often left off a guest list.\n\n- Your immediate family and extended family (includes third, fourth, and fifth cousins).\n- Your co-workers from your last two previous jobs.\n- Your college, high school, middle school, and elementary school teachers.\n- Your parents’ best friends and their families.\n- Your entire mosque, synagogue, or church.\n- The doctor and nurses who delivered you into this world.\n- The staff at your favorite coffee shop.\n- Your entire apartment building or neighborhood.\n- Random celebrities who may or may not show up (for the viral social media potential).\n\nYou get the picture.\n\n## How to decide who to invite to your wedding\n \nStart with the people you can’t imagine celebrating your wedding day without, like your closest relatives and family members. Or, you might start with your “found family,” the parents who raised you, and the people you’ve known your entire lives. Whatever “essential” means to both of you, start there.\n\nStill wondering how many people you should invite to a wedding? Asking yourself the following questions may help you decide who gets an invite, and who's kept on the reserve list.\n\n\"Would I go out for dinner with this person, and would I pay for their meal?\" Or, “Will I be excited to see this person at my wedding, or will I try to avoid them?”\n\nIf you're having a destination or [micro wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/micro-weddings) where numbers are tight, it's worth really honing in on who knows you and your other half. For example, if they can't answer three basic questions about your SO, they don't make the cut. If they can't tell you what city they’re from, their last name, or their job, they aren't considered potential guests. While this is a suggestion, it may not work for all wedding lists!\n\n### Budget\t\nIf sticking to a [wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) is important to you both, then how much you’re willing to spend will determine the number of people you can invite. Consider invitation costs, too. As your guest list grows, so does the average cost of wedding invitations.\n\nThe most important piece of the budget when it comes to your guests is the food. Start by calculating the price of food per guest. According to Zola’s First Look Report 2024, [the average wedding costs over $30,000](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) and the average number of guests is 145. That equals around $200 per guest for the wedding. For catering specifically, it can vary widely from around $27pp for buffet style up to around $60+ for a catered, sit-down meal.\n\nWhen you’re figuring the average number of guests at a wedding, keep in mind that budgets are very different across the U.S.!\n\nIf you’re imagining a wedding with a multi-course catered meal, this number will probably go up. If you’re imagining a fun buffet or food truck, the number will probably go down. Go from there and do the math to figure out if your wedding guests fit into your budget — and not the other way around.\n\nWedding Guest List Tip: The budget-first approach is a great way to get yourselves out of inviting cousins you’ve only met once, and coworkers you don’t really want there. However, if you don’t have a large budget, you both may have to make some tough calls on who gets a wedding invite and who doesn’t. At the end of the day, this is your day, your money, and your moment. Don’t feel guilty about not being able to invite everyone.\n\n### Venue\nYour hearts might be set on your favorite winery, the museum where you first met, or even a lochside castle in Scotland. If this sounds like you and your partner, then we’ve got good news. Thanks to your state’s (or local fief’s) fire marshal, your wedding venue has a set number of people allowed.\n\nThis lets you build your list within the venue’s parameters, and gives you an understandable reason to limit extra guests. “Sorry, Sal from accounting! My destination wedding venue is a historically accurate 18th-century Spanish galleon replica that only fits 30 people. You would not believe how much room the functional cannons take up on the deck!”\n\nExpert Advice: If you need to squeeze in a third cousin or your mom’s new friend from Zumba class, ask the manager about the capacity. Sometimes the maximum number of guests the venue lists on their website is just their estimate for the best possible experience. If that’s the case with your venue, you could probably negotiate your guest count and add a couple of chairs.\n\nFind your [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) on Zola.\n\n### How many people to invite to wedding based on location\nKeep in mind that the more difficult and/or expensive it is for guests to get to your wedding destination, the lower your attendance rate will likely be. There'll probably be a big difference in numbers between a wedding in your hometown compared to one in Mexico or the Bahamas, for example. \n\n### Wedding vibe \nThe number of people you invite to your wedding will affect the overall vibe or atmosphere of your special day. Do you want to have a private wedding ceremony with only your nearest and dearest loved ones, or do you want a large wedding that feels like a city-wide carnival? Perhaps you’d like something in-between. \n\nWhatever ambiance you’re going for, we’ve broken down how the numbers will affect the atmosphere of your wedding, and created our own categories.\n\n## How to limit guests on wedding invitations\n\n![0708 how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding inline](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3SKfL0dAyrfpOyeaudvhxn/84be3a64220ff5b634a396a28ac3518e/0708_how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding_inline.jpg)\n\n \nLimiting guests on wedding invitations can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid hurting any feelings. Be clear and specific about who's invited by addressing the invitation envelope to only the guests invited, or by personalizing the RSVP card by writing the number of seats reserved for them.\n\n[Shop premium quality, perfectly priced wedding invitations.](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop)\n\n### Plus-one etiquette \nDeciding whether or not to allow plus-ones can help you curate your wedding guest list number. However, be wary of the “no ring, no bring” rule. That rule might’ve worked for our parents, but more and more often, serious couples decide to wait a while before putting a ring on it.\n\n### Questions to ask yourself when making the list \n\nOnce you’ve learned a little bit more about the kind of wedding you and your partner want, you’ll have a strong start on creating your guest list and deciding how many guests to invite to your wedding. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you decide who you want to attend your wedding. \n\n- Who would you enjoy seeing outside of your wedding day?\n- Will you still be in touch with this person in five years?\n- Do you get their Christmas cards?\n- Are you in consistent contact?\n\nIf the answers to all of these questions are yes, then the rule of thumb for wedding guest lists is that you invite them to your big day. If these potential guests aren’t blood-related, and you haven’t seen them since their wedding, things get a little more flexible. Just talk with your partner, and go with your gut.\n\nTo B-List or Not to B-List?\n\nA B-list is the list of people who didn’t quite make the wedding guest cut, but you wish they could be there. They don’t get “Save the Dates,” and they don’t get the first round of invites. B-Listers are the ones you call when someone on the A-list is unable to attend. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not A-listers in your heart, but venues, budgets, and families put limitations on every wedding.\n\n### What to say if someone questions your guest list\n\nIn an ideal world, everyone will be happy and accepting of your wedding guest list. But, in the real world, there’s a fair to reasonable chance that at least one person might not be totally supportive of your choices. If/when that happens, these useful phrases can help to keep the peace.\n\n- “We appreciate your interest in our wedding, but we've decided to keep our guest list limited to our closest family and friends. We hope you understand and respect our decision.”\n- \"We could only have XX guests, so we invited those we are closest to.\"\n- \"Our venue has a very small capacity limit, which means we've had to be extra careful with our guestlist.”\n- While large weddings tend to be more common than smaller ones, this is a useful script to follow if you’re having a smaller event: “We're happy that you're excited for our wedding, but we have a strict guest list setup that we’ve agreed on with our families. We're following certain traditions and customs that limit the number of guests we can invite. We hope you can respect our culture and our choices.\"\n\nAs one last tidbit of advice, remember this: The more guests you invite, the bigger your registry can be. Wink, wink.\n\nUse Zola’s *free* [Guest List and RSVP Tracking Tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) to help make the logistics a breeze.","tag":"Advice","widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2025-07-11T17:10:26.351Z","cardType":"INVITATION"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties","title":"The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown","excerpt":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of bridesmaid duties.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2018-12-18T17:46:36.309Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6QXWPz3k4MiAsmCmeU0eMA/7e2a00bd16521e40896f972d429c5189/Hero_RomanticWeddingatAbigailKirschatTappanHillMansion_ChristopherDugganPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"Bridesmaid Duties"},"heroCredit":"Christggan Photography","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/brittany-michelle-photography","body":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. As a part of the the Bride Tribe, a bridesmaid is expected to plan and attend all pre-wedding parties, help out with aspects of the wedding planning as needed, and be totally present and available to the bride on the wedding weekend. We’ve divided the list of bridesmaid duties into tasks that occur before the wedding and then actually on the big day. Every friend, sibling, or relative who’s asked to be a bridesmaid should have no trouble fulfilling her role if she follows these guidelines.\n\nPre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties\n1. Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire \n2. Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bridal Shower \n3. Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bachelorette Party \n4. Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events \n5. Book Travel & Hotel Reservations \n6. Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner \n7. Help Support the Bride Emotionally \n8. Help With Wedding Planning Tasks \n9. Buy a Wedding Present \n\nWedding Day Bridesmaids Duties\n1. Get Ready With the Bride \n2. Assist the MOH \n3. Provide Getting-Ready Snacks \n4. Be the “Bride Tribe” \n5. Participate in the Ceremony \n6. Be Photo-Ready \n7. Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party) \n8. Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off \n\n## Pre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties\nThese are the main duties that bridesmaids are typically expected to perform in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding:\n\n### 1. Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire\n\n\nBridesmaids may be asked to visit a bridal shop as a group to try on and select dresses together, or each woman may be asked do her own shopping and simply send her measurements and dress pick to the bride (or to a chosen shop). If the [bridal party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one) isn’t wearing matching attire, the bride may simply ask that each bridesmaid select her own outfit and share a photo to make sure it coordinates. Here are some additional tips when it comes to shopping for bridesmaid attire: \n- Whether shopping together or individually, follow the bride’s wishes with a smile on your face.\n- Be on time with your presence, your information, and/or decisions. \n- Provide supportive and sensitive feedback on the choice of bridesmaid attire *__only when requested__*. \n- Be prepared to pay for your own bridesmaid dress, jewelry, and shoes. \n\n### 2. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bridal Shower \n\n\nThe bridal shower may be a shared responsibility among the bridesmaids, the maid of honor, or the parent(s) of the bride or groom—however, bridesmaids are expected to at the very least attend the shower, and if there are no other hosts that step forward, to help the MOH with the [shower planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower) and execution. \n\n### 3. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bachelorette Party\n\nWhile the bulk of the bachelorette party planning usually falls to the maid of honor, the rest of the bridesmaids should lend her a hand wherever possible. This might include helping to secure travel plans, accommodations, activities, and transportation, as well as divvying up the costs between each bridesmaid so the bride’s expenses are covered.\n\n### 4. Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events\n\n\nWhether it’s an engagement party, a couples’ shower, or a gathering of helpers to do some wedding DIY over beers and pizza, bridesmaids are expected to attend all pre-wedding activities to the best of their abilities. \n\n### 5. Book Travel and Hotel Reservations \n\n\nBridesmaids should take care of their own transportation and accommodations for the wedding weekend. It’s a good idea to do this early on, so you can be sure your travel logistics are convenient to both the schedule and location of important events. Whenever transportation is not already provided, the bridesmaids should figure out how they’ll get from place to place during the festivities.\n\n### 6. Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner\n\n\nBridesmaids should be present at both the ceremony rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. Not only is this a practical concern—everyone involved in the ceremony needs to know where to assemble, enter, exit, and where to sit or stand during the service—but as a member of the bride’s support crew, she’ll need you there during these final moments of preparation before the big day. \n\n### 7. Help Support the Bride Emotionally\n\n\nAs her best friends, siblings, relatives, and just generally the people she wants surrounding her on this huge life decision, bridesmaids carry the role of being the bride’s emotional rock. Wedding planning can come with its fair amount of stress, so bridesmaids should check in with her throughout the process, ask what she needs, and do their best to thoughtfully and sensitively support her feelings. \n\n### 8. Help With Wedding Planning Tasks\n\n\nWhile bridesmaids are not wedding coordinators, florists, caterers, or cake bakers, they might be asked to help with certain smaller wedding planning tasks within reason. Activities such as stuffing envelopes, alphabetizing escort cards, getting hands-on with some easy DIY projects, or even making trips with the bride to pick out rentals or attend her hair and makeup trial are tasks where the bridesmaids can lend a hand.\n\n### 9. Buy a Wedding Present\n\n\nAs with any other wedding guest, bridesmaids should buy a wedding gift for the couple off of their [Wedding Registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) and have it shipped to their address before the wedding. The only time this expectation may be removed is if you’re serving as a bridesmaid at a destination wedding and your presence (i.e. travel expenses) are considered gift enough. Going in on a big-ticket [group gift](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) with all of the bridesmaids can be a fun way to give the couple somthing they really want! \n\n## Wedding Day Bridesmaid Duties\nOn the big day, bridesmaids help ensure everything goes smoothly for the bride, her maid of honor, and the majority of the wedding guests. Here’s how: \n\n### 1. Get Ready With the Bride\n\n\nBridesmaids should plan on showing up at the designated getting-ready location on time, with all of their gear (bridesmaid attire, shoes, jewelry, makeup, undergarments, etc.) in hand. Besides getting themselves aisle-ready, the bridesmaids should do whatever they can to assist the bride during this time, such as: \n- Keeping her smiling, laughing, calm, and collected\n- Answering any incoming texts, calls, or logistical questions for her \n- Making sure she eats something and stays hydrated \n- Pouring celebratory bubbly for everyone to enjoy \n- Keeping hair and/or makeup appointments on track \n- Helping her into her dress\n- Assisting her with her shoes, jewelry, or veil\n\n### 2. Assist the MOH\n\n\nThe maid of honor has a pretty big job on the wedding day. Bridesmaids should serve as her right-hand ladies, helping out with whatever tasks are needed—whether that’s making a last-minute run to the drugstore, coordinating with the photographer or wedding planner, or providing (and keeping track of) a wedding day emergency kit. \n\n### 3. Provide Getting-Ready Snacks\n\n\nIf no other arrangements have been made for getting-ready sips and snacks, the bridesmaids should take it upon themselves to provide these treats. Everyone—from the bride to her mother to even the photographer and beauty stylists—will appreciate the gesture and benefit from some food and drink throughout the busy day.\n\n### 4. Be the “Bride Tribe”\n\n\nBridesmaids should embody the concept of being the support crew for the bride and the maid of honor in all ways during the big day. They can also serve as a point of contact for guests and vendors when it’s helpful. Here are some tasks the bridesmaids can cover to be of service:\n- Double-check that all members of the wedding party and any special family members have their personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, or toss petals). Assist with pinning on boutonnieres or other floral accessories as needed.\n- Help guests navigate the venue, such as directing them to parking areas, bathrooms, handicap access, exits, and if applicable, the bar or refreshments station.\n- Standing near the gift table, guest book, or wedding favors to help direct and facilitate guests’ participation. \n\n### 5. Participate in the Ceremony\n\n\nBridesmaids should be in place at the ceremony venue on time, (most likely hidden out of sight), and ready for their cues to process down the aisle. Keep chatter to a minimum and be respectful of the planner, officiant, or whomever is running the show. During the actual ceremony, be sure to hit your rehearsed mark, fulfill any other roles you’ve been assigned during the actual service, and then process out of the ceremony according to plan. \n\n### 6. Be Photo-Ready\n\n\nIf the wedding party didn’t pose for photographs with the happy couple before the ceremony, typically these group photos occur right after the ceremony at the beginning of the cocktail hour. Rather than dispersing into the crowd, bridesmaids should stick together and be ready to follow the photographer’s commands—gathering stray folks for these shots can be tiresome, not to mention steal precious minutes away from the couple’s ability to enjoy their cocktail hour. \n\n### 7. Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party)\n\n\nBridesmaids should mingle and chat with other guests, enjoy the food and drinks offered, sit down at their dinner table when asked, participate in guest-related activities like signing the guestbook or visiting the photo booth, listen to, applaud, and/or give any speeches (that have been pre-arranged), witness the special dances, and boogie down (tastefully) when it’s dance floor time.\n\n### 8. Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off\n\n\nFinally, bridesmaids should help the maid of honor, coordinator, or the couple’s parents assemble any items than need to be transported out of the reception venue at the end of the night. These packables might include: \n- Any getting-ready clothing or gear \n- Extra/unused ceremony programs, favors, or sparklers \n- Leftover alcohol \n- Any decor or signage that was personally provided (not rented) \n- The bride and/or bridesmaids’ bouquets\n- Wedding cards and gifts\n- The guest book\n- Special toasting flutes, cake servers, or cake plate\n- A basket of late-night leftovers (packaged by the caterer)\n- The top tier of the wedding cake\n- A few slices of late-night wedding cake (packaged by the caterer)\n- The bride and/or groom’s wedding attire, if they’ve changed into getaway clothes\n\nIn addition to making sure the above items leave the venue in the right vehicle(s), bridesmaids can lend a hand with these final logistical tasks: \n- Make sure all guests make it onto the right shuttle buses, find their cars, or otherwise make it safely out of the venue.\n- Hand out pre-addressed tip envelopes to the vendors.\n- Make sure the bride and/or groom’s overnight bags make it to their wedding night hotel room. \n- Organize guests to the after-party, if there is one. \n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"What's the difference between a wedding party & a bridal party? Learn more & get expert planning tips to help you prepare for the big day.","title":"Bridal Party vs. Wedding Party: What's the Difference? ","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/68X8glzRII6myuoYsI6E0S/f9b9a7d44f481f5628e374b6b0c1e744/Hero_New_GildedGlamWeddingatSkyRoomatCrownePlazaMidtown_LoveInMotionLLC.jpg","altText":"formal portrait of wedding party. Bride and bride maids with bouquet are sitting on stair in the front , Groom and groom men are standing at the back"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"You want to include everyone in your wedding party, but you know you can't. If you're having a hard time deciding who and how many, here's exactly how to figure out how many people should be in your wedding party.","title":"How Many People Should Be In Our Wedding Party?","slug":"how-many-people-in-wedding-party","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7jGh076UPkB6vrSPqXfSJP/10ec5e0e7e761f53fba669a78fa0273b/How-Many-People-Should-Be-Our-In-Wedding-Party_CapturedCoutureLLC.jpg","altText":"indian couple gets married with wedding party"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:19.350Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"period-on-your-wedding-day","title":"Period Coming On Your Wedding Day? Here's What to Do","excerpt":"Periods happen—even on your wedding day. Here's expert advice on how to manage your period on your wedding day and how to keep calm about the situation.","author":"Laura Hensley","publishedAt":"2020-02-27T17:55:41.878Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/wBtXNd2eGbPXMpqm4HAHC/760d60e4fe2d50abe49e88d282e7b021/HERO_OneLovePhotography_1080x720_Meghann_Andrew.jpg","altText":"bride with bridesmaids on wedding day"},"heroCredit":"One Love Photography","body":"Periods have a way of sometimes arriving at the least desirable times in life. Whether it’s on vacation or during a stressful week at work, it’s likely your period has been an unwelcome visitor more than once. For those who experience cramps, bloating, and headaches during their period (thanks PMS), menstruation can be an even more inconvenient and uncomfortable experience. \n\nSo what happens when you realize your period may crash your wedding? Before you freak out, know there are many ways to deal with a wedding period. \n\n![INLINE WeddingsByThom 1080x720 Becky&Jacob](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6K4YZIUPpzN8MwQnpkjXjA/655c44882a5c165afca4a230e742e2ad/INLINE_WeddingsByThom_1080x720_Becky_Jacob.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Weddings By Thom\n\n## Alter your cycle… if you can.\nSome people’s periods are consistently regular and on time. If you’re one of those lucky folks, you might want to consult your period tracking app when choosing a wedding date if avoiding your period is important to you. Of course, not everyone has this option (venues have limited availability, after all) and periods can, unfortunately, have a mind of their own. \n\nIf you’re prone to sickness on your period or low mood, however, you might feel best avoiding those undesired symptoms altogether. If this is the case, you can talk to your doctor about manipulating your cycle to skip your period for your wedding.\n\nHormonal birth control pill packs can be used back-to-back without placebos to skip a period. Likewise, certain birth control pills extend your menstrual cycle, meaning you only get your period once every three months. \n\n*__Note: While it’s [generally considered safe to skip or suppress a period](https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/travel-health/how-can-i-delay-my-period/), it’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider first. Everybody is different, and it’s important to figure out what is best for you.__* \n\n### Expect something anyway.\nEven though the pill can help manage the timing of your period, manipulating your cycle isn’t a fool-proof plan; periods can still be irregular, especially if you’re stressed. (Here’s some tips on [how to combat wedding-related stress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-handle-overbearing-parents-when-wedding-planning).) \n\nWhat’s more, you may still experience [breakthrough bleeding](https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-prevent-breakthrough-bleeding-on-the-pill) even if you skip your period. To be safe, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for menses if you expect it to overlap with your wedding. \n\n## Plan ahead and be prepared.\nIf you know your period will arrive around the time of your wedding, be sure to alter some lifestyle practices ahead of time. Sugar and caffeine can [exacerbate PMS symptoms](https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome), while exercise, healthy eating, and [sleep are known to help](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/sleep-night-before-wedding). If you’re worried about stomach cramping and bloating, try to drink lots of water and avoid salt-heavy drinks and food.\n\n### Day-Of Prep\nOn your wedding day, take some over-the-counter pain medication in the morning and throughout the day as needed. If you can’t avoid your period you’ll want to minimize its presence. When it comes to your wedding attire, consider how heavy your period will be and decide on the most suitable preparation for where you are in your cycle.\n\n- __Choose the right product.__ Depending on the [style of your dress and undergarments,](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) tampons or a menstrual cup may be your best bet. While pads are great for overnight use, they may create pad lines and limit your underwear options. Menstrual cups, like the DivaCup, can be worn up to 12 hours, depending on how heavy your flow is. A product that allows for longer use means fewer trips to the bathroom. \n- __Consider special underwear.__ If you want to be extra cautious around leakage, period-absorbing underwear is also a great idea. Brands like Thinx or Knix have different styles depending on your flow, including designs for super, moderate and light days. Some even absorb four regular tampons worth of blood. Period panties also come in different materials and cuts, meaning you can often find a pair right for your dress. \n- __Stock the venue.__ Lastly, make sure there are menstrual products available at your ceremony and reception venues. You can even get venue staff to stock bathroom welcome baskets with tampons and pads for yourself and other guests. Chances are you won’t be the only one dealing with Aunt Flo.\n\n![INLINE CortiellaPhotography 1080x720 Choumate&Berthony (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4Mvdo1pBF2gj994HbfJUVB/218f63fc5885863e7b90d5cd9d4a89db/INLINE_CortiellaPhotography_1080x720_Choumate_Berthony__1_.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Cortiella Photography\n\n## Lean on your wedding party. \nUsing the bathroom in an elaborate dress is hard enough, but add a period into the mix and you may need some assistance. \n\nInform your [maid of honor or wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-in-wedding-party) about your period, and let them know you’ll need their help during the day. You might even want to pass off some ibuprofen to them for safekeeping. Ask them to hold some menstrual products for you, if need be, and get them to keep an eye on your dress. While it’s unlikely you’ll have an accident, it’s always comforting knowing someone has your back just in case. \n\n## Don’t stress too much.\nPeriods can be annoying, there’s no doubting that. But having your time of the month coincide with your big day isn’t the end of the world. It’s important to remember that you’ve lived through your period many times before, and you’ll get through it again, too. \n\nWith a bit of preparation and some help from trusted friends, your period doesn’t need to play a big role in your wedding. Because between dancing, amazing food and marrying the love of your life, you’ll have plenty of other things to think about. ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"featured":[{"excerpt":"You got the dress now top it all off with wedding accessories that will make your bridal look really stand out. Here are nine wedding accessories every bride needs.","title":"9 Wedding Accessories to Complete Your Bridal Look","slug":"wedding-accessories-bridal-look","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5MS0DHdPrcmuPH7sg3fnui/39dc64529a8adef60342b0f3c2b42db3/4106341.jpg","altText":"bride puts on wedding accessories"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Perhaps you’ve decided to style your own hair for your wedding to save time and money, but suddenly realize you have no idea how to do wedding hair. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Opting for a DIY wedding hairstyle can be intimidating, but all it takes is a little preparation to pull it off flawlessly. Luckily there are some tried and true DIY wedding hair tricks that you can use to make sure you look amazing when you walk down the aisle. Here are our DIY wedding hair tips to follow for gorgeous wedding hairstyles you can pull off yourself.","title":"DIY Wedding Hair Tips","slug":"diy-wedding-hair-tips","topic":"Fashion & beauty","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3B4JXngFOMWYGs2QSeuqKq/cd886b06bd7f132aacf49b6692d86e87/3937960.jpg","altText":"African-American bride side pose with beautiful hair curls"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes feel as challenging as finding your soul mate. Luckily we’re here with a quick-and-easy quiz to help you figure out your ideal wedding style.","title":"What’s Your Wedding Dress Style? ","slug":"what's-your-wedding-dress-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XT5O9Ow3qVWpESyo1sR7n/0b62327143e978d96e6b02a198e6e22e/Hero_what_s_your_wedding_dress_style__dear_stacey_wedding_photography_.jpg","altText":"bride wearing long-sleeve lace dress sitting on a settee in the middle of a garden with a basket of cut purple lavender beside her"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:15.699Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"choosing-your-wedding-month","title":"How to Choose The Best Wedding Month ","excerpt":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process. Here's how to decide on the best time of the year to get married. ","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2019-06-13T15:54-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/71pkqiAypqFZ7CL8KRWGIr/4f34666823e73a80647f762866ec1bd0/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"best month for wedding"},"heroCredit":"Unsplash","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/christine-magee-photography","body":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process, along with choosing your venue, photographer, and caterer. The time of year in which you decide to get married will dictate a lot of your subsequent planning, and will stick with you for the rest of your life (hello, anniversary). \n\n## What is the Best Month for a Wedding? \nJune, September, and October are considered the best months for a wedding. June, traditionally, is the most popular month to get married, simply because of the mild weather. With that being said, there’s no wrong time to get married to the love of your life (though it does help to have good weather). \n\nIn most parts of the country, the late spring through early fall months are typically thought of as “wedding season,” but there is so much more to it than that. Let’s walk through the year and look at the pros and cons of each potential wedding month.\n\n__Note__: Keep in mind that while season matters greatly, geography is a factor as well. We have broken the seasons down very generally below, but even still, a winter wedding in the Florida Keys is going to differ drastically from a winter wedding in Lake Tahoe, where the cold weather and snow hazards will be much greater. Be sure to factor in your location when picking your perfect wedding month.\n\n## Spring\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### March, April, May\n\nMarch comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. April showers bring May flowers. These are the traditional sayings that correlate with the spring months that we love so dearly. Emerging from the cold of winter, spring is such a welcoming time to host your special day. Without many calendar conflicts (St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, and Easter are the only holidays in the spring), your spring wedding should see good attendance. And after the drab, loneliness of winter, your friends will probably be busting at the seams to get out and celebrate with you.\n\nA spring wedding is a gamble, though, simply because the weather is so unpredictable. Will it be sunny and warm, or is a cold snap going to hit? Even still, the gamble may pay off if you can land one of those quintessential warm, flowery days. In April and May especially, you might begin to encounter increased pricing and competition with other brides for vendors and venues as “the season” set in. We’re talking: wedding season.\n\n![Colin-Lyons-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2I7G4mApUnMjJhsy5Jl3Jb/53209c242d51920fe468dad7d825d8b5/Colin-Lyons-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Colin Lyons Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![3-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WNr5JisBMZ85xd2TKSIx6/26fa70d21a47bf3e8a8bbeac435e580e/3-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Pauline Conway Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![4-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ce7yS6d2k8yuYhLUbjG8E/217f24116aade587a4e43197819ae810/4-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sarah and Rachel](https://www.zola.com/wedding/rachel-sarah/passcode)*\n\n![onelove-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rQO7D0nqBl2thPIDEUwJI/d9002976a70f8e78cac3f7dccbb45608/onelove-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [onelove photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![michelle-jones-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/10IZeVW4q8jsvuaGNrULY5/9685001b60b7696da5b0ac7519f145b6/michelle-jones-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Michelle Jones Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Summer\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### June, July, August\n\nWedding season is in full swing by mid-May, with June being traditionally the most popular wedding month. These hot months offer long days and vacation time. Many of your wedding guests will be able to get away from their lives to attend your ceremony thanks to more relaxed work schedules and school breaks. Far removed from the winter holidays, your guests are more likely to have a little extra room in their budgets for travel and wedding gifts. With an abundance of flowers and fruits in season, a summer wedding allows for countless floral options and your pick of delicious produce.\n\nHowever, these sunny wedding months are not quite that simple. Rising temps is definitely something to take into account, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony. While it may look like a glorious day outside, if it is 100 degrees, you are going to be one sweaty bride with a bunch of hot and sticky guests. You can also just go ahead and count on venues and vendors being harder to book with steeper prices because of peak wedding season competition. Finally, vacation plans or other weddings may conflict with yours when it comes to your guests’ attendance.\n\n![sera-petras-photography-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5DBqt424TW6fxVupMcRREr/5f5b701c3ede984b76c8dd45ac9c3556/sera-petras-photography-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sera Petras Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![10-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6oleAP7FuSKWiW8aoRT2ET/b09b179296b24f279d3f06e188c36c6f/10-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![loved-memories-photography-videography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/64qkXcXELxt7XXEexvpXQi/b853e7f659bd6df81cfe3a16b8ba1407/loved-memories-photography-videography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Loved Memories Photography & Videography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![11-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4RiU2cVAawt6etn6imcVC5/828072c76d7d37b0a191dc16c3872137/11-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Limelight Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*","body2":"## Fall\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### September, October, November\nOh [fall weddings](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/fall), how loved you are! There is something so magical about the changing of the leaves and the cool, crisp air. A fall wedding month will make for cooler temperatures, happier party guests, and less bugs. And with a plethora of pumpkins, there are some very festive and unique [wedding themes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes) to embrace.\n\nIn these autumn wedding months, possible conflicts include the beginning of a new school year, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. There are also fewer flowers in season, so you may have to be willing to re-imagine your ideal floral arrangements. And if you and your partner are football fanatics, a fall wedding month might prove difficult to schedule around big game days. What if you accidentally plan your wedding for the most important match-up of the season?\n\n![FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Ubu6ZBziGjm2B4BORdyNT/33e2bb528d1b74ef66a630b03c36d93a/FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Nick Davis Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![13-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3OtiKcANlOnPkYcCgvJY2a/460d2859aacdf429a5caabcf5687bd84/13-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![B.-Dembowski-Images](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/w1pEtfzf7XNQuVPoJOBA2/d6785ab23a16cc84309dc10b2f8b51d7/B.-Dembowski-Images.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [B. Dembowski Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![suzanne-karp-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IotEvPwRzyD4wYnZWWhO8/21bd6d5c7ac111d854c0c5618f77eb0e/suzanne-karp-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Suzanne Karp Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![megan-rolfe-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6KAeFqKNiAbKOGmoReYPDQ/e34989f661e509b236290e43d8a5b13c/megan-rolfe-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Meghan Rolfe Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Winter\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### December, January, February\nA winter wedding month can be a hidden gem. Gleaming fireplaces, evergreen trees, snowy winter landscapes, less wedding competition (and thus the ability to negotiate prices), and more vendor/venue availability make a winter wedding very appealing for couples. There is something so romantic about wrapping up in warm blankets in front of an early sunset and clinging to each other for warmth.\n\nBut for all of the pros, there are still some cons to a winter soirée. Depending on the location of your wedding, getting snowed in (or out) could be a factor for outdoor wedding venues. There is less green outside, making for less picturesque landscapes that might force your wedding photos indoors. And… Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years. While these holidays are considered “the most wonderful time of the year,” they can create many conflicts for your special day. Traveling can be more expensive and difficult around the holidays, not to mention that money will most likely be a bit tighter for people, too.\n\n![17](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/11hvWyN8wxfj6ZSYiyT8SL/e594d0a49432a4f45d859a59669dfde2/17.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Jennings King Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![dana-widman-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Kfdg6c8V9TlcOYdyDoXsP/62a288f8b3e8717982a365552cc9d4fb/dana-widman-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Dana Widman Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![Beautiful Winter Wedding Color Schemes](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2SGRFCSNwbm3TXmugQhtKy/0a47af24d0d7885c9f6253a72841fec5/inline_felicia_marti_photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Felicia Marti Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![modern-wedding-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2DwNzksI7fCOhWBtJSWKoF/3b5ceefc704779234c84cfdf48f2adab/modern-wedding-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Modern Wedding Photography](https://www.modernweddingphotography.tv/)*\n\n![Heather-Erson-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6jT8kMSgL2JTQBo0EYrJAb/f13fb701d13b59411bf937be04ceaadb/Heather-Erson-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Heather Erson Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\nHave you fallen in love with your perfect wedding month yet? Once you make a decision, be sure to put the date into your [Zola Weddings Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) so you can get a whole bunch (or just a few) customized planning reminders up until the big day. Happy planning!\n","nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Craft your dream wedding website effortlessly with Zola's step-by-step guide. Showcase your love story and details in style. Start creating today!","title":"How to Create Your Wedding Website: 10 Simple Steps ","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6a4MvmncJr4AKia1nFr6Tn/91e1616adecb7211caf14038546e0f27/DESKTOP_ww.png","altText":"Zola wedding website as seen on a laptop computer"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"You're engaged—congrats! To help you ease into wedding planning, we’re here with a list of the very first things you should do once you get engaged. ","title":"The First 10 Things to Do When Planning a Wedding","slug":"the-first-10-things-to-do-when-planning-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1lHUezgBQUbJVdqaqSXtw7/12659aa232d2f71bdd53451db5b76f34/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_First-10-things-to-do.jpg","altText":"woman and man just after getting engaged in front of a sunset in a green field about to kiss"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-06-03T02:06:19.435Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","publishedAt":"2019-01-17T20:06:32.436Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"heroCredit":"Lovesome Photography","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/lovesome-photography","body":"You’ve signed the last check, paid the last deposit, purchased the final items, and settled up all the remaining balances…your wedding has been paid for! Or—has it? In the grand scheme of budgeting for your wedding, don’t forget to factor in funds for tipping wedding vendors. While not all vendors expect to be tipped for their services—instead choosing to make their prices reflect all the payment they feel they need—for some it’s an expectation to follow tipping etiquette in the wedding industry. Confused on which vendors to tip, how much you should tip each type of vendor, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: here’s a guide on tipping vendors.\n\n## Wedding Vendor Tipping Pointers\n\n1. Tips are a great way to show vendors your appreciation for their hard work at your wedding and may even be an unexpected surprise. You can also tip when you feel you’ve received extraordinary service.\n2. Check your contracts to be sure that gratuity has not already been included in the price.\n3. Generally speaking, you do not need to tip the owners of large businesses (just their employees). Small business owners, on the other hand, should be considered for tipping based on the quality of service you feel you’ve received.\n4. Tip or no tip, writing a thank you note to vendors who provided you with great service is always a thoughtful gesture and highly appreciated—as is leaving them positive reviews on wedding planning websites like [Zola for Vendors](https://www.zola.com/inspire/vendors).\n\n### Who's responsible for tipping?\n\nWhen it comes to tipping wedding vendors, the responsibility for providing the tip can sometimes be a point of confusion, especially if someone else is covering the cost of the wedding. In the scenario where the bride's parents or another party are paying for the wedding, it is generally considered thoughtful and appropriate for your as the couple to handle the tipping on their own. \n\nTipping vendors is a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication in making the wedding day special. Even if someone else is funding the event, you've likely been involved in selecting and working with the vendors throughout the planning process, making it fitting that they express their gratitude through tipping. By taking on this responsibility, you can ensure that the vendors who contributed to your big day are properly acknowledged and thanked for their efforts.\n\n## How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors (by Vendor Type)\n\nWhile your tip should depend on your wedding budget and level of satisfaction & a few other factors, here are some quick guidelines on how to tip your wedding vendors, with additional protocol & tips below:\n\n- Photographers & Videographers: 10% of the total package cost if opting for a percentage, or $50-$100 per person\n- Wedding coordinator/planners: 10-20% of the total bill (up to $500)\n- Wedding Venue Coordinator/Catering Captain: $250-500, or 15-20% of the food and drink bill\n- Officiant: $50-$100\n- Ceremony Musicians: $15-$20 per musician\n- Florist: $50-100\n- Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: 15-20% of total\n- Transportation: 15-20%\n- Wedding Band: $25-$50 per musician\n- Wedding DJ: 10-20% of total\n- Reception Waitstaff: 15-20% of labor costs on food & drink bill\n- Reception Bartender: 10% of the total bill\n- Delivery Personnel: $5-$10 per person\n\n### Wedding [Photographer(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) and [Videographer(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider tipping second shooters or staff beyond the business owner(s).\n- __Amount:__ Although not required, consider tipping wedding photographers and videographers 10% of the packgae cost or $50-$100 per person. You could also provide a good review as another nice gesture for their photography services. \n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Wedding Planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; about 50% of couples tip.\n- __Amount:__ Although wedding planners don’t expect a tip, if you’d like to show your appreciation for examples of exceptional service, consider offering a tip that’s 10-20% of the total bill (up to $500).\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception, or mail it after the honeymoon.\n\n### Wedding Venue Coordinator/[Catering Captain](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected, based on contract. If service fee is not included, tip according to below.\n- __Amount:__ Wedding venue coordinators and catering captains should be tipped $250-500, or 15-20% of the food and drink bill.\n- __Timing:__ If included in the contract, the final bill is due before the wedding. If not, at the end of the reception.\n\n### Officiant\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected, depending on officiant. If s/he works for a church or synagogue, you might consider making a donation to that institution additionally.\n- __Amount:__ A wedding officiant should be tipped around $50-100 for the officiant alone, depending on how much time they’ve spent with you pre-ceremony. Consider a $100-500 donation to the religious institution.\n- __Timing:__ Prior to the wedding (when paying the ceremony service fee), or after the rehearsal.\n\n### [Ceremony Musicians](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider the complexity of their setup and/or performance.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping each ceremony musicians $15-20 per musician.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the wedding ceremony.\n\n### [Florist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional or not expected, unless you really loved their work and service.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding florist $50-$100 of your total floral bill.\n- __Timing:__ Include a separate check with the final invoice, or mail it after the -honeymoon.\n\n### [Hair & Make-up Artist(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected\n- __Amount:__ Wedding hair and make-up artists should be tipped 15-20% of your total charge (just like at a salon!). You can discuss with your wedding party whether on not you plan to cover this cost or if they're expected to.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of their service.\n\n### Transportation\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected (but may be already included in the contract).\n- __Amount:__ Wedding transportation staff should be tipped 15-20% of your total bill.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the night or after the final ride.\n\n### [Wedding Band](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider their overall performance and responsiveness to your requests.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding band $25-$50 per musician\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Wedding DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider their overall quality and responsiveness to your requests.\n- __Amount:__ Although not required, consider tipping your wedding DJ 10-20%.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Reception Waitstaff](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional, based on contract (check to see if a service fee is included). Tip on top of service fee only for exceptional service.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding reception waitstaff 15-20% of labor costs on your food and drink bill. Reach out to the your lead caterer or catering captain to determine the best way to ensure each person you plan to give a tip recieves theirs.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception (or during set-up, to encourage great service).\n\n### [Reception Bartender](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional, based on contract (check to see if a service fee is included). Tip on top of service fee only for exceptional service. \n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding reception bartender 10% of the total liquor bill.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception (or during set-up, to encourage great service).\n\n### Delivery Personnel (Wedding Cake, Rentals, Flowers, Etc.)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected\n- __Amount:__ Wedding delivery personnel should be tipped $5-$10 per person\n- __Timing:__ Leave cash envelopes with the coordinator or catering manager (whomever will be on site overseeing delivery and setup) to distribute the tip(s).\n\n## How to Deliver Tips \n\nIt is essential to consider streamlining the process, especially amidst the bustling activities of the big day. One solution to designate a member of the wedding party, such as the best man or maid of honor, to take charge of distributing tips. This delegation allows the couple to fully immerse themselves in the joyous occasion, free from concerns about managing tipping logistics. This arrangement becomes particularly advantageous if the couple plans a grand exit, as they won't be burdened with carrying envelopes while making their departure. By entrusting a trusted individual with the task, the vendors' hard work receives the appropriate appreciation, contributing to a harmonious and memorable celebration for all involved parties.\n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Nervous about choosing your wedding colors? Don’t be: we’ve outlined some basic steps you can take to choose a wedding color palette that matches your vision and expresses your personality as a couple. ","title":"How to Choose Your Wedding Colors (+ Color Palette Ideas)","slug":"how-to-choose-your-wedding-colors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WI5HwIwEeW9NVO7U6xjRm/7676815b615c34e15513e31a876ba45e/How-to-Choose-Your-Wedding-Colors.jpg","altText":"wedding color palettes"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:08.828Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one","title":"Bridal Party vs. Wedding Party: What's the Difference? ","excerpt":"What's the difference between a wedding party & a bridal party? Learn more & get expert planning tips to help you prepare for the big day.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2018-12-18T17:01:19.590Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/68X8glzRII6myuoYsI6E0S/f9b9a7d44f481f5628e374b6b0c1e744/Hero_New_GildedGlamWeddingatSkyRoomatCrownePlazaMidtown_LoveInMotionLLC.jpg","altText":"formal portrait of wedding party. Bride and bride maids with bouquet are sitting on stair in the front , Groom and groom men are standing at the back"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/creative-images-photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- A wedding party is the group of people chosen by the couple to support them from engagement to marriage. \n- Siblings, close family members, and best friends are often chosen to be part of the wedding party.\n- The bridal party is the group chosen by the bride to support her on the wedding day.\n- Some members of the wedding party have specific roles, like the best man who might be expected to plan the bachelor party, or the maid of honor who is often expected to plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party.\n","body":"A wedding party is a group of people chosen by the couple to support and celebrate them throughout their journey from engagement to marriage. The people chosen to be in a wedding party are typically close friends and family members of the bride(s) or groom(s). They are responsible for certain duties, both before and during the big day. Some of these wedding party duties include: \n\n- Planning pre-wedding activities such as showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties.\n- Helping the bride and/or groom get dressed and ready on the big day.\n- Participating in the ceremony by standing nearby after the bride’s grand entrance until after the couple exchanges their vows.\n- Historically, members of the wedding party would be the witnesses to a marriage, and would sign off on any sort of legal documentation necessary. \n\n## What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Party and a Bridal Party? \n- A __wedding party__ is the term for the entire group of people who participate in the ceremony alongside the couple—the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any children such as the flower girl or ring bearer. \n- The __bridal party__, is just the group chosen by the bride to support her on the wedding day. \n\nTraditionally, bridal party members are made up of only women. However, as more and more couples are choosing to do things in their own way, the bride is no longer confined to choosing just women to be in her support crew. Thus the term “wedding party” (or even “commitment crew”) is the more modern, all-inclusive term used to describe the people chosen by the couple to surround and support them on their special day. \n\n## Who Should Be in My Wedding Party?\nThere are three categories of people who are usually included in the wedding party:\n1. __Siblings:__ Any siblings, including step-siblings or future siblings-in-law, are often first on the wedding party list. \n2. __Close family:__ Cousins or other relatives near in age to the couple are also often a good fit for the wedding party.\n3. __Best friends:__ The bride and/or groom’s dearest pals are another good choice for the wedding party—but they should be friends that have, or will, stand the test of time. Keep in mind these are the people that will be in your wedding photos forever!\n\n## Traditional Wedding Party Roles\nAt weddings with a \"head table,\" the wedding party sits with the bride and/or groom. With a \"sweetheart table\", the couple is seated separately from their wedding party, but their closest friends and family are still in close proximity.\n\nHere’s a quick breakdown of the titles and roles you’ll find in a traditional wedding party, as well as lengthier explanations for what each of these roles are expected to do. \n\n- *__Pro Tip:__ While these are the textbook divisions of matrimonial labor, however you choose to assign responsibilities is completely up to you and your partner. If you want to plan your own bachelorette party, skip it entirely, or skip having a wedding party for that matter, do what feels right for you. However you seek outside support during your wedding planning, make sure you articulate nicely and clearly what you need from each of the important people in your life so that they can help you have the meaningful, important day you’re hoping for.*\n\n### Quick Look at Traditional Wedding Party Roles\n- Best Man: the groom’s main dude. \n- Groomsman: the groom’s auxiliary dudes.\n- Maid of Honor: the bride’s main lady.\n- Matron of Honor: the bride’s main lady, but she’s married.\n- Bridesmaid: the bride’s auxiliary ladies.\n- Junior Bridesmaid or Junior Groomsman: usually tween-age family members or children of the bride and groom’s closest\n- Flower girl or boy: usually somewhere between the ages of 3 and 12; petal-tossers.\n- Ring Bearer: usually somewhere between the ages of 3 and 12; ring or sign holder.","body2":"### Detailed Look at Traditional Wedding Party Roles\n- __Best Man:__ A close friend of the groom, the best man is predominantly responsible for the social aspect of the groom’s wedding party. He is expected to:\n - Plan the [bachelor party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelor-parties).\n - Attend the wedding rehearsal \n - Help keep the groomsmen on time throughout the big day.\n - Help out the groom and make sure he has everything he needs.\n - Assist with things like handing out programs to wedding guests or ushering before the ceremony.\n - Serve as keeper of the wedding rings (including handing them over at the correct moment during the wedding ceremony).\n - [Give a speech](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-give-a-great-wedding-toast) during the reception.\n - Share in the regular groomsmen’s responsibilities.\n\n- __Maid or Matron of Honor:__ Traditionally, the maid (or matron) of honor attends all pre-wedding events that the bride attends. Here are the maid of honor’s expected duties: \n - Help plan or host the bridal party luncheon.\n - Attend the wedding rehearsal.\n - Help plan or host the [bridal shower](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower). \n - Help plan or host the [bachelorette party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelorette-parties).\n - Make sure all the bridesmaids are ready with their bridesmaid dress, hair, with hair and makeup and on time on the wedding day.\n - Provide refreshments during getting-ready hours.\n - Hold the bride’s bouquet during portions of the ceremony.\n - Help the bride navigate the bathroom in her dress.\n - Bustle the bride’s wedding dress before the reception.\n - Give a speech during the reception.\n - Shares in the regular bridesmaids’ responsibilities. \n\n- __Bridesmaids & Groomsmen:__ These wedding attendants share many of the same duties. Both bridesmaids and groomsmen are expected to: \n - Attend—and perhaps even plan—pre-wedding events such as the engagement party, bachelor or bachelorette parties, wedding showers, and wedding rehearsals.\n - Buy appropriate wedding attire and accessories.\n - Buy the couple a wedding gift.\n - Get ready with the bride or groom on the wedding day.\n - Process down the aisle and/or stand next to the couple.\n - Act as stand-in hosts as needed during the reception.\n - Hit the dance floor when requested.\n - Occasionally give a speech at the wedding reception.\n\n- __Parents of the Bride(s) or Groom(s):__ Traditionally, the bride’s parents and/or groom’s parents are expected to be involved in both the wedding planning, wedding rehearsals, and the actual wedding day itself, and may also share financial responsibility for part or all of the wedding. The parents of the bride and groom typically: \n - Serve as point people for extended or out-of-town families.\n - Serve as point people for guests who need extra assistance during the wedding ceremony and reception.\n - Some or all of the parents will give a toast at the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, welcoming their new child-in-law and celebrating the union of their two families.\n\n - __Mother of the Bride:__ The bride’s mother can serve a similar role to the MOH in that she provides an extra level of support throughout the wedding planning process. Mothers of the bride usually help shop for the wedding dress, the bride’s necklace, costumes, and other important garments; she may also have a hand in planning the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and possibly a bridal luncheon for the bridal party and close female family members. On the wedding day, she helps the bride get ready, may walk her daughter down the aisle, and participate in the first dances. \n\n - __Mother of the Groom:__ The groom’s mother may perform some or all of the above functions, though she usually plays a slightly smaller role than the mother of the bride. The mother of the groom takes part in the mother-son dance.\n\n - __Father of the Bride:__ The bride’s father typically plays a smaller role in the run-up to the wedding, but has several duties on the day of the wedding. Some families choose to have a “first look” with the father of the bride, which allows the bride and her dad to spend some quality time together before the ceremony. The father of the bride often walks his daughter down the aisle and “gives her away” at the altar, either by himself or with the mother of the bride. He will also take part in the father-daughter dance.\n\n - __Father of the Groom:__ The groom’s father’s role is often even more limited, though in recent years more and more grooms have included their fathers as members of their wedding party or even asked their dads to serve as their best men. \n\n- __Other Family and Friends:__ Between (step)parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, you might have a whole horde of family knocking down your door to celebrate you and your partner on your special day...and that’s not even counting all your dear friends. Whether to choose to have a wedding party or not, you can find ways to expand your VIP roster by honoring your loved ones with specific roles or responsibilities. Here are a few ideas (feel free to get creative with titles):\n - Ceremony reader \n - Ceremony musician or singer\n - Ceremony greeter who hands out programs\n - Ceremony usher\n - Guest book attendant \n - Wedding officiant\n - Wedding Dj\n\n## Do You Need to Have a Wedding Party?\nThe short answer is no—having a wedding party is definitely not a requirement if it doesn’t feel right to you and your partner. There are plenty of reasons why a couple might not want any wedding party members: perhaps they have too many friends and family to choose from and don’t want to make tough choices, or perhaps they would prefer to have just the two of them up at the altar for a more intimate moment. If you’re eloping, having a very small wedding, or if this is not your first time getting married, having a wedding party might feel unnecessary. The choice to have a wedding party—and if so, who those people are—is totally up to you.","tag":"Inspiration","widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of bridesmaid duties.","title":"The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown","slug":"what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6QXWPz3k4MiAsmCmeU0eMA/7e2a00bd16521e40896f972d429c5189/Hero_RomanticWeddingatAbigailKirschatTappanHillMansion_ChristopherDugganPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"Bridesmaid Duties"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"You want to include everyone in your wedding party, but you know you can't. If you're having a hard time deciding who and how many, here's exactly how to figure out how many people should be in your wedding party.","title":"How Many People Should Be In Our Wedding Party?","slug":"how-many-people-in-wedding-party","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7jGh076UPkB6vrSPqXfSJP/10ec5e0e7e761f53fba669a78fa0273b/How-Many-People-Should-Be-Our-In-Wedding-Party_CapturedCoutureLLC.jpg","altText":"indian couple gets married with wedding party"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:23.818Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"not-inviting-family-to-your-wedding-dos-and-donts","title":"Not Inviting Family to Your Wedding: Do's and Don'ts","excerpt":"When creating your wedding guest list, you have to decide what family members to invite to your special day. ","author":"Shameika Rhymes","publishedAt":"2021-11-01T17:39:03.104Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2FasL7jbQMuE8Tog7QvCT9/27638355f72d377c0188c58e80b7f68a/Hero_Zola__12_.jpg","altText":"Not Inviting Family to Your Wedding: Do's and Don'ts"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- There are some things to take into consideration when deciding not to invite family members. Ask yourself: Is your relationship repairable? Are they immediate family? Is there room in the budget to invite everyone?\n- If you decide not to invite family to the wedding, do be compassionate and considerate of their feelings, whatever they may be.\n- Stand your ground, and if you decide to not invite some family members to your wedding, don’t cave to emotional blackmail.","body":"You said “Yes!” Now comes the fun part of planning your dream wedding. But one of your first tasks can be a challenging one: narrowing down the wedding guest list. What if there are some family members that might not make the cut?\n\n__Table of Contents:__\n\nPart 1: Reasons to Not Invite Family to the Wedding \nPart 2: Dos to Consider When Not Inviting Family \nPart 3: Don’ts to Consider When Not Inviting Family \n\nIt’s your wedding, and you can invite whoever you want to. You should definitely never feel obligated to invite anyone, including family members, especially if there’s good reason to leave them off the list. \n\nStill, it can be an undeniably awkward situation. If you’re not sure how to handle it, [Zola](https://www.zola.com/)’s here to help. Read on:\n\n## __Part 1: Reasons to Not Invite Family to the Wedding__ \n\nWeddings often bring family drama to the surface. Usually, it’s important to invite family members to the wedding, but there are some exceptions. \n\n#### __The Relationship is Rocky and Can’t Be Repaired Before the Wedding__\n\nYou want your loved ones surrounding you on your big day, but if there’s tension hovering, things can be a bit awkward. The idea of celebrating your wedding with extra guests you don’t get along with, dislike, or haven’t spoken to in years can be a tough decision. But, you have to ask yourself if it’s worth potentially ruining a relationship. If you’ll be seeing the person or people at future family events, perhaps you should think about mending things. If it's not salvageable, be prepared for possible repercussions. \n\n#### __The Budget is Tight__\n\nThe amount of people you should invite to your wedding depends on a few things, including your budget, venue, and the type of vibe or atmosphere you’re trying to create. Usually, it’s best to split the guest list between you and your partner, so you have an even number of family and friends from both sides. \n\nIf you’re sticking to your wedding budget, then you have to think about how much you’re willing to spend, since that will determine how many people you can invite. Remember: [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) cost money. If you’re on a tight budget, perhaps you can only afford to invite immediate family members from both sides. \n\n#### __They Make You and Others Uncomfortable__ \nSometimes, there are family members that tend to go overboard with everything. If having them at the wedding will make you or your guests uncomfortable, cutting them from your invite list is perfectly okay. While you could try to fix things ahead of time, sometimes it’s not worth the effort. \nOften, peace of mind is more valuable than having a relative that loves drama or has caused your family pain at the wedding. You shouldn’t feel forced to invite anyone that makes you uncomfortable, especially because it’s your wedding.\n\n## __Part 2: Dos to Consider When Not Inviting Family__ \nThere are many couples who choose not to invite family members for various reasons, but it’s especially hard when it’s because of a strained relationship. Even budget constraints can be delicate, since you still have to be aware of people’s feelings. Here are some things to do when you’re not planning to invite family members to your wedding. \n\n#### __Do Surround Yourself With Loved Ones__\nFor your wedding, you want to feel fulfilled rather than devoid, so it’s important to surround yourself with the people you’ve chosen as family. Family can mean close friends that you consider closer than blood relatives. \n\n#### __Do Be Honest__\nThe worst thing you can do is completely avoid any questions about the uninvited guests. Confront the situation head on by explaining to family members that you had a tough decision, and you wanted everyone there, but the guest list is final. There’s no need to go into why you opted to keep them off the guest list. It’s up to you how much to reveal. \n\n#### __Do Be Mindful and Gentle With People’s Feelings__ \nYou’re already dealing with a lot of stress planning the wedding, and having to hurt someone’s feelings only adds to it. Still, it’s important to be mindful of your family members' feelings and be aware that they actually wanted to share in your big day, not just the free food and drinks. If they ask why they weren’t invited, try not to be offended and understand that they may simply feel left out. \n\n#### __Do Think of Other Ways to Include Non-Invited Family Members__\n\nIf you’re having a smaller, intimate wedding and there are several family members that you weren’t able to invite to your celebration, there are still ways to include them. If you feel bad about not inviting them, have a second reception just for them. That can be in the form of a backyard cookout, a cocktail party, or even a big family dinner. It’s totally up to you and your partner. \n\n#### __Do Invite Them Virtually__ \nYour [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) and budget may not allow for a big wedding. You can still include them virtually. Set up a webcam, or ask your videographer about streaming the wedding online so family members that weren’t invited to the actual in-person ceremony can still take part. \n\n#### __Do Thank Uninvited Family Members for Gifts__\n\nIf the uninvited family member sends a gift, you should definitely thank them. If the non-invite issue comes up, it’s up to you whether or not you want to have that conversation. Remember: It’s your wedding day, and the guest list is up to you. You don’t have to explain yourself. However, if the person is sensitive about the situation, then you can just explain to them that you had tough decisions to make, but you still love them. \n\n## __Part 3: Don’ts to Consider When Not Inviting Family__ \n\nWith not inviting some family members, there’s bound to be drama and backlash. Here are some tips to help you stand your ground: \n\n#### __Don’t Argue About Your Decision__ \nIt’s inevitable that the uninvited family member is going to be hurt and upset. If they start debating your decision, don’t argue about it. Instead, give them a warning that it’s something you don’t want to discuss. If they continue to ignore that, politely end the conversation. It’s not worth getting into an argument that could get nasty and cause an even bigger rift. \n\n#### __Don’t Give in to Invite Fishing__\n\nIf someone starts getting pushy and fishing for an invite, don’t adjust your guest list because you feel guilty. Simply reiterate your decision and decline to discuss it further. Don’t answer any more questions about it after that. \n\n#### __Don’t Allow Yourself to Be Pressured__\n\nOnce invited family members hear that some other family members weren’t invited, they may threaten not to attend your wedding. This is your wedding, your decision and they have to respect that. Tell them you’re sorry they won’t be attending, but don’t give in to them pushing you to change your mind. \n\nUltimately, it’s your wedding day and your budget. If you have a large family and a smaller budget, there will be some tough cuts. Give yourself grace when creating your guest list, and stand by your decision. Don’t invite the family members that were left off the guest list because you feel obligated or pressured. It’s your wedding—you make the rules. \n\nIf you need help creating your guest list, let [Zola](https://www.zola.com/) help. Use our free and easy to use [guest list manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) to make it simpler to collect RSVPs, meal choices, and mailing addresses.","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingWebsite"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Create Your Free Website","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_WEBSITE"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:09.686Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-percentage-of-guests-should-you-expect-to-come-to-your-wedding","title":"How Many Guests Should I Expect to Come to My Wedding?","excerpt":"There are many factors that determine the average wedding size. One of the biggest ones? The percentage of invited guests that actually attend.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2021-09-28T16:50:57.568Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/hEh5LaI5BV3jrLLeswzmc/debe4f2a845721fb2d6db0017d690203/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"What Percentage of Guests Should You Expect to Come to Your Wedding?"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- As a rule of thumb, you can usually expect around 75-85 percent of those invited to actually attend the wedding. \n- Sending out save the dates six to eight months in advance will give guests time to prepare for the wedding—ultimately increasing the number of people who will attend.\n- The average wedding guest list is around 167 people in 2021. Smaller weddings usually hover around 50 people, while larger celebrations can reach up to 300 or more guests. \n- Putting together your perfect guest list is easy at Zola. From stylish wedding invitations to digital seating charts, couples can plan everything with the click of a button.","body":"There are many joys that come with planning your wedding. From selecting the floral arrangements to trying on wedding bands, putting together your big day is full of fun, creative, and important choices.\n\nThen, there’s the guest list. Crafting your wedding guest list can be a source of stress for many couples. How many people should I invite? Can my wedding venue hold this many guests? Is my second cousin’s childhood best friend going to be angry if she’s not invited?\n\nThese are just a few of the burning questions soon-to-be spouses ask when putting together their wedding guest list. \n\nOn top of making these decisions, there’s also the question of who will even attend the wedding after they receive the invitation. The percentage of guests that actually RSVP can vary depending on the location, date, and time of your wedding. \n\nFortunately, Zola has you covered. In this article, we’ll be discussing all the variables that go into your wedding guest list, including how many people you should invite and which guests are most likely to show up. \n\n## Wedding Guests 101 \nThe simple truth is that not everyone you invite will end up coming to your wedding. Excluding extremely small ceremonies of just the wedding party, usually about 75-85 percent of the people you invite will actually attend your wedding.\n\n### Types of Guests\nOne of the biggest influences on whether or not a guest attends your wedding is their proximity to the location. Generally speaking, there are usually three different types of wedding guests:\n\n- __Local guests –__ Typically, around 85 percent of local guests will attend your wedding. These are people who live in or around the city where the ceremony is taking place.\n\n- __Out-of-town guests –__ For many people, a large portion of their list will be out-of-town guests. These guests may not live too far away, but they’ll usually need to stay a couple of nights in order to attend. Couples can expect about 55 percent of out-of-town guests to be present at their wedding. \n\n- __Destination –__ Finally, we have destination wedding guests. Destination weddings typically require a flight and an extended stay at the wedding location, making it the smallest percentage of the three. Couples should expect about 35 percent of destination wedding guests to attend their big day. That being said, guest lists for destination weddings are often much shorter than a traditional celebration, so this is a factor to keep in mind. \n\nIf you’re planning an out-of-town or destination wedding, finding accommodations for guests doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Zola users can easily create hotel blocks with our online [Hotel Planner](https://zola.hotelplanner.com/Group-Rate/)—making it possible for all your loved ones to join in on the celebration.\n\n### Average Wedding Size\nIt’s also important to note that the size of a wedding guest list can range quite a bit. While some people prefer to invite only family and wedding party members, others may include their friends and co-workers. The size of your guest list is ultimately up to personal preference, budget, and venue. \n\nTypically most weddings do not have guest lists that exceed 200 people. In fact, the average wedding in 2021 consisted of 167 according to Wedding Stats.\n\nBeyond this average, every couple will have a different idea of how big they want their wedding to be. Most weddings can be broken down into three categories:\n\n- __Small weddings –__ Small weddings are great for couples who want an intimate celebration of love. A short guest list can also keep your wedding budget low and leave money for decor, food, and experience. Smaller weddings are typically made up of around 50 people or so.\n\n- __Large weddings –__ If you have the money and the space, a large wedding can be a blast. Large weddings are also extremely inclusive and allow for all your friends and family to celebrate your big day together. Big weddings may have guest lists as long as 300 people or more. \n\n- __Destination weddings –__ Did you know that one in four weddings are actually destination weddings? This may surprise many people, but the truth is that destination weddings happen all the time; however, their guest lists are usually pretty exclusive. This is because many people cannot take the time off work or afford the accommodations required for a destination wedding. For these reasons, couples planning a destination wedding will typically keep their guest list small—with an average of 86 people.\n\n## Invitation Timeline \nEnsuring that a majority of your guests actually show up is all about timing. It’s crucial that couples give their loved ones ample time to prepare for the big day, especially when it comes to guests who are traveling to attend. \n\nThe key to preparing your guests for the wedding date is utilizing save the dates.\n\n### What Are Save the Dates?\nWhat’s the difference between a wedding invitation and a save the date? \n\nFor one, save the dates are more casual. They do not include an RSVP or any detailed information regarding the wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Instead, save the dates are a simple heads up that a wedding is in the works.\n\nSave the dates typically convey three main points:\n\n- The names of the couple\n- The city where the wedding is going to be held\n- The exact date of the wedding ceremony\n\nSave the dates are a vital step in the wedding process, and you’ll want to send them out around six to eight months before the wedding date.\n\n### When Should Invitations Be Sent?\nWedding Invitations are the more formal side of reserving loved one’s weekends. They typically include an RSVP card (or instructions for a digital RSVP process). Your invitations will also go into greater detail about the following information:\n\n- The exact location of the ceremony\n- The time of the ceremony\n- Reception information\n- Dress code\n- Travel information, transportation, and accommodations \n\nUnlike save the dates, invitations are sent out much later—around six to eight weeks before the wedding. \n\nSending your invitations earlier may seem like a good idea if you want all your guests to attend the wedding; however, this is not typically done. The reason is that many people aren’t able to predict their schedules much further than two months ahead. Additionally, when it’s set too far in advance, many people will forget the wedding is approaching. Plus, that’s what the save the date is for.\n\nLooking for a place to purchase all your wedding stationery? Zola has you covered. We offer hundreds of stylish [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) and [save the date](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) designs, and users can even match the two for a perfectly seamless look. \n\n## Expectations for Your Guest List \nPlanning a wedding is a lot of work, and setting realistic expectations is crucial to keeping the process smooth and organized.\n\nHere’s what you need to know about guest list expectations:\n\n- __Be realistic –__ You’ll want to keep expectations realistic by asking yourself important questions along the way. How many people do you really want there? How many meals can you afford? Which out-of-town guests have the means of traveling to the wedding location?\n\n- __Keep your space in mind –__ The ceremony and reception venue you select will have a major impact on how long your guest list can be. Consider how many people your venue can hold comfortably and work within these confines. Fortunately, Zola users can check out our database of pre-screened [wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) and search for [wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) based on size. We have options that range from intimate gatherings of 50 people to large celebrations of 300 or more.\n\n- __Don’t be offended –__ When crafting your guest list and sifting through RSVPs, it’s important to not let emotions get out of control. Planning a wedding can be stressful, and finding out a loved one can’t come never feels good. That being said, couples should keep in mind that people have busy lives, and some loved ones may not be able to travel at this time. Always remember that your friends and family still love you even if they’re unable to attend the wedding. \n\n## Creating Your Guest List\nSo we’ve covered the main question at hand: what percentage of people will attend your wedding, but where do you go from here? Gauging how many people will RSVP to your wedding is important because it will help you craft the best guest list possible.\n\nMost couples start by creating their own individual lists and then combining them for a final tally. Here’s how to do this, step-by-step:\n\n- __Step 1:__ Your immediate family – You’ll want to begin your guest list with the immediate family members who will be attending the wedding—this includes parents, siblings, and in-laws.\n\n- __Step 2:__ Wedding party members – By this point, you’ve probably already chosen your wedding party members (ie. best man, best maiden, maid of honor, man of honor, etc.)—so including these guests on your list will be pretty easy. Most wedding parties are typically no larger than 10 people, with five members on each side. \n\n- __Step 3:__ Extended family – Next, consider how many extended family members you’ll want to invite. This list includes grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and perhaps any close family friends. This step will often take up a large portion of your guest list, since many people have large extended families.\n\n- __Step 4:__ Close and mutual friends – Next, you have all the friends who are not part of the wedding party. Think about your friends in terms of groups and go through your list thoroughly to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anyone important. You and your fiance can also compare lists when it comes to mutual friends, in order to avoid sending out double invites by accident. \n\n- __Step 5:__ Co-workers – Do you have any colleagues from work that you’d like to invite? If you have the space on your guest list, now is the time to include them. The same goes for colleagues from any previous jobs that you’ve had who you remained friends with. \n\n- __Step 6:__ Spouses and significant others – Traditionally, it’s common courtesy to invite the spouses and partners of any of your guests. As far as new romantic relationships go, there is no cut-and-dry etiquette for invitations, but it’s always polite to give adult guests a plus one. \n\n- __Step 7:__ Children – If you’re inviting the parents of a young child, it’s a nice gesture to invite their children too. That being said, some couples may prefer to have a child-free wedding, and this practice is fairly common. Sometimes, parents are excited for a night to themselves—in this case, we recommend giving people a heads up so that they can find a babysitter. \n\n- __Step 8:__ Guests of parents – If parents are contributing money to the wedding, it's customary for them to add their own guests to the list—this goes for your spouse’s parents, too.\n\n- __Step 9:__ Out-of-town guests – For couples with close friends and family who live far away, it’s traditional to send out an invitation to them regardless of whether or not they can come. Not only is this the polite thing to do, but it also leaves room for a pleasant surprise if they actually can make it.\n\n- __Step 10:__ Plus ones – Although we briefly touched upon this subject in step six, plus ones are crucial to keep in mind when crafting your guest list. If you’re allowing a guest to bring a plus one, this must be stated on the invitation. If not explicitly stated, this usually means a plus one is not expected. Not being specific about plus-ones can lead to problems with seating, so just be sure to make this as clear as possible. Traditionally, single adults are allowed plus ones, while younger guests are not. Plus-ones can be a sensitive subject, since most people do not want to attend a wedding alone. This is why it's important to remain considerate when determining the plus one rule for your wedding day. \n\nYou and your fiance will each make your own list, and then compare at the end. While these lists should be relatively equal, the final number is ultimately up to you. If you tend to keep your circle tight, and your spouse is more of a social butterfly, there’s nothing wrong with them having a few more guests on their list. Just remember to communicate and make sure that you’re on the same page every step of the way. \n\n## Building Your Seating Chart\nAfter you’ve finalized the guest list, it’s time to move on to the seating chart. \n\nGenerally, weddings of over 50 people will need a seating chart to keep things organized. Here are some basic tips you’ll want to keep in mind when crafting this essential part of your wedding day:\n\n- __Choose tables wisely –__ You’ll want to spend a good amount of time figuring out who will sit together at each table. Usually, wedding party members sit together with the happy couple. Families will also typically sit together, often sectioned off by immediate family or sides of the family. The parents of the couple may sit together or with their own family members, depending on their relationship to each other. Friends from the same groups—such as high school friends, college friends, and co-workers—will usually sit together, too.\n\n- __Kids table –__ If you do choose to invite kids, you’ll probably have a designated kids table. Most weddings only have a single kids table, since a majority of guests will be adults.\n\n- __Surprise guests –__ Sometimes, you get a few surprise arrivals on your wedding day. This may be due to a lost RSVP in the mail, or an unexpected plus one brought by a guest. It’s important to have a few extra chairs on hand just in case an additional guest arrives.\n\n### How Many People Should Sit at Each Table? \nThe number of guests at each table will depend on your venue and layout, but large circular tables can usually fit around eight to 12 people comfortably. \n\nSome couples may opt for longer, rectangular tables to create a family-style dining experience. These types of tables are able to fit a larger number of people and may work better for more intimate gatherings by allowing all your guests to sit together. \n\nPutting together a seating chart on paper can be complicated and time-consuming. That’s why many couples are ditching the cork boards and thumbtacks for Zola’s [online guest list manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-guest-list?question=NAME). Users can create organized seating charts directly on our website and save them for later.\n\n## Plan Your Perfect Guest List at Zola \nWedding planning can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be when you use Zola.\n\nZola is your one-stop shop for all your nuptial necessities: from helpful planning tools—like our vendor database and online guest manager—to stylish invitation designs, and even [Expert Wedding Advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice). Once you start putting together your big day from the comfort of home, you’ll be able to ditch the stress and jump straight to the celebration.\n\nStart planning your wedding the modern way today, at Zola!","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"All-inclusive wedding venues provide essential services, thus reducing your need to vet and book wedding vendors. Is all-inclusive right for you? Find out here.","title":"All-Inclusive Wedding Venues: Pros and Cons","slug":"all-inclusive-wedding-venues-pros-and-cons","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5eznmjUVFSy09jRw72LyF0/a741e4fd3b17ed5e3a8adba1d52d2be9/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"All-Inclusive Wedding Venues: Pros and Cons"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Save the dates add an extra touch of style and coordination to your wedding. Find out why and when you should send your save the dates with this complete guide.","title":"A Guide to Save The Dates","slug":"a-guide-to-save-the-dates","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1l4X83Mek3961mcDS1Mxap/63f3401f482b291ea6472fab334c2ef8/A-Guide-to-Save-the-Date.jpg","altText":"wedding save the date by zola"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:27.967Z"}],"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions","description":"Lots of questions come up when planning a wedding. Find answers to all of your wedding planning questions in these articles. From which vendors to tip to most common wedding etiquette questions to how to write thank-you cards, our experts guide you through."},"topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101","description":"Your complete guide to wedding planning from start to finish. Get practical advice and insider tips for planning your dream wedding from staying within your budget to creating your gift registry to all the little details in between saying \"Yes!\" and \"I do\". Find answers to all your wedding planning questions here.","subtopics":[{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Real weddings","slug":"real-weddings"},"slug":"60k-wedding-in-san-jose-ca-zola-budget-diary","title":"We spent $60K on our San Jose, CA wedding","excerpt":"A couple from Fremont, CA shares how they nearly doubled their original budget for their $60,000 wedding. ","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2023-05-16T11:30:47.951Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3aqbE0FlQ0BPtpktBzrlbp/6e77f5a48f769f3e74b0329f31abab57/0405_Zola_Budget_Diaries_EA_2.jpg","altText":"We spent $60K on our San Jose, CA wedding"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"*Welcome to Zola’s Wedding Budget Diaries, where we break down one of the industry’s greatest mysteries: [how much weddings actually cost](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding).* \n\nBut no two couples are the same, and neither are their weddings. Each wedding budget, big or small, has its backstory of unexpected surprises and compromises.\n\nThis week, a couple from __Fremont, CA__ share how they pulled off their __$60,000 wedding__.\n\nNeed to figure out your own [wedding budget breakdown](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)? Discover our free [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) – also [available on the Zola app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916) – and start keeping track of your budget today.\n\n## Quick Hits\n\n*A bird’s eye view of this couple and their wedding budget.*\n\n### About the Couple \n__Fields of Work:__ Marketing & Nursing \n__Ages:__ 28 & 32 \n__Location:__ Fremont, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)\n\n### About the Wedding \n__Wedding Date:__ 5/22/2022 \n__Wedding Location:__ San Jose, CA \n__Venue Type:__ Rooftop + Indoor Banquet Room for both ceremony and reception \n__Number of Wedding Guests:__ 110 \n__Wedding Style:__ Romantic, Minimal Rapunzel-esque (Is that even a thing? Us brides will say anything to be non-traditional haha). \n\n### Budget Overview\n__Original Wedding Budget:__ $30,000 \n__Actual Wedding Budget:__ $60,000 \n__Payment Breakdown:__ Bride and Groom: $47,500 | Groom's Family: $5,000 | Bride's Family: $7,500 \n__How did you keep track?:__ Mainly spreadsheets \n\n## Wedding Budget Breakdown\n\n*Time for the budget breakdown - their original budget vs. actual spend on each wedding item or service.*\n\n### 1. [Venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)\n__Original budget:__ $5,000 \n__Actual spend:__ $10,000 \n__What we got:__ This included the event space, chairs and tables.\n\n### 2. [Catering](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)\n__Original budget:__ $5,000 \n__Actual spend:__ $10,000 \n__What we got:__ We got passed appetizers, a served buffet, and desserts. This price also accounted for servers and staff, set up and tear down.\n\n### 3. [Alcohol](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services)\n__Original budget:__ $5,000 \n__Actual spend:__ $5,000 \n__What we got:__ We opted for an open bar, including beer, wine, spirits, liquors, shots, and up to 4 signature drinks but we only chose two. Also included in this price is all the barware. \n\n### 4. Couple’s Attire \n__Original budget__: $2,500 \n__Actual spend:__ $4,000 \n__What we got:__ My dress, veil, jewelry, and shoes, as well as the groom's suit, tie and pocket square. \n\n### 5. [Florals](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)\n__Original budget:__ $2,500 \n__Actual spend:__ $4,700 \n__What we got:__ This included arrangements at the end of a few aisles, a small flower installation on top of the fireplace for the ceremony, bud vase arrangements for guest tables, the bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, corsages, and bouttoniers for groom + party.\n\n### 6. [Music and Entertainment](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n__Original budget:__ $2,000 \n__Actual spend:__ $3,000 \n__What we got:__ This cost was for the DJ and a photo booth. \n\n### 7. [Photography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) & [Videography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers)\n__Original budget:__ $3,500 \n__Actual spend:__ $2,700 \n__What we got:__ This included photography for the entire event. We opted out of having a videographer.\n\n### 8. [Paper](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/universal)\n__Original budget:__ $250 \n__Actual spend:__ $400 \n__What we got:__ This includes the cost of our save the dates and wedding invitations.\n\n### 9. Wedding Bands\n__Original budget:__ $2,000 \n__Actual spend:__ $3,500 \n__What we got:__ This was the cost for both our bands.\n\n### 10. Other Expenses\n__Original budget:__ $500 \n__Actual spend:__ $575 \n__What we got:__ Our officiant.\n\n![0515 Zola Budget Diaries May EA](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/155EtRrTFMEeE2y2y55jUJ/420445d7ef6404a8f4c8837287180923/0515_Zola_Budget_Diaries_May_EA.jpg)\n\n*Note: Individual figures may not total the overall budget due to approximations + omitted items.*\n\n## Wedding Budget Questions\n\n*A deeper look into all the decisions – what’s important, what’s tossed, and more.*\n\n### How did you decide on your [original wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?\n\nWe didn't want to accept outside help at first, so we decided on a number we knew we could both realistically afford.\n\n### Once you decided on a set budget, did you actively attempt to stick to it?\n\nWe tried our hardest to stick to it, but it became apparent that in the San Francisco Bay Area, we weren't going to be able to get anything we wanted within our budget.\n\n### Top Three Priorities:\n\n1. Decor/Signage \n2. Food + Bar \n3. Flowers \n\nI had a very specific vision in my head and I knew most of it could be achieved with vibrant florals and the right signage/decor. Food.+ Drinks were another big priority because we wanted our guest to feel well taken care of.\n\n### Bottom Three Priorities: \n\nWe knew we wouldn't want videography. We never even entertained it. All of our friends watch it once when it because available and then again on their anniversaries, but then not much more than that. Our guests gave us tons of iphone footage that we loved so we stand by our decision! \n\nWe didn't really care on spending much more on smaller things too - like favors. We just made them ourselves (freshly spun cotton candy for everyone to take home in a cute package). \n\nThe groom didn't care too much about dropping dollars on a DJ but the bride is a dancer and considered this a huge priority. \n\n### Did you hire a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)?\n\nI hired a partial planner who acted more as a coordinator at the end of the day, but she was ABSOLUTELY VALUABLE. Money well spent! I consider it as a wedding gift to myself because her taking care of things like scheduling/timelines/tipping at the end of the night saved me so much time and energy.\n\n### What, if any, were the main budgeting challenges you faced? \n\nThe main budgeting challenge we faced was aligning on what number \"felt right\". For example, the Groom is a big foodie but I didn't really care - and I cared a lot about finding the best DJ we could find while the Groom didn't care. Figuring out where to put our spend was always the hardest part for us. \n\n### Did you need to cut anything to stick to your budget?\n\nWe had to plan a much smaller scale wedding (overall) than we had hoped for. We would have loved to have our guest list be closer to about 160 but had to trim it down to 110.\n\n### What did you add that resulted in you [going over your budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/gone-over-budget-what-to-do)?\n\nWe added signage and decor pieces (Candles + Table Runners + Guest Book). Little things that you really don't think would add up, but do. Make-up and hair was wayyy more expensive than I thought it was going to be too. \n\n### What, if any, fun extras did you throw in while planning that you didn’t originally budget for?\n\n1. Teeth Whitening \n2. Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties \n3. Rayban Bridesmaid + Groomsmen Gifts \n4. Massage Gift Cards as a parental gift \n5. Trial Run for Hair + Make-up \n6. Wedding Menu Tastings\n\n### What did you find to be the most effective way to save money for/on your wedding?\n\nWe did cut our initial guest list down, which helped tremendously. We also did a few less date nights/postponed trips, etc. \n\n### Did you think at all about or prepare for your [newlywed financial future](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/life-insurance-for-spouses) while you budgeted for your wedding?\n\nAbsolutely! We only wanted to have this wedding if it meant we could realistically afford it WITHOUT using credit cards or taking a loan. While we didn't take any financial actions like opening up a joint account, we did have multiple conversations about what the next steps look like post-wedding to be able to still achieve financially obligated goals we have in the future (like finding a bigger place and traveling). \n\n### What is something you didn’t buy that you wish you did for the wedding?\n\nLighting! I think additional lighting would have really lifted up the space and change the 'mood' of it all. \n\n### What [wedding expenses surprised you](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-details) the most?\n\nHair and make-up! Both came out to $850 and that was the cheapest quote I could find in my area!\n\n### What is the weirdest or most out-of-the-box thing you bought for your wedding?\n\nThe venue itself. Everyone really appreciated that the rooftop remain accessible during the reception. We decked it out with games and cocktail tables so guests could get some fresh air while dancing or kiddos could have a space to rest and recharge.\n\n## Zola, The Best Place to [Track Your Wedding Budget](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget)\nAt Zola, we want your wedding to be everything you’ve dreamed of. We’re here to make it happen from start to finish, from helping couples curate [wedding registry ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-registry-ideas) and create a unique [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/why-your-wedding-website-is-the-ultimate-stress-saver) with [matching invites and paper](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/does-wedding-stationery-have-to-match), to offering free wedding planning tools like guest lists, seating charts, and our new wedding budget tracker! \n\nIf you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), also [available on our app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916). This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.\n\n*Zola’s helping couples share those diverse stories with those eager to learn more about what it really takes to plan a wedding. If you’re interested, in share your [Wedding Budget Diary](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/submit-your-zola-wedding-budget-diary) with us today.*","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Stay within your wedding budget! See average wedding cost breakdowns by state, guest size, and vendor service, plus money-saving tips from the experts.","title":"How much does the average wedding cost in 2025?","slug":"whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/25FItUWv901zAj6EyEJu4B/fe6ac2437279c146282875bd93e98921/0401_Average_cost_wedding_stats_header.jpg","altText":"How Much Do Weddings Cost in 2025 Graphic"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Searching for wedding registry ideas? Check out our list of favorites and find something for every budget and every couple.","title":"122 Top Wedding Registry Ideas + Advice for Curating Your Gift List","slug":"wedding-registry-ideas","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7nXVuNG7RZCFsYFy6pVLyY/ec4b4085d64679eea3b043fd2b2b7d58/Top_130_Wedding_Registry_Ideas.jpg","altText":"Composite image of green Le Creuset lidded pot to be added to registry along with other registry suggestions like gift cards, experiences, and cash funds"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We know that many couples go into wedding planning without knowing exactly what goes into organizing one. Here's a list of everything you need to factor in when making your wedding budget.","title":"Wedding Budget Checklist—From Venues and Vendors to Tips and Favors","slug":"all-the-items-that-make-up-a-wedding-budget","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4Hd3OV35dSkwsaxqDvMHi8/61a37ba7b9449748931198923662d58e/1116_EA_FLR-All_Things_Budget.jpg","altText":"All the Items That Make Up a Wedding Budget"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Zola’s annual guide to wedding trends and budgets. Here's what's new in 2023...","title":"The First Look Report 2023","slug":"the-first-look-report-2023","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2zcJgr4dnJctFWU9OddY94/3cbc6c57a171d66cd58708ec901913cd/1116_EA_FLR-Main_FLR_Report.jpg","altText":"The First Look Report 2023 Hero"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"},{"excerpt":"Send us your wedding budget breakdowns for a chance to be featured in our latest series.","title":"Submit Your Wedding Budget Diary","slug":"submit-your-zola-wedding-budget-diary","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5T5bLwdTgMUKpvzezNZnBN/f84f38252588342b5ef6789f235df358/Zola_All_the_Days.jpeg","altText":"Submit Your Wedding Budget Diary"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:55:51.579Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Real weddings","slug":"real-weddings"},"slug":"31k-wedding-livermore-ca-zola-budget-diary","title":"How we saved on our $31K wedding in Livermore, CA","excerpt":"A couple from Santa Clara, CA shares how they planned their $31K wedding in California wine country.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2023-08-07T21:16:55.964Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4vacML8VB9NeEqQAtge2T0/85c8420e9fc07956f9ea3deccfec9542/0809_AugustBudgetDiaries-EA-Hero__1_.jpg","altText":"How we saved on our $31K wedding in Livermore, CA"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"*Welcome to Zola’s Wedding Budget Diaries, where we break down one of the industry’s greatest mysteries: [how much weddings actually cost](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding).* \n\nBut no two couples are the same, and neither are their weddings. Each wedding budget, big or small, has its backstory of unexpected surprises and compromises.\n\nThis week, a couple from __Santa Clara, CA__ shared how they pulled off their __$31,175__ wedding in __Livermore, CA__.\n\nNeed to figure out your own [wedding budget breakdown](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)? Discover our free [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) – also [available on the Zola app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916) – and start keeping track of your budget today.\n\n## Quick Hits\n\n*A bird’s eye view of this couple and their wedding budget.*\n\n### About the Couple \n__Fields of Work:__ Higher Education Comms and Pro Sports PR \n__Ages:__ Both 29 \n__Location:__ Santa Clara, CA\n\n### About the Wedding \n__Wedding Date:__ 9/10/2022 \n__Wedding Location:__ Livermore, CA \n__Venue Type:__ Small resort \n__Wedding Party Members:__ 6 \n__Number of Wedding Guests:__ 80 \n__Wedding Style:__ A semi-formal wedding in California wine country. \n\n### Budget Overview\n__Original Wedding Budget:__ $45,000 \n__Actual Wedding Budget:__ $31,175 \n__Payment Breakdown:__ Groom's family contributed $20,000 | Bride's family contributed $20,000 | We contributed $5000 \n\n## Wedding Budget Breakdown\n\n*Time for the budget breakdown - their original budget vs. actual spend on each wedding item or service.*\n\n### 1. [Venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)\n__Original budget:__ $9,000 \n__Actual spend:__ $8,519.30 \n__What we got:__ This included space rental, operations and wedding coordinator, tablecloths, napkins, tables, and chairs.\n\n### 2. [Catering + Alcohol](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)\n__Original budget:__ $13,050 \n__Actual spend:__ $10,699.77 \n__What we got:__ A buffet dinner, including 2 proteins, salad, bread, vegetables, and 2 sides. This also covered wine and beer, flatware and silverware, and the labor of catering staff.\n\n### 3. Couple’s Attire \n__Original budget__: $3,150 \n__Actual spend:__ $1,918.24 \n__What we got:__ This included the cost of renting the groom's tux and the bride's dress alterations which were paid for by her grandmother as a gift.\n\n### 4. [Florals](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)\n__Original budget:__ $3,600 \n__Actual spend:__ $1,829.07 \n__What we got:__ This included the bride's bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, centerpieces, floral splashes for signage, two ground arrangements, and the olive branch decor for the cake. We used a lot of greenery, roses, thistle, ranunculus, anemone, larkspur, and delphinium in the arrangements and in the bouquets.\n\n### 5. [Music and Entertainment](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n__Original budget:__ $3,600 \n__Actual spend:__ $1,795 \n__What we got:__ We hired a DJ and got one party light for the reception.\n\n### 7. [Photography](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers)\n__Original budget:__ $4,500 \n__Actual spend:__ $3,197 \n__What we got:__ The cost included the photographer and a second shooter, an engagement session, digital photos, and a wedding album. Our photographer had a few different wedding packages to choose from, and the one we chose fit our budget and what we wanted for our wedding day photography coverage. \n\n### 8. [Paper](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/universal)\n__Original budget:__ $900 \n__Actual spend:__ $234 \n__What we got:__ [Eastwick Vines](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/f276de10-0fb8-45f1-9902-5fcbe41fd19d) invitations and envelopes from Zola. We also used Zola's [digital save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/a4bbc7ab-8d0e-4985-b2ad-0b199d420c0b) with the same designs to save money.\n\n### 9. Wedding Bands\n__Original budget:__ N/A \n__Actual spend:__ $2,981.76 \n\n![0809 AugustBudgetDiaries-EA-InLine](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3k8KxX0wPoY1GjqPFiuRn2/912c60d46c61c34cb660b4ca5eb01bfd/0809_AugustBudgetDiaries-EA-InLine.jpg)\n\n*Note: Individual figures may not total the overall budget due to approximations + omitted items.*\n\n## Wedding Budget Questions\n\n*A deeper look into all the decisions – what’s important, what’s tossed, and more.*\n\n### How did you decide on your [original wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)?\n\nWe did a lot of research on what weddings typically cost in the area we were looking at getting married. Once we picked our venue, we let the cost of the venue and catering inform how much we would budget for the rest of our vendors, while also staying within our set budget. \n\n### Once you decided on a set budget, did you actively attempt to stick to it?\n\nWe set our initial budget with the goal of having some cash saved for an amazing honeymoon and eventually a new home. It turned out we actually set it a bit higher than we needed and were able to save even more than we expected. Plus we were lucky to find vendors within our budget that were willing to work with us. Everything just fell into place nicely. \n\n### Top Three Priorities:\n\nOur venue, photography, and hair/makeup were top for our budget priorities.\n\n### Bottom Three Priorities: \n\nBefore getting married we knew we didn't really want a videographer so we opted not to get one. We also wanted to save a bit on invitations so we used [Zola’s digital save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/a4bbc7ab-8d0e-4985-b2ad-0b199d420c0b) and kept it simple with our [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/f276de10-0fb8-45f1-9902-5fcbe41fd19d) (also from Zola).\n\n### Did you hire a [wedding planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)?\n\nWe hired the wedding coordinator that worked at our venue and have no regrets! I tell EVERYONE that they need to at least consider hiring a day-of coordinator. She was absolutely amazing and would work with her and the venue again in a heartbeat.\n\n### What, if any, were the main budgeting challenges you faced? \n\nOur ceremony and reception space were both at the same venue. The venue was a small resort, so part of the agreement with them was that we were required to rent all 10 guest rooms at the venue the night of the wedding. \n\nWe talked at length about this because the total cost, with the inclusion of renting all 10 guest rooms the night of the wedding, was more than we had budgeted for. We didn't at first see eye to eye about whether we would ask our family and wedding party to pay for the rooms, if we would pay for them, or if we would split the cost. But because the venue was exactly what we wanted, we decided to do it anyway and found other ways to save and make up for what we were spending on the venue. It worked out in the end! \n\n### Did you need to cut anything to stick to your budget?\n\nWe didn't really need to cut anything out to stick to our budget but I did make the decision to try and keep the flower budget as low as I could while still getting what I wanted. I liked that our florist had ideas for how we could save money or reuse certain arrangements from the ceremony, for the reception. We also did not elect to make linens or chair/table upgrades. We just picked from what was included in the cost of our venue. \n\n### What, if any, fun extras did you throw in while planning that you didn’t originally budget for?\n\nWe decided to buy very nice bottles of wine to drink on our 1st, 2nd, 5th, 10th, and 15th wedding anniversaries, and have our guests sign those in lieu of a traditional guest book. We also supplemented our bar with some wine from a winery we went to when we got engaged. \n\nWe also initially thought we wouldn't do favors but our venue has olives they press into olive oil and sell, so we purchased 80 small bottles of olive oil and they put a custom label on them. They were a hit!\n\n### What did you find to be the most effective way to save money for/on your wedding?\n\nWe had initially invited many more guests than those who came. This helped a lot with getting some money back that we had planned to spend. It was also a big help that my grandmother paid for my wedding dress and alterations. We also created our own signage and table numbers, rented a cake stand instead of buying one, and borrowed a card box from the venue instead of buying one.\n\nMostly I think I got lucky in that I was able to find a florist who was a prefered vendor with my venue, who was very reasonably priced while doing an amazing job (we got so many compliments). I didn't have a super specific vision in mind, aside from color and how I wanted my florals to compliment the natural beauty of my venue, so I think based on my budget, our florist was probably able to make flower suggestions that would fit within my budget. \n\n### Did you think at all about or prepare for your [newlywed financial future](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/life-insurance-for-spouses) while you budgeted for your wedding?\n\nYes! We both received money from our parents as a wedding gift that helped cover the cost of the wedding while still having money left over. We planned to reserve some of that money for our honeymoon. While we were planning, my husband also set up a high-interest savings account that we put the rest of the money in for a future house. \n\n### What is something you didn’t buy that you wish you did for the wedding?\n\nI think I could have spent more on flowers if I had wanted to, but I have no regrets. We wouldn’t do anything differently.\n\n### What [wedding expenses surprised you](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-details) the most?\n\nVenue and rentals. I was surprised to find out how much venues cost to rent out space once we started inquiring.\n\n### What is the weirdest or most out-of-the-box thing you bought for your wedding?\n\nNot particularly weird or out of the box, but I am so happy we went with our venue. The best part was that when you rent the space, the space is entirely your wedding for the entire weekend. I loved that it was just our party and it meant the staff could focus on us. I also am so happy we chose a venue that handled all setup and take down, and we were able to stay there the night of.\n\n### Any other details you want to share?\n\nI think it's important to outline a budget, come to a consensus on what money is coming from where, and how much of your budget you are spending on which vendor/category. It really helped that we had a shared spreadsheet and were already open about expenses. For a lot of couples, their wedding may be the first time they have conversations around money. It's awkward at first but if you're open to each other's thoughts and ideas, you'll be better for it!\n\n## Zola, The Best Place to [Track Your Wedding Budget](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget)\nAt Zola, we want your wedding to be everything you’ve dreamed of. We’re here to make it happen from start to finish, from helping couples curate [wedding registry ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-registry-ideas) and create a unique [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/why-your-wedding-website-is-the-ultimate-stress-saver) with [matching invites and paper](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/does-wedding-stationery-have-to-match), to offering free wedding planning tools like guest lists, seating charts, and our new wedding budget tracker! \n\nIf you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), also [available on our app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916). This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.\n\n*Zola’s helping couples share those diverse stories with those eager to learn more about what it really takes to plan a wedding. If you’re interested, in share your [Wedding Budget Diary](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/submit-your-zola-wedding-budget-diary) with us today.*","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"A couple from Fremont, CA shares how they nearly doubled their original budget for their $60,000 wedding. ","title":"We spent $60K on our San Jose, CA wedding","slug":"60k-wedding-in-san-jose-ca-zola-budget-diary","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3aqbE0FlQ0BPtpktBzrlbp/6e77f5a48f769f3e74b0329f31abab57/0405_Zola_Budget_Diaries_EA_2.jpg","altText":"We spent $60K on our San Jose, CA wedding"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Stay within your wedding budget! See average wedding cost breakdowns by state, guest size, and vendor service, plus money-saving tips from the experts.","title":"How much does the average wedding cost in 2025?","slug":"whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/25FItUWv901zAj6EyEJu4B/fe6ac2437279c146282875bd93e98921/0401_Average_cost_wedding_stats_header.jpg","altText":"How Much Do Weddings Cost in 2025 Graphic"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Searching for wedding registry ideas? Check out our list of favorites and find something for every budget and every couple.","title":"122 Top Wedding Registry Ideas + Advice for Curating Your Gift List","slug":"wedding-registry-ideas","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7nXVuNG7RZCFsYFy6pVLyY/ec4b4085d64679eea3b043fd2b2b7d58/Top_130_Wedding_Registry_Ideas.jpg","altText":"Composite image of green Le Creuset lidded pot to be added to registry along with other registry suggestions like gift cards, experiences, and cash funds"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We know that many couples go into wedding planning without knowing exactly what goes into organizing one. Here's a list of everything you need to factor in when making your wedding budget.","title":"Wedding Budget Checklist—From Venues and Vendors to Tips and Favors","slug":"all-the-items-that-make-up-a-wedding-budget","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4Hd3OV35dSkwsaxqDvMHi8/61a37ba7b9449748931198923662d58e/1116_EA_FLR-All_Things_Budget.jpg","altText":"All the Items That Make Up a Wedding Budget"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Zola’s annual guide to wedding trends and budgets. Here's what's new in 2023...","title":"The First Look Report 2023","slug":"the-first-look-report-2023","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2zcJgr4dnJctFWU9OddY94/3cbc6c57a171d66cd58708ec901913cd/1116_EA_FLR-Main_FLR_Report.jpg","altText":"The First Look Report 2023 Hero"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"},{"excerpt":"Send us your wedding budget breakdowns for a chance to be featured in our latest series.","title":"Submit Your Wedding Budget Diary","slug":"submit-your-zola-wedding-budget-diary","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5T5bLwdTgMUKpvzezNZnBN/f84f38252588342b5ef6789f235df358/Zola_All_the_Days.jpeg","altText":"Submit Your Wedding Budget Diary"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:55:58.105Z"}],"name":"Real weddings","slug":"real-weddings","description":"Learn from real couples as they break down exactly how they planned and budgeted for their weddings. Find weddings similar to what you're planning and get inspired by these weddings across a varitey of locations and budgets."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Creating a budget","slug":"creating-a-budget"},"slug":"whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding","title":"How much does the average wedding cost in 2025?","excerpt":"Stay within your wedding budget! See average wedding cost breakdowns by state, guest size, and vendor service, plus money-saving tips from the experts.","publishedAt":"2025-04-15T00:00-05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/25FItUWv901zAj6EyEJu4B/fe6ac2437279c146282875bd93e98921/0401_Average_cost_wedding_stats_header.jpg","altText":"How Much Do Weddings Cost in 2025 Graphic"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"Nothing can dull your excitement at planning your wedding right now. Until you start telling family and friends. And they start dropping those scary figures on you.\n\nPrices for weddings might be on the up, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank when walking down the aisle with your other half. So, how much does a wedding cost in 2025? We’ve got you, complete with a full breakdown of state-by-state and expense-by-expense average wedding costs.\n\nWant to keep track of your wedding budget? [Try our free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.\n\n## How much do weddings cost in 2025? \n\nThe [average wedding expense](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2025) for couples getting married in 2025 totals around $36,000, up slightly from $33,000 in 2024 and $29,000 in 2023. The most expensive state to get married in is New Jersey with an average cost of $57,706, closely followed by New York with an average cost of $53,873. Meanwhile the most expensive place in the country to get married is Washington D.C., where the cost skyrockets to on average $70,625. The least expensive state to get married in is Alaska with an average cost of only $12,500, followed by Nebraska with an average cost of $17,727.\n\n## How expensive are weddings really? \n\nEstimating the average cost of a wedding is both art and science. It’s important to keep in mind that average wedding costs are just that — averages. While helpful, a wedding budget doesn’t need to follow any set amount. While some people spend $100,000 on a wedding and the average is $36,000, plenty of couples spend $10,000 or even $5,000 or less. In fact, 20% of 2025 couples still plan to spend $15,000 or less. \n\nAverage wedding costs vary for several reasons: the number of guests, location, day of the week, and even the seasonality of food served and flowers displayed. It helps to picture the day and think about what matters most to the two of you. Think of the wedding budget in pieces and priorities, rather than imagining the whole thing at once.\n\nYou don’t have to spend at the high end of the range.\n\n## Which wedding expenses cost the most? \n\nOn average, the most expensive wedding expenses are the wedding venue ($6,500–$12,000), the catering ($6,500–$10,000), the band or DJ ($2,000–$7,000), and the photographer ($3,500–$6,500). The cheapest wedding expenses tend to be the cake, the ceremony music, and the hair and makeup services.\n\n### Average wedding cost per service in 2025\n\nOnce you nail down the major requirements — where, when, and who — you’re ready to start talking to [vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) and decide how much to spend on each service. Your vendors can help you make budget-conscious decisions, such as selecting food and flowers that are in season or recycling ceremony decor for the reception. \n\nWhile you might not be able to splurge on every [checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) item, what’s important is that your wedding still feels like a reflection of your relationship and future together.\n\nTo help you and your soon-to-be spouse plan ahead, here are the national average wedding expenses for services in 2024, based on a total budget of around $33,000 and a guest list of 100 people:\n\n### How much does a wedding cost, expense by expense?\n\n- Wedding venue: $6,500-$12,000\n- Catering: $6,500-$10,000 \n- Band or DJ: $2,000-$7000\n- Wedding planner: $1,500–$4,750\n- Photographer: $3,500–$6,500\n- Videographer: $3,000–$6,000\n- Flowers: $2,500–$6,000\n- Transportation: $700–$1,200\n- Cake: $600–$900\n- Ceremony music: $500–$800\n- Hair and makeup: $550–$850\n\n## Average wedding cost by state in 2025\nHere’s a complete breakdown of more than 4,000 couples and their projected average spending on [weddings in 2025 by state](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/wedding-budget-diaries).\n\n![Average Cost By State](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2nBt9NQBkVhJl5lYmn9Ca0/b57f881ab814972e96b2a0f70608fb8e/0401_Average_cost_wedding_stats_state.jpg)\n\n## What does the average wedding cost by number of guests?\n\nZeroing in on your [estimated number of guests](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding) and the size of your wedding party early on in the wedding planning process helps when evaluating everything from venue size to catering.\n\nIf you’re unsure how many people you'll invite, our team found the average wedding guest list in 2025 is 136 people (which is pretty similar to last year’s 145 people), and about 75% of guests usually RSVP yes.\n\nThis is a good starting point for budget conversations if you’re unsure where to begin when it comes to the cost of weddings. Have open and honest discussions with vendors about how your guest count may impact the pricing of their services, such as how the price of fifteen table centerpieces might differ from the price of ten.\n\nSome wedding cost line items, like photography, are less dependent on guest count and more on other factors, such as services provided and time. But other line items, such as catering and decor, are greatly impacted by the size of the wedding.\n\nVendors are there to support you and help you get the information you need to make decisions, after all!\n\nAs with all things, the average cost per person for a wedding has a lot of variables. But we can derive some [data](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2025) based on the size of your guest list.\n\n### Average wedding cost by guest size in 2025\n\n- 500+ guests: $106,250\n- 200-300 guests: $43,231\n- 150–200 guests: $45,693\n- 100–150 guests: $33,957\n- 75–100 guests: $27,361\n- 50–75 guests: $21,572\n- 30-50 guests: $18,054\n- 10-30 guests: $14,912\n- Fewer than 10 guests: $15,667","body2":"## Average wedding cost in the largest metro areas\n\nYes, big-city weddings often come with higher price tags than weddings in rural areas. Still, for the possible tradeoff of some budget items, you can get the urban sophistication of a New York City, Houston, Phoenix, or other metro area wedding. \n\nMetro areas are also travel hubs, meaning they’re accessible and offer cheaper flights and accommodations than remote locations. It’s all about what matters to you.\n\nYou’ll have to balance out your wants with your needs of sticking to a budget and [reducing the guest list](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/small-wedding-guest-list).\n\n### How much do weddings cost on average in 2025, in the largest American metros?\n\n![Average Cost By Metro Area](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/gQ638m6aNUT0P1G2dwUsN/f62bc4578c86e90ecc122c11a821ce08/0401_Average_cost_wedding_statsmetro.jpg)\n\n## How couples are paying for their weddings \n\nThe most important thing to remember is that an amazing wedding can happen on any budget, and along with your team of vendors, Zola is here to guide you along every part of the journey. And there is more than one way to pay for a wedding. Today, the majority of couples contribute to their wedding expenses in some way, and we’ve found that in 2025:\n\n- 31% will utilize credit cards\n- 49% have saved for years to prepare\n- 32% are including cash funds on their registries to cover wedding costs, which is double the percentage as 2024 \n\nSo remember that, although the average budget for weddings may seem pretty high, there are many ways to finance your big day!\n\n### 6 ways to save money on your wedding\n\nWith so many considerations, it helps to start with a wedding budget breakdown. Here you’ll decide what you want to spend in specific categories or what dollar amount you’d earmark for expenditures. To help get you started, we’ve got six tips to help save money on your big day.\n\n1. Zola’s budget tool\n\nCouples told us they wanted an easy way to track their budget… so we created one! It’s simple to use. In [Zola’s wedding budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget), enter your maximum budget and how much you plan to spend on everything from your venue to your videographer. Our handy tool helps you keep tabs on your spending, get payment reminders, and see expert tips on budgeting.\n\n2. Decide what’s most important\n\nEvery couple's “dream” vision is different. For most, the priority is having all of their loved ones in attendance, and often other details fall into place. Sit down as partners and decide on the top three must-haves and go from there, whether it be a live band, top-shelf open bar, videographer, or an unforgettable meal. There are no wrong answers.\n\n3. Explore Zola’s wedding planning tools and expert advice guides\n\nExplore the rest of our [Expert Advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) articles covering even more tips and tricks on everything from wedding dresses to honeymoon planning to gift registry. After prioritizing the essential pieces of your big day, search Zola for [wedding vendors and venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search) based on price and other factors.\n\n4. Send digital save-the-dates\n\nSending digital save-the-dates is an easy way to save. Zola’s [digital save-the-dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/shop) are completely free! If the cost of the average wedding looks a little scary, remember there are lots of little ways like this to save money.\n\n5. Thrift wedding attire\n\nUpcycling and thrifting have become second nature for many people in their everyday lives, but shopping secondhand is also a great way to save on wedding attire and decor. After all, doesn’t everyone need to find their perfect [something borrowed](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/7-something-borrowed-ideas)?\n\n6. Include cash funds in your registry\n\nThe vast majority of couples today — 87% — add [personalized cash funds](https://www.zola.com/shop/honeymoon-cash-funds) to their registry. And, like we mentioned above, 32% are including cash funds on their registries to cover wedding costs. Not only does this help the happy couple start their life together, but it also helps them afford other major expenses — the dream home, a home renovation, or a future family.\n\n__Let Zola take the stress out of wedding planning__\n\nYour wedding day should be one of the best days of your life, and budget stress shouldn't take away from that. The average wedding cost breakdown figures above are averages, and planning your big day comes down to prioritization and must-haves.\n\nFor budget tools and everything else you need for your big day, Zola is here to help. Start by checking out our full suite of free wedding planning tools.","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_VendorMarketplace"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Zola’s annual guide to wedding trends and budgets. Here's what's new in 2023...","title":"The First Look Report 2023","slug":"the-first-look-report-2023","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2zcJgr4dnJctFWU9OddY94/3cbc6c57a171d66cd58708ec901913cd/1116_EA_FLR-Main_FLR_Report.jpg","altText":"The First Look Report 2023 Hero"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We know that many couples go into wedding planning without knowing exactly what goes into organizing one. Here's a list of everything you need to factor in when making your wedding budget.","title":"Wedding Budget Checklist—From Venues and Vendors to Tips and Favors","slug":"all-the-items-that-make-up-a-wedding-budget","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"List","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4Hd3OV35dSkwsaxqDvMHi8/61a37ba7b9449748931198923662d58e/1116_EA_FLR-All_Things_Budget.jpg","altText":"All the Items That Make Up a Wedding Budget"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"It takes a village to plan a wedding, so there’s no shame in asking for support in whatever form you may need it. ","title":"Everyone That Can Help You Plan Your Wedding","slug":"who-should-help-you-plan-your-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1zE5hOmnTr629vOzbiBJpC/51fa87572b53207607de5ad8aa6eea68/1116_EA_FLR-Everyone_To_Help_Plan.jpg","altText":"Everyone That Can (and Should) Help You Plan Your Wedding"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2025-07-12T00:01:04.950Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Creating a budget","slug":"creating-a-budget"},"slug":"how-to-set-your-wedding-budget","title":"How to Set Your Wedding Budget Step by Step","excerpt":"While it may not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, setting your wedding budget is essential. We’ll break down the typical expenses, guide you through the entire process from start to finish, and tell you where you can save money. ","publishedAt":"2024-10-02T08:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6XhGxWHyRGrUPWWVgkBzic/91d8435955228875ec57fdf5f974f5bc/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"Green/bluescale image of jar of money tipped over with change spilling out"},"heroCredit":"Unsplash","tldr":"__Inside this Article:__\n\n- What is a good budget for a wedding?\n- What is a realistic wedding budget?\n- Wedding budget breakdown and cost-saving tips\n- Things to consider when setting your wedding budget\n- Wedding budget mistakes to avoid\n- Use Zola’s calculator for budgeting","body":"When you’re enjoying being [newly engaged](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/relationship-advice/newly-engaged-couples), the last thing you want to think about is your wedding budget. In fact, almost half of all [Zola couples report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) that setting and sticking to a budget was the most stressful part of wedding planning. \n\nWe can’t promise you a completely stress-free experience leading up to your wedding day. However, we can help you avoid financial headaches as much as possible by tackling one of the most confusing questions for many couples: how to set your wedding budget. And Zola has answers.\n\n## What is a good budget for a wedding? \n\nThe [average wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding#) is $30,000. If that seems high, don’t panic. There are hundreds of ways to whittle that cost down to size. Plus, some people who have micro-weddings spend as little as $500 on their wedding and still enjoy a picture-perfect day. The cost of your wedding day is really up to you. \n\n## What is a realistic wedding budget? \n\nDetermining how much to spend on each part of your wedding costs isn’t exactly simple, as wedding costs vary by location and time of year. That said, there are a few straightforward steps you can take to help you get.\n\nMany couples ask, \"Is $10,000 a good wedding budget?\" The answer is: It depends. If you're having a backyard wedding with simple florals and catering, that amount is feasible. However, if you want to get married at an upscale hotel or winery, some wedding venues charge $10,000 just for rental. \n\nA realistic wedding budget is one that works for you and your partner, the size of your guest list, and the type of big day you envision.\n\n__Expert Advice:__ Easily set and keep track of your wedding budget from anywhere: try Zola’s [free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.\n\n![Wedding Couple Bride Groom](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ygQJ8Ljpvvun4siEqtyEX/63898622d16e45e9fb6fbf75feaad09c/Wedding_Couple_Bride_Groom.jpg) Photo by [Trulove Studios](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/jerrell-trulove-photography)\n\n## Wedding budget breakdown and cost-saving tips \n\nIt’s important to note that wedding expenses and wedding budgets are extremely individual—it’s part of what makes researching all things ‘wedding budget’ so frustrating. Here’s how most couples divide up their wedding budget breakdown. (Note that this totals over 100%, as not everyone will include every category in their wedding expenses).\n\n### Wedding venue: 24% \n\nWhat is the biggest expense in a wedding? Typically the venue, but you can save money on your venue a few different ways:\n\n- __Choose off-peak days and times.__ Saturday is the most popular day of the week for weddings and therefore almost always the most expensive. Consider a Friday evening or Sunday or, if it won’t wreck plans for your nearest and dearest, another weekday. \n- __Consider less popular seasons.__ This depends on where in the world you’re planning on tying the knot. Generally, winter months are more affordable than summer months. \n- __Look for all-inclusive packages.__ Particularly if you’re having a destination wedding, some wedding venues will offer [all-inclusive packages](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/all-inclusive-wedding-venues-pros-and-cons). Generally, this includes food and drink packages which can help save costs on a big expense. \n\nFind the [perfect wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues) on Zola’s marketplace.\n\n### Catering: 18%\n\nThe easiest avenue to saving money on your catering is to opt for a buffet rather than a sit-down meal. You can also look into a morning or afternoon wedding, as brunch, breakfast, or lunch packages tend to be cheaper (and less alcohol-focused!) than late afternoon or evening weddings. Your guest list size will also be a factor. You’ll need more food for a 100-person wedding versus one with only 20. \n\nSearch for a [caterer that fits your wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering) on Zola.\n\n### Photography: 7%\n\nWe’ll be honest: if there’s one area you shouldn’t skimp on when wedding planning, it’s your photography. After all, there’s nothing more crushing than looking back at photos from your special day that aren’t up to scratch. However, if you’re looking to cut costs, see if anyone in your personal network can offer a reduced photography fee as a wedding present to you and your partner. \n\nFind [professional wedding photographers on Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers).\n\n### Videography: 5%\n\nNot every couple includes videography in their wedding planning budget. If you’re trying to cut costs, leave this one out altogether. Or, see if you can find a student or amateur videographer (as long as you’ve got photography from a pro!)\n\nSeach your area for qualified [videographers on Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers).\n\n### Flowers: 8%\n\nYou’ll need to be strategic if you’re hoping to restrict your wedding budget with your flowers. A few of the best ways include choosing seasonal blooms, bulking out your bouquets with greenery and foliage, choosing single-bloom bouquets, and looking for local or wholesale florists. You can also just opt for artificial flowers if you’re on a tight wedding budget. \n\n[Find florists](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists) within your budget on our marketplace.\n\n![Floral Ceremony Ring](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Jjd5WN7eWGMYYa4oWt7q0/141d2678e1f8dcbce518df5dcc76bd1a/Floral_Ceremony_Ring.jpg) Photo via [Belle of the Ball Designs\n](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists/belle-of-the-ball-designs)\n### Entertainment: 9%\n\nChoose a band or DJ rather than both. Or, to cut costs even more, ask someone musically-minded in your network to put together a wedding soundtrack that you can play yourself. If you know you want some kind of live entertainment, limit the hours they’ll play, book far in advance, and consider local artists who won’t have to charge transport fees. \n\n[Choose a band or a DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs) from Zola’s list of vendors.\n\n### Hair and makeup: 2%\n\nOne of the best ways to save money on your hair and makeup? Do them yourself or enlist a friend’s help. If you’re looking for pro support, look into beauty schools (students are often super talented and have a great range of tools) or look for mobile stylists. When it comes to the actual work, choose simple styles rather than overly elaborate designs. \n\n[Find hair and makeup stylists](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup) within your budget on Zola.\n\n### Cake and/or dessert: 2%\n\nFor starters, opt for something fun like a donut wall or dessert bar rather than a sit-down dessert. Cakes with fewer layers tend to be less expensive than those with multiple tiers. Buttercream is cheaper than fondant, and common flavors are usually cheaper and more accessible than unique ingredients. The “naked cake” trend is another popular way to save money here. \n\nSearch for [cake and dessert bakers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/florida--wedding-cakes-desserts) here. \n\n### Officiant: 1%\n\nIf you have a close friend or family member who's comfortable speaking in public, you could ask them to officiate your wedding. In many places, they can become ordained online for free or at low cost, although you'll want to check local and state laws first. \n\nSome couples choose to have a simple civil ceremony at the courthouse or city hall. The fees for these services are usually a fair bit lower than hiring a separate officiant.\n\n### Stationery: 3%\n\nThe easiest way to save money on your wedding stationery (save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards) is to go digital, and Zola has several [digital wedding stationery options](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/digital/save-the-date/shop). If that’s not to your taste, opt for standard-size envelopes, print in bulk, design the stationery yourself (check out our popular [DIY wedding invites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/afe11498-7506-4d03-b30f-d7a024c91afa)), and use simple designs that don’t require fancy embellishments. \n\n![Wedding Stationery Flatlay](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/54AYbXAzPqPLxPrm7OmPVw/3a64000eced02331b2affdc2f2ba9115/Wedding_Stationery_Flatlay.jpg) Photo by [Candace Shiflet Photo](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/candace-shiflet-photo)\n\n### Wedding attire: 7%\n\nDon’t feel like you have to spend thousands on a wedding outfit for your special day. David's Bridal, Lulus, ASOS, and Azazie all offer great options at lower prices. You can also consider renting your [wedding dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/fashion-beauty/wedding-dresses) from brands like Rent the Runway. \n\nWhen it comes to [accessories](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop-accessories), skip the bridal stores and head straight to your favorite fashion brands. Look for white (or your chosen color) accessories without the wedding mark-up. \n\n### Wedding planner: 6%\n\nA wedding planner is totally optional. But if you’re prioritizing one in your wedding budget, consider a “day of” or a \"month of” planner rather than full-service wedding planning. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know when it comes to [choosing a wedding planner in this article](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/questions-to-ask-wedding-planner). \n\n### Rentals: 5%\n\nYou’ve already ticked the budget-friendly box by renting rather than buying certain elements of your wedding. There are rental options for pretty much anything you might need for your wedding besides edible items. From vintage tableware and lounge seating to attire and silk florals, you can rent just about anything nowadays.\n\n### Transportation: 2%\n\nWhile no one expects you to hop on the bus to your wedding venue, there are still a few easy ways you can cut costs. Instead of renting multiple vehicles, consider using a single, larger vehicle for the bridal party or immediate family. \n\nOr, if you’ve got friends or family members with stylish cars, ask if you can borrow (or rent) their vehicle for your wedding day. If you have a large group to transport from A to B (like the ceremony venue to the reception), it's worth looking into shuttles rather than paying for individual cars. Check out our article on [wedding transportation](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-transportation-101), for more details.\n\n## Things to consider when setting your wedding budget \n\nNow you’re equipped with everything you need to know regarding saving money on your wedding, cost by cost. But don’t forget the admin side of things, too. \n\n### 1. Determine who's contributing\n\nFigure out who pays for the wedding and what each person or couple contributes. Many couples pay for the wedding themselves, while some couples’ families cover all or some of the expenses. See our guide on [who pays for the wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/who-should-pay-for-wedding#:~:text=As%20is%20often%20seen%20with,wedding%20costs%20on%20their%20own.) for a full breakdown of the best ways to broach the subject of asking for wedding budget contributions.\n\n### 2. Finalize your numbers\n\nOnce you know who is chipping in and how much they’ll be adding to the budget, it’s time to finalize your totals. \n\nTo determine your total wedding budget, add together how much each person is contributing. It sounds simple, but there are a few mistakes that some couples make during this wedding budget breakdown stage:\n\n- Assuming that family and/or friends can or will contribute without discussing it with them first.\n- Factoring in lines of credit, such as credit cards or loans, rather than creating a budget based on readily available funds like cash, savings, and income. \n\n__Pro Tip:__ Never acquire more wedding debt than you can repay within a few months.\n\n![Wedding Venue Brick Walls Indoor](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4PaVSKVnBrmjx3UPUP6Mdn/8d37f18415e75cb20e867ee7ab5b1015/Wedding_Venue_Brick_Walls_Indoor.jpg) Photo via [Melrose Knitting Mill](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues/melrose-knitting-mill)\n\n### 3. Do your research\n\nAfter you have finalized your totals, we recommend researching typical wedding costs in your wedding location to figure out how much you can expect to spend on wedding vendors specific to your area.\n\nRemember, beautiful weddings are planned on budgets of all sizes every year, so don’t get discouraged if prices are more than you initially expected. \n\nThere is always [room to negotiate](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-negotiate-with-wedding-vendors).\n\n### 4. Prioritize your spending\n\nYour research should give you a sense of what to expect and will help you set your priorities for your wedding. Sit down with your partner to discuss your visions for the day and what vendors and details are most important to you both. \n\nFor example, if a packed dance floor is one of your goals, consider setting aside a larger portion of your budget for a great live band or DJ. Keep your vision in mind as you plan, and use it as a guide when deciding when to splurge and when to save.\n\nTo help set your priorities, here’s a great exercise for you and your partner to do:\n\n*Answer the questions below individually at first, then come together to discuss why you each chose your answers and to reach an agreement on your mutual priorities.*\n\n1. What is my ideal engagement length (1 year, 6 months, etc.)?\n2. What is my ideal number of guests?\n3. What is my ideal wedding location (city, state, country)?\n4. What is my ideal wedding season?\n5. What is my ideal wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception environment (indoor, beach, church, etc.)?\n6. What is my ideal wedding dress code (black tie, casual, cocktail, etc.)?\n7. What is my ideal wedding budget?\n8. What is my ideal wedding vibe (laid-back, formal, intimate, etc.)?\n9. What is my ideal wedding theme or style (glam, boho, rustic, etc.)?\n10. What are three things I want my wedding to include (lots of dancing, great food, beautiful invitations, etc.)?\n11. What vendors do I not want to go without (videographer, wedding planner, etc.)?\n12. How do I want my guests to feel at the wedding (entertained, loved, excited, etc.)?\n13. What details do I want to prioritize for the biggest portions of the wedding budget (wedding flowers such as bouquets and centerpieces, reception venue, etc.)?\n14. What details, if any, am I interested in DIYing?\n15. Who would be my ideal pick to officiate the wedding?\n16. What do I want to do for wedding favors and gifts for the wedding party?\n17. Would I prefer an open or cash bar (or something else)?\n\n## Wedding budget mistakes to avoid \n\nThe following are a handful of budgeting mistakes you should look for as you navigate budget and [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/). Getting ahead of them now means you won’t have to handle them later.\n\n### Setting aside less money than needed\n\nIt’s better to save more money than you believe you’ll need than to set aside too little and think you’ll ultimately be okay. Even if you might be, certain expenses can catch you off guard up until and even through your big day. Prepare not just for what’s needed—but that and then some, just in case.\n\n### Spending money without keeping expense records\n\nIt becomes difficult to stick to a wedding budget when you aren’t vigilant about tracking expenses. When you agree to an expense or purchase something, put the total spent into your wedding records. Keep this current and reflect often on how much you’ve spent and how much wedding money you have left.\n\n![Outdoor Fall Wedding Bride and Groom Lauughing](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1i1AXczOwlbL4WGGbvVcms/3fb34efd89653312feb8a07d3c0f628f/Outdoor_Fall_Wedding_Bride_and_Groom_Lauughing.jpg) Photo by [Rock & Love Weddings](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/rockandloveweddings)\n\n### Not considering the extras in your budget\n\nThere are a number of things you might not initially consider when creating your budget, from little things like linens, ceremony programs, and your marriage license to larger items, such as wedding attire, gratuities, and your rehearsal dinner. Up front, take the time to create an exhaustive list of everything you might spend money on to avoid overlooking anything. \n\n### Not saving for emergency purchases\n\nAlongside miscellaneous spending, you need to include an emergency purchases budget amount. This allocated money can be put toward just about anything leading up to your wedding, from forgotten and needed expenses to actual emergencies. Not accounting for this from the beginning can eventually put you in a difficult situation.\n\n### Not using any rewards program you may have access to\n\nIf possible, we highly recommend putting expenses on a rewards credit card you’re familiar with and understand. Ideally, you can put charges on this card, immediately pay them off, and then utilize the rewards points towards things like your honeymoon.\n\n## Use Zola’s calculator for budgeting \n\nIf you’re having—or anticipate having—trouble keeping track of your expenses, try using our [wedding budget calculator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget). In the Zola app, simply tap on “start budgeting.” This will take you to a fully customizable budget sheet you can update throughout your wedding planning. No stress, no mysterious expenses.\n\nNow that you know how to budget for a wedding, you may have other questions. That's where Zola's [expert advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) section can help. From [getting engaged](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/getting-engaged) to planning your [honeymoon](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/honeymoons), we have tons of advice at your fingertips. ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-10-03T03:29:50.693Z"}],"name":"Creating a budget","slug":"creating-a-budget","description":"Learn how to create a wedding budget that works for you. Find practical advice and expert tips on how to stay within your budget while creating the wedding you want."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding websites","slug":"wedding-websites"},"slug":"5-creative-wedding-website-about-us-examples","title":"5 Creative “Our Story” Wedding Website Examples","excerpt":"Take a trip down memory lane together and read through our wedding website About Us examples to help guide and inspire you as you tell your own love story as you plan for your special day.","author":"Ruksana Hussain","publishedAt":"2024-09-25T13:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/zMxIHIn1oAqAvbIeyWc2o/ce539986b6dcbe9b8d6d9a29ce672f4c/hero_stephaniedeephotography.jpg","altText":"Couple outside smiling and dancing in front of a heart wall mural"},"heroCredit":"Stephanie Dee Photography","tldr":"__Inside this article:__\n\n- Our story examples for your wedding website \n- Tips for writing your own story \n- Letting your wedding website design guide your words ","body":"__TLDR__\n- Showcasing your story can include things like how you met, who popped the question, and how much you love each other.\n- Take your time writing your story, and allow yourself a few drafts before you finalize what you want to say.\n- Let the look and feel of your website help guide your words.\n\nWriting your \"about us\" story is a meaningful part of creating your beautiful __[wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__. It gives you a chance to reminisce about your relationship journey and gives you yet another reason to be excited for your wedding ceremony and celebration. While your website will include essential wedding details about your venue, dress code, and information about the spouses-to-be, it also provides the perfect opportunity to add a custom touch. \n\nThat's why including a beautiful story section about how the two of you met is highly recommended. It’s one of the most popular parts of a [wedding site](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/8-ways-to-create-a-personalized-wedding-website) and in wedding planning overall. Your guests and member in your wedding party want to read it, so why not try to make it enjoyable and engaging for them?\n\nA common way to approach writing an ‘about us’ story is to write the story of how you met from your point of view. This approach helps relatives and friends from both sides who may not know you as a couple or may have met your significant other only a few times more insight into your relationship.\n\nHowever, some couples opt out of telling the story of how they met. Maybe your friends and family already know the details of your love story. Maybe you’re childhood sweethearts and everyone who is attending your wedding has watched your relationship grow. You can still have an about us story and skip over the __[wedding website bios](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-lovely-wedding-website-bio-examples)__. \n\nFor example, people want to know the story of the proposal. It’s probably the first question people ask when they learn about your engagement. You can share this moment instead of, or in addition to, a how we met story. Other ideas include sharing a memorable date or milestone that you’ve experienced as a couple. Give information about each of your personalities and what you love about each other. It's like a trip down memory lane. \n\nYou could also talk about your love for each other and how you feel about getting married. [The best wedding website builders](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website) will also offer an FAQs section where you can share some of the nitty gritty details, such as logistics and transportation, or arrangements for special dietary or mobility restrictions, etc. \n\n[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)\n\n## “Our story” examples for your wedding website \n\nWhen coming up with your own [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-your-wedding-website)’s about us, think of a favorite moment from your relationship and share it with your loved ones. Here are five [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website) examples inspired by Hollywood love stories to spark your creativity and inspiration for how to write your own story.\n\n### 1. Tell how you met\n![Love Story Wedding Website Example 1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/66I55zzM7AsNUlU1eTrCP/9b19086ab0fab9f9050c88238457b162/Love_Story_Wedding_Website_Example_1.jpg)\n\n*\"We were introduced through Sally’s college friend. We were both moving to New York (separately) from Chicago after graduation and Harry sat shotgun as Sally drove. We talked a lot on that road trip but parted ways as soon as we arrived in the city.\"* \n\n*\"Throughout the years, though, we’d run into each other randomly and eventually, we started hanging out and became close friends.\"*\n\nThis example follows the classic guideline of answering who, what, where, and when. Fill in the blanks of the questions for yourself and think about who introduced you as a couple, what you were doing when you met, where the first meeting happened, and when you realized that a relationship might be a possibility. Put it all in an easy to read format leading up to your special day.\n\n### 2. Focus on the proposal\n\n![Engagement Session on Wedding Website](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/01Suw0MpTVWMCravF9uPix/eeaae557a81bc48f6f7c5dd9000b1f86/Engagement_Session_on_Wedding_Website.jpg)\n\n*\"Michael was leaving on another extended business trip and as his train was pulling away, he rushed to the back and yelled out “Marry me!” to Kimmy who was standing on the platform.\"*\n\n*\"It was exhilarating and spontaneous and we both knew right then that no matter how many miles were between us or however many days we had to be apart. We wanted to be together for the rest of our lives.\"*\n\nWas your proposal a well-planned out affair or a spontaneous moment based on a rush of love and emotions? Let your proposal story be guided by the details of how it happened and the feelings that surrounded it. When writing your proposal story, let it provide a glimpse into your life. This example shows the distance challenges the couple faced and how it worked itself into the actual proposal and setting of a wedding date. Add an engagement photo gallery as pictures do speak louder than words. After all, everyone wants to know how he (or she!) popped the question and see your [engagement photos](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-get-most-out-of-your-engagement-photos).\n\n### 3. Share a memorable date or milestone\n\n![Proposal idea recreate first date](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7m6l5Ihxa4tSNWQMnvepSp/26a50652dc21889189b731f01a51372f/proposal-ideas-2.jpg)\n\n*\"We wouldn’t call it a date necessarily. But we started spending a lot of time together when Kevin was assigned to write a story on Jane.\" *\n\n*\"Her always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride tale was intriguing to Kevin’s newspaper and he followed Jane closely as she prepared for the upcoming wedding season, including her sister’s semi-impromptu nuptials.\"* \n\nInject humor when possible or specific details many may not know such as your first date or how you chose your destination wedding. It allows guests to feel like they have personal insight into what makes your love so special and will get everyone geared up for the big day. We know you can't wait to celebrate!\n\n### 4. Show your personalities\n\n![Love Story Wedding Website Example](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1578mqE6kY1YE3xvjVgBNU/35198dd4d8e2945c8680f28e25fdc691/Love_Story_Wedding_Website_Example.jpg)\n\n*\"Anna has lived in the spotlight her whole life. She likes jet-setting around the world and experiencing the finer things in life. William prefers his own quiet part of the world surrounded by only his closest friends and family. You’ll likely find his nose buried in a book.\" *\n\n*\"At first, our worlds collided serendipitously but not necessarily in a good way. But in the end, a change of pace is exactly what we both needed and we got to a place where we could completely be ourselves together. We found that we balance each other out in all the right ways.\" *\n\nShowing parts of your personality individually also illustrates how you work together as a couple. It gives your wedding party and guests a chance to know more about both of you since the bride’s side may not know too much about the groom’s and vice-versa. It is also a great way for family members and best friends to learn more about you and your special other in this section of your wedding website.\n\n## 5. Reflect on your love for each other\n![Love Story Wedding Website Example 2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6y2CjTulVydA5bYsZEdFUe/d413e457fa2a44e8139e224af926cb6c/Love_Story_Wedding_Website_Example_2.jpg)\n\n*Sara: When I met Alex, he seemed like another smooth talker trying to pick me up in a bar. While I must admit his suave demeanor was attractive, it was his sweet and thoughtful side that really drew me in, and the rest is history.*\n\n*Alex: I was immediately awestruck when I first laid my eyes on her but knew I had to be creative to win her over. She was someone special; I could just tell.*\n\nAn about us story can be short and sweet. Speak from the heart from your individual perspectives to keep it authentic and fill in the space by sharing your excitement about getting married. This will get your guests excited, too.\n\n## Tips for writing your own story \nThe about us section is one of the first parts you'll fill out on [your website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-examples-and-inspiration-themes-and-designs). Take your time when you create it. Write a few drafts before settling on the final story. Read your words aloud to each other and have fun laughing and reminiscing about fond memories before your wedding ceremony. Keep it to a few short paragraphs and add levity and authenticity when you write it. A few tips to keep in mind as you’re writing are:\n\n- __Tip 1:__ Write it like a casual conversation, not a professional bio. It should read like you’re telling the tale in person to a guest. You want it to feel warm and inviting. Skip writing inside jokes but freely share the humor of a story. Guests want to feel like they have a bit of insider knowledge about the spouses-to-be.\n\n- __Tip 2:__ Don’t overthink it. While most about us stories are about the length of a paragraph, if you want to sum it up in two or three sentences, do as you please. It’s about sharing your story in the way you want guests to receive it.\n\n- __Tip 3:__ Make sure the story flows. If you are each writing from your own perspective, make sure each part is similar in length. You don’t want one of you to extend the writing to several lines while the other person only contributes one or two.\n\nFollowing the Hollywood formula is useful as it answers the questions of who, what, when, where, and how. It also shows how to focus on the important details and select private moments.\n\n![Zola Wedding Website Photo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7iMxcB3Lsjs2rhBGZsN8Gs/161cd2722cc9508f4576a85c68d593d5/inline_simplyadriphotography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Simply Adri Photography\n\n## Let your wedding website design guide your words \n\nChoose from one of hundreds of [wedding website templates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-website-examples-and-inspiration-themes-and-designs). Each will guide you to where and how much you should add to your wedding website’s About Us story. Using templates helps you decide __[what to put on your wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-z-list-of-what-to-put-on-your-wedding-website)__. You’re able to preview how it looks on the screen and decide if you want to add or delete words to make it easier to read. The design enhances the story by also reflecting your personalities and style of your upcoming nuptials. \n\nMatch your website to your wedding theme. Whether it’s an elegant evening affair, an afternoon countryside ceremony, or one of the many other aesthetics and locations in between, you’ll find one that sets the tone for your big day. This can also be extended to your RSVP, guest list, wedding registry, and wedding invitations. \n\nPart of creating your wedding website means taking a walk down memory lane while at the same time preparing for the future. It’s a special time so make sure you savor the moment when getting ready for your wedding day!\n\n## Zola, your best wedding website option\n\nWith Zola, you not only get a free [wedding website template](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/20-most-popular-zola-wedding-website-templates) but also a unique and customizable one with many features. Not only is there an exhaustive wedding registry to choose from, but the variety of designs and templates to add your personality to your wedding website design is huge. \n\nYou also receive a completion discount for items pending in your wedding registry past your wedding date so go ahead and set up your own [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) and [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) at Zola to see how easy and convenient a platform it is as you plan for your big day.","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Your wedding website provides your wedding guests with all the necessary info about your wedding. Here's exactly what to include and what to skip on your wedding website.","title":"11 Dos and Don'ts for Your Wedding Website","slug":"dos-and-donts-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6IftHAsGNVhNIVybKGWqoc/c77aacc7e75e08ce7472ee66b2624c47/hero_11_Dos_and_Don_ts_for_Your_Wedding_Website.jpg","altText":"zola wedding website"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Create a beautiful, shareable free wedding website that will keep all your information in one place and make you and your SO's life easier.","title":"How to Build a Wedding Website: Guide + Tips","slug":"make-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ivfWCLfICZzRAlSL2XROu/d275878391dec1bf789fae38c8c5d62b/7-Reasons-to-Make-a-Wedding-Website.jpg","altText":"free wedding websites on zola.com"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Explore our guide to learn everything you need to know about enclosure cards. ","title":"A Guide to Invitation Enclosure Cards","slug":"a-guide-to-invitation-enclosure-cards","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3xBeaPPXZRsXCYtYeY4M9g/6eab7a512dcc0510ab0921301fce6b45/detail.jpg","altText":"Zola Napa ring wedding invitation suite"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Reception only invites are rising in popularity. Learn more about what they are, who they’re sent to, and how they’re different from standard invitations.","title":"A Guide to Reception-Only Invitations","slug":"a-guide-to-reception-only-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2zZeJrT7XMxDKEWm8OU3Rm/18f6d0ab6bfbc330f8644522145207cc/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"reception-only wedding invitations"},"type":"articlePage"}],"cta":{"copy":"Start Your Wedding Website","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website"},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-09-26T01:05:31.856Z"}],"name":"Wedding websites","slug":"wedding-websites","description":"What is a wedding website? Do you need one? Learn all about wedding websites, why they make wedding planning so much easier for you and your guests, and finally, how to create the perfect website for your wedding!","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingWebsite"}}},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Legal","slug":"legal"},"slug":"name-change-after-marriage","title":"How to Change Your Name After Marriage","excerpt":"Thinking about changing your last name? Here's everything you need to know when considering a name change after marriage. Learn more. ","author":"Monica Mercuri","publishedAt":"2019-06-05T00:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2UlzQwVNOBk0iBDemf4u21/bb0251294f8cadb7419bd7abf85b6234/How-to-Change-Your-Name-After-Marriage-V2.jpg","altText":"zola couple plans for name change "},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- The big day is coming up but you have one more thing to consider--changing your last name.\n- If you decide to go ahead with changing your name, there are many other factors to consider such as bank accounts, driver’s license, and insurance.\n- There are many benefits to changing your last name but it is crucial to remember that it doesn’t just stop at your marriage license. Breakdown all the other areas where you will need to notify them of your name change to avoid any messy confusion in the future.\n","body":"---\n__*Sponsored Content. We may earn compensation if you click the links or buttons below.*__\n\n---\n","tag":"How To","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"sponsorCta":{"copy":"Get Started","url":"https://www.zola.com/shop/brand/nee-name-change"},"sponsorName":"Née Name Change","sponsorAbout":"It's simple. You want the name change without the hassle, without a headache, and let's face it, without the wait. We get it; you got better things to do than wait in a line for hours and fill out countless (and probably outdated) applications. Here at Née Name Change, we want you to rest assured. We've got you covered! Simply provide us with your basic information, and we provide the rest. The future of name change has evolved, and we're here to prove to you just how easy it can be.\n\nWith Née Name Change you can now change your name online, instead of in-line!","sponsoredBottomContent":"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a name change—if you want. [Changing your name](https://www.zola.com/shop/brand/nee-name-change) to match your spouse is a common tradition and one that actually dates back to ninth-century English common law. Back then, women were required to ditch their maiden names and take their husband’s surname after marriage. Fast forward to more modern times: There’s no law in the U.S. that demands a name change after marriage, but many married couples still choose to come together under a single family name. \n\n[Zola’s First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2022) surveyed 3,309 couples getting married in 2022 and found out that while a majority are planning to change their names (approximately 78%), there is 16% of today's couples choosing to keep their original names. About 4.6% of couples are going the route of hyphenating their names, and there’s even a small group of couples (a mighty .87%) changing their names to something completely different than either of their surnames. \n\nIf you’re thinking about or decided to legally change your name after your wedding, here’s everything you need to know about how to do it—and why you might want to.\n\n## The Benefits of Changing Your Name After Marriage \nThese days, the reasons to change your name lean more personally and socially acceptable than legally beneficial. Here are a few good reasons to change your name:\n\n- It creates consistency throughout the family. Many people prefer to change their names to keep the same last name running throughout the entire unit. This is especially true when children are involved. One family name can make things easier on things like vacations or school trips.\n- You don’t like your current name. Here’s your excuse to finally shed the surname that makes you cringe.\n- It’s for a religious reason. Many people change their names if they’ve converted religions or simply want to honor their spouse’s traditions. Name changes for religious reasons are quite common.\n- You love a personal touch. This may seem like a shallow reason to legally change your name, but if you’re big on monogramming and personalization ([hand towels](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/matouk_auberge_hand_towel), anyone?), one family name makes customization easy. \n\nNote: Changing your name doesn’t only have to mean taking your partner’s name, or vice versa. There are a few different ways to change your name. You could hyphenate both your names into a joint surname (Lopez-Rodriguez, for example). Or you could try combining your names into an entirely new one (Miller + Winston = Milton). There are a number of alternative approaches so think about what’s best for you as a married couple.\n\n## Name Change Laws\nWhile there’s no law requiring a name change after marriage, there are laws that come into play if you do decide to make the switch. It’s important to note that name change laws vary by jurisdiction so it’s crucial that you check which rules and regulations apply to your specific situation. In some cases, you may have to file a formal name change petition with the court.\n\nGenerally, though, most states simply require that you meet certain residency requirements. All states require the applicant to be a resident of the state—typically for six months, but this varies—before filing for a legal name change.\n\nDepending on your state, you may need a formal name change petition and court date for the following situations:\n- A man taking his wife’s last name\n- Both partners choosing a last name different from either of theirs\n- A same-sex marriage partner changing his or her last name\n\nChanging your name isn’t typically hard to do. Just be sure to review the laws in your state ahead of time so you don’t encounter any surprises and find yourself delayed during the change process.\n\n## How to Change Your Name After Marriage \nYou probably guessed that you need your [marriage license](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-marriage-licenses) to change your name. And you’re right. In fact, you need several certified copies of your marriage license and marriage certificate (request these from the county clerk where your marriage license application was filed). Some states offer both short- and long-form marriage licenses—request the long forms. Once you have those copies from the county clerk’s office, you’re ready to start the name change process.\n\n### Social Security Card\nThe first step on your name change journey should be the Social Security Administration. In many states, you can’t change the name on your license without an updated Social Security card. Here’s how to do it.\n\nBad news: You can’t apply for a new card online. Good news: A new card is free.\n\nBefore heading to your local Social Security office, gather your marriage license, a valid driver’s license or ID, and [this Social Security form](https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf). In some cases, you may also need to show proof of citizenship by providing a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. [Check here](https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm) to make sure you have all the right documents. \n\nTake or mail your legal name change application and copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. \n\n### Driver’s License\nNext, it’s time to update the name on your license. Driver’s license name change requirements vary pretty significantly state-to-state. So, do your research and make sure you know exactly what legal documents you need before you head to the DMV. In most cases, you’ll need your current driver’s license, marriage certificate, new Social Security card, a form of ID, and any forms required by your state. A quick Google search for your state’s requirements should lay out everything you need to bring to your local DMV.\n\n### Bank Accounts\nOnce your Social Security card and driver’s license are updated, you’ll want to head to the bank. Visit your local branch and bring your marriage license and your updated driver’s license. Ask the bank to change your name on all of your accounts—this will make a big difference if you decide to open joint bank accounts with your new spouse. Also, request new checks, credit cards, and debit cards. Note: You might get hit with a fee for the new cards.\n\n## Everything Else \nNow that you’ve covered the major name updates, it’s time to update your name on just about everything else. Here’s a list of places you may need or want to update with your name change.\n\n- Employer/Payroll Department\n- Post Office (especially if your address has changed)\n- Utility Companies\n- Schools/Alumni Organizations\n- Landlord or Mortgage Office\n- Insurance (Home, Auto, Life)\n- Doctor’s Offices\n- Voter Registration\n- Investment Account Providers\n- Attorney (to update legal documents, including your will)\n- Passport Office\n- Airlines (transfer your miles!)\n- Subscriptions (magazines, monthly boxes, etc.)\n\nDon’t let all the steps stress you out. Changing your surname after marriage is an age-old tradition—and it stuck for a reason. If you decide to make the switch, rest assured that you’ll be able to with ease, thanks to a little bit of research.","sponsorLogoImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3OiDHetvmksiT1f9MOlzRf/d20beff46b642b93b02a57f9411f3d4a/1.png","altText":"Née Name Change"},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-11-22T19:03:15.674Z"}],"name":"Legal","slug":"legal","description":"Find guidance on legal aspects of getting married and planning a wedding like changing your name, marriage certificates, wedding venue insurance, wedding vendor contracts and more."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning tools","slug":"wedding-planning-tools"},"slug":"small-wedding-details","title":"25 Small Wedding Details You Don't Want to Forget","excerpt":"A lot of details go into a wedding. Don't forget the small wedding details! Add these often overlooked (but essential) items to your to-do list and check it twice.","author":"Monica Mercuri","publishedAt":"2019-08-22T17:03:19.557Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IALiWRgjTTZ28cqO0LoM0/c3e85dbcc4325ba87b0992e44b6be359/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding couple celebrates small wedding details"},"heroCredit":"Zola","body":"When it comes to wedding planning, there are a lot of big pieces you figure out quickly. Of course, things get a bit more complicated as you start to nail down the hundreds of details that need your attention. Don’t worry! Everything is going to come together to create your dream wedding. Here are a few often-overlooked small wedding details to remember for before, on, and even after your wedding. \n\n## Top 10 Wedding Details to Remember\n\n### 1. Create a wedding website (before you send out invitations). \nYour [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) will act as a hub where your guests can get important information about your wedding day. This is where you can include all the additional info that doesn’t fit on your wedding invitations—think directions to the venue and links to your registry. Of course, you need to include the URL on your actual physical invitation, so start with the website first and foremost.\n\n### 2. Leave enough time for dress alterations.\nWedding dress alterations are a bit more involved than say tailoring a pair of pants. You may have up to three or four fittings before your day, all spaced out over a few months. Depending on your wedding timeline, plan to leave enough time to get them all done so you can have the perfect fit. \n\nOnce you [find your dress](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop), you’ll know right away how many alterations need to be made. Head to a seamstress soon after that to gain a clear understanding of just how much time your overall alterations will take—and plan from there.\n\n### 3. Arrange transportation.\nDepending on where your ceremony and reception take place, you may require various forms of transportation. Typical wedding transportation situations include:\n\n- Getting your wedding party from the ceremony to the photo locations to the reception\n- Getting your wedding guests to the ceremony and/or to the reception\n- Getting all your wedding guests back to accommodations post-ceremony\n\nYou may not need all these lines of transportation, but you’ll likely need at least some. Don’t forget to set up party buses, limos, or drivers for cars. If nothing else, offer to arrange Ubers and Lyfts so no one has to worry about drinking and driving. Then, be sure to include all of this transportation information on your wedding website so guests know how they’ll get to point A, B, and maybe C.\n\n### 4. Buy gifts for your wedding party.\nIt’s your day, of course, but not without the help of your loyal wedding party. It’s customary (while not required) to give small tokens of appreciation in the form of gifts for everyone in your wedding party, including the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer. Gift something practical like jewelry or socks that your wedding party members will actually wear for the ceremony. Many couples choose to gift customized items to their wedding party, too. Whatever you decide, be sure to order all gifts early enough. You want time to wrap each gift and attach a heartfelt note of thanks to go along with it. \n\n### 5. Coordinate vendor meals. \nYour vendors are going to be working away while you’re enjoying your wedding day. Ask your coordinator or venue about vendor meals ahead of time. They can usually provide boxed sandwiches or something similar so everyone will stay fed and happy. \n\n### 6. Hand out vendor tips. \nWe know you’re hyper-focused on your budget—and we’re sure you heard to budget tips for your vendors into your overall cost. Good! Get cash out or prepare checks ahead of time and put everything in clearly marked envelopes for each vendor, like your caterer, bartender, and florist (that you haven’t already tipped). Then, assign a wedding party or family member to distribute day-of.\n\n![inline PhotoByBrandyAngelPhotography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2PCKsaTQLroHQl2zC2sf0c/4ef44793547697e2494b1769b3d1996f/inline_PhotoByBrandyAngelPhotography.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Brandy Angel Photography\n\n### 7. Check if the venue has disability access.\nYou want all your guests to arrive safely and comfortably. As you’re venue hunting, ask if each location has disability access. This will make or break an early-on decision about where you’ll host your ceremony, reception, or both. Your dream venue should be one where all your guests of all ages and abilities can easily access. \n\n### 8. Prepare a plan B for bad weather. \nIf you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, you’re in for a beautiful wedding with nature as your scenic backdrop. That said, you’re also potentially in for some elemental troubles. There are a number of outdoor wedding issues to account for and you need to be prepared with a plan B in the case of rain, or worse. Your venue and vendors should be able to assist you with coming up with a plan of action (or defense).\n\nCheck out our [guide to common outdoor wedding problems](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/10-common-outdoor-wedding-problems-and-how-to-solve-them)—and their solutions, too. \n\n### 9. Add yourself to your catering order guest count.\nYou’re going to be busy, busy, busy on your wedding day, but you still need to eat! If you’re having a seated dinner, don’t forget to include yourself and your partner when you give the caterers a final headcount. Place your orders like any other wedding guest to make sure your food is ready when you need it most.\n\n### 10. Make a “Do Not Play” list for the DJ.\nIf you [chose a wedding DJ over a wedding band](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choose-wedding-band-or-dj), you have some extra liberty around what gets played at your wedding—and what doesn’t. Ahead of your wedding day, sit with your partner and put together a “do not play” list. Review it with your DJ and feel confident that you’ll skip the line dancing you so loathe.\n\n## More Wedding Details You Can't Miss\nStill need direction on the planning process? Here are some more little details you'll definitely want to add to your [wedding planning checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist)\n\n### 11. Organize transportation for yourselves.\nWhile you’re setting up transportation options for your guests and wedding party, don’t forget yourselves. Decide as a couple how you want to exit your ceremony and your reception. Many couples want total privacy to and from their various locations. Others may choose to leave their ceremony in a fancy car or carriage but hop on the party bus with everyone post-reception. It’s up to you entirely—just be sure to make the arrangements. \n\nAll the small wedding details may feel like a lot, but with careful planning, it will all be worth it when you see your vision come together on your big day.\n\n### 12. Book your officiant.\nIf you want your wedding to be official, you need someone who can legally marry you—or, in other words, your officiant. If you're having a friend or family member act as your officiant, make sure to let them know in advance so they have enough time to get certified—and if you're hiring an officiant, make sure to book them far before your wedding day, as many book up months ahead of time.\n\n### 13. Secure your rentals.\nSome reception venues come with everything you need to pull off your big day. But others require you to secure rentals—and if that's the case, you'll want to check that off your to-do list well before your wedding. Ask your venue what you'll need to rent (for example, linens, napkins, tables, or chairs)—and then ask if they have any rental vendors they can recommend so you can reserve what you need.\n\n### 14. Plan your accessories.\nChances are, you're not going to forget your dress. But it can be easy to forget the smaller details of your wedding style, like your shoes or jewelry. Once you pick your wedding dress, make sure to plan out your accessories and buy them in advance so they're ready to go on your big day.\n\n### 15. Buy family gifts.\nSome couples like to buy their gifts for their families as a \"thank you\" for helping with wedding planning—and if you're one of those couples, you'll want to add gift shopping to your to-do list.\n\n### 16. Pack flats for the wedding reception.\nSome people do well in heels. Others...not so much. If you struggle to walk in heels—but you're set on walking down the aisle in them—make sure to secure another, more comfortable pair of shoes for the reception (like a pair of ballet flats or sandals). That way, you can get out and enjoy the dance floor—without the discomfort of too-high heels.\n\n### 17. Order your guest book.\nMany guest books are custom made to order—so if you're planning to have a guest book at your wedding, make sure to order it well in advance.\n\n### 18. Confirm food allergies or dietary restrictions.\nMost wedding caterers will offer alternative meals for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions (for example, vegan guests)—but only if you let them know ahead of time. Make sure to collect any dietary information from your guests on their RSVP cards—and relay that information to your caterer by their deadline.\n\n![INLINE PhotoBySaraRieth-RomanticStorytelling](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6EFmHosxTPsGYIJYEHxJNJ/00cc7a674ad9c2e60436b4e00d29c286/INLINE_PhotoBySaraRieth-RomanticStorytelling.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Sara Rieth\n\n### 19. Write (and print!) your vows.\nIf you're planning to write your own vows, you actually have to plan for it; otherwise, you may get caught up in other wedding tasks—and find yourself frantically writing your \"I do's\" the night before your big day. Schedule a few blocks of time on your calendar the month before your wedding to write your vows; then, schedule a time the [week of your wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) to make any necessary changes or edits. And don't forget to print out a copy!\n\n### 20. Assemble an emergency kit.\nHopefully, nothing will go wrong on your wedding day. But if it does, you want to be prepared! Assemble an emergency kit filled with items to tackle any potential wedding day mishaps, like a sewing kit, a stain remover pen, and extra deodorant.\n\n### 21. Order \"getting ready\" food.\nIf you and your bridal party are planning on getting ready together the day of your wedding, you'll want to have food on hand—and you'll want to order that food in advance. Consider getting brunch delivered—or, if that's not an option, designate a friend or family member to pick up food and bring it to your getting ready location. And don't forget drinks!\n\n### 22. Book your hotel block.\nIf you have guests coming from out of town, they're going to need hotel rooms. Many hotels will block off rooms and offer a discounted rate for weddings—so make sure to do your research, choose your hotel, and book your room block at least a few months before your wedding.\n\n### 23. Assemble welcome bags.\nYou want your out-of-town guests to be comfortable—and welcome bags are a great way to do that. The week before the wedding, carve out time to assemble welcome bags with snacks, drinks, and other wedding favors to make your guests comfortable; then, deliver the bags to the hotel and ask them to put them in your guests' rooms before they arrive.\n\n### 24. Set a point person to help with wedding photos...\nYour wedding photographer likely has a list of shots they'd like to capture on your big day—many of which involve other family members, members of the wedding party, or loved ones. But your photographer doesn't know who those people are—so you'll want to put someone (like a trusted friend) in charge of rounding up who your wedding photographer needs, when they need them.\n\n### 25. ...and to ensure nothing gets left behind.\nAt the end of your wedding, chances are, you're going to be exhausted. But you don't want to leave anything behind at the venue, so make sure to put someone (again, like a trusted friend or a wedding coordinator, if you have one) in charge of doing a sweep at the end of the night. If anything gets left behind, ask them to grab it and get it to you in the days following the wedding.\n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:41:36.984Z"}],"name":"Wedding planning tools","slug":"wedding-planning-tools","description":"We breakdown all of the must-know wedding planning tools to help make planning your wedding seemless. Discover articles on tools that help you keep track of your budget, guest list, RSVPs, gifts, and more. Learn which tools to use and how best to use them to create the wedding you envision, stress-free."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding","title":"How Many People Should I Invite to My Wedding?","excerpt":"What's the average wedding size? How do you decide who to invite? Here's everything you need to know about guest lists and who to invite.","publishedAt":"2023-12-20T00:00-05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5R0r7nUEIMR6LFRupFyLXq/dde06e86fdc367f3220947fd10603f44/0708_how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding_Hero__1_.jpg","altText":"Graphic of four people standing in a line celebrating"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## Inside this article \n\n- The average wedding size 2024\n- Average ratio of family:friends\n- What percentage of invited guests attend a wedding?\n- Wedding size for different weddings\n- How to decide who to invite to your wedding\n- How to limit guests on wedding invitations","body":"The big question finally was asked and it was accompanied by a resounding “YES!” You posted that beautiful engagement ring picture on social media. You’re both basking in the glow of fiancee-dom, when the comments start coming in. And, we’re not talking about the “OMGs” or the congratulatory emojis. We’re talking about:\n\n“So, are the kids invited?” “Can I bring this guy I met on Tinder? I think he’ll last!” “When’s the date? I want to make sure your third cousin Ali’s knee surgery doesn’t conflict.”\n\nAlmost as soon as you get engaged, friends and loved ones want to know if they’re invited to the wedding. But, before you start making that guest list, you’re going to have to decide how long that list is going to be. So, who gets a wedding invitation? What’s the average number of wedding guests? What’s the general percentage of wedding guests that decline? We'll help you decide how many wedding guests you should invite for your big day.\n\nSo, take a breath, put both of your notifications on mute, and let’s figure out how many people to invite to a wedding together.\n\n## How many people should I invite to my wedding?\n\nThe [number of people you should invite](https://www.tiktok.com/@zola/video/7152141616998894890?is_from_webapp=1&web_id=7218624746436494894) to your wedding depends on a few factors: your budget, venue, and vibe. Generally, it’s best to split the guest list between both you and your partner. So, if you want to invite a total of 100 people to your wedding, plan on doing 50 invitations each.\n\n## The average wedding size 2024\n \nThe average wedding size in 2024 is around 145, according to [Zola's 2024 First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024). This includes immediate and extended family, kids, and one or two tables of friends and their plus-ones. The average cost of a wedding, in case you’re wondering, sits between $20,000 - $40,000.\n\n## Average ratio of family:friends\n \nThere's no hard and fast rule about the correct ratio of family to friends at a wedding. Smaller (or destination) weddings tend to have a higher proportion of family members, while larger weddings may include old friends and new. A lot depends on how big your families are, too!\nDon’t worry too much if you have a lopsided wedding guest list. It’s pretty common and the main thing is that your wedding includes everyone special to you.\n\n## What percentage of invited guests attend a wedding?\n \nExpert wedding planners estimate between 25-40 percent of guests invited to a wedding can’t make it. This means that if you invite 200 people, you can expect around 120-150 guests to attend your wedding. Keep in mind: factors like location, date, time, and budget can also affect attendance rates.\n\n## Wedding size for different weddings\n \nThere’s no one-size-fits-all for wedding guest numbers. The overall decision comes down to what you and your partner would feel most comfortable with according to your family traditions, budget, and relationship vibe. Not sure where your numbers fit in, in the big wide world of wedding sizes? Here’s some guidance. \n\n### The Elopement (4-10 guests). \nThis is you, your partner, a few lucky witnesses (maybe your parents, siblings, or best friends), and the officiant. It’s romantic, memorable, and you’ll save money on stamps for the “Save the Dates.”\n\n### Micro wedding (6-20 guests). \nThink of this option as the “Elopement Premium.” Your guest list will include you and your partner’s immediate families, plus a few extremely close friends. Most likely, you could fit your reception dinner at your favorite restaurant, or even in one of your family member’s large backyards.\n\n### Small wedding (20-80 guests). \nThe “Family Reunion” option means you’re expanding from the “Intimate” list to include your aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friend groups. However, your version of a family reunion might be the close friend groups from all aspects of your life. You might choose to invite your old Girl Scout troop, your high school AV club, and your book discussion group. Once you exceed 20 guests, a venue can offer you support and a bigger space to celebrate.\n\n### Average (100-200 guests). \n[Zola’s 2023 First Look report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2023) found that wedding guests in the U.S. range from 100 to 150 (31% of couples surveyed), and 150-200 (23%). This includes immediate and extended family, kids, and one or two tables of friends and their plus ones. \n\n### Large (200-500 guests). \nFor a “Block Party Wedding” vibe, pretty much anyone who shares a last name with you or your soon-to-be spouse gets the invite (unless your last name is Jones or Smith. That’s a whole other ball game). \n\nYou can also include friends, co-workers, college roommates, old teachers, neighbors, your parents’ friends, and the people who you see every day who don’t quite make the cut on typical guest lists. You do lose some of the intimacy with a large wedding. You might be so busy saying hello to everyone that you won’t get a chance to have more than a bite of your wedding cake. \n\nWith that aside, this kind of wedding has a strong community atmosphere and gives your guests the freedom to mix and mingle with everyone from all parts of your lives.\n\n### Massive (500-2,000 guests). \nWhile you might not be marrying royalty, you may want your wedding to feel like an entire town is celebrating with you. If you have the wedding budget and the ability to invite that many people, the answer to “How many people should I invite to my wedding” is pretty much infinite. Here’s who’s often left off a guest list.\n\n- Your immediate family and extended family (includes third, fourth, and fifth cousins).\n- Your co-workers from your last two previous jobs.\n- Your college, high school, middle school, and elementary school teachers.\n- Your parents’ best friends and their families.\n- Your entire mosque, synagogue, or church.\n- The doctor and nurses who delivered you into this world.\n- The staff at your favorite coffee shop.\n- Your entire apartment building or neighborhood.\n- Random celebrities who may or may not show up (for the viral social media potential).\n\nYou get the picture.\n\n## How to decide who to invite to your wedding\n \nStart with the people you can’t imagine celebrating your wedding day without, like your closest relatives and family members. Or, you might start with your “found family,” the parents who raised you, and the people you’ve known your entire lives. Whatever “essential” means to both of you, start there.\n\nStill wondering how many people you should invite to a wedding? Asking yourself the following questions may help you decide who gets an invite, and who's kept on the reserve list.\n\n\"Would I go out for dinner with this person, and would I pay for their meal?\" Or, “Will I be excited to see this person at my wedding, or will I try to avoid them?”\n\nIf you're having a destination or [micro wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/micro-weddings) where numbers are tight, it's worth really honing in on who knows you and your other half. For example, if they can't answer three basic questions about your SO, they don't make the cut. If they can't tell you what city they’re from, their last name, or their job, they aren't considered potential guests. While this is a suggestion, it may not work for all wedding lists!\n\n### Budget\t\nIf sticking to a [wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) is important to you both, then how much you’re willing to spend will determine the number of people you can invite. Consider invitation costs, too. As your guest list grows, so does the average cost of wedding invitations.\n\nThe most important piece of the budget when it comes to your guests is the food. Start by calculating the price of food per guest. According to Zola’s First Look Report 2024, [the average wedding costs over $30,000](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024) and the average number of guests is 145. That equals around $200 per guest for the wedding. For catering specifically, it can vary widely from around $27pp for buffet style up to around $60+ for a catered, sit-down meal.\n\nWhen you’re figuring the average number of guests at a wedding, keep in mind that budgets are very different across the U.S.!\n\nIf you’re imagining a wedding with a multi-course catered meal, this number will probably go up. If you’re imagining a fun buffet or food truck, the number will probably go down. Go from there and do the math to figure out if your wedding guests fit into your budget — and not the other way around.\n\nWedding Guest List Tip: The budget-first approach is a great way to get yourselves out of inviting cousins you’ve only met once, and coworkers you don’t really want there. However, if you don’t have a large budget, you both may have to make some tough calls on who gets a wedding invite and who doesn’t. At the end of the day, this is your day, your money, and your moment. Don’t feel guilty about not being able to invite everyone.\n\n### Venue\nYour hearts might be set on your favorite winery, the museum where you first met, or even a lochside castle in Scotland. If this sounds like you and your partner, then we’ve got good news. Thanks to your state’s (or local fief’s) fire marshal, your wedding venue has a set number of people allowed.\n\nThis lets you build your list within the venue’s parameters, and gives you an understandable reason to limit extra guests. “Sorry, Sal from accounting! My destination wedding venue is a historically accurate 18th-century Spanish galleon replica that only fits 30 people. You would not believe how much room the functional cannons take up on the deck!”\n\nExpert Advice: If you need to squeeze in a third cousin or your mom’s new friend from Zumba class, ask the manager about the capacity. Sometimes the maximum number of guests the venue lists on their website is just their estimate for the best possible experience. If that’s the case with your venue, you could probably negotiate your guest count and add a couple of chairs.\n\nFind your [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) on Zola.\n\n### How many people to invite to wedding based on location\nKeep in mind that the more difficult and/or expensive it is for guests to get to your wedding destination, the lower your attendance rate will likely be. There'll probably be a big difference in numbers between a wedding in your hometown compared to one in Mexico or the Bahamas, for example. \n\n### Wedding vibe \nThe number of people you invite to your wedding will affect the overall vibe or atmosphere of your special day. Do you want to have a private wedding ceremony with only your nearest and dearest loved ones, or do you want a large wedding that feels like a city-wide carnival? Perhaps you’d like something in-between. \n\nWhatever ambiance you’re going for, we’ve broken down how the numbers will affect the atmosphere of your wedding, and created our own categories.\n\n## How to limit guests on wedding invitations\n\n![0708 how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding inline](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3SKfL0dAyrfpOyeaudvhxn/84be3a64220ff5b634a396a28ac3518e/0708_how-many-people-to-invite-to-a-wedding_inline.jpg)\n\n \nLimiting guests on wedding invitations can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid hurting any feelings. Be clear and specific about who's invited by addressing the invitation envelope to only the guests invited, or by personalizing the RSVP card by writing the number of seats reserved for them.\n\n[Shop premium quality, perfectly priced wedding invitations.](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop)\n\n### Plus-one etiquette \nDeciding whether or not to allow plus-ones can help you curate your wedding guest list number. However, be wary of the “no ring, no bring” rule. That rule might’ve worked for our parents, but more and more often, serious couples decide to wait a while before putting a ring on it.\n\n### Questions to ask yourself when making the list \n\nOnce you’ve learned a little bit more about the kind of wedding you and your partner want, you’ll have a strong start on creating your guest list and deciding how many guests to invite to your wedding. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you decide who you want to attend your wedding. \n\n- Who would you enjoy seeing outside of your wedding day?\n- Will you still be in touch with this person in five years?\n- Do you get their Christmas cards?\n- Are you in consistent contact?\n\nIf the answers to all of these questions are yes, then the rule of thumb for wedding guest lists is that you invite them to your big day. If these potential guests aren’t blood-related, and you haven’t seen them since their wedding, things get a little more flexible. Just talk with your partner, and go with your gut.\n\nTo B-List or Not to B-List?\n\nA B-list is the list of people who didn’t quite make the wedding guest cut, but you wish they could be there. They don’t get “Save the Dates,” and they don’t get the first round of invites. B-Listers are the ones you call when someone on the A-list is unable to attend. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not A-listers in your heart, but venues, budgets, and families put limitations on every wedding.\n\n### What to say if someone questions your guest list\n\nIn an ideal world, everyone will be happy and accepting of your wedding guest list. But, in the real world, there’s a fair to reasonable chance that at least one person might not be totally supportive of your choices. If/when that happens, these useful phrases can help to keep the peace.\n\n- “We appreciate your interest in our wedding, but we've decided to keep our guest list limited to our closest family and friends. We hope you understand and respect our decision.”\n- \"We could only have XX guests, so we invited those we are closest to.\"\n- \"Our venue has a very small capacity limit, which means we've had to be extra careful with our guestlist.”\n- While large weddings tend to be more common than smaller ones, this is a useful script to follow if you’re having a smaller event: “We're happy that you're excited for our wedding, but we have a strict guest list setup that we’ve agreed on with our families. We're following certain traditions and customs that limit the number of guests we can invite. We hope you can respect our culture and our choices.\"\n\nAs one last tidbit of advice, remember this: The more guests you invite, the bigger your registry can be. Wink, wink.\n\nUse Zola’s *free* [Guest List and RSVP Tracking Tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) to help make the logistics a breeze.","tag":"Advice","widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2025-07-11T17:10:26.351Z","cardType":"INVITATION"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties","title":"The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown","excerpt":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of bridesmaid duties.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2018-12-18T17:46:36.309Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6QXWPz3k4MiAsmCmeU0eMA/7e2a00bd16521e40896f972d429c5189/Hero_RomanticWeddingatAbigailKirschatTappanHillMansion_ChristopherDugganPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"Bridesmaid Duties"},"heroCredit":"Christggan Photography","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/brittany-michelle-photography","body":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. As a part of the the Bride Tribe, a bridesmaid is expected to plan and attend all pre-wedding parties, help out with aspects of the wedding planning as needed, and be totally present and available to the bride on the wedding weekend. We’ve divided the list of bridesmaid duties into tasks that occur before the wedding and then actually on the big day. Every friend, sibling, or relative who’s asked to be a bridesmaid should have no trouble fulfilling her role if she follows these guidelines.\n\nPre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties\n1. Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire \n2. Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bridal Shower \n3. Help Plan (and Pay) for the Bachelorette Party \n4. Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events \n5. Book Travel & Hotel Reservations \n6. Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner \n7. Help Support the Bride Emotionally \n8. Help With Wedding Planning Tasks \n9. Buy a Wedding Present \n\nWedding Day Bridesmaids Duties\n1. Get Ready With the Bride \n2. Assist the MOH \n3. Provide Getting-Ready Snacks \n4. Be the “Bride Tribe” \n5. Participate in the Ceremony \n6. Be Photo-Ready \n7. Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party) \n8. Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off \n\n## Pre-Wedding Bridesmaid Duties\nThese are the main duties that bridesmaids are typically expected to perform in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding:\n\n### 1. Shop (and Pay) for Bridesmaid Attire\n\n\nBridesmaids may be asked to visit a bridal shop as a group to try on and select dresses together, or each woman may be asked do her own shopping and simply send her measurements and dress pick to the bride (or to a chosen shop). If the [bridal party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one) isn’t wearing matching attire, the bride may simply ask that each bridesmaid select her own outfit and share a photo to make sure it coordinates. Here are some additional tips when it comes to shopping for bridesmaid attire: \n- Whether shopping together or individually, follow the bride’s wishes with a smile on your face.\n- Be on time with your presence, your information, and/or decisions. \n- Provide supportive and sensitive feedback on the choice of bridesmaid attire *__only when requested__*. \n- Be prepared to pay for your own bridesmaid dress, jewelry, and shoes. \n\n### 2. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bridal Shower \n\n\nThe bridal shower may be a shared responsibility among the bridesmaids, the maid of honor, or the parent(s) of the bride or groom—however, bridesmaids are expected to at the very least attend the shower, and if there are no other hosts that step forward, to help the MOH with the [shower planning](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower) and execution. \n\n### 3. Help Plan (and Pay for) the Bachelorette Party\n\nWhile the bulk of the bachelorette party planning usually falls to the maid of honor, the rest of the bridesmaids should lend her a hand wherever possible. This might include helping to secure travel plans, accommodations, activities, and transportation, as well as divvying up the costs between each bridesmaid so the bride’s expenses are covered.\n\n### 4. Attend Any Other Pre-Wedding Events\n\n\nWhether it’s an engagement party, a couples’ shower, or a gathering of helpers to do some wedding DIY over beers and pizza, bridesmaids are expected to attend all pre-wedding activities to the best of their abilities. \n\n### 5. Book Travel and Hotel Reservations \n\n\nBridesmaids should take care of their own transportation and accommodations for the wedding weekend. It’s a good idea to do this early on, so you can be sure your travel logistics are convenient to both the schedule and location of important events. Whenever transportation is not already provided, the bridesmaids should figure out how they’ll get from place to place during the festivities.\n\n### 6. Attend the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner\n\n\nBridesmaids should be present at both the ceremony rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. Not only is this a practical concern—everyone involved in the ceremony needs to know where to assemble, enter, exit, and where to sit or stand during the service—but as a member of the bride’s support crew, she’ll need you there during these final moments of preparation before the big day. \n\n### 7. Help Support the Bride Emotionally\n\n\nAs her best friends, siblings, relatives, and just generally the people she wants surrounding her on this huge life decision, bridesmaids carry the role of being the bride’s emotional rock. Wedding planning can come with its fair amount of stress, so bridesmaids should check in with her throughout the process, ask what she needs, and do their best to thoughtfully and sensitively support her feelings. \n\n### 8. Help With Wedding Planning Tasks\n\n\nWhile bridesmaids are not wedding coordinators, florists, caterers, or cake bakers, they might be asked to help with certain smaller wedding planning tasks within reason. Activities such as stuffing envelopes, alphabetizing escort cards, getting hands-on with some easy DIY projects, or even making trips with the bride to pick out rentals or attend her hair and makeup trial are tasks where the bridesmaids can lend a hand.\n\n### 9. Buy a Wedding Present\n\n\nAs with any other wedding guest, bridesmaids should buy a wedding gift for the couple off of their [Wedding Registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) and have it shipped to their address before the wedding. The only time this expectation may be removed is if you’re serving as a bridesmaid at a destination wedding and your presence (i.e. travel expenses) are considered gift enough. Going in on a big-ticket [group gift](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) with all of the bridesmaids can be a fun way to give the couple somthing they really want! \n\n## Wedding Day Bridesmaid Duties\nOn the big day, bridesmaids help ensure everything goes smoothly for the bride, her maid of honor, and the majority of the wedding guests. Here’s how: \n\n### 1. Get Ready With the Bride\n\n\nBridesmaids should plan on showing up at the designated getting-ready location on time, with all of their gear (bridesmaid attire, shoes, jewelry, makeup, undergarments, etc.) in hand. Besides getting themselves aisle-ready, the bridesmaids should do whatever they can to assist the bride during this time, such as: \n- Keeping her smiling, laughing, calm, and collected\n- Answering any incoming texts, calls, or logistical questions for her \n- Making sure she eats something and stays hydrated \n- Pouring celebratory bubbly for everyone to enjoy \n- Keeping hair and/or makeup appointments on track \n- Helping her into her dress\n- Assisting her with her shoes, jewelry, or veil\n\n### 2. Assist the MOH\n\n\nThe maid of honor has a pretty big job on the wedding day. Bridesmaids should serve as her right-hand ladies, helping out with whatever tasks are needed—whether that’s making a last-minute run to the drugstore, coordinating with the photographer or wedding planner, or providing (and keeping track of) a wedding day emergency kit. \n\n### 3. Provide Getting-Ready Snacks\n\n\nIf no other arrangements have been made for getting-ready sips and snacks, the bridesmaids should take it upon themselves to provide these treats. Everyone—from the bride to her mother to even the photographer and beauty stylists—will appreciate the gesture and benefit from some food and drink throughout the busy day.\n\n### 4. Be the “Bride Tribe”\n\n\nBridesmaids should embody the concept of being the support crew for the bride and the maid of honor in all ways during the big day. They can also serve as a point of contact for guests and vendors when it’s helpful. Here are some tasks the bridesmaids can cover to be of service:\n- Double-check that all members of the wedding party and any special family members have their personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, or toss petals). Assist with pinning on boutonnieres or other floral accessories as needed.\n- Help guests navigate the venue, such as directing them to parking areas, bathrooms, handicap access, exits, and if applicable, the bar or refreshments station.\n- Standing near the gift table, guest book, or wedding favors to help direct and facilitate guests’ participation. \n\n### 5. Participate in the Ceremony\n\n\nBridesmaids should be in place at the ceremony venue on time, (most likely hidden out of sight), and ready for their cues to process down the aisle. Keep chatter to a minimum and be respectful of the planner, officiant, or whomever is running the show. During the actual ceremony, be sure to hit your rehearsed mark, fulfill any other roles you’ve been assigned during the actual service, and then process out of the ceremony according to plan. \n\n### 6. Be Photo-Ready\n\n\nIf the wedding party didn’t pose for photographs with the happy couple before the ceremony, typically these group photos occur right after the ceremony at the beginning of the cocktail hour. Rather than dispersing into the crowd, bridesmaids should stick together and be ready to follow the photographer’s commands—gathering stray folks for these shots can be tiresome, not to mention steal precious minutes away from the couple’s ability to enjoy their cocktail hour. \n\n### 7. Be Model Guests (and the Life of The Party)\n\n\nBridesmaids should mingle and chat with other guests, enjoy the food and drinks offered, sit down at their dinner table when asked, participate in guest-related activities like signing the guestbook or visiting the photo booth, listen to, applaud, and/or give any speeches (that have been pre-arranged), witness the special dances, and boogie down (tastefully) when it’s dance floor time.\n\n### 8. Maintain a Stress-Free Send-off\n\n\nFinally, bridesmaids should help the maid of honor, coordinator, or the couple’s parents assemble any items than need to be transported out of the reception venue at the end of the night. These packables might include: \n- Any getting-ready clothing or gear \n- Extra/unused ceremony programs, favors, or sparklers \n- Leftover alcohol \n- Any decor or signage that was personally provided (not rented) \n- The bride and/or bridesmaids’ bouquets\n- Wedding cards and gifts\n- The guest book\n- Special toasting flutes, cake servers, or cake plate\n- A basket of late-night leftovers (packaged by the caterer)\n- The top tier of the wedding cake\n- A few slices of late-night wedding cake (packaged by the caterer)\n- The bride and/or groom’s wedding attire, if they’ve changed into getaway clothes\n\nIn addition to making sure the above items leave the venue in the right vehicle(s), bridesmaids can lend a hand with these final logistical tasks: \n- Make sure all guests make it onto the right shuttle buses, find their cars, or otherwise make it safely out of the venue.\n- Hand out pre-addressed tip envelopes to the vendors.\n- Make sure the bride and/or groom’s overnight bags make it to their wedding night hotel room. \n- Organize guests to the after-party, if there is one. \n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"What's the difference between a wedding party & a bridal party? Learn more & get expert planning tips to help you prepare for the big day.","title":"Bridal Party vs. Wedding Party: What's the Difference? ","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/68X8glzRII6myuoYsI6E0S/f9b9a7d44f481f5628e374b6b0c1e744/Hero_New_GildedGlamWeddingatSkyRoomatCrownePlazaMidtown_LoveInMotionLLC.jpg","altText":"formal portrait of wedding party. Bride and bride maids with bouquet are sitting on stair in the front , Groom and groom men are standing at the back"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"You want to include everyone in your wedding party, but you know you can't. If you're having a hard time deciding who and how many, here's exactly how to figure out how many people should be in your wedding party.","title":"How Many People Should Be In Our Wedding Party?","slug":"how-many-people-in-wedding-party","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7jGh076UPkB6vrSPqXfSJP/10ec5e0e7e761f53fba669a78fa0273b/How-Many-People-Should-Be-Our-In-Wedding-Party_CapturedCoutureLLC.jpg","altText":"indian couple gets married with wedding party"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:19.350Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"period-on-your-wedding-day","title":"Period Coming On Your Wedding Day? Here's What to Do","excerpt":"Periods happen—even on your wedding day. Here's expert advice on how to manage your period on your wedding day and how to keep calm about the situation.","author":"Laura Hensley","publishedAt":"2020-02-27T17:55:41.878Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/wBtXNd2eGbPXMpqm4HAHC/760d60e4fe2d50abe49e88d282e7b021/HERO_OneLovePhotography_1080x720_Meghann_Andrew.jpg","altText":"bride with bridesmaids on wedding day"},"heroCredit":"One Love Photography","body":"Periods have a way of sometimes arriving at the least desirable times in life. Whether it’s on vacation or during a stressful week at work, it’s likely your period has been an unwelcome visitor more than once. For those who experience cramps, bloating, and headaches during their period (thanks PMS), menstruation can be an even more inconvenient and uncomfortable experience. \n\nSo what happens when you realize your period may crash your wedding? Before you freak out, know there are many ways to deal with a wedding period. \n\n![INLINE WeddingsByThom 1080x720 Becky&Jacob](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6K4YZIUPpzN8MwQnpkjXjA/655c44882a5c165afca4a230e742e2ad/INLINE_WeddingsByThom_1080x720_Becky_Jacob.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Weddings By Thom\n\n## Alter your cycle… if you can.\nSome people’s periods are consistently regular and on time. If you’re one of those lucky folks, you might want to consult your period tracking app when choosing a wedding date if avoiding your period is important to you. Of course, not everyone has this option (venues have limited availability, after all) and periods can, unfortunately, have a mind of their own. \n\nIf you’re prone to sickness on your period or low mood, however, you might feel best avoiding those undesired symptoms altogether. If this is the case, you can talk to your doctor about manipulating your cycle to skip your period for your wedding.\n\nHormonal birth control pill packs can be used back-to-back without placebos to skip a period. Likewise, certain birth control pills extend your menstrual cycle, meaning you only get your period once every three months. \n\n*__Note: While it’s [generally considered safe to skip or suppress a period](https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/travel-health/how-can-i-delay-my-period/), it’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider first. Everybody is different, and it’s important to figure out what is best for you.__* \n\n### Expect something anyway.\nEven though the pill can help manage the timing of your period, manipulating your cycle isn’t a fool-proof plan; periods can still be irregular, especially if you’re stressed. (Here’s some tips on [how to combat wedding-related stress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-handle-overbearing-parents-when-wedding-planning).) \n\nWhat’s more, you may still experience [breakthrough bleeding](https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-prevent-breakthrough-bleeding-on-the-pill) even if you skip your period. To be safe, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for menses if you expect it to overlap with your wedding. \n\n## Plan ahead and be prepared.\nIf you know your period will arrive around the time of your wedding, be sure to alter some lifestyle practices ahead of time. Sugar and caffeine can [exacerbate PMS symptoms](https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome), while exercise, healthy eating, and [sleep are known to help](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/sleep-night-before-wedding). If you’re worried about stomach cramping and bloating, try to drink lots of water and avoid salt-heavy drinks and food.\n\n### Day-Of Prep\nOn your wedding day, take some over-the-counter pain medication in the morning and throughout the day as needed. If you can’t avoid your period you’ll want to minimize its presence. When it comes to your wedding attire, consider how heavy your period will be and decide on the most suitable preparation for where you are in your cycle.\n\n- __Choose the right product.__ Depending on the [style of your dress and undergarments,](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style) tampons or a menstrual cup may be your best bet. While pads are great for overnight use, they may create pad lines and limit your underwear options. Menstrual cups, like the DivaCup, can be worn up to 12 hours, depending on how heavy your flow is. A product that allows for longer use means fewer trips to the bathroom. \n- __Consider special underwear.__ If you want to be extra cautious around leakage, period-absorbing underwear is also a great idea. Brands like Thinx or Knix have different styles depending on your flow, including designs for super, moderate and light days. Some even absorb four regular tampons worth of blood. Period panties also come in different materials and cuts, meaning you can often find a pair right for your dress. \n- __Stock the venue.__ Lastly, make sure there are menstrual products available at your ceremony and reception venues. You can even get venue staff to stock bathroom welcome baskets with tampons and pads for yourself and other guests. Chances are you won’t be the only one dealing with Aunt Flo.\n\n![INLINE CortiellaPhotography 1080x720 Choumate&Berthony (1)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4Mvdo1pBF2gj994HbfJUVB/218f63fc5885863e7b90d5cd9d4a89db/INLINE_CortiellaPhotography_1080x720_Choumate_Berthony__1_.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Cortiella Photography\n\n## Lean on your wedding party. \nUsing the bathroom in an elaborate dress is hard enough, but add a period into the mix and you may need some assistance. \n\nInform your [maid of honor or wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-people-in-wedding-party) about your period, and let them know you’ll need their help during the day. You might even want to pass off some ibuprofen to them for safekeeping. Ask them to hold some menstrual products for you, if need be, and get them to keep an eye on your dress. While it’s unlikely you’ll have an accident, it’s always comforting knowing someone has your back just in case. \n\n## Don’t stress too much.\nPeriods can be annoying, there’s no doubting that. But having your time of the month coincide with your big day isn’t the end of the world. It’s important to remember that you’ve lived through your period many times before, and you’ll get through it again, too. \n\nWith a bit of preparation and some help from trusted friends, your period doesn’t need to play a big role in your wedding. Because between dancing, amazing food and marrying the love of your life, you’ll have plenty of other things to think about. ","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"featured":[{"excerpt":"You got the dress now top it all off with wedding accessories that will make your bridal look really stand out. Here are nine wedding accessories every bride needs.","title":"9 Wedding Accessories to Complete Your Bridal Look","slug":"wedding-accessories-bridal-look","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5MS0DHdPrcmuPH7sg3fnui/39dc64529a8adef60342b0f3c2b42db3/4106341.jpg","altText":"bride puts on wedding accessories"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Perhaps you’ve decided to style your own hair for your wedding to save time and money, but suddenly realize you have no idea how to do wedding hair. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Opting for a DIY wedding hairstyle can be intimidating, but all it takes is a little preparation to pull it off flawlessly. Luckily there are some tried and true DIY wedding hair tricks that you can use to make sure you look amazing when you walk down the aisle. Here are our DIY wedding hair tips to follow for gorgeous wedding hairstyles you can pull off yourself.","title":"DIY Wedding Hair Tips","slug":"diy-wedding-hair-tips","topic":"Fashion & beauty","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3B4JXngFOMWYGs2QSeuqKq/cd886b06bd7f132aacf49b6692d86e87/3937960.jpg","altText":"African-American bride side pose with beautiful hair curls"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Finding the perfect wedding dress can sometimes feel as challenging as finding your soul mate. Luckily we’re here with a quick-and-easy quiz to help you figure out your ideal wedding style.","title":"What’s Your Wedding Dress Style? ","slug":"what's-your-wedding-dress-style","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/XT5O9Ow3qVWpESyo1sR7n/0b62327143e978d96e6b02a198e6e22e/Hero_what_s_your_wedding_dress_style__dear_stacey_wedding_photography_.jpg","altText":"bride wearing long-sleeve lace dress sitting on a settee in the middle of a garden with a basket of cut purple lavender beside her"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:15.699Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"choosing-your-wedding-month","title":"How to Choose The Best Wedding Month ","excerpt":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process. Here's how to decide on the best time of the year to get married. ","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2019-06-13T15:54-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/71pkqiAypqFZ7CL8KRWGIr/4f34666823e73a80647f762866ec1bd0/Hero_New_Unsplash.jpg","altText":"best month for wedding"},"heroCredit":"Unsplash","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/christine-magee-photography","body":"Choosing your wedding month and date is a crucial first step in the wedding planning process, along with choosing your venue, photographer, and caterer. The time of year in which you decide to get married will dictate a lot of your subsequent planning, and will stick with you for the rest of your life (hello, anniversary). \n\n## What is the Best Month for a Wedding? \nJune, September, and October are considered the best months for a wedding. June, traditionally, is the most popular month to get married, simply because of the mild weather. With that being said, there’s no wrong time to get married to the love of your life (though it does help to have good weather). \n\nIn most parts of the country, the late spring through early fall months are typically thought of as “wedding season,” but there is so much more to it than that. Let’s walk through the year and look at the pros and cons of each potential wedding month.\n\n__Note__: Keep in mind that while season matters greatly, geography is a factor as well. We have broken the seasons down very generally below, but even still, a winter wedding in the Florida Keys is going to differ drastically from a winter wedding in Lake Tahoe, where the cold weather and snow hazards will be much greater. Be sure to factor in your location when picking your perfect wedding month.\n\n## Spring\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### March, April, May\n\nMarch comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. April showers bring May flowers. These are the traditional sayings that correlate with the spring months that we love so dearly. Emerging from the cold of winter, spring is such a welcoming time to host your special day. Without many calendar conflicts (St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, and Easter are the only holidays in the spring), your spring wedding should see good attendance. And after the drab, loneliness of winter, your friends will probably be busting at the seams to get out and celebrate with you.\n\nA spring wedding is a gamble, though, simply because the weather is so unpredictable. Will it be sunny and warm, or is a cold snap going to hit? Even still, the gamble may pay off if you can land one of those quintessential warm, flowery days. In April and May especially, you might begin to encounter increased pricing and competition with other brides for vendors and venues as “the season” set in. We’re talking: wedding season.\n\n![Colin-Lyons-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2I7G4mApUnMjJhsy5Jl3Jb/53209c242d51920fe468dad7d825d8b5/Colin-Lyons-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Colin Lyons Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![3-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WNr5JisBMZ85xd2TKSIx6/26fa70d21a47bf3e8a8bbeac435e580e/3-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Pauline Conway Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![4-2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5ce7yS6d2k8yuYhLUbjG8E/217f24116aade587a4e43197819ae810/4-2.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sarah and Rachel](https://www.zola.com/wedding/rachel-sarah/passcode)*\n\n![onelove-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rQO7D0nqBl2thPIDEUwJI/d9002976a70f8e78cac3f7dccbb45608/onelove-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [onelove photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![michelle-jones-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/10IZeVW4q8jsvuaGNrULY5/9685001b60b7696da5b0ac7519f145b6/michelle-jones-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Michelle Jones Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Summer\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### June, July, August\n\nWedding season is in full swing by mid-May, with June being traditionally the most popular wedding month. These hot months offer long days and vacation time. Many of your wedding guests will be able to get away from their lives to attend your ceremony thanks to more relaxed work schedules and school breaks. Far removed from the winter holidays, your guests are more likely to have a little extra room in their budgets for travel and wedding gifts. With an abundance of flowers and fruits in season, a summer wedding allows for countless floral options and your pick of delicious produce.\n\nHowever, these sunny wedding months are not quite that simple. Rising temps is definitely something to take into account, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony. While it may look like a glorious day outside, if it is 100 degrees, you are going to be one sweaty bride with a bunch of hot and sticky guests. You can also just go ahead and count on venues and vendors being harder to book with steeper prices because of peak wedding season competition. Finally, vacation plans or other weddings may conflict with yours when it comes to your guests’ attendance.\n\n![sera-petras-photography-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5DBqt424TW6fxVupMcRREr/5f5b701c3ede984b76c8dd45ac9c3556/sera-petras-photography-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Sera Petras Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![10-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6oleAP7FuSKWiW8aoRT2ET/b09b179296b24f279d3f06e188c36c6f/10-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![loved-memories-photography-videography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/64qkXcXELxt7XXEexvpXQi/b853e7f659bd6df81cfe3a16b8ba1407/loved-memories-photography-videography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Loved Memories Photography & Videography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![11-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4RiU2cVAawt6etn6imcVC5/828072c76d7d37b0a191dc16c3872137/11-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Limelight Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*","body2":"## Fall\n. . . . . . . . . .\n\n### September, October, November\nOh [fall weddings](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/fall), how loved you are! There is something so magical about the changing of the leaves and the cool, crisp air. A fall wedding month will make for cooler temperatures, happier party guests, and less bugs. And with a plethora of pumpkins, there are some very festive and unique [wedding themes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes) to embrace.\n\nIn these autumn wedding months, possible conflicts include the beginning of a new school year, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. There are also fewer flowers in season, so you may have to be willing to re-imagine your ideal floral arrangements. And if you and your partner are football fanatics, a fall wedding month might prove difficult to schedule around big game days. What if you accidentally plan your wedding for the most important match-up of the season?\n\n![FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Ubu6ZBziGjm2B4BORdyNT/33e2bb528d1b74ef66a630b03c36d93a/FALL-PIC-Nick-Davis-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Nick Davis Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![13-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3OtiKcANlOnPkYcCgvJY2a/460d2859aacdf429a5caabcf5687bd84/13-1.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [JoPhoto](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![B.-Dembowski-Images](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/w1pEtfzf7XNQuVPoJOBA2/d6785ab23a16cc84309dc10b2f8b51d7/B.-Dembowski-Images.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [B. Dembowski Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![suzanne-karp-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2IotEvPwRzyD4wYnZWWhO8/21bd6d5c7ac111d854c0c5618f77eb0e/suzanne-karp-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Suzanne Karp Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![megan-rolfe-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6KAeFqKNiAbKOGmoReYPDQ/e34989f661e509b236290e43d8a5b13c/megan-rolfe-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Meghan Rolfe Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n## Winter\n. . . . . . . . . . .\n\n### December, January, February\nA winter wedding month can be a hidden gem. Gleaming fireplaces, evergreen trees, snowy winter landscapes, less wedding competition (and thus the ability to negotiate prices), and more vendor/venue availability make a winter wedding very appealing for couples. There is something so romantic about wrapping up in warm blankets in front of an early sunset and clinging to each other for warmth.\n\nBut for all of the pros, there are still some cons to a winter soirée. Depending on the location of your wedding, getting snowed in (or out) could be a factor for outdoor wedding venues. There is less green outside, making for less picturesque landscapes that might force your wedding photos indoors. And… Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years. While these holidays are considered “the most wonderful time of the year,” they can create many conflicts for your special day. Traveling can be more expensive and difficult around the holidays, not to mention that money will most likely be a bit tighter for people, too.\n\n![17](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/11hvWyN8wxfj6ZSYiyT8SL/e594d0a49432a4f45d859a59669dfde2/17.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Jennings King Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![dana-widman-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Kfdg6c8V9TlcOYdyDoXsP/62a288f8b3e8717982a365552cc9d4fb/dana-widman-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Dana Widman Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![Beautiful Winter Wedding Color Schemes](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2SGRFCSNwbm3TXmugQhtKy/0a47af24d0d7885c9f6253a72841fec5/inline_felicia_marti_photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Felicia Marti Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\n![modern-wedding-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2DwNzksI7fCOhWBtJSWKoF/3b5ceefc704779234c84cfdf48f2adab/modern-wedding-photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Modern Wedding Photography](https://www.modernweddingphotography.tv/)*\n\n![Heather-Erson-Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6jT8kMSgL2JTQBo0EYrJAb/f13fb701d13b59411bf937be04ceaadb/Heather-Erson-Photography.jpg)\n\n*Photo Credit || [Heather Erson Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*\n\nHave you fallen in love with your perfect wedding month yet? Once you make a decision, be sure to put the date into your [Zola Weddings Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) so you can get a whole bunch (or just a few) customized planning reminders up until the big day. Happy planning!\n","nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Weddings are fun, but planning them can be stressful. Here are practical ways to deal with wedding planning stress.","title":"5 Effective Ways to Fight Wedding Planning Stress","slug":"ways-to-fight-wedding-planning-stress","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3GTsIw6vsfY9q3xaj694Zo/8aefec865bd9f374f61f1f476876b440/Zola_HeroImage_1080x720__1_.jpg","altText":"woman using zola for wedding planning stress"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Craft your dream wedding website effortlessly with Zola's step-by-step guide. Showcase your love story and details in style. Start creating today!","title":"How to Create Your Wedding Website: 10 Simple Steps ","slug":"how-to-make-a-wedding-website","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6a4MvmncJr4AKia1nFr6Tn/91e1616adecb7211caf14038546e0f27/DESKTOP_ww.png","altText":"Zola wedding website as seen on a laptop computer"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"You're engaged—congrats! To help you ease into wedding planning, we’re here with a list of the very first things you should do once you get engaged. ","title":"The First 10 Things to Do When Planning a Wedding","slug":"the-first-10-things-to-do-when-planning-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1lHUezgBQUbJVdqaqSXtw7/12659aa232d2f71bdd53451db5b76f34/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_First-10-things-to-do.jpg","altText":"woman and man just after getting engaged in front of a sunset in a green field about to kiss"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-06-03T02:06:19.435Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors","title":"How Much To Tip Wedding Vendors","excerpt":"Confused on how much to tip wedding vendors, which vendors to tip, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: explore our guide for tipping wedding vendors.","publishedAt":"2019-01-17T20:06:32.436Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/oljNU6JIHuglslJ7ouSRO/c09c8646dad52d410abed69adbc51a28/lovesome-photography.webp","altText":"how much to tip wedding vendors and venue coordinator"},"heroCredit":"Lovesome Photography","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/lovesome-photography","body":"You’ve signed the last check, paid the last deposit, purchased the final items, and settled up all the remaining balances…your wedding has been paid for! Or—has it? In the grand scheme of budgeting for your wedding, don’t forget to factor in funds for tipping wedding vendors. While not all vendors expect to be tipped for their services—instead choosing to make their prices reflect all the payment they feel they need—for some it’s an expectation to follow tipping etiquette in the wedding industry. Confused on which vendors to tip, how much you should tip each type of vendor, and when to distribute tips? Fear not: here’s a guide on tipping vendors.\n\n## Wedding Vendor Tipping Pointers\n\n1. Tips are a great way to show vendors your appreciation for their hard work at your wedding and may even be an unexpected surprise. You can also tip when you feel you’ve received extraordinary service.\n2. Check your contracts to be sure that gratuity has not already been included in the price.\n3. Generally speaking, you do not need to tip the owners of large businesses (just their employees). Small business owners, on the other hand, should be considered for tipping based on the quality of service you feel you’ve received.\n4. Tip or no tip, writing a thank you note to vendors who provided you with great service is always a thoughtful gesture and highly appreciated—as is leaving them positive reviews on wedding planning websites like [Zola for Vendors](https://www.zola.com/inspire/vendors).\n\n### Who's responsible for tipping?\n\nWhen it comes to tipping wedding vendors, the responsibility for providing the tip can sometimes be a point of confusion, especially if someone else is covering the cost of the wedding. In the scenario where the bride's parents or another party are paying for the wedding, it is generally considered thoughtful and appropriate for your as the couple to handle the tipping on their own. \n\nTipping vendors is a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication in making the wedding day special. Even if someone else is funding the event, you've likely been involved in selecting and working with the vendors throughout the planning process, making it fitting that they express their gratitude through tipping. By taking on this responsibility, you can ensure that the vendors who contributed to your big day are properly acknowledged and thanked for their efforts.\n\n## How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors (by Vendor Type)\n\nWhile your tip should depend on your wedding budget and level of satisfaction & a few other factors, here are some quick guidelines on how to tip your wedding vendors, with additional protocol & tips below:\n\n- Photographers & Videographers: 10% of the total package cost if opting for a percentage, or $50-$100 per person\n- Wedding coordinator/planners: 10-20% of the total bill (up to $500)\n- Wedding Venue Coordinator/Catering Captain: $250-500, or 15-20% of the food and drink bill\n- Officiant: $50-$100\n- Ceremony Musicians: $15-$20 per musician\n- Florist: $50-100\n- Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: 15-20% of total\n- Transportation: 15-20%\n- Wedding Band: $25-$50 per musician\n- Wedding DJ: 10-20% of total\n- Reception Waitstaff: 15-20% of labor costs on food & drink bill\n- Reception Bartender: 10% of the total bill\n- Delivery Personnel: $5-$10 per person\n\n### Wedding [Photographer(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers) and [Videographer(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider tipping second shooters or staff beyond the business owner(s).\n- __Amount:__ Although not required, consider tipping wedding photographers and videographers 10% of the packgae cost or $50-$100 per person. You could also provide a good review as another nice gesture for their photography services. \n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Wedding Planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; about 50% of couples tip.\n- __Amount:__ Although wedding planners don’t expect a tip, if you’d like to show your appreciation for examples of exceptional service, consider offering a tip that’s 10-20% of the total bill (up to $500).\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception, or mail it after the honeymoon.\n\n### Wedding Venue Coordinator/[Catering Captain](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected, based on contract. If service fee is not included, tip according to below.\n- __Amount:__ Wedding venue coordinators and catering captains should be tipped $250-500, or 15-20% of the food and drink bill.\n- __Timing:__ If included in the contract, the final bill is due before the wedding. If not, at the end of the reception.\n\n### Officiant\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected, depending on officiant. If s/he works for a church or synagogue, you might consider making a donation to that institution additionally.\n- __Amount:__ A wedding officiant should be tipped around $50-100 for the officiant alone, depending on how much time they’ve spent with you pre-ceremony. Consider a $100-500 donation to the religious institution.\n- __Timing:__ Prior to the wedding (when paying the ceremony service fee), or after the rehearsal.\n\n### [Ceremony Musicians](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider the complexity of their setup and/or performance.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping each ceremony musicians $15-20 per musician.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the wedding ceremony.\n\n### [Florist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional or not expected, unless you really loved their work and service.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding florist $50-$100 of your total floral bill.\n- __Timing:__ Include a separate check with the final invoice, or mail it after the -honeymoon.\n\n### [Hair & Make-up Artist(s)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected\n- __Amount:__ Wedding hair and make-up artists should be tipped 15-20% of your total charge (just like at a salon!). You can discuss with your wedding party whether on not you plan to cover this cost or if they're expected to.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of their service.\n\n### Transportation\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected (but may be already included in the contract).\n- __Amount:__ Wedding transportation staff should be tipped 15-20% of your total bill.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the night or after the final ride.\n\n### [Wedding Band](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider their overall performance and responsiveness to your requests.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding band $25-$50 per musician\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Wedding DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional; consider their overall quality and responsiveness to your requests.\n- __Amount:__ Although not required, consider tipping your wedding DJ 10-20%.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception.\n\n### [Reception Waitstaff](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional, based on contract (check to see if a service fee is included). Tip on top of service fee only for exceptional service.\n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding reception waitstaff 15-20% of labor costs on your food and drink bill. Reach out to the your lead caterer or catering captain to determine the best way to ensure each person you plan to give a tip recieves theirs.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception (or during set-up, to encourage great service).\n\n### [Reception Bartender](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Optional, based on contract (check to see if a service fee is included). Tip on top of service fee only for exceptional service. \n- __Amount:__ Consider tipping your wedding reception bartender 10% of the total liquor bill.\n- __Timing:__ At the end of the reception (or during set-up, to encourage great service).\n\n### Delivery Personnel (Wedding Cake, Rentals, Flowers, Etc.)\n\n- __Protocol:__ Expected\n- __Amount:__ Wedding delivery personnel should be tipped $5-$10 per person\n- __Timing:__ Leave cash envelopes with the coordinator or catering manager (whomever will be on site overseeing delivery and setup) to distribute the tip(s).\n\n## How to Deliver Tips \n\nIt is essential to consider streamlining the process, especially amidst the bustling activities of the big day. One solution to designate a member of the wedding party, such as the best man or maid of honor, to take charge of distributing tips. This delegation allows the couple to fully immerse themselves in the joyous occasion, free from concerns about managing tipping logistics. This arrangement becomes particularly advantageous if the couple plans a grand exit, as they won't be burdened with carrying envelopes while making their departure. By entrusting a trusted individual with the task, the vendors' hard work receives the appropriate appreciation, contributing to a harmonious and memorable celebration for all involved parties.\n","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Nervous about choosing your wedding colors? Don’t be: we’ve outlined some basic steps you can take to choose a wedding color palette that matches your vision and expresses your personality as a couple. ","title":"How to Choose Your Wedding Colors (+ Color Palette Ideas)","slug":"how-to-choose-your-wedding-colors","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6WI5HwIwEeW9NVO7U6xjRm/7676815b615c34e15513e31a876ba45e/How-to-Choose-Your-Wedding-Colors.jpg","altText":"wedding color palettes"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:08.828Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one","title":"Bridal Party vs. Wedding Party: What's the Difference? ","excerpt":"What's the difference between a wedding party & a bridal party? Learn more & get expert planning tips to help you prepare for the big day.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2018-12-18T17:01:19.590Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/68X8glzRII6myuoYsI6E0S/f9b9a7d44f481f5628e374b6b0c1e744/Hero_New_GildedGlamWeddingatSkyRoomatCrownePlazaMidtown_LoveInMotionLLC.jpg","altText":"formal portrait of wedding party. Bride and bride maids with bouquet are sitting on stair in the front , Groom and groom men are standing at the back"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-photographers/creative-images-photography","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- A wedding party is the group of people chosen by the couple to support them from engagement to marriage. \n- Siblings, close family members, and best friends are often chosen to be part of the wedding party.\n- The bridal party is the group chosen by the bride to support her on the wedding day.\n- Some members of the wedding party have specific roles, like the best man who might be expected to plan the bachelor party, or the maid of honor who is often expected to plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party.\n","body":"A wedding party is a group of people chosen by the couple to support and celebrate them throughout their journey from engagement to marriage. The people chosen to be in a wedding party are typically close friends and family members of the bride(s) or groom(s). They are responsible for certain duties, both before and during the big day. Some of these wedding party duties include: \n\n- Planning pre-wedding activities such as showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties.\n- Helping the bride and/or groom get dressed and ready on the big day.\n- Participating in the ceremony by standing nearby after the bride’s grand entrance until after the couple exchanges their vows.\n- Historically, members of the wedding party would be the witnesses to a marriage, and would sign off on any sort of legal documentation necessary. \n\n## What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Party and a Bridal Party? \n- A __wedding party__ is the term for the entire group of people who participate in the ceremony alongside the couple—the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any children such as the flower girl or ring bearer. \n- The __bridal party__, is just the group chosen by the bride to support her on the wedding day. \n\nTraditionally, bridal party members are made up of only women. However, as more and more couples are choosing to do things in their own way, the bride is no longer confined to choosing just women to be in her support crew. Thus the term “wedding party” (or even “commitment crew”) is the more modern, all-inclusive term used to describe the people chosen by the couple to surround and support them on their special day. \n\n## Who Should Be in My Wedding Party?\nThere are three categories of people who are usually included in the wedding party:\n1. __Siblings:__ Any siblings, including step-siblings or future siblings-in-law, are often first on the wedding party list. \n2. __Close family:__ Cousins or other relatives near in age to the couple are also often a good fit for the wedding party.\n3. __Best friends:__ The bride and/or groom’s dearest pals are another good choice for the wedding party—but they should be friends that have, or will, stand the test of time. Keep in mind these are the people that will be in your wedding photos forever!\n\n## Traditional Wedding Party Roles\nAt weddings with a \"head table,\" the wedding party sits with the bride and/or groom. With a \"sweetheart table\", the couple is seated separately from their wedding party, but their closest friends and family are still in close proximity.\n\nHere’s a quick breakdown of the titles and roles you’ll find in a traditional wedding party, as well as lengthier explanations for what each of these roles are expected to do. \n\n- *__Pro Tip:__ While these are the textbook divisions of matrimonial labor, however you choose to assign responsibilities is completely up to you and your partner. If you want to plan your own bachelorette party, skip it entirely, or skip having a wedding party for that matter, do what feels right for you. However you seek outside support during your wedding planning, make sure you articulate nicely and clearly what you need from each of the important people in your life so that they can help you have the meaningful, important day you’re hoping for.*\n\n### Quick Look at Traditional Wedding Party Roles\n- Best Man: the groom’s main dude. \n- Groomsman: the groom’s auxiliary dudes.\n- Maid of Honor: the bride’s main lady.\n- Matron of Honor: the bride’s main lady, but she’s married.\n- Bridesmaid: the bride’s auxiliary ladies.\n- Junior Bridesmaid or Junior Groomsman: usually tween-age family members or children of the bride and groom’s closest\n- Flower girl or boy: usually somewhere between the ages of 3 and 12; petal-tossers.\n- Ring Bearer: usually somewhere between the ages of 3 and 12; ring or sign holder.","body2":"### Detailed Look at Traditional Wedding Party Roles\n- __Best Man:__ A close friend of the groom, the best man is predominantly responsible for the social aspect of the groom’s wedding party. He is expected to:\n - Plan the [bachelor party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelor-parties).\n - Attend the wedding rehearsal \n - Help keep the groomsmen on time throughout the big day.\n - Help out the groom and make sure he has everything he needs.\n - Assist with things like handing out programs to wedding guests or ushering before the ceremony.\n - Serve as keeper of the wedding rings (including handing them over at the correct moment during the wedding ceremony).\n - [Give a speech](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-give-a-great-wedding-toast) during the reception.\n - Share in the regular groomsmen’s responsibilities.\n\n- __Maid or Matron of Honor:__ Traditionally, the maid (or matron) of honor attends all pre-wedding events that the bride attends. Here are the maid of honor’s expected duties: \n - Help plan or host the bridal party luncheon.\n - Attend the wedding rehearsal.\n - Help plan or host the [bridal shower](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-bridal-shower). \n - Help plan or host the [bachelorette party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelorette-parties).\n - Make sure all the bridesmaids are ready with their bridesmaid dress, hair, with hair and makeup and on time on the wedding day.\n - Provide refreshments during getting-ready hours.\n - Hold the bride’s bouquet during portions of the ceremony.\n - Help the bride navigate the bathroom in her dress.\n - Bustle the bride’s wedding dress before the reception.\n - Give a speech during the reception.\n - Shares in the regular bridesmaids’ responsibilities. \n\n- __Bridesmaids & Groomsmen:__ These wedding attendants share many of the same duties. Both bridesmaids and groomsmen are expected to: \n - Attend—and perhaps even plan—pre-wedding events such as the engagement party, bachelor or bachelorette parties, wedding showers, and wedding rehearsals.\n - Buy appropriate wedding attire and accessories.\n - Buy the couple a wedding gift.\n - Get ready with the bride or groom on the wedding day.\n - Process down the aisle and/or stand next to the couple.\n - Act as stand-in hosts as needed during the reception.\n - Hit the dance floor when requested.\n - Occasionally give a speech at the wedding reception.\n\n- __Parents of the Bride(s) or Groom(s):__ Traditionally, the bride’s parents and/or groom’s parents are expected to be involved in both the wedding planning, wedding rehearsals, and the actual wedding day itself, and may also share financial responsibility for part or all of the wedding. The parents of the bride and groom typically: \n - Serve as point people for extended or out-of-town families.\n - Serve as point people for guests who need extra assistance during the wedding ceremony and reception.\n - Some or all of the parents will give a toast at the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, welcoming their new child-in-law and celebrating the union of their two families.\n\n - __Mother of the Bride:__ The bride’s mother can serve a similar role to the MOH in that she provides an extra level of support throughout the wedding planning process. Mothers of the bride usually help shop for the wedding dress, the bride’s necklace, costumes, and other important garments; she may also have a hand in planning the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and possibly a bridal luncheon for the bridal party and close female family members. On the wedding day, she helps the bride get ready, may walk her daughter down the aisle, and participate in the first dances. \n\n - __Mother of the Groom:__ The groom’s mother may perform some or all of the above functions, though she usually plays a slightly smaller role than the mother of the bride. The mother of the groom takes part in the mother-son dance.\n\n - __Father of the Bride:__ The bride’s father typically plays a smaller role in the run-up to the wedding, but has several duties on the day of the wedding. Some families choose to have a “first look” with the father of the bride, which allows the bride and her dad to spend some quality time together before the ceremony. The father of the bride often walks his daughter down the aisle and “gives her away” at the altar, either by himself or with the mother of the bride. He will also take part in the father-daughter dance.\n\n - __Father of the Groom:__ The groom’s father’s role is often even more limited, though in recent years more and more grooms have included their fathers as members of their wedding party or even asked their dads to serve as their best men. \n\n- __Other Family and Friends:__ Between (step)parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, you might have a whole horde of family knocking down your door to celebrate you and your partner on your special day...and that’s not even counting all your dear friends. Whether to choose to have a wedding party or not, you can find ways to expand your VIP roster by honoring your loved ones with specific roles or responsibilities. Here are a few ideas (feel free to get creative with titles):\n - Ceremony reader \n - Ceremony musician or singer\n - Ceremony greeter who hands out programs\n - Ceremony usher\n - Guest book attendant \n - Wedding officiant\n - Wedding Dj\n\n## Do You Need to Have a Wedding Party?\nThe short answer is no—having a wedding party is definitely not a requirement if it doesn’t feel right to you and your partner. There are plenty of reasons why a couple might not want any wedding party members: perhaps they have too many friends and family to choose from and don’t want to make tough choices, or perhaps they would prefer to have just the two of them up at the altar for a more intimate moment. If you’re eloping, having a very small wedding, or if this is not your first time getting married, having a wedding party might feel unnecessary. The choice to have a wedding party—and if so, who those people are—is totally up to you.","tag":"Inspiration","widget2":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Being a bridesmaid means agreeing to a fairly long list of responsibilities. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of bridesmaid duties.","title":"The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown","slug":"what-are-the-bridesmaid-duties","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6QXWPz3k4MiAsmCmeU0eMA/7e2a00bd16521e40896f972d429c5189/Hero_RomanticWeddingatAbigailKirschatTappanHillMansion_ChristopherDugganPhotography__1_.jpg","altText":"Bridesmaid Duties"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"You want to include everyone in your wedding party, but you know you can't. If you're having a hard time deciding who and how many, here's exactly how to figure out how many people should be in your wedding party.","title":"How Many People Should Be In Our Wedding Party?","slug":"how-many-people-in-wedding-party","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7jGh076UPkB6vrSPqXfSJP/10ec5e0e7e761f53fba669a78fa0273b/How-Many-People-Should-Be-Our-In-Wedding-Party_CapturedCoutureLLC.jpg","altText":"indian couple gets married with wedding party"},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"A wedding registry is a personalized collection of gifts that an engaged couple has specifically chosen for their guests to shop from in order to make the wedding gifting experience simpler, easier, and more satisfying for everyone.","title":"What Is a Registry (And Why Do You Need One)?","slug":"what-is-a-wedding-registry","topic":"Registry & gifts","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2MOrWgRKcg82A4y64i24iG/4449d94511192d74050b3418c02d3ec6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding gifts from a Zola registry including copper Kitchen Aid stand mixer, Le Creuset turquoise ramekins, and a copper Vitamix blender"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Learn the how-to's of wedding invitation wording, plus formal and casual wedding invitation examples from the experts.","title":"Wedding Invitation Wording: A Complete How-To Guide","slug":"how-to-word-wedding-invitations","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5rENN5B7RPAn14pYP75HgH/d457816cdf42b12cc74b3e7d88b73513/Wedding_Invitaion_Wording_Etiquette.jpg","altText":"green and white wedding invitation on green background"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"This bridal shower guide will introduce you to the basics of bridal showers: traditional bridal shower etiquette (and which of those “rules” you can break), whom to invite, what to do, and who pays for it all.","title":"A Guide to Bridal Showers","slug":"a-guide-to-bridal-showers","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5o4uxtDjG6d4qgVGaLVrBU/16da092c9b0b80d7acca15ab930a1aef/A-Guide-to-Bridal-Showers.jpg","altText":"a bridal shower card labeled \"soon to be mrs.\" on the grass next to a few pastel-colored bridal shower cookies"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"We’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning, highlighting all of Zola’s incredibly easy and intuitive online wedding planning tools that’ll make planning for the big day more fun and less frustrating.","title":"How to Plan a Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug":"how-to-plan-a-wedding","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4dIWp3wUEoOYErrmI2ARMW/7ef19284bfcf930b88487d3c0a562999/How-to-plan-a-Wedding.jpg","altText":"Zola online wedding planning tools as seen on mobile, desktop, and tablet"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"The cost of a wedding cake will depend on factors like size, shape, & decor. Read our guide to gain insights on the average cost of a wedding cake this year.","title":"How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?","slug":"a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/ywuArPikb1BsvjvYzDQhn/24f27696b854c3c5a22eed69292c6c4b/Guide-to-Wedding-Cake-Costs-and-Price.jpg","altText":"Graphic of pink wedding cake with heart cake topper and price tag"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Dress to impress! Your go-to guide for wedding guest attire, from formal to casual. Find the perfect look for every dress code and celebration.","title":"Wedding Guest Attire: A Guide to Every Dress Code","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-wedding","topic":"Fashion & beauty","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bgD1lwZNmIWCwyoiQgUI/abb4b34d02674b500f4edb610fb1eea6/Hero_New.jpg","altText":"wedding guests laughing with bride at wedding receptions"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:23.818Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"not-inviting-family-to-your-wedding-dos-and-donts","title":"Not Inviting Family to Your Wedding: Do's and Don'ts","excerpt":"When creating your wedding guest list, you have to decide what family members to invite to your special day. ","author":"Shameika Rhymes","publishedAt":"2021-11-01T17:39:03.104Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2FasL7jbQMuE8Tog7QvCT9/27638355f72d377c0188c58e80b7f68a/Hero_Zola__12_.jpg","altText":"Not Inviting Family to Your Wedding: Do's and Don'ts"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- There are some things to take into consideration when deciding not to invite family members. Ask yourself: Is your relationship repairable? Are they immediate family? Is there room in the budget to invite everyone?\n- If you decide not to invite family to the wedding, do be compassionate and considerate of their feelings, whatever they may be.\n- Stand your ground, and if you decide to not invite some family members to your wedding, don’t cave to emotional blackmail.","body":"You said “Yes!” Now comes the fun part of planning your dream wedding. But one of your first tasks can be a challenging one: narrowing down the wedding guest list. What if there are some family members that might not make the cut?\n\n__Table of Contents:__\n\nPart 1: Reasons to Not Invite Family to the Wedding \nPart 2: Dos to Consider When Not Inviting Family \nPart 3: Don’ts to Consider When Not Inviting Family \n\nIt’s your wedding, and you can invite whoever you want to. You should definitely never feel obligated to invite anyone, including family members, especially if there’s good reason to leave them off the list. \n\nStill, it can be an undeniably awkward situation. If you’re not sure how to handle it, [Zola](https://www.zola.com/)’s here to help. Read on:\n\n## __Part 1: Reasons to Not Invite Family to the Wedding__ \n\nWeddings often bring family drama to the surface. Usually, it’s important to invite family members to the wedding, but there are some exceptions. \n\n#### __The Relationship is Rocky and Can’t Be Repaired Before the Wedding__\n\nYou want your loved ones surrounding you on your big day, but if there’s tension hovering, things can be a bit awkward. The idea of celebrating your wedding with extra guests you don’t get along with, dislike, or haven’t spoken to in years can be a tough decision. But, you have to ask yourself if it’s worth potentially ruining a relationship. If you’ll be seeing the person or people at future family events, perhaps you should think about mending things. If it's not salvageable, be prepared for possible repercussions. \n\n#### __The Budget is Tight__\n\nThe amount of people you should invite to your wedding depends on a few things, including your budget, venue, and the type of vibe or atmosphere you’re trying to create. Usually, it’s best to split the guest list between you and your partner, so you have an even number of family and friends from both sides. \n\nIf you’re sticking to your wedding budget, then you have to think about how much you’re willing to spend, since that will determine how many people you can invite. Remember: [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) cost money. If you’re on a tight budget, perhaps you can only afford to invite immediate family members from both sides. \n\n#### __They Make You and Others Uncomfortable__ \nSometimes, there are family members that tend to go overboard with everything. If having them at the wedding will make you or your guests uncomfortable, cutting them from your invite list is perfectly okay. While you could try to fix things ahead of time, sometimes it’s not worth the effort. \nOften, peace of mind is more valuable than having a relative that loves drama or has caused your family pain at the wedding. You shouldn’t feel forced to invite anyone that makes you uncomfortable, especially because it’s your wedding.\n\n## __Part 2: Dos to Consider When Not Inviting Family__ \nThere are many couples who choose not to invite family members for various reasons, but it’s especially hard when it’s because of a strained relationship. Even budget constraints can be delicate, since you still have to be aware of people’s feelings. Here are some things to do when you’re not planning to invite family members to your wedding. \n\n#### __Do Surround Yourself With Loved Ones__\nFor your wedding, you want to feel fulfilled rather than devoid, so it’s important to surround yourself with the people you’ve chosen as family. Family can mean close friends that you consider closer than blood relatives. \n\n#### __Do Be Honest__\nThe worst thing you can do is completely avoid any questions about the uninvited guests. Confront the situation head on by explaining to family members that you had a tough decision, and you wanted everyone there, but the guest list is final. There’s no need to go into why you opted to keep them off the guest list. It’s up to you how much to reveal. \n\n#### __Do Be Mindful and Gentle With People’s Feelings__ \nYou’re already dealing with a lot of stress planning the wedding, and having to hurt someone’s feelings only adds to it. Still, it’s important to be mindful of your family members' feelings and be aware that they actually wanted to share in your big day, not just the free food and drinks. If they ask why they weren’t invited, try not to be offended and understand that they may simply feel left out. \n\n#### __Do Think of Other Ways to Include Non-Invited Family Members__\n\nIf you’re having a smaller, intimate wedding and there are several family members that you weren’t able to invite to your celebration, there are still ways to include them. If you feel bad about not inviting them, have a second reception just for them. That can be in the form of a backyard cookout, a cocktail party, or even a big family dinner. It’s totally up to you and your partner. \n\n#### __Do Invite Them Virtually__ \nYour [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) and budget may not allow for a big wedding. You can still include them virtually. Set up a webcam, or ask your videographer about streaming the wedding online so family members that weren’t invited to the actual in-person ceremony can still take part. \n\n#### __Do Thank Uninvited Family Members for Gifts__\n\nIf the uninvited family member sends a gift, you should definitely thank them. If the non-invite issue comes up, it’s up to you whether or not you want to have that conversation. Remember: It’s your wedding day, and the guest list is up to you. You don’t have to explain yourself. However, if the person is sensitive about the situation, then you can just explain to them that you had tough decisions to make, but you still love them. \n\n## __Part 3: Don’ts to Consider When Not Inviting Family__ \n\nWith not inviting some family members, there’s bound to be drama and backlash. Here are some tips to help you stand your ground: \n\n#### __Don’t Argue About Your Decision__ \nIt’s inevitable that the uninvited family member is going to be hurt and upset. If they start debating your decision, don’t argue about it. Instead, give them a warning that it’s something you don’t want to discuss. If they continue to ignore that, politely end the conversation. It’s not worth getting into an argument that could get nasty and cause an even bigger rift. \n\n#### __Don’t Give in to Invite Fishing__\n\nIf someone starts getting pushy and fishing for an invite, don’t adjust your guest list because you feel guilty. Simply reiterate your decision and decline to discuss it further. Don’t answer any more questions about it after that. \n\n#### __Don’t Allow Yourself to Be Pressured__\n\nOnce invited family members hear that some other family members weren’t invited, they may threaten not to attend your wedding. This is your wedding, your decision and they have to respect that. Tell them you’re sorry they won’t be attending, but don’t give in to them pushing you to change your mind. \n\nUltimately, it’s your wedding day and your budget. If you have a large family and a smaller budget, there will be some tough cuts. Give yourself grace when creating your guest list, and stand by your decision. Don’t invite the family members that were left off the guest list because you feel obligated or pressured. It’s your wedding—you make the rules. \n\nIf you need help creating your guest list, let [Zola](https://www.zola.com/) help. Use our free and easy to use [guest list manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) to make it simpler to collect RSVPs, meal choices, and mailing addresses.","tag":"How-To ","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_WeddingWebsite"}},"stickyCta":{"copy":"Create Your Free Website","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_WEBSITE"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:46:09.686Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"slug":"what-percentage-of-guests-should-you-expect-to-come-to-your-wedding","title":"How Many Guests Should I Expect to Come to My Wedding?","excerpt":"There are many factors that determine the average wedding size. One of the biggest ones? The percentage of invited guests that actually attend.","author":"Emily Forrest","publishedAt":"2021-09-28T16:50:57.568Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/hEh5LaI5BV3jrLLeswzmc/debe4f2a845721fb2d6db0017d690203/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"What Percentage of Guests Should You Expect to Come to Your Wedding?"},"heroCredit":"Zola","tldr":"## The First Look ✨\n\n- As a rule of thumb, you can usually expect around 75-85 percent of those invited to actually attend the wedding. \n- Sending out save the dates six to eight months in advance will give guests time to prepare for the wedding—ultimately increasing the number of people who will attend.\n- The average wedding guest list is around 167 people in 2021. Smaller weddings usually hover around 50 people, while larger celebrations can reach up to 300 or more guests. \n- Putting together your perfect guest list is easy at Zola. From stylish wedding invitations to digital seating charts, couples can plan everything with the click of a button.","body":"There are many joys that come with planning your wedding. From selecting the floral arrangements to trying on wedding bands, putting together your big day is full of fun, creative, and important choices.\n\nThen, there’s the guest list. Crafting your wedding guest list can be a source of stress for many couples. How many people should I invite? Can my wedding venue hold this many guests? Is my second cousin’s childhood best friend going to be angry if she’s not invited?\n\nThese are just a few of the burning questions soon-to-be spouses ask when putting together their wedding guest list. \n\nOn top of making these decisions, there’s also the question of who will even attend the wedding after they receive the invitation. The percentage of guests that actually RSVP can vary depending on the location, date, and time of your wedding. \n\nFortunately, Zola has you covered. In this article, we’ll be discussing all the variables that go into your wedding guest list, including how many people you should invite and which guests are most likely to show up. \n\n## Wedding Guests 101 \nThe simple truth is that not everyone you invite will end up coming to your wedding. Excluding extremely small ceremonies of just the wedding party, usually about 75-85 percent of the people you invite will actually attend your wedding.\n\n### Types of Guests\nOne of the biggest influences on whether or not a guest attends your wedding is their proximity to the location. Generally speaking, there are usually three different types of wedding guests:\n\n- __Local guests –__ Typically, around 85 percent of local guests will attend your wedding. These are people who live in or around the city where the ceremony is taking place.\n\n- __Out-of-town guests –__ For many people, a large portion of their list will be out-of-town guests. These guests may not live too far away, but they’ll usually need to stay a couple of nights in order to attend. Couples can expect about 55 percent of out-of-town guests to be present at their wedding. \n\n- __Destination –__ Finally, we have destination wedding guests. Destination weddings typically require a flight and an extended stay at the wedding location, making it the smallest percentage of the three. Couples should expect about 35 percent of destination wedding guests to attend their big day. That being said, guest lists for destination weddings are often much shorter than a traditional celebration, so this is a factor to keep in mind. \n\nIf you’re planning an out-of-town or destination wedding, finding accommodations for guests doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Zola users can easily create hotel blocks with our online [Hotel Planner](https://zola.hotelplanner.com/Group-Rate/)—making it possible for all your loved ones to join in on the celebration.\n\n### Average Wedding Size\nIt’s also important to note that the size of a wedding guest list can range quite a bit. While some people prefer to invite only family and wedding party members, others may include their friends and co-workers. The size of your guest list is ultimately up to personal preference, budget, and venue. \n\nTypically most weddings do not have guest lists that exceed 200 people. In fact, the average wedding in 2021 consisted of 167 according to Wedding Stats.\n\nBeyond this average, every couple will have a different idea of how big they want their wedding to be. Most weddings can be broken down into three categories:\n\n- __Small weddings –__ Small weddings are great for couples who want an intimate celebration of love. A short guest list can also keep your wedding budget low and leave money for decor, food, and experience. Smaller weddings are typically made up of around 50 people or so.\n\n- __Large weddings –__ If you have the money and the space, a large wedding can be a blast. Large weddings are also extremely inclusive and allow for all your friends and family to celebrate your big day together. Big weddings may have guest lists as long as 300 people or more. \n\n- __Destination weddings –__ Did you know that one in four weddings are actually destination weddings? This may surprise many people, but the truth is that destination weddings happen all the time; however, their guest lists are usually pretty exclusive. This is because many people cannot take the time off work or afford the accommodations required for a destination wedding. For these reasons, couples planning a destination wedding will typically keep their guest list small—with an average of 86 people.\n\n## Invitation Timeline \nEnsuring that a majority of your guests actually show up is all about timing. It’s crucial that couples give their loved ones ample time to prepare for the big day, especially when it comes to guests who are traveling to attend. \n\nThe key to preparing your guests for the wedding date is utilizing save the dates.\n\n### What Are Save the Dates?\nWhat’s the difference between a wedding invitation and a save the date? \n\nFor one, save the dates are more casual. They do not include an RSVP or any detailed information regarding the wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Instead, save the dates are a simple heads up that a wedding is in the works.\n\nSave the dates typically convey three main points:\n\n- The names of the couple\n- The city where the wedding is going to be held\n- The exact date of the wedding ceremony\n\nSave the dates are a vital step in the wedding process, and you’ll want to send them out around six to eight months before the wedding date.\n\n### When Should Invitations Be Sent?\nWedding Invitations are the more formal side of reserving loved one’s weekends. They typically include an RSVP card (or instructions for a digital RSVP process). Your invitations will also go into greater detail about the following information:\n\n- The exact location of the ceremony\n- The time of the ceremony\n- Reception information\n- Dress code\n- Travel information, transportation, and accommodations \n\nUnlike save the dates, invitations are sent out much later—around six to eight weeks before the wedding. \n\nSending your invitations earlier may seem like a good idea if you want all your guests to attend the wedding; however, this is not typically done. The reason is that many people aren’t able to predict their schedules much further than two months ahead. Additionally, when it’s set too far in advance, many people will forget the wedding is approaching. Plus, that’s what the save the date is for.\n\nLooking for a place to purchase all your wedding stationery? Zola has you covered. We offer hundreds of stylish [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) and [save the date](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) designs, and users can even match the two for a perfectly seamless look. \n\n## Expectations for Your Guest List \nPlanning a wedding is a lot of work, and setting realistic expectations is crucial to keeping the process smooth and organized.\n\nHere’s what you need to know about guest list expectations:\n\n- __Be realistic –__ You’ll want to keep expectations realistic by asking yourself important questions along the way. How many people do you really want there? How many meals can you afford? Which out-of-town guests have the means of traveling to the wedding location?\n\n- __Keep your space in mind –__ The ceremony and reception venue you select will have a major impact on how long your guest list can be. Consider how many people your venue can hold comfortably and work within these confines. Fortunately, Zola users can check out our database of pre-screened [wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) and search for [wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) based on size. We have options that range from intimate gatherings of 50 people to large celebrations of 300 or more.\n\n- __Don’t be offended –__ When crafting your guest list and sifting through RSVPs, it’s important to not let emotions get out of control. Planning a wedding can be stressful, and finding out a loved one can’t come never feels good. That being said, couples should keep in mind that people have busy lives, and some loved ones may not be able to travel at this time. Always remember that your friends and family still love you even if they’re unable to attend the wedding. \n\n## Creating Your Guest List\nSo we’ve covered the main question at hand: what percentage of people will attend your wedding, but where do you go from here? Gauging how many people will RSVP to your wedding is important because it will help you craft the best guest list possible.\n\nMost couples start by creating their own individual lists and then combining them for a final tally. Here’s how to do this, step-by-step:\n\n- __Step 1:__ Your immediate family – You’ll want to begin your guest list with the immediate family members who will be attending the wedding—this includes parents, siblings, and in-laws.\n\n- __Step 2:__ Wedding party members – By this point, you’ve probably already chosen your wedding party members (ie. best man, best maiden, maid of honor, man of honor, etc.)—so including these guests on your list will be pretty easy. Most wedding parties are typically no larger than 10 people, with five members on each side. \n\n- __Step 3:__ Extended family – Next, consider how many extended family members you’ll want to invite. This list includes grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and perhaps any close family friends. This step will often take up a large portion of your guest list, since many people have large extended families.\n\n- __Step 4:__ Close and mutual friends – Next, you have all the friends who are not part of the wedding party. Think about your friends in terms of groups and go through your list thoroughly to make sure that you haven’t forgotten anyone important. You and your fiance can also compare lists when it comes to mutual friends, in order to avoid sending out double invites by accident. \n\n- __Step 5:__ Co-workers – Do you have any colleagues from work that you’d like to invite? If you have the space on your guest list, now is the time to include them. The same goes for colleagues from any previous jobs that you’ve had who you remained friends with. \n\n- __Step 6:__ Spouses and significant others – Traditionally, it’s common courtesy to invite the spouses and partners of any of your guests. As far as new romantic relationships go, there is no cut-and-dry etiquette for invitations, but it’s always polite to give adult guests a plus one. \n\n- __Step 7:__ Children – If you’re inviting the parents of a young child, it’s a nice gesture to invite their children too. That being said, some couples may prefer to have a child-free wedding, and this practice is fairly common. Sometimes, parents are excited for a night to themselves—in this case, we recommend giving people a heads up so that they can find a babysitter. \n\n- __Step 8:__ Guests of parents – If parents are contributing money to the wedding, it's customary for them to add their own guests to the list—this goes for your spouse’s parents, too.\n\n- __Step 9:__ Out-of-town guests – For couples with close friends and family who live far away, it’s traditional to send out an invitation to them regardless of whether or not they can come. Not only is this the polite thing to do, but it also leaves room for a pleasant surprise if they actually can make it.\n\n- __Step 10:__ Plus ones – Although we briefly touched upon this subject in step six, plus ones are crucial to keep in mind when crafting your guest list. If you’re allowing a guest to bring a plus one, this must be stated on the invitation. If not explicitly stated, this usually means a plus one is not expected. Not being specific about plus-ones can lead to problems with seating, so just be sure to make this as clear as possible. Traditionally, single adults are allowed plus ones, while younger guests are not. Plus-ones can be a sensitive subject, since most people do not want to attend a wedding alone. This is why it's important to remain considerate when determining the plus one rule for your wedding day. \n\nYou and your fiance will each make your own list, and then compare at the end. While these lists should be relatively equal, the final number is ultimately up to you. If you tend to keep your circle tight, and your spouse is more of a social butterfly, there’s nothing wrong with them having a few more guests on their list. Just remember to communicate and make sure that you’re on the same page every step of the way. \n\n## Building Your Seating Chart\nAfter you’ve finalized the guest list, it’s time to move on to the seating chart. \n\nGenerally, weddings of over 50 people will need a seating chart to keep things organized. Here are some basic tips you’ll want to keep in mind when crafting this essential part of your wedding day:\n\n- __Choose tables wisely –__ You’ll want to spend a good amount of time figuring out who will sit together at each table. Usually, wedding party members sit together with the happy couple. Families will also typically sit together, often sectioned off by immediate family or sides of the family. The parents of the couple may sit together or with their own family members, depending on their relationship to each other. Friends from the same groups—such as high school friends, college friends, and co-workers—will usually sit together, too.\n\n- __Kids table –__ If you do choose to invite kids, you’ll probably have a designated kids table. Most weddings only have a single kids table, since a majority of guests will be adults.\n\n- __Surprise guests –__ Sometimes, you get a few surprise arrivals on your wedding day. This may be due to a lost RSVP in the mail, or an unexpected plus one brought by a guest. It’s important to have a few extra chairs on hand just in case an additional guest arrives.\n\n### How Many People Should Sit at Each Table? \nThe number of guests at each table will depend on your venue and layout, but large circular tables can usually fit around eight to 12 people comfortably. \n\nSome couples may opt for longer, rectangular tables to create a family-style dining experience. These types of tables are able to fit a larger number of people and may work better for more intimate gatherings by allowing all your guests to sit together. \n\nPutting together a seating chart on paper can be complicated and time-consuming. That’s why many couples are ditching the cork boards and thumbtacks for Zola’s [online guest list manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-guest-list?question=NAME). Users can create organized seating charts directly on our website and save them for later.\n\n## Plan Your Perfect Guest List at Zola \nWedding planning can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be when you use Zola.\n\nZola is your one-stop shop for all your nuptial necessities: from helpful planning tools—like our vendor database and online guest manager—to stylish invitation designs, and even [Expert Wedding Advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice). Once you start putting together your big day from the comfort of home, you’ll be able to ditch the stress and jump straight to the celebration.\n\nStart planning your wedding the modern way today, at Zola!","tag":"Advice","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"All-inclusive wedding venues provide essential services, thus reducing your need to vet and book wedding vendors. Is all-inclusive right for you? Find out here.","title":"All-Inclusive Wedding Venues: Pros and Cons","slug":"all-inclusive-wedding-venues-pros-and-cons","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Advice","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5eznmjUVFSy09jRw72LyF0/a741e4fd3b17ed5e3a8adba1d52d2be9/Hero_Zola.jpg","altText":"All-Inclusive Wedding Venues: Pros and Cons"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our complete, expert-crafted wedding checklist and timeline. Free, printable version inside!","title":"2024/25 Printable Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline - Zola","slug":"your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist","topic":"Wedding planning 101","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4fA6of0jjP7aJqXJRy0JOx/edd3b48f6fea1e273025d3db462dd4be/Ultimate_Wedding_Planning_Checklist.jpg","altText":"wedding planning checklist"},"type":"checklistPage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"Save the dates add an extra touch of style and coordination to your wedding. Find out why and when you should send your save the dates with this complete guide.","title":"A Guide to Save The Dates","slug":"a-guide-to-save-the-dates","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1l4X83Mek3961mcDS1Mxap/63f3401f482b291ea6472fab334c2ef8/A-Guide-to-Save-the-Date.jpg","altText":"wedding save the date by zola"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:45:27.967Z"}],"name":"Wedding planning questions","slug":"wedding-planning-questions","description":"Lots of questions come up when planning a wedding. Find answers to all of your wedding planning questions in these articles. From which vendors to tip to most common wedding etiquette questions to how to write thank-you cards, our experts guide you through."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding decorations","slug":"wedding-decorations"},"slug":"wedding-themes","title":"75 Wedding Themes to Inspire Every Type of Couple","excerpt":"Looking for wedding themes to suit your personality and style? Zola has you covered with 75 of the best wedding theme ideas from classic to artsy to seriously unique.","publishedAt":"2023-12-20T00:00-05:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3HoNcgvHL38H89n8156o1/1017eb099f8518bbd5457c495a5e4753/73_Wedding_Themes_to_Inspire.jpg","altText":"Grid of different wedding styles - glitz and glam, tropical, rustic, summer camp."},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"http://www.zola.com","tldr":"## Inside this article \n\n- The 25 most popular wedding themes\n- Do I need a theme for my wedding?\n- How do I choose a wedding theme?\n- 50 more wedding theme ideas","body":"The perfect wedding theme awaits you!\n\nChoosing your [wedding theme](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-invitation-style-that-matches-your-wedding-theme) is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day. But with so many to choose from, where do you start? \n\nSure, you could keep it simple with a non-themed wedding. \n\nOr you could branch out with wedding aesthetics that perfectly match your personality and style. We’ve put together an extensive list of different wedding themes that can be tailored to all sorts of couples, tastes, and budgets. \n\nRead on for 75 of the most popular wedding themes, complete with visual inspo and decor tips to help you plan your own wedding day.\n\n## 25 most popular themes for weddings\n \nBefore we jump into all the types of wedding themes to choose from — whether you're classic or creative, glam or vintage, alternative or boho-inspired — we’ve rounded up some of the most popular wedding themes for today's soon-to-be-married couples:\n\n1. __Formal Contemporary__\n![venue](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/NCb4QSehqsH1O6ku81ZwQ/f1b36511ffe074d0fa2206620cd54fcd/AdobeStock_124832951.jpeg)\nStick to the basics with this upscale wedding theme that uses modern design elements. Draped fabrics, crystal chandeliers, and tall centerpieces will bring this sophisticated look together.\n\n2. __Classic Glam__\n![gabriella-clare-marino-lcGz6gZsSsk-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6nhKyagLnjkBU86Stv0GTa/56cd1704e129754dd9272ec0f50d8de6/gabriella-clare-marino-lcGz6gZsSsk-unsplash.jpg)\nA classic glam affair is dazzling and over the top, with luxurious details from the venue to the decor. Monochromatic color palettes are popular, with metallics mixed in to add glitz and glamor.\n\n3. __Natural__\n![3](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/mQVJUEDKRzSAcxNhkzS5r/06a8f988d6f6c5b27a6305aa089fcb5c/3.jpg)\nConsider an open-air courtyard to celebrate the beauty of nature throughout your wedding day. Eco-friendly wedding details such as edible favors and a sustainable exit help add detail to your natural wedding vibe.\n\n4. __Winter Wonderland__\nYour winter wedding celebration can glisten like snow with a winter wonderland theme. Use sparkles, snowflakes, and holiday decorations to achieve this dreamy aesthetic.\n\n5. __Full Bloom__\n![5](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/123fEytq6FEaqjrbMVosxh/82c2ce732970503702bfc8f50bcb3a41/5.jpg)\nIn spring, all the flowers are in bloom—and you can use those vibrant bouquets as inspiration for your wedding theme. Incorporate fresh spring flowers into every element of your wedding decor — from elaborate table arrangements to a floral arbor.\n\n6. __Modern Minimalist__\n![6](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5XuVKWIWHNJYPAdSsaRZlQ/fda90e4a35159a191260ca339a3332f1/6.jpeg)\nLess is more with this simplistic theme that uses shapes, geometry, and small pops of color to come to life. You could even take it one step further, with a black and white wedding theme.\n\n7. __Mid-century Modern__\nEmbrace this retro (yet still modern) design style in your wedding decor with clean lines, sleek wooden textures, retro tablescapes and burnt orange furniture.\n\n8. __Art Deco__\n![8](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2J5GNIvt5PR4pBEK4VuDhQ/1dc157f53715d502158be278d83abeea/8.jpg)\nCelebrate the timeless elegance of the roaring ’20s with gold decor, sparkling sequins, feathers, and lots of bubbly. Use a wedding style color scheme of white, gold, and black for a sophisticated art deco design.\n\n9. __Classic Romance__\n![9](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3ZsG4M3PS4Wpg9uvAvHrzX/b8f4b01fba69c5b21d62dd332895fed8/9.jpg)\nThis timeless wedding theme comes with a soft, delicate palette of pinks and golds and traditional table decor such as bouquets made of roses and peonies. To set the romantic mood, provide candlelight and intimate seating for your guests.\n\n10. __Vineyard Chic__\nWine enthusiasts can make bubbly an important part of their wedding day with a vineyard chic celebration. To bring your vision to life, consider hosting your ceremony and reception at an actual vineyard and using wine bottles and corks as creative decor.\n\n11. __Botanical Theme__\n![11](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/xZSL48LapGehOVh9b62H0/df650db710d783d39815eac4513b0003/11.jpg)\nIf you plan to play up florals on your wedding day, consider a botanical wedding theme. This upscale garden party theme is luxe and sophisticated, and typically features metallic palettes and opulent floral displays. Send a floral save the date, wedding invitation, and wedding paper to match your wedding theme decor.\n\n12. __Rustic__\n![pablo-lancaster-jones-eIm1bSLSBSk-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/Ip8zWaSayVAc84dIM44wD/0e2d2e9895c1f47a8f49a0bc4149967e/pablo-lancaster-jones-eIm1bSLSBSk-unsplash.jpg)\nFor a rustic theme—which is popular with outdoor weddings—play up natural elements or homey decor (like plenty of greenery and mason jar floral arrangements).\n\n13. __Vintage Travel__\n![23](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3xptsVMWQTP85NL0wCTBd9/2da07077f1c124614d9144e7b5b1e127/23.jpg)\nAdventure seekers will love decorating for this theme that uses antique globes, postcards, and other vintage travel pieces as creative decor. Celebrate your wanderlust as you embark on the greatest journey of all.\n\n14. __Art History__\n![sara-darcaj-oXJ2SGSvZZs-unsplash](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/66RHqmmSMIBAZ214Hgqjgl/872c028b099a14ba178c85031d61a55f/sara-darcaj-oXJ2SGSvZZs-unsplash.jpg)\nFor a tasteful and refined affair, consider a theme that commemorates art history throughout its decor and design. A museum or small art gallery is the perfect setting for this eventful art lesson.\n\n15. __Country__\n![15](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/BrdpO0Z0fVTagdg4A6sKg/649d3f3d06038eb421bdfcf4193882aa/15.jpg)\nBreak out the cowboy boots and country music at a ranch-style wedding. You can even incorporate ranch activities like hayrides and horseback rides if your venue allows it.\n\n16. __Shabby Chic__\n![16](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5L5g4wJV22i05ZtalQz7xh/5c6cc222fd3d043a7c196a5388e411d8/16.jpg)\nThis rustic-meets-vintage wedding style is all about romantic, soft textures and warm colors. Take something old and make it new again by decorating with antique centerpieces and light fixtures.\n\n17. __Tropical__\n![17](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3lYIwjJeCeh1Bxa0ATwu43/38fa98159face58ebb0acfbb7146b51e/17.jpg)\nYou don’t have to get married on the beach to embrace the island vibe. Use lush palms, exotic flowers, and conch shells to pull together a tropical wedding, and encourage guests to get into theme with resort wear.\n\n18. __Nautical__\nIf your ideal honeymoon is something water-based, a nautical theme might be the best choice for you. Anchor your love in place with a wedding theme that celebrates the high seas. Dress your celebration up with blue hues, breezy linens, and delicious seafood stations.\n\n19. __Beach__\n![19](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7r5QGMTzRURk2sEl5aLGRT/bbe086ec3848797181e856f3b38c0d89/19.jpg)\nIf you’re dreaming of getting married barefoot, toes in the sand, then a beach wedding is for you! Embrace the shoreline with your decor and bouquet with a wedding arch made of dried poms.\n\n20. __Tea Party__\nHost a vintage tea party for a daytime wedding celebration that’s both casual and cute. Serve snacks on fine China, have bridesmaids carry parasols, and don’t forget delicate touches of lace in your vintage wedding invitations and decor.\n\n21. __Royal Wedding__\n![21](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1UZ1uCYGA6Eo9jgSE3UGVR/3c99b4dc106b2bfd08aca74c23375c46/21.jpg)\nThis is one of those wedding party themes that takes inspo from the experts. Channel the grace of Meghan Markle and the tradition of the British royal family with this romantic wedding theme. Myrtle flowers, London artwork, tiaras, and tea help make this look authentically chic.\n\n22. __French Countryside__\n![22](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/62fKY1mDFNrUQP5Vg4bdzA/cc5fbdf5407e0c966e95aa388eefc1da/22.jpg)\nIf you’re getting married at a chateau-style venue, consider saying “I do” the French way. This wedding theme mixes opulence with rustic chic. Make sure to bring lots of lavender, macarons, and baguettes baked with love.\n\n23. __Fall Foliage__\n![12](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2AGHcR19ih0yOMVuDinigw/153a7a3f19c636642a17285d26db281d/12.jpg)\nUse the colors of fall to inspire your wedding style—think maroon, gold, and forest green.\n\n24. __Masquerade__\nWhether you’re channeling Venice or Mardi Gras, this fun and festive wedding theme is heavy on glitz, glamour, and mystery. You can even ask guests to join in on the fun with thematic masks. \n\n25. __Alice in Wonderland__\nTake your guests down a rabbit hole with this themed garden party idea. Bring the look together with eclectic touches such as clocks, cards, pocket watches, and pastels.\n\n## Do I need a theme for my wedding? \n \n\nThough having one isn't mandatory, having a wedding theme can help you decide on the style of your dress and bridesmaid dresses, the wedding cake/food you serve, the design of your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) and invitations, the color of your flowers and more. Having a wedding theme can also help you create more cohesion with your other pre-wedding events—for example, connecting your wedding theme with your [bachelorette party theme](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/bachelor-party-ideas).\n\n## How do I choose a wedding theme?\n \n\nIf you’re looking for wedding inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! Regardless of whether you are planning a fall wedding or spring wedding, there are plenty of unique wedding reception themes for you and your partner to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite wedding theme ideas that will provide inspiration for every type of couple, from book lovers to outdoor enthusiasts and more!\n\n## 50 more themes for weddings\n \nLooking for something a little more outside-the-box when it comes to your wedding theme? Read on for 50 more themes for weddings, inspired by art, culture, travel, movies and more.\n\n### Classic wedding themes with a twist\n\nIf you're a traditional, classic person, chances are you're going to gravitate towards traditional, classic wedding themes.\n\nBut \"classic\" and \"traditional\" certainly don't need to translate to \"boring!\" There are plenty of different ways to make these wedding themes unique and exciting, and an expression of your style as a couple:\n\n### Classic modern wedding themes\n\n26. __Preppy:__ Your country club wedding is the perfect stage for a preppy wedding theme. Combine bright accents and modern patterns together for a bold and flirty design in your modern [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop), [invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), and [decor](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/party-supplies-decor).\n\n27. __Feminine Maximalist:__ More is more with this colorful and bold wedding theme that plays up dramatic displays and quirky touches. Make your maximalism pretty in pink with cascading florals and bright embellishments.\n\n![wedding-themes-modern](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5nMSWtCHql6osd2SuhfSkO/34635f336c93404eb8e25349d9190943/wedding-themes-modern.png)\nSources: [Mariah Naella](https://weddings.mariahnaella.com/) | [Kate Merrill Photography](https://www.katemerrillphoto.com/) | [J Wiley Photography](https://jwileyphotography.com/) | [Captured Frames](https://capturedframes.com/) \n\n### Classic glamorous wedding themes\n\n28. __Chic Estate:__ Old world glam takes center stage on the sprawling estate lawn during your ceremony and reception. Dress up your wedding tent with linens, lights, and floating florals for a look that’s elegant and refined.\n\n29. __Renaissance:__ Take your love back in time with this historical wedding theme. Consider replacing the traditional bridal dress with a medieval gown and serving up a menu full of ancient spices.\n\n### Classic rustic wedding themes\n\n30. __Farm-to-Table__: Make food the focal point of your day by creating an outdoor ambiance using organic decor and fresh menu offerings. Try an earthy palette and [centerpieces](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-centerpiece-ideas) that feature fruits and vegetables.\n\n31. __Southern Charm__: Peach cobbler and citrus are just some of the fixings to serve at your Deep South-inspired celebration. Play up feminine details and casual elegance in your ceremony and reception.\n\n![wedding-themes-rustic](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5C7BBB22goYR39EyK4V51D/1756be84e55408a255a481a8a5376210/wedding-themes-rustic.png)\nSources: [Stacey Able Photography](http://www.stacyable.com/citrus-lake-atitlan-guatemala-destination-wedding-photography/) | [Mango Studios](https://mangostudios.com/) | [Lara Hotz](http://larahotz.com/) | [Nichols Photographers](https://www.nicholsphotographers.com/) \n\n### Classic destination wedding themes\n\n32. __Grecian:__ Host a wedding worthy of the gods by adorning your venue in drapes, vines, and earthy colors. Gold accents and greenery can help make the white and cream drapery pop.\n\n33. __Midnight in Paris__: You don’t have to go all the way to France to have a dazzling Parisian wedding celebration. Go full 1920s glam or create a more subtle vibe using nostalgic touches such as books written by Hemmingway as centerpiece decor.\n\n## Creative wedding themes\n\nWant to embrace a more bespoke vibe for your wedding? Then creative wedding themes might be just what you've been looking for. Think outside of the box while planning your dream wedding with these unique, creative wedding themes:\n\n### Creative seasonal wedding themes\n\n34. __Summer glamp:__ Go glamping for a laid-back camp-themed wedding with a touch of glamour. Elevate a barn or backyard venue with feminine furniture and festive food stations for a summer camp experience like no other.\n\n35. __Midsummer:__ Celebrate the Swedish Midsummer holiday with a summertime ceremony that is centered around florals. Host a daytime picnic where you and your guests relax in the sun while making flower crowns and wreaths.\n\n### Creative modern wedding themes\n\n36. __Postmodern industrial:__ Revitalize an unexpected venue space such as an old factory or abandoned warehouse with a gritty and contemporary spin by using sharp lines and sleek accents. This theme looks to the future of design so have some fun picturing what your postmodern world looks like.\n\n37. __Geode:__ This glittering gemstone wedding theme really rocks. Incorporate agate place cards, a geode cake design, and other stone accents to achieve this look.\n\n38. __Pop art:__ If you’re looking for a bright wedding theme that always stays relevant, throw a pop art wedding. This style, made famous by artist Andy Warhol, mixes pop culture items with more traditional pieces for a look that’s anything but boring.\n\n### Creative glamorous wedding themes\n\n39. __Desert chic:__ Achieve an earthy glam aesthetic—with a boho touch—by mixing elevated bohemian elements with desert plants. This is perfect for a summer wedding theme in the western heat. Send guests home with a succulent wedding favor to complete the theme.\n\n40. __Breakfast at Tiffany’s:__ Your wedding palette can’t get more luxurious than Tiffany Blue. This classy wedding theme will embody the late great Audrey Hepburn, so play up her timeless style with white and black fashion accessories.\n\n![wedding-themes-vineyard](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5a6sYi76hFOXds4k9tixJs/4de7808084b73d3b6252d3960c97a1ea/wedding-themes-vineyard.jpg)\n\n### Creative rustic wedding themes\n\n41. __Kentucky Derby:__ This upscale country wedding theme is perfect for spring weddings. Bring southern glitz and glamour into your day with derby favorites like chic hats, mint juleps, and of course, horses!\n\n42. __Patriotic:__ If you, your spouse, or someone you love has served, consider paying homage to their sacrifice with red, white, and navy blue wedding details. You can encourage veterans and service members to come dressed in uniform.\n\n### Creative vintage wedding themes\n\n43. __The Beatles:__ All You Need Is Love, and what better way to prove it, than with a Beatles-themed wedding? Get creative with a songwriting guestbook or tables named after your favorite songs. \n\n44. __1950s:__ Take it back to happy days with a retro rock-a-billy wedding. Wear a tea length wedding gown and perfectly coiffed hair to achieve the aesthetic, and set up a photo booth to capture all the fun.\n\n45. __Elvis elopement:__ Elope like you’re in Las Vegas, complete with your own Elvis Presley officiant. You can keep it casual with this vintage style ceremony.\n\n46. __Fantasy of flight:__ If you’re an aviation enthusiast, consider celebrating the fantasy of flight on your wedding day. Pick a former airport hangar as your venue, and have fun with vintage photography of famous journeys in the air.\n\n47. __Theatre:__ If you and your partner are film buffs, consider hosting your wedding at a historical theater. Make movie magic part of your day with popcorn, a film screening, and touches of old Hollywood glamor.\n\n48. __Peacock:__ Channel the glamor of 1920s lounges with a peacock wedding theme. This mod, chic wedding style uses the beautiful shades of peacock feathers to bring together the ceremony and reception details.\n\n![wedding-themes-vintage](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4WYEPXwvnrWa8EmgcIBVlf/1706751532c9b5957dc651f45153a4f9/wedding-themes-vintage.jpg)\n\n### Creative storybook wedding themes\n\n49. __Harry Potter:__ If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Hogwarts, a magical ball might be the wedding theme for you. Break out your wand, spell books, and chocolate frogs and throw a party that would make Potter proud.\n\n50. __A Midsummer Night’s Dream:__ Host a magical Shakespearean-inspired wedding in the height of summer — think fairy lights and greenery at a post-sunset celebration that’s heavy on the romance and wine.\n\n51. __Romantic Fairytale:__ Plan an upscale fairytale wedding that’s rich in romantics. Use a pink and white color palette for a dreamy aesthetic and add tasteful touches to your reception decor.\n\n52. __Great Gatsby:__ Celebrate the Jazz Age with a Gatsby-inspired party featuring diamonds, feathers, and glamorous accents — don’t forget the champagne towers and fringe.\n\n53. __Twilight:__ Edward and Bella knew a thing or two about love. Channel the infamous Twilight wedding outdoors with dangling florals and wooden furniture.\n\n54. __Enchanted Forest:__ Earthy couples can embrace the mystique of the forest with this wedding theme that features twinkling lights, hanging moss, and greenery vines.\n\n55. __Secret Garden:__ Take a page from the English novel and host a wedding inspired by the cozy and lush charm of a British garden.\n\n56. __Disney:__ Inspire childlike wonder with a Disney-themed wedding. Whether you focus on one story, such as Cinderella, or mix in elements from multiple fairytales, this theme is sure to evoke nostalgia in your guests. These [Disney-inspired Save the Dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/disney) and invitations come with free, Disney-themed wedding websites, too.\n\n![wedding-themes-storybook](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3IFGw2bYrJRy1ZQ1lZnZ6d/ca5f543d579da46308713572557ccad5/wedding-themes-storybook.png)\nSources: [Stephanie Weber Photography](https://stephanieweberphotography.com/) | [Nirav Patel](https://niravpatelphotography.com/) | [Abigail Malone](https://abigailmalone.com/) | [Arte De Vie](https://artedevie.com/) and [Blue Gardenia Events ](http://www.bluegardeniaevents.com/)\n\n### Creative destination wedding themes\n\n57. __Bali Vibes:__ Even if you’re not saying “I do” with your toes in the sand, a Bali-themed wedding complete with rattan decor, vibrant flowers, and tropical floral decor will have you feeling the sunshine on your back on your special day.\n\n58. __Aloha Brunch:__ Host a Hawaiian-inspired luau during the day so you can take advantage of the sunshine and vibrant colors. The morning reception opens up new menu offerings like banana pancakes and mimosas.\n\n59. __Jungalow:__ What is a Jungalow wedding? Jungalow designer Justina Blakeney describes this design style as wild, cozy, and homey, with boho touches and lots of plants—perfect for a more bohemian wedding.\n\n60. __Yacht:__ This is not your average wedding on the water. Take your nautical up a notch with an upscale, black-tie wedding on (or inspired by) a yacht!\n\n61. __Under the Sea:__ Hold your under-the-sea nuptials at an aquarium so you can say “I do” alongside creatures of the deep. Decorate with turquoise, coral centerpieces, and sand dollars.\n\n62. __Rainforest:__ If you’re interested in hosting a private, tranquil affair, consider a rainforest-themed wedding. Pick a destination with rich, natural landscapes, send a destination wedding save the date, and play up the greenery decor.\n\n63. __Yoga Retreat:__ Enter marriage with a cleansed mind and spirit. You and your guests can reach a Zen state through meditation during the ceremony. Then dress up your reception with yoga-inspired relics and handwoven blankets.\n\n64. __Safari:__ If you and your spouse are animal lovers, consider a safari wedding theme. Embrace natural tones mixed with animal prints for an eclectic, bush-inspired vibe.\n\n### Creative alternative wedding themes\n\n65. __Rock ‘n Roll:__ Get inspired by rock stars from decades past with a wedding theme that celebrates your love for music, fashion, and eclectic decor. You can rock n’ roll all wedding night, and then party every day with your spouse from here on after!\n\n66. __Festival:__ If you and your partner love music festivals, consider a festival wedding where guests camp onsite, rock floral crowns, and dance into the night\n\n67. __Carnival:__ Be kids for the day with this wedding theme that lets you relive your childhood. Incorporate playful touches such as balloons, circus tents, and fair food.\n\n68. __Gothic:__ A castle-like venue is the perfect setting for a gothic affair. Consider ditching the white wedding dress in favor of something more thematic and don’t forget to light up lots of candelabras.\n\n69. __Steampunk:__ This chic and sexy wedding theme is reminiscent of the steam-powered aesthetics of the Victorian era. Have some fun with your wedding day outfit and encourage guests to get into the theme, too!\n\n70. __Celestial:__ If your love burns as bright as the stars in the galaxy, consider a celestial wedding to celebrate the sky. Star-crossed lovers can get decor inspiration and color palettes from astronomy, stars, and outer space with this out-of-this-world wedding theme.\n\n71. __Mountain:__ If you’re a morning person and/or lover of the outdoors, how about a hiking-themed wedding that has your guests up and active at dawn? Play up the hiking theme after your intimate, mountainside ceremony with a celebratory brunch reception.\n\n72. __Halloween:__ If you’re getting married in the fall, take advantage of the spooky season’s deep color palette and popular accessories such as pumpkins, smoke, and crystal balls.\n\n73. __Murder mystery:__ While you have everyone all dressed up, why not throw a murder mystery (and some funky accents) into the mix? Perfect for couples who love games, this wedding theme can be incorporated into the decorations, entertainment, and menu.\n\n74. __Game of Thrones:__ Winter is coming to your wedding with this theme straight from Winterfell. Let your wedding party get into character with faux fur, tiaras, and thick braids.\n\n75. __Superhero:__ Celebrate your favorite comics with a superhero wedding theme. Think a photo booth with props and costumes, a superhero trivia game, or cake toppers with your favorite characters.\n\nAfter you’ve found a wedding theme that will reflect you and your partner’s style, it’s time to start wedding planning. Shop for thematic save-the-dates, invitations, and decor elements on Zola’s [Wedding Boutique](https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop).\n\n![wedding-themes-alternative](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6KF7Kfp5f2WR1PH2XgqoAt/98fa5d92d309df258f4f4975d8ba1323/wedding-theme-alternative.png)\n\nSources: [Uriel Photography](http://www.uriel-photography.com/) | [Michelle Edgemont](https://michelleedgemont.com/) | [Nichols Photographers](https://www.nicholsphotographers.com/) \n","tag":"Wedding Style","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"In this wedding style guide, find out why thinking about your wedding style early on will help you in your planning, and how to use Zola Inspiration to discover your own personal wedding vision. ","title":"What's Your Wedding Style? + 130 Decor Ideas","slug":"whats-your-wedding-style","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2pqMpa47wQuGqyuWMKAIM8/129f21dfd693c80007fb121e3287f929/Whats-Your-Wedding-Style_BrandyAngelPhotography.jpg","altText":"What's Your Wedding Style? "},"type":"articlePage"}],"featured":[{"excerpt":"How does one go about choosing a wedding venue? Here's the rundown on one of the first tasks you’ll need to accomplish after saying “yes!”","title":"10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue","slug":"how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"How-To ","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Dzm0QohK8uai2YouWoMUg/f7db6c6feb0fe4c3d27f9f2a914572ad/EA-revamp_Wedding-planning_How-to-choose-venue.jpg","altText":"Bridge and groom in front of the church"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Need wedding cake ideas but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with this list of 112 wedding cake ideas, organized by wedding season. ","title":"112 Wedding Cake Ideas & Designs","slug":"wedding-cake-ideas","topic":"Venues & vendors","tag":"Inspiration","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5V0DFlLCeXlId6h1UScbIm/b57fdd7bbf656730765e7a6c1d8ff03f/112-Wedding-Cake-Ideas-and-Designs.jpg","altText":"wedding-cake-ideas-by-season"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2025-06-24T18:33:41.108Z"},{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding decorations","slug":"wedding-decorations"},"slug":"5-non-traditional-second-wedding-ideas","title":"10 Non-traditional Second Wedding Ideas","excerpt":"Looking for some non-traditional second wedding ideas? You’ve come to the right place. \n","author":"Janina Villanueva","publishedAt":"2020-12-23T16:38:59.713Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1f0H4I9L6fIbCSWTHKBysF/f7b32ce4d4d6d04fa8e93866a07bd617/Hero_VintageSteampunkWeddingatCaswellHouse_NikkNguyenPhoto.jpg","altText":"Second Wedding Ideas"},"heroCredit":"Nikk Nguyen Photo","body":"Planning a second wedding can be tricky. There isn't any widely spoken of etiquette as to how you should plan and execute one, let alone any sort of solidified wedding planning guideline. \n\nThat being said, more often that not, when getting married for the second time, many couples can agree that they'd rather forego the traditional aspects of the big day. Doing so can make the wedding feel more unique and/or appropriate for their situation. Especially when this may be an opportunity to host a wedding that aligns with your desires and who you both are now.\n\nIf this sounds like you, but you're not sure where to start, we've got you covered. Below we've gathered some of our favorite uncommon and less traditional wedding ideas. From venues, to outfits, to the finer details of your ceremony and wedding reception. Consider implementing one—or two, or more—into your own special day for a unique and memorable wedding celebration.\n\n## 1. Choose a Non-traditional Wedding Venue \nPerhaps your first wedding took place in a traditional setting—e.g. a place of worship, courthouse, hotel ballroom, garden, or park. Although these are staple options and likely very available to you, don't feel pressured to go with one of them. Feel free to think up a different venue, [theme](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes), and experience for both you and your guests.\n\nA destination wedding can be a great option if you’d like to keep your guest list small. Plus, it’ll save you money if you’re planning to host your special day in the same area or location of your honeymoon. Locally, depending on how adventurous you feel, you may want to consider going for the following types of venues:\n\n- Baseball park or stadium\n- Art spaces and historical museums\n- Zoo or aquarium\n- Old historic buildings and hotels\n- In the middle of a desert\n- Inside a running train\n- In a park near or under a bridge\n\nYou don't need to look too far to find [unique](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/couples-top-wedding-themes) and available venues. If you're unsure if something's too out of the box or not doable, don't hesitate to call your ideal spot (say, a museum or specific building) and see what's possible. More often than not, places open to the public such as these will be able to work with you on your dream wedding.\n\n![5 Non-traditional Second Wedding Ideas](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6lFQYJKDSIZ5lQjaP9Oty2/3b2bb96ae5577f349a0d9caa28492f12/inline_shutterstock.jpg)\n *Photo Credit* // Shutterstock\n\n## 2. Go for Bolder Outfits\nYou did the classic white wedding dress or black tux before. Or, perhaps you didn't. In either case, a second wedding is a second chance to truly express yourself and celebrate all of the special aspects of your relationship. This extends into what you choose to wear. If the traditional white dress isn't your thing, consider wearing a jumpsuit, tea-length dress, suit or tuxedo, or otherwise. As for accessories, consider wearing a hat or statement headpiece in place of a veil.\n\nNot into the idea of wearing a suit or tux throughout the ceremony and celebration? Opt instead for something a bit more casual that will allow you to move more freely throughout the day (or night). Or, look to more out-of-the-box looks, like old-school vintage suits in tweed fabric or jewel-toned suits made with velvet. This idea can also extend to bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire.\n\n## 3. Have Pre-Wedding Ceremony Activities\nWhile finding your seat, chatting, and sitting in giddy anticipation can be fun, why not provide your wedding guests with a fun activity leading up to your nuptials? For example, if you're getting married in a unique location such as a museum, zoo, observatory, and the like, see if the venue can provide guided behind-the-scenes tours beforehand. \n\nIf you're getting married outdoors, you can easily set up or DIY some outdoor games such as corn hole, croquet, a giant word search, and giant Jenga. Including a fun activity prior to your ceremony lends a relaxed feel to your entire wedding day. Plus, it gives guests the opportunity to mingle beforehand.\n\n## 4. Be Creative With Your Ceremony Layout\nTraditionally, wedding ceremonies will have the couple and their wedding party at the alter at the front of the space, with guests seated in rows and columns. However, there's no hard and fast rule that states this need be the case. If you have the space, consider placing the guests' seats in a circle, with yourselves and the alter in the middle. This works especially well for outdoor spaces—such as gardens, beaches, parks, and backyard weddings—and small weddings. However, with a little bit of work, it can be done for most weddings.\n\n## 5. Have an Unorthodox Wedding Ceremony\nThere's a lot of opportunity for one-of-a-kind and special ideas, as far as your ceremony is concerned. If you'd prefer to forego the standard way of things (wedding party procession, exchanging of vows, etc.), consider the following:\n\n- Go non-traditional with your walk down the aisle. Skip the processional and standard order of things and walk down the aisle together for a truly special and unifying moment. Or, decide to both walk around opposite sides of your ceremony site and meet in the middle at the front.\n- Skip ceremony readings from religious prose or traditional wedding vows and instead go for your favorite song lyrics, passages from your favorite books or sonnets, or even excerpts from your favorite films and television shows. Words that are special to you two as a couple are special, no matter where they originate from.\n- Involve your children (or pets!) throughout the ceremony. This may be having them walk down the aisle with you or having them stand by your sides throughout. It could even mean saying vows to each-other's kids or involving them in the exchanging of rings. Each of these ideas creates the feel of a \"family wedding,\" in which you're not just uniting two people, but two families.\n\n## 6. Ask a Loved One to Officiate\nRather than going the traditional route, ask one of your nearest and dearest best friends or family members to officiate your wedding ceremony. Choose someone who knows you and your love story well, since they'll be able to craft a more intimate and personal ceremony with stories, fond memories, and anecdotes. The legal aspect of having someone close to you be your officiant is also quite simple, as it's easy to get ordained online. \n\n## 7. Perform an Untraditional Activity\nYour wedding ceremony can literally consist of whatever you and your significant other like. Look through a few unorthodox options below and see if any of these feel like and appeal to you.\n\n- Plant a tree together in your yard—or, in a transportable pot.\n- Pour different colored sand into a glass bottle or vase; bonus points if the sand comes from places you each consider special, like your hometowns.\n- Participate in handfasting, which is similar to performing God's Knot, but without any religious connotations.\n- Compose and perform a special song together in place of your spoken vows.\n- Release a (biodegradable) lantern or balloon together.\n- Have a gift exchange on top of or in place of a ring exchange.\n\n![5 Non-traditional Second Wedding Ideas](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3OgafrBTgxDpd8WLlb2Bfh/ff178bafbec653fcf9b0b5157710675d/inline_shutterstock_1_.jpg)\n*Photo Credit* // Shutterstock\n\n## 8. Serve Food that Guests Won’t Ever Forget\nYou know your guests better than anybody (including vendors and those with unsolicited advice to give). If you know that your loved ones would rather not sit through a four course meal, plan an alternative style dinner with your caterer. \n\nConsider a buffet, family-style meal (in which all of the food is placed on one large table, between everyone), food trucks, and server stations your guests can choose from. Also think about the type of food you and your guests really want to eat. For example, if you're honestly more into the idea of basic sliders, you can work with your catering company to elevate that by using Kobe beer or balsamic chicken. Go with what you really want, then work together to make the meal unforgettable.\n\nSimilarly, wedding cakes don’t always need to be cakes. Opt for a tower of doughnuts, brownies, cookies, or other sweets. If you prefer savory, cheese wheels may be perfect for you and your partner to cut. Likewise, you can go for a champagne tower moment in place of cake-cutting.\n\n## 9. Involve Out-of-the-Box Vendors\nYou know yourselves and your crowd the best. If popular reception vendor options like a photobooth aren't quite your style, opt instead for something that better fits your relationship and venue. Some lovely options include a live artist (such as a painter), live poet, professional dancers, comedians, or a special animal encounter (be it your own pets or—if your reception's at a zoo or similar—guided animals).\n\n## 10. A Different Reception Program\nDo things in reverse—instead of having the best man and maid of honor give a toast to honor you as newlyweds, you and your partner can provide a toast to honor everyone who attended your celebration, as well as those who helped make it successful. \n\nInstead of having an anniversary dance where the deejay calls out those who have been married five years, ten years, 20 years, and so on, to have the longest-married couple alone on the dance floor, do it in reverse. Have your first dance as a newly married couple, and then call those who are married five years, ten years, 20 years, and so on, so you end up having the dance floor filled with married couples in love.\n\nThere are many other ways to deviate from a traditional wedding ceremony, and because you have gone through it before, you’ll be armed with knowledge on what can go wrong, what you’d like to prioritize, and what works best for you and your partner. This will help you create a festive and gracious wedding day that loved ones and guests will enjoy.","tag":"Inspiration","widget1":{"marketingModule":{"tag":"EA_Masterbrand"}},"nextUp":[{"excerpt":"Need second wedding ideas on a budget? Our experts can help. Read on for our top tips.","title":"Second Wedding Ideas on a Budget","slug":"second-wedding-ideas-on-a-budget","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/17dnIW012chQLKxJEfiYiC/f62b3bfccc1a4f1307792ed6b5c1b334/Inline_Casey_Durgin_Photography.png","altText":"Second Wedding Ideas on a Budget"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t know what your second marriage ceremony wording should include on the invitation? Read on for our top tips and advice.","title":"Getting Remarried Invitation Wording","slug":"getting-remarried-invitation-wording","topic":"Invites & paper","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6PQ4uwmD7oxKRff66wW4hT/bbb3c993e4661c03be506190096631b5/Inline_Limelight_Photography.png","altText":"Second Wedding Invitation Wording"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Find out everything you need to know about second wedding etiquette with this complete guide from Zola. Read on now. ","title":"A Guide to Second Wedding Etiquette","slug":"a-guide-to-second-wedding-etiquette","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/14DaHb9AhdfYK4vrdY7noy/6e33a40e95c0e963bb571b0131bf2edd/Hero_New__21_.jpg","altText":"Second Wedding Etiquette"},"type":"articlePage"},{"excerpt":"Don’t know how to plan a wedding shower for a second marriage? The experts at Zola can help! Read on now. ","title":"Most Common Wedding Etiquette Questions, Answered","slug":"wedding-party-etiquette-guide-for-a-second-marriage","topic":"Wedding planning 101","tag":"How To","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1iqtO6RHh45lL5XNok6T0Q/07c83d192e7b8769766987dcffe1de7e/Hero_RomanticWeddingatTheGardensatHeatherFarm_StudioOpia__1_.jpg","altText":"Wedding Party Etiquette Guide for a Second Wedding"},"type":"articlePage"}],"stickyCta":{"copy":"Start Planning With Zola","url":"https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard?product=WEDDING_PLANNING"},"updatedAt":"2024-02-05T16:52:14.091Z"}],"name":"Wedding decorations","slug":"wedding-decorations","description":"Planning your wedding decorations and theme just might be the best part. Whether you're searching for beautiful ceremony backdrops, color palette inspo, or unique and trendy ideas, you'll find the inspiration you need to create a picture-perfect celebration."},{"featuredArticles":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding day","slug":"wedding-day"},"slug":"wedding-ceremony-script","title":"8 Wedding Ceremony Scripts to Borrow & Printables","excerpt":"Find beautiful wedding ceremony scripts ranging from unique to traditional. Print and borrow them, or get inspiration to write your own!","author":"Allison Cullman","publishedAt":"2024-04-23T08:00-04:00","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2189XuQqFs1q0sSz2l1T1H/3f8c146df0bc33f66c636d2d6b4a8ea8/wedding-ceremony-happy-women-flowers.jpg","altText":"wedding-ceremony-happy-women-flowers"},"heroCredit":"Zola","heroCreditUrl":"https://www.zola.com/","tldr":"__Inside this article:__\n- Simple wedding ceremony script\n- Modern wedding ceremony script\n- Humorous wedding ceremony script\n- Inclusive wedding ceremony script\n- Christian wedding ceremony script\n- Catholic wedding ceremony script\n- Jewish wedding ceremony script\n- Protestant wedding ceremony script\n- 4 Tips for writing your own ceremony script\n- Simple wedding ceremony script starter outline\n- FAQs about wedding ceremony scripts\n- Summarizing ceremony and officiant wedding scripts\n","body":"In the midst of the organized chaos of wedding planning, the [wedding ceremony](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-ceremony-programs) is often left until the last minute. But the ceremony is quite significant—after all, it’s the part where you and your future spouse actually become joined in marriage.\n\nWe all know about the “I do’s” of a wedding ceremony, but the rest of your ceremony is just as important. While you want to create a [wedding ceremony](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-the-wedding-ceremony-order-of-events) script that’s meaningful and personal to you and your future spouse, figuring out how to do this can leave some couples scratching their heads. If you’re wondering where to begin writing your wedding ceremony script, our tips and examples below are here to help.\n\n![WEDDING GUESTS AT CEREMONY](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/n30m9L0eLt6IMfIFuXh8i/03120fde2eaab83389318bf88d2445ac/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-8815265.jpg)\n\n## Simple wedding ceremony script \n\n*This script has been reviewed by Rev. Lisann G. Valentin, an ordained minister at [Universal Life Church](https://www.ulc.org/).*\n\nFor a nonreligious wedding ceremony, there’s no standard script you need to adhere to. The script below can be a helpful starting point for a simple wedding ceremony you can build upon and personalize however you like.\n\n[![simple-wedding-ceremony-script-button](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1LmmX8snQHqtavcPfdOMu2/a9ee02a4eae75c8ddfb6975c1e26b0f4/simple-wedding-ceremony-script-button.png)](//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/46KpUkc8FtLwlICThYXJ9I/af9390ec0e2bff2c6da8b2e8e6777943/simple_wedding_script.pdf)\n\n### __Opening words/welcome__\n\nThe ceremony will begin with the officiant addressing the reception.\n\n__Officiant:__ “Welcome friends, family, and loved ones. We’re gathered here today to celebrate [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in their lifelong commitment of love to each other. Finding your life partner is a true joy, and the commitment to share in life’s ups and downs as one is no small feat. While marriage will bring its own challenges and triumphs, let this day be a reminder of what your love has already accomplished, as well as the possibilities for your partnership as you grow together for years to come.”\n\n### Reading\n\nWhile a simple wedding ceremony might omit this part altogether, some couples like to personalize their ceremony wedding scripts with a chosen reading or song to celebrate their union. A close friend or family member, the officiant, or the couple themselves might perform readings. For example, the officiant might call upon a chosen friend or family member to perform an original poem or share a story about the couple’s relationship.\n\n__Officiant:__ “As our reading today, [PARTNER A/B] has asked [his, her] [friend/cousin/other family member] to recite an original poem in honor of their union.”\n\n[Reading proceeds.]\n\n### Vows and ring exchange\n\nCouples may choose to write their own vows or omit reciting vows altogether.\n\n__Officiant to reception:__ “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and lifelong commitment.”\n\nAt this point, couples may exchange their vows (if desired) before placing their rings on each other's fingers. Below is an example of vows that might be exchanged:\n\n__Partner A to Partner B:__ “With this ring, I promise to support you, care for you, laugh with you, share in your burdens, be honest with you, and be faithful to you in all that we may face in the years ahead. I promise to love you with everything I have, from this day forward and beyond.”\n\n__Partner B to Partner A:__ “With this ring, I promise to love you and commit myself to you for the rest of my life. I promise to stand by your side, be there for you always, and to find laughter and joy even in tough times. I promise to love and accept you just as you are, and grow with you for every year to come.”\n\n### Declaration of intent\n\n__Officiant to Partner A:__ “Do you, [PARTNER A], take [PARTNER B] to be your lawfully wedded [husband, wife, partner]? Will you honor and cherish them, continue to deepen your understanding of them, and treat them with love and compassion in joy and pain, sickness and health, and whatever life might throw your way?”\n\n__Partner A:__ “I will” or “I do.”\n\n__Officiant to Partner B:__ “Do you, [PARTNER B], take [PARTNER A] to be your lawfully wedded [wife, husband, partner]? Will you honor and cherish them, continue to deepen your understanding of them, and treat them with love and compassion in joy and pain, sickness and health, and whatever life might throw your way?”\n\n__Partner B:__ “I will” or “I do.”\n\n### Pronouncement\n\nFinally, the officiant will pronounce the couple as married. To capture the perfect moment, couples might also request that the officiant steps to the side for the kiss during the wedding nuptials.\n\n__Officiant to all:__ “By the authority vested in me, and with the trust of you all here today, I now declare you joined in love. You may now kiss!\"\n\n### Closing\n\n__Officiant to all:__ “Thank you all for joining in this momentous occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!”\n\n![local-venues](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6bi7wx5xGOJJCvJcdAguMG/5d7b4e4cbc6b6ff7b686a802dd820b6b/local-venues.jpg)\n\n## Modern wedding ceremony script \n\n*This script has been reviewed by Sheena Wheadon, licensed wedding officiant at [Why Knot Weddings](https://www.whyknotweddings.com/).*\n\nAny wedding ceremony can take a modern spin. Any number of personal touches can be added to your ceremony to make it more modern—whether you want to include your pets, switch up how your wedding party is presented, or simply add some modern flair to your [wedding vows](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vows) and readings. Personalizing your wedding ceremony script is a great way to infuse who you really are into your big day.\n\n[![modern-wedding-ceremony-script-button](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6vzCnZw6cVNXguGg1dXQB3/8486ec97b3c0573d552923629c75af02/modern-wedding-ceremony-script-button.png)](//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/OE4YjDCj0vZUH2gcDUaea/74d3eaa2bd2214bdb77d7c85a6589078/modern_wedding_script__1_.pdf)\n\n### Opening words/welcome\n\nThe officiant script will begin by welcoming the reception.\n\n__Officiant:__ “Good afternoon and welcome! We’d like to thank everyone on this beautiful day for coming to support [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in this exciting endeavor and union. Your friendship and support has helped to strengthen them as they’ve made their way to this moment, and they thank you for being here.”\n\n### Reading\n\nCouples may choose to include a reading in their marriage ceremony script. This reading can be anything you wish, whether it’s a special poem, a reading from a book, a quote from a movie, or a story about the couple’s relationship shared by a close friend or family member.\n\n[Reading proceeds.]\n\n### Vows Exchange\n\nMany modern couples opt to write their own wedding vows or omit them altogether. It’s up to you! Below is an example of modern wedding vows:\n\n__Officiant to couple:__ “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], please exchange your vows.”\n\n__Partner A to Partner B:__ “[NAME], you’re my best friend. I’m in awe of your lightness, your kindness, and the purity of what it looks like to be loved by someone like you. It’s a love with no expectations, no strings attached, only a desire to support me and see me fulfilled. To know and be known by you is a gift and a privilege. I know we were made for each other. So here’s what I promise:\n\nI vow always to strive to be the best version of myself so that I can show up for you every single day. I vow to seek joy and hope even in dark times and be there for you when you need me. I vow to trust you and love you unconditionally. I vow to continue to learn from the examples of patience and selflessness that you have always embodied.”\n\n__Partner B to Partner A:__ “[NAME], I love you with my whole heart. You’ve loved me with a loyalty that I’d never experienced before, and didn’t even know existed. You have seen every part of me, and even at my lowest you have stood by my side. You’ve never given up on me, and I have no doubt that you are the person I’m meant to spend my life with. I vow to keep a soft heart when challenges come, and to be aware of my words and actions and how they affect you. I vow to support you in all things, to love you well, and to create a life we’re proud of. Life is fleeting, and I want to cherish every minute of it with you.”\n\n### Declaration of intent\n\n__Officiant to couple:__ “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], do you take one another as partners from this day forward?”\n\n__Couple in unison:__ “We do.”\n\n__Officiant:__ “Will you love, honor, and cherish one another as partners for the rest of your lives?”\n\n__Couple responds:__ “We will.”\n\n### Ring exchange\n\n__Officiant to reception:__ “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have chosen these rings as a symbol of their unbreakable love. Please place these rings on each other’s fingers and repeat after me:\n\n‘I give you this ring as a reminder of our love that unites, inspires, and celebrates what we have.’”\n\n[Couple repeats to each other.]\n\n### Pronouncement\n\nFinally, the officiant will pronounce the couple as legally wed:\n\n__Officiant to all:__ “By the authority vested in me, it is with joy that I pronounce you married. Now kiss and go celebrate!”\n\n### Closing\n\n__Officiant to all:__ “Thank you all for joining in this beautiful occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!”\n\n![8 Ways to Keep Family Involved in Wedding Traditions During the Ceremony](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5iGx6d7StheHPTAAUQ0qNE/2b7133813fdc9117b12c56edbc1bb817/father_inline_nikk_nguyen_photo.jpg)\n\n## Humorous wedding ceremony script \n\n*This script has been reviewed by Rev. Lisann G. Valentin, an ordained minister at [Universal Life Church](https://www.ulc.org/).*\n\nThere’s no rule that says your wedding ceremony has to be serious from start to finish. Some couples prefer to add a bit of humor to their ceremony for a more lighthearted affair. The following funny wedding ceremony script has all the required legal elements of becoming legally married, with a humorous touch to keep your guests on their toes. \n\n[![humorous-wedding-ceremony-script-button](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/JYknezhBEviEYFkJ37X5G/e94499016dbe533af5cfd30d980dbe91/humorous-wedding-ceremony-script-button.png)](//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2VmtUM9YFHVOFvmkEeNKQY/c7a0a172ac2b3e5e98c7612c1a751876/humorous_wedding_script.pdf)\n\n### Opening words/welcome\n\nThe officiant will begin by welcoming the crowd and introducing the ceremony.\n\n__Officiant to all:__ “Hello and welcome! We’re here today because [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have decided they love each other so much that they want to get the government involved! But in all seriousness, a huge thanks to all who have joined us. We promise we’ll get these two hitched quickly so you can make a beeline to the open bar!\n\nI’d like to take this opportunity to ponder the meaning of marriage. Now I know I made a joke about these two loving each other so much they’ve decided to get the government involved, but we know that’s not all marriage is. It’s a tradition, yes, but it’s so much more. It might take a lot of work and compromise, but at the end of the day, this is about choosing your person until the end of this thing we call life. So no matter how many dishes they leave in the sink, no matter how horrible their cooking is, no matter how bad their mood might be on occasion—you’ve got someone who chooses to stick with you through it all. And that’s what marriage is about!”\n\n### Reading\n\nIncluding readings in your ceremony is optional, but some couples opt to personalize their ceremony with a particular reading, quote, or story. Some humorous wedding ceremonies might involve a close friend or family member sharing a lighthearted account of the couple’s relationship, with some light humor to get a laugh out of the crowd. The wedding ceremony officiant script can even include fun elements,\n\n__Officiant:__ “As our reading today, [PARTNER A/B} has asked [his, her] [friend/cousin/other family member] to share a personal story of their relationship in honor of their marriage today.”\n\n[Reading proceeds.]\n\n### Vows and ring exchange\n\nAt this point, couples may exchange vows if they’ve chosen to write them. Here’s an example of wedding vows with a little humor:\n\n__Officiant to Partner A:__ “Now, it’s time to put a ring on it! [PARTNER A], repeat after me: ‘I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love and cherish you, and that I’ll try to keep my mouth shut when it’s your turn to choose the movie we watch.’”\n\n[Partner A repeats.]\n\n__Officiant to Partner B:__ “[PARTNER B], repeat after me: ‘I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love and cherish you, and that I’ll consider making you dinner every once in a while.’”\n\n[Partner B repeats.]\n\n### Declaration of intent\n\n__Officiant to Partner A:__ “Do you, [PARTNER A], take [PARTNER B] to be your lawfully wedded [husband, wife, partner], to love and cherish them for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, and reap as many tax benefits as you can for as long as you both shall live?”\n\n__Partner A:__ “I do.”\n\n__Officiant to Partner B:__ “Do you, [PARTNER B], take [PARTNER A] to be your lawfully wedded [wife, husband, partner], to love and cherish them for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, and reap as many tax benefits as you can for as long as you both shall live?”\n\n__Partner B:__ “I do.”\n\n### Pronouncement\n\nNow, the officiant will pronounce the couple as legally wed:\n\n__Officiant:__ “What a romantic exchange. Now, I guess there’s only one thing left to do: By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]! Now kiss!”\n\n### Closing\n\n__Officiant to all:__ “That’s a wrap on the formal proceedings of today. [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will greet you in [LOCATION] at [TIME]. We thank you for coming—now get out of here and go celebrate!”\n\n![8 Gender-Neutral Readings for Your LBGTQ+ Wedding Ceremony](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5gXI6m0GrwXeBmQWWLlcDS/32e7f7b27bf59542d48a54e57add1320/inline_kathleen_marie-ward_photography.jpg)\n\n## Inclusive wedding ceremony script \n\n*This script has been reviewed by Sheena Wheadon, licensed wedding officiant at [Why Knot Weddings](https://www.whyknotweddings.com/).*\n\nWhile traditional gender roles often make up the bulk of how many sample wedding ceremony scripts are written, this doesn’t have to be the case for a more inclusive ceremony. The following example script does away with gendered language and puts the focus on the love shared between the couple and what that means for them. \n\n[![inclusive-wedding-ceremony-script-button](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4N2pbrFFy0aVFHh4wvr4oT/04bc20b794aa915fbde8585c33a39ba0/inclusive-wedding-ceremony-script-button.png)](//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3bo3vkx3BhD4WgLC4gdLPq/7decc6efb8f10a40e64bfaf134a6e495/inclusive_wedding_script.pdf)\n\n### Opening words/welcome\n\nThe officiant will begin by welcoming the reception. This is also when the wedding officiant script can include any specific announcements, like requesting guests to silence their phones.\n\n__Officiant:__ “Welcome friends, family, and loved ones! We’re gathered here today in celebration of (Partner A) and (Partner B) and to bear witness as they join their lives in marriage. On behalf of (Partner A) and (Partner B), it’s a true pleasure to have you here to celebrate this incredible moment.\n\nLove is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer. Love offers hope, joy, comfort, and security, in good times and bad. Love is what spurs our personal growth and allows us to face life and all its challenges, with the unending support of the person we’ve chosen to commit our lives to. (Partner A) and (Partner B) stand before you today to share the love and happiness in their hearts as they take their relationship to a deeper level of commitment by making a passage into marriage.”\n\n### Reading\n\nWhile totally optional, couples can choose to include a reading of their choice in their ceremony. This can be anything from a particular poem or section from a book to a special movie quote or personal story about the couple’s relationship. Couples might have the officiant perform the reading or have a loved one come up to share instead.\n\n__Officiant:__ “(Partner A) and (Partner B) have selected a reading from [SOURCE] that represents their unique journey and the commitment they’re making today.”\n\n[Reading proceeds.]\n\n### Vows exchange\n\nCouples who have chosen to write their own wedding vows will recite them here. These could be in a question-and-answer format or long-form vows written beforehand (or a combination of both). Couples can also ask their officiant to step to the side during the vow readings—it helps make the moment more intimate!\n\nHere’s an example of wedding vows for you to work from:\n\n__Officiant to couple:__ “Marriage is a lifelong commitment to love and care for each other to the best of your ability. Are you both ready to take this step together?”\n\n__Couple responds:__ “Yes!”\n\n__Officiant to couple:__ “Do you promise to care for each other, treat each other with respect and compassion, and to always move toward love in your efforts to support one another?”\n\n__Couple responds:__ “We do.”\n\n__Officiant to couple:__ “Do you promise to meet each challenge and triumph with integrity, gratitude, and patience, and to strive to learn and grow together for all of your days?”\n\n__Couple responds:__ “We do.”\n\n### Affirmation of family and friends\n\n__Officiant to reception:__ “Do you, the family and friends of (Partner A) and (Partner B), give your full support today and wish them a lifetime of happiness together?”\n\n__Reception responds:__ “We do.”\n\n### Expression of intent\n\n__Officiant:__ “In the presence and witness of the loved ones you have gathered here today, I now ask you to state your intentions.\n\n(Partner A) and (Partner B), have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in the commitment of marriage?”\n\n__Couple responds:__ “Yes.”\n\n__Officiant:__ “Once more, will you love, honor, and cherish one another as partners for the rest of your lives?”\n\n__Couple responds:__ “We will.”\n\n### Ring exchange\n\n__Officiant to reception:__ “(Partner A) and (Partner B), please repeat after me:\n\n‘I give you this ring as a symbol of the vows we’ve made today. I pledge to you my love, respect, and commitment. With everything that I am, I honor you.’”\n\n[Couple repeats to each other.]\n\n### Pronouncement\n\nFinally, the officiant will pronounce the couple as legally wed:\n\n__Officiant:__ “Now that you, (Partner A) and (Partner B), have promised to give yourselves fully to each other, to love each other through the vows you have made, and through the giving and receiving of these rings, it is my great pleasure by the power vested in me to now pronounce you married! You may now kiss!”\n\n### Closing/invitation to reception\n\n__Officiant to all:__ “Thank you all for joining in this joyous occasion for (Partner A) and (Partner B)! They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!”\n\n![A Guide to the Wedding Ceremony Order of Events](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5gM7CP5ud1ebIEp31xl5JH/85572b49599dbe5a51611c7b4e455b4d/Hero_A-Guide-to-the-Wedding-Ceremony-Order-of-Events-Kimberly-Coccagnia-photography.jpg)\n\n## Christian wedding ceremony script \n\n*This script has been reviewed by the ordained ministers at [Universal Life Church Monastery](https://www.themonastery.org/).*\n\nAs the name indicates, this script for weddings includes religious aspects, such as Bible readings and prayers. Feel free to personalize this idea to your liking and include more or fewer scriptural elements. \n\n[![christian-wedding-ceremony-script-button](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1ROJmdLfXwm4naZ01Ds8wx/d81ca5ee85371b0b19c9a0f0da6dfb53/christian-wedding-ceremony-script-button.png)](//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3036xpBIv7MWEGUC0Qf4aD/b484d408c837cfeb61c4d05cfb813b00/christian-wedding-script.pdf)\n\n### Processional\n\nThe processional is simply the beginning of the wedding ceremony, when guests are seated, followed by the entrance of the bridal party.\n\n### Invocation\n\n__Officiant to reception:__ \"Welcome, loved ones. We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in holy matrimony.”\n\n### Declaration of intent\n\nThe declaration of intent is a crucial element of any wedding ceremony, and is legally required to show consent among both parties to be married.\n\n__Officiant to the couple:__ \"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], you have come together this day so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of this minister of his word and this community of family and friends and so, in the presence of this gathering, I ask you to state your intentions:\n\nHave you both come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? If so, answer by saying 'I have.'\"\n\n[Couple responds in unison with ‘I have.’]\n\n### Reading\n\nA reading from the Bible is a common component in many Christian wedding ceremonies. While choosing a passage from Corinthians isn’t required, it’s a popular choice for many.\n\n__Officiant to reception:__ “A reading from the Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’\n\nLet us pray for this couple as they make their marriage vows.\n\nFather, as [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] pledge themselves to each other, help them and bless them that their love may be pure, and their vows may be true. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.\"\n\n### Vows exchange\n\nToday’s wedding vows are often personalized according to whatever feels right to the couple. However, a [traditional statement of vows](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/traditional-wedding-vows-for-the-timeless-couple) is also common in Christian wedding ceremonies.\n\n__Couple to each other:__ “I, [NAME], take thee, [NAME], to be my wedded (husband, wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. This is my solemn vow.”\n\n### Ring exchange\n\n__Officiant to Partner A:__ \"[PARTNER A], please take the ring you have selected for [PARTNER B]. As you place it on his/her finger, repeat after me:\n\n‘With this ring, I thee wed.’\"\n\n[Partner A repeats the phrase as they place the ring on Partner B’s finger]\n\n__Officiant to Partner B:__ \"[PARTNER B], please take the ring you have selected for [PARTNER A]. As you place it on his/her finger, repeat after me:\n\n*‘With this ring, I thee wed.’\"*\n\n[Partner B repeats the phrase as they place the ring on Partner A’s finger]\n\n### Prayer\n\nOne distinction of a Christian wedding ceremony script is including a prayer of blessing over the union.\n\n__Officiant to the couple:__ \"May Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, always be at the center of the new lives you are now starting to build together, that you may know the ways of true love and kindness. May the Lord bless you both all the days of your lives and fill you with His joy. Amen.\"\n\n### Pronouncement\n\n__Officiant to reception:__ “By the power vested in me by the state of [STATE], I now pronounce you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]! You may kiss the bride!”\n\n### Closing/invitation to reception\n\n__Officiant to all:__ “Thank you all for joining in this joyous occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!”\n\n![What to Wear to a Church Wedding](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3xNVLwakY0JwANOaDWQon3/c6f876f294667a740a1540abf1bfea34/inline_kathyizzyphotography.jpg)\n\n## Catholic wedding ceremony script \n\n*This script has been reviewed by the ordained ministers at [Universal Life Church Monastery](https://www.themonastery.org/).*\n\nAs with the Christian script, this version includes religious elements. However, Catholic ceremonies are greatly rooted in tradition and include formal aspects at their core. The [officiant](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-duties-of-a-wedding-officiant) is typically a priest, and these services traditionally take place in the church. \n\n[![catholic-wedding-ceremony-script-button](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7LPa188lBQBu3I0ODdv70p/8aab04375b5b46d79f35bf0e5e409324/catholic-wedding-ceremony-script-button.png)](//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1YvmOyZgo8EKUH4plND2Ys/7940b89cca9d4e75d80f5ec3e4c8d555/catholic_wedding_script.pdf)\n\n### Entrance rite\n\nAs the entrance song is played, the assembly stands while the priest, ministers, and servers take their places, followed by the wedding party. The rest of this part of the processional can take two forms.\n\nIn the first form, the vested priests and servers greet the bridal party at the church door, and then all enter as is customary for Mass. In the second form, the priest and servers wait in the sanctuary area prepared for the couple to greet them when they arrive. In both forms, the priest always leads the procession.\n\n### Greeting\n\nOnce everyone is in place and the music has ended, the priest leads the sign of the cross, or the traditional beginning of Christian prayer, before greeting the assembly.\n\n__Priest:__ “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy spirit.”\n\n__All respond:__ “Amen.”\n\n__Priest:__ “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”\n\n### Collect (opening prayer)\n\nThe priest invites the assembly to pray. After he prays over the couple, the assembly is seated for the Liturgy of the Word.\n\n__Priest:__ “Be attentive to our prayers, O Lord, and in your kindness uphold what you have established for the increase of the human race, so that the union you have created may be kept safe by your assistance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.”\n\n### Liturgy of the word\n\nThe liturgy of the word outside of mass usually includes three readings proclaimed by the priest, one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament aside from the Gospel, and one from the Gospel. At the conclusion of each reading, the lector will say, \"The Word of the Lord,\" and the assembly will respond, \"Thanks be to God.\"\n\n__Priest:__ “A reading from the book of Genesis 1:26-28:\n\nThen God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.” God created man in his image; in the image of God he created him; male and female, he created them. God blessed them, saying: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth.” God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. The word of the Lord.’\n\n__Assembly responds:__ “Thanks be to God.”\n\n__Priest:__ “A reading from the New Testament, 1 John 4:7-12:\n\nDear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.\n\nThe word of the Lord.”\n\n__All respond:__ “Thanks be to God.”\n\n__Priest:__ “A reading from the Gospel, Matthew 5:13-16:\n\nYou are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”\n\n__All respond:__ “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.” \n\nAssembly is seated.\n\n### Homily\n\nThe assembly is seated while the priest (or deacon) offers a homily taken from the Scripture readings. The priest uses this text to discuss the sacredness of Christian marriage, the dignity of conjugal love, the grace of the sacrament, and the responsibilities of married people.\n\n__Priest:__ \"John 3:30 says ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’\n\nThose simple, direct words of St. John the Baptist, whose feast we celebrate today, summarize the life of the Christian disciple. In all things, we want Jesus to increase and our own will, our own desires, our own attachments, to decrease. In my heart, in my prayer, in my family, in my parish, in my work, in my study, in my leisure, in my entertainment - may the Lord Jesus increase!\"\n\n### Celebration of matrimony\n\nAll stand, and the couple comes to the altar, flanked by their witnesses. The priest will address the couple with a celebration of matrimony:\n\n__Priest:__ “Dearly beloved, you have come together into the house of the church so that in the presence of the church’s minister and the community, your intention to enter into marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal.”\n\nIf both parties are Christian: “Christ abundantly blesses the love that binds you. Through a special sacrament, he enriches and strengthens those he has already consecrated by holy baptism, that you may be enriched with his blessing, so that you may have the strength to be faithful to each other forever, and assume all the responsibilities of married life. And so, in the presence of the church, I ask you to state your intentions.”\n\n### Address and statement of intentions\n\nAll stand, including the couple and witnesses, while the priest asks the couple some questions to state their intentions about their freedom of choice, fidelity to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children (if necessary).\n\n__Priest to couple:__ “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?”\n\n__Couple in unison:__ “I have.”\n\n__Priest to couple:__ “Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?”\n\n__Couple in unison:__ “I am.”\n\n### Exchange of consent\n\nThe couple will declare their consent to be married by stating their vows. If you’re writing your own vows, they must be prepared with the wedding script beforehand.\n\n__Partner A:__ “I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [wife, husband]. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.”\n\n__Partner B:__ “I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [husband, wife]. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.”\n\n### Blessing and giving of rings\n\n__Priest:__ “Bless, O Lord, these rings which we bless in your name. so that those who wear them may remain entirely faithful to each other, abide in peace and in your will, and live always in mutual charity. Through Christ our Lord.”\n\n__Assembly responds:__ “Amen.”\n\nThe priest now sprinkles the wedding rings with holy water before handing them to each partner.\n\n__Partner A:__ “[NAME], receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit.”\n\n[Partner A places the ring on Partner B’s finger]\n\n__Partner B:__ “[NAME], receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit.”\n\n[Partner B places the ring on Partner A’s finger]\n\n### Prayer\n\nThe priest and the assembly sing or pray the Lord’s Prayer in unison.\n\n### Nuptial blessing\n\nThe couple kneels at the altar, where the priest faces them and prays over them.\n\n__Priest:__ “Now let us humbly invoke God’s blessing upon this bride and groom, that in his kindness he may favor with his help those on whom he has bestowed the Sacrament of Matrimony.”\n\n### Communion\n\nThe priest performs communion and distributes the body and blood of Christ to Catholics in the assembly, starting with the newly married couple. An appropriate song is usually sung as the assembly proceeds to the altar for communion.\n\n### Pronouncement\n\n__Priest to reception:__ “By the power vested in me by the state of [STATE], I now pronounce you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]! You may now kiss!”\n\n### Dismissal\n\n__Priest to assembly:__ “Go in peace to glorify the Lord with your life.”\n\n__Assembly responds:__ “Thanks be to God.”\n\n### Recessional\n\nAt the closing of the ceremony, the couple, bridal party, ministers, and the priest will proceed out of the church, often accompanied by music.\n\n![Planning a Traditional Queer Jewish Wedding2_Brindamour Photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1sya2SvknLGfj4YLODdGUm/a3c739ddbb1b3f76fd8eec94ccbb971d/My_project-1__14_.png)\n\n## Jewish wedding ceremony script \n\n*This script has been reviewed by the ordained ministers at [Universal Life Church Monastery](https://www.themonastery.org/).*\n\nA Jewish wedding also has traditional elements, many of which are centuries old. Talk to your officiant (often a rabbi) about making changes and personalizing this wedding ceremony outline to fit your needs without breaking Jewish tradition.\n\n[![jewish-wedding-ceremony-script-button](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6sS2PWSYfQiDUGFlEkkLn7/480513ae35157ca9f3705290c1a49eeb/jewish-wedding-ceremony-script-button.png)](//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7fN0SjRtlIpDkzCnwRiGCf/cff48eee816a7669ec83169c084d1a41/0614_ea_jewish-ceremony-script-r__1_.pdf)\n\n### Signing of the Ketubah\n\nThe Ketubah is an ancient marriage contract that documents the commitment between the couple. Typically, the groom signs the contract with the rabbi and two male Jewish witnesses present, along with the bride, in private before the main ceremony begins.\n\n__Officiant:__ “Please gather around for this ‘ceremony before the ceremony’, the signing of the Ketubah. Bride and groom, in this quiet moment before your public wedding ceremony begins, those closest to you are here to witness the signing of the important documents that make this day a remarkable moment for you both. As you become legally husband and wife, we delight in your happiness, and we wish you only good things to come as you face life together. This beautiful Ketubah has these words for you today, and I ask the groom’s witness [NAME] to read the words.”\n\n[Groom’s witness reads the Ketubah.]\n\n__Officiant:__ “I ask you both to sign the Ketubah as the first ceremonial act of your wedding day celebration.”\n\n[Couple signs the Ketubah.]\n\n__Officiant:__ “Now I ask your parents to sign the Ketubah.”\n\n[Couple’s parents sign the Ketubah.]\n\n__Officiant:__ “And now I sign it as well.”\n\n[Officiant signs the Ketubah.]\n\n### Processional\n\nThe ceremony begins once guests are seated.\n\n### Opening words/welcome\n\n__Officiant to reception:__ “This is the day that [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] marry the person they love the most in the world…the one they will laugh with, live for, and love for the rest of their lives. So it is only fitting that those closest to them are here to witness this special day. Your presence at this wedding celebration is a reminder to [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] of how lucky they are to have you in support of their union.”\n\n### The chuppah\n\nThe chuppah is a canopy structure symbolizing the home the couple will build together following their marriage. Modern couples use the chuppah as an opportunity to customize their wedding and use it as a reflection of their unique taste and style.\n\n__Officiant:__ “The chuppah under which [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] stand is the traditional structure used in a Jewish wedding ceremony. What you see in the setting for this ceremony tells you so much about the path that brings [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] to be married. Today, their families are joined together, and the combined richness of their two heritages will be the foundation for their life together.\n\nAs the open sides of a chuppah symbolize hospitality, the chuppah in this ceremony invites you all to feel welcome today, for this is the day of all days that [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] want to share with you.”\n\n### Circling\n\nAfter the couple enters the chuppah, the bride/groom circles the bride/groom seven times, symbolizing building a wall of love around the relationship. It also represents the seven days of creation.\n\n### Declaration of support\n\n__Officiant to the couple:__ “A marriage is a lifelong adventure. Today’s ceremony, while important, is only the beginning of that journey. Marriage is a challenge that will require [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] to have love and understanding. You must dedicate yourselves to each other, listen to each other, and be honest with each other. You will need laughter and forgiveness, tenderness and empathy.”\n\n### Sand ceremony\n\n__Officiant to the couple:__ “We will now begin the sand ceremony. Through it, [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will symbolize the permanence of the commitment of their marital relationship. They will each pour separate containers of sand into one vessel.\n\nEach of these grains represents a unique aspect of themselves. Their experiences, outlooks, feelings, and the events that shaped them into the person that stands before you. As these grains of sand intermingle in one shared vessel, they symbolize the merging of two individual lives into an inseparable pair.\n\n[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], just as these grains of sand can never again be separated, so too will you be forever joined.”\n\n### Declaration of intent\n\n__Officiant to Partner A:__ \"Do you, [PARTNER A], take this [woman, man] to be your lawfully wedded [wife, husband], to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto [her, him] for as long as you both shall live? If so, answer 'I do.'\"\n\n__Partner A:__ “I do.”\n\n__Officiant to Partner B:__ \"Do you, [PARTNER B], take this [man, woman] to be your lawfully wedded [husband, wife], to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto [him, her] for as long as you both shall live? If so, answer 'I do.'\"\n\n__Partner B:__ “I do.”\n\n### Ring exchange\n\n__Officiant to Partner A:__ \"[PARTNER A], as a token of your intentions, please place this ring upon [PARTNER B]’s finger and repeat after me:\n\n‘[PARTNER B], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.’\"\n\n[Partner A repeats the words while placing the ring on Partner B’s finger.] \n\n__Officiant to Partner B:__ \"[PARTNER B], as a token of your intentions, please place this ring upon [PARTNER A]’s finger and repeat after me:\n\n‘[PARTNER A], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.’\"\n\n[Partner B repeats the words while placing the ring on Partner A’s finger.] \n\n### Blessing of the hands\n\n__Officiant to the couple:__ \"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], please join hands. Look at these hands, for they are of your closest friend. They are strong and full of love. As you join hands today, you make the promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.\n\nYour future will be built by these hands. As the years pass, these hands will love you and cherish you. The slightest touch from these hands will give you comfort. These are the hands that will hold your children. These are the hands that will keep your family as one. When you have tears of sorrow or tears of joy, they will be wiped away by these hands.\"\n\n### The Seven Blessings\n\nThe Seven Blessings are now recited.\n\n1. Blessing over the wine as a symbol of joy\n2. Blessing praising God to whom all creation proclaims praise\n3. Blessing praising God as creator of humanity\n4. Blessing praising God who created humanity in the divine image\n5. Prayer of hope\n6. Prayer for the happiness of the couple\n7. Prayer for the individual hope for happiness for the couple combined with prayer for joy in the messianic future\n\nFollowing the Seven Blessings, the couple shares a cup of wine.\n\n### Breaking the glass\n\nThe ceremony is concluded by the tradition of the groom (or bride) stomping on glass and shattering it. This signals the audience to cheer, dance, and shout “Mazal tov!”\n\n### The Yichud\n\nAfter the ceremony concludes, the final ritual takes place in the yichud or “tent of seclusion.” This is considered to be one of the most private and intimate parts of the wedding day, where the newlyweds can savor their first moments alone before the celebration continues.\n\n![couple at wedding altar](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1jdRkYJr3up5XdVAnL9V53/942cbd52a04de9f723369ec963a83f12/HERO_DolcePhotography_1080x720.jpg)\n\n## Protestant wedding ceremony script \n\n*This script has been reviewed by the ordained ministers at [Universal Life Church Monastery](https://www.themonastery.org/).*\n\nThere are many denominations within the Protestant faith, and the standard ceremony for each may vary. Those with a more liberal interpretation of the wedding ceremony might be open to including more nontraditional elements in the wedding script. The script below is adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, and is just one of many possible variations of a Protestant wedding ceremony.\n\n[![protestant-wedding-ceremony-script-button](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7n7X1qx20jkIzn2iVGf0P/428295cc4912b0c60ff5af0ef742b5b3/protestant-wedding-ceremony-script-button.png)](//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/51utSohJeM8kgFxmu9TkE9/d36928dd9c81858aa17a9b6b78e8cc5d/0614_ea_protestant-ceremony-script-r__1_.pdf)\n\n### Introductory prayer\n\nThe officiant, known as the celebrant, faces the couple and congregation and offers an introduction:\n\n__Officiant:__ “Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this couple in holy matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by His presence and first miracle at the wedding at Cana in Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and His church, and holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.\n\nThe union of marriage is intended by God for their mutual joy, for the help and comfort given each other in prosperity and adversity, and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.”\n\n### The interrogation\n\n__Celebrant to the congregation:__ “Into this union [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace.”\n\n__Celebrant to the couple:__ “I charge you both, here in the presence of God and the witness of this company, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be married lawfully and in accordance with God's word, do now confess it.”\n\n__Celebrant to Partner A:__ “[PARTNER A], will you have this [woman, man] to be your [wife, husband], to live together with [her, him] in the covenant of marriage? Will you love [her, him], comfort [her, him], honor and keep [her, him], in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto [her, him] as long as you both shall live?”\n\n__Partner A:__ “I will.”\n\n__Celebrant to Partner B:__ “[PARTNER B], will you have this [man, woman] to be your [husband, wife], to live together with [him/her] in the covenant of marriage? Will you love [him/her], comfort [him/her], honor and keep [him/her], in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto [him/her] as long as you both shall live?”\n\n__Partner B:__ “I will.”\n\n__Celebrant to the congregation:__ “Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”\n\n__Congregation responds:__ “We will.”\n\n### The presentation\n\nThe presentation represents the traditional “giving away” of the bride, typically followed by a hymn. Modern Protestants may opt for a poem, romantic reading, or song of their choice in place of a hymn.\n\n__Celebrant:__ “Who gives [PARTNER A] to be married to [PARTNER B]?”\n\n__Partner A or B’s father:__ “[He, she] gives [himself, herself], with the blessing of [his, her] mother and father.”\n\n### Vows exchange\n\nSome modern Protestants might choose to write their own wedding vows, but the traditional vows most often recited are as follows:\n\n__Partner A to Partner B:__ “In the name of God, I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [wife, husband], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do we part. This is my solemn vow.”\n\n__Partner B to Partner A:__ “In the name of God, I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [husband, wife], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do we part. This is my solemn vow.”\n\n### The blessing and exchange of rings\n\n__The celebrant offers a blessing on the rings:__ “Bless, O Lord, these rings as a symbol of the vows by which this couple have bound themselves to each other, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”\n\n__Congregation responds:__ “Amen.”\n\n__Partner A and Partner B place the rings on each other’s fingers and say:__ “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”\n\n__The celebrant joins the right hands of both partners and says:__ “Now that [NAME] and [NAME] have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce them [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife] in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Those who God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”\n\n__Congregation responds:__ “Amen.”\n\n### Concluding prayers\n\nThe celebrant asks the congregation to stand and repeat the Lord’s Prayer:\n\n__All:__ “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”\n\nIn traditional Protestant weddings, the celebrant will direct the couple to kneel while further blessings and songs are offered. The celebrant then addresses the kneeling couple and recites another blessing:\n\n__Celebrant:__ “May God bless you and keep you; may the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, filling you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen.”\n\n__Celebrant to the congregation:__ “The peace of the Lord be with you always.”\n\n__All respond:__ “And also with you.”\n\nFinally, the couple stands to face each other while the celebrant offers a final line to end the ceremony:\n\n__Celebrant:__ “[NAME] and [NAME], having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]. You may now kiss!”\n\n### Closing/invitation to reception\n\n__Officiant to all:__ “Thank you all for joining in this joyous occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!”\n\n![wedding-ceremony-songs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7b4hCQGO7uVKySNDbx7cUr/330dd75bbf9250fec414d06a32ba71a4/wedding-ceremony-songs.jpg)\n\n## 4 Tips for writing your own ceremony script \n\nWhile writing your wedding ceremony script might feel daunting, these tips can help take the pressure off and provide some much-needed guidance on how to bring your ceremony vision to life—whatever that means to you.\n\n### 1. Talk with your partner\n\nWriting your script is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of your relationship before you enter into marriage. Talking with your partner about your ideas and desires for your wedding ceremony is an important first step—it helps you get aligned on a [mutual vision](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-vision-board) and ensures the ceremony is a reflection of what matters most to you as a couple.","body2":"### 2. Work with your officiant\n\nYour officiant can provide practical advice on how to get started crafting your ceremony script, and some might even have an outline for you to work from. Since your officiant has most likely conducted their fair share of wedding ceremonies, they’re an excellent resource for any questions you might have.\n\n### 3. Don’t procrastinate\n\nWhile you certainly don’t need to memorize your wedding ceremony script, don't put it off until the last minute—especially if you plan on [writing your own vows](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vows). Procrastinating until the week of your wedding can add a ton of pressure to an already hectic time, so do yourself a favor and get started early!\n\n### 4. Consider the length of your script\n\nWhile your wedding ceremony script should be whatever you want it to be, being mindful of time and length is something your guests will appreciate. Anything longer than 30 minutes might leave guests checking their watches! Once you’ve written a draft and have the chance to rehearse it, you’ll find that you can pack plenty of meaning and resonance in less than 15 minutes.\n\n![modern-spin-on-reciting-vows](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5tAePFi5ZiqNmkelDuBBWP/bfa7f506e46743da3d10ecfc1560cc54/modern-spin-on-reciting-vows.jpg)\n\n## Simple wedding ceremony script starter outline \n\nNow that you’ve read some ceremony script examples, you can confidently start writing your own! No matter what you decide to include, what matters most is that the words shared are from the heart and represent what your marriage means to you. Here’s an ultra-simple outline to help you start formulating your own wedding script for officiants to use. \n\n- Officiant’s welcome\n- Short sermon to the congregation\n- Charge to the couple\n- Declaration of the intent to marry\n- [Vows](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/history-of-wedding-vows)\n- Ring exchange\n- Pronouncement of marriage\n- Conclusion and invitation to reception\n\n## FAQs about wedding ceremony scripts \n\nFind answers to any lingering wedding ceremony script questions below.\n\n### How do I personalize my wedding ceremony script?\n\nStart by nailing down the overall format of your script, including the order of the ceremony and the role of the officiant. Then weave in personal elements significant to you and your partner, such as customizing your vows, a special unity ceremony, or a reading that holds meaning. Remember, there’s no rule that says you have to follow a traditional wedding ceremony script.\n\n### How do I start a wedding ceremony script?\n\nMost wedding ceremony outlines start with the wedding officiant welcoming guests and thanking them for joining in the wedding day. Religious ceremonies may start with a reading from the Bible or whatever is customary for different faiths. That said, your ceremony script can begin however you like, whether that’s opening with a meaningful quote, poem, or endearing story about you and your partner.\n\n### Where can I find wedding ceremony scripts?\n\nThe best place to find both religious and non religious wedding ceremony scripts is online. You can find downloadable pre-written scripts by searching for a specific religious denomination or the mood you want your ceremony to take. For extra inspiration, search for wedding ceremony videos on YouTube to get a feel for what different scripts sound like during a real ceremony.\n\n### How long should the officiant speak at the wedding?\n\nYour officiant wedding script should get straight to the point while adding personality. Talk to your celebrant about the parts that are most important to you, such as giving a [blessing to the couple](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-blessing). However, if the sermon isn’t essential to you, feel free to shorten it. The last thing you want to do is bore your guests, so concise yet interesting is best.\n\n## Summarizing ceremony and officiant wedding scripts \n\nAlthough there is a bit of protocol surrounding the order of service, there is a lot of freedom within with most scripts. If you’re particularly religious, you may want to chat with your priest, rabbi, or pastor about how to best adapt your ceremony. However, if you’re not planning on a religious ceremony, chat with your partner about expectations and how to go from expected to highly personal.\n\nAs you finish off your wedding planning, Zola is here to help every step of the way. Whether designing [custom wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper) or putting the final touches on your [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry), Zola has all the expert advice you’ll need to make your wedding vision come to life.\n","tag":"How-To ","updatedAt":"2024-06-10T22:34:43.105Z"}],"name":"Wedding day","slug":"wedding-day","description":"Advice to make your wedding day go smoothly from start to finish. From ceremony timelines to wedding favor ideas to writing your vows, our experts help you plan the perfect wedding day."}],"featured":[{"type":"articlePage","topic":{"name":"Wedding planning 101","slug":"wedding-planning-101"},"subtopic":{"name":"Wedding planning tools","slug":"wedding-planning-tools"},"slug":"wedding-planning-guide","title":"Wedding Planning 101: Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding","excerpt":"Your guide to planning a wedding from start to finish. Learn about all of our free wedding planning tools and so much more to help you on this journey!","publishedAt":"2023-12-07T16:53:05.833Z","heroImage":{"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5C3xgAOgu8EhsWuHR6LIPV/df4a2c1fcad988921c26d259ba076b3a/wedding-planning-guide-hero.jpg","altText":"bride and groom under veil"},"heroCredit":"Unsplash","tldr":"## Inside this article\n\n- Wedding Planning Timeline\n- Wedding Planning Checklists & Glossary\n- Creating a Wedding Budget\n- Choosing a Wedding Venue\n- Making a Wedding Website\n- Wedding Planning Tools\n- Selecting Your Wedding Vendors\n- Wedding Decor & Themes\n- Legal To-Dos\n- Wedding Planning Questions\n- Real Weddings","body":"You’re in love, you’re engaged, and you’re seeing the world through rosé-tinted glasses of celebratory champagne. Cheers! We are SO here for this. And you know what else we’re here for? You, planning your special day like a total pro. We know what you’re thinking: Can I really plan my own wedding? Between the vendors, the invitations, and the décor, wedding planning seems like a massive undertaking.\n\nTrust us on this one, though: You can [plan your own wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-you-yes-you-can-plan-your-whole-wedding). Whether you want to save money or simply enjoy creative projects, wedding planning can be a fulfilling experience. Couples just like you do it every day. It doesn’t even have to be overwhelming with the right organizational tools and timelines — and don't worry, we've got you covered on both counts. Our handy wedding planning guide will help you handle all the to-dos before “I do!”\n\n## Wedding Planning Timeline\n \n\nBefore you plan your wedding, you need to plan for planning your wedding. And no, that’s not as crazy as it sounds! In fact, creating an outline of important tasks, dates, and deadlines will keep your stress levels low and your productivity high throughout the planning process. Then again, why create one yourself when we’ve already done it for you? Allow us to introduce our definitive [wedding planning timeline](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist).\n\nOur printable checklist breaks down all your important milestones by month and effectively walks you through two years’ worth of wedding planning, from your first kiss as fiancés to your last wedding day dance. We’ve ensured that all major events are included, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment with every checked-off item. Sticking to a schedule truly makes all the difference.\n\nWhile you’re at it, create a timeline for your wedding day (or wedding weekend, if you’re doing the traditional rehearsal dinner and morning-after brunch). It can be as detailed as you like, but we recommend planning your wedding by the hour. The more effort you put into outlining events, the easier it will be to relax and enjoy them. For a breakdown of a standard wedding day’s events including tips and time estimates, check out our [wedding weekend timeline](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/ultimate-wedding-weekend-timeline).\n\n## Wedding Planning Checklists & Glossary\n \nWhen you’re planning a wedding, keeping track of tasks is almost as important as completing them. Our [wedding planning checklist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/checklist) will help you stay organized and send you friendly reminders to ensure you never miss a deadline. You can even delete, edit, and add tasks as your wedding plans evolve. Oh, and it’s free — regardless of whether you register through our [online store](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) or use our [stationery](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper). Consider it an engagement gift from Zola to you.\n\nAside from regularly checking in with your checklist, you may want to brush up on some wedding planning language. In the world of weddings, “charger” and “train” may not mean what you think they mean. Our [glossary of wedding planning terms](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/your-wedding-planning-glossary-a-z) covers common words you’re bound to hear during the hustle and bustle of orchestrating your nuptials, so you’re not left scratching your head after a call with that caterer (or that pun we just made).\n\n## Creating a Wedding Budget\n \nIt’s tempting to dive right into visiting venues, hunting for the perfect attire, and curating your reception playlist — but first, budget! While it’s not the most romantic aspect of wedding planning, tackling financial details is one of the first things you should do. Why? Because weddings can be expensive.\n\nThe operative word here is “can.” They don’t have to be expensive. In fact, it’s completely possible to plan a dreamy wedding for way, way less than the average cost of $29,195[1]. If you’re wondering [how to plan a wedding on a budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding-on-a-budget), you’ve come to the right place. And once we get budgeting out of the way, we promise we’ll move on to the fun stuff!\n\nTo determine your budget, ask yourself a few important questions:\n\n- __Who’s footing the bill?__ If you’re paying for the wedding yourself, you know how much money you want to spend — but remember to clearly communicate with your partner to make sure there are no surprises. If you’re expecting contributions from family members, you’ll want to determine exactly how much they’re willing to spend before you make any assumptions (or deposits).\n\n- __What’s the best use of my funds?__ Once you’ve figured out how much money you have to spend, it’s time to decide how you’ll spend it. Not only does budgeting help you manage your expectations (and save you the disappointment of realizing you can’t afford that $10,000 ballgown), but it also encourages you to prioritize your purchases. Do you care more about your location or your attire? Your guest list or your dinner menu? The occasional tough choice must be made, but remember, it’s all about what will ultimately make you happiest.\n\n- __How can I save money?__ If your budget is tight, there are countless ways you can save money. Get married on a weekday, snag that wedding dress at a sample sale or trunk show, or skip fancy wedding invitations and provide a simple liner that directs guests to your website. Pro tip: Sometimes it’s as simple as removing the word “bridal” from the equation — for instance, a bridal bouquet will cost more than regular flowers and a bridal hairstyle will be far more expensive than your standard blowout.\n\nIn addition to answering all of the above, determine how much of your budget you’ll allocate to each wedding expense and monitor your spending with a [wedding budget calculator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) like this. The wedding venue will likely be your biggest investment, so determine how much you’re willing to spend on your event space and then divide your remaining funds among other major expenses like catering, wedding rings, photography, flowers, and music. And speaking of your wedding venue…\n\n__Expert Advice:__ We make budgeting fun and stress-free. Find all of our articles about [Wedding Budgets](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/budgeting) here.\n\n## Choosing a Wedding Venue\n \nAside from choosing to get married, choosing where to get married is one of the biggest wedding decisions you’ll make. Your venue quite literally sets the scene for your special day. It should fit your carefully set budget, work with your schedule, and reflect your personal style — suffice to say, there’s a lot to consider. Fortunately, Zola makes it easy to discover, contact, and [book venues online](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-venues). We also have a few [tips for choosing your wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue):\n\n- __Decide what you want.__ Easier said than done, we know, but you don’t have to go at it alone. Set a time to sit down with your fiancé and bounce ideas back and forth. First off, decide whether you want to have your ceremony and reception at the same location. If not, you'll need to search for two venues. Then, try to picture your dream wedding. Does the ceremony take place in a country club or in a church? Are you after a bohemian or black-tie affair? Think about how you want your wedding to look and feel, and let that be your guide.\n- __Consider your guests.__ It’s a fact: Your wedding venue will impact your guest list. Not just due to its capacity, but due to its location. Weddings are expensive for your guests, too, and selecting a faraway venue will inevitably result in fewer attendees. A destination wedding can be a great way to guarantee a more intimate ceremony. If you’d like a good turnout, keep it local so your guests don’t have to shell out for accommodation.\n- __Start researching.__ Familiarize yourself with the areas you’re considering and the average venue rates in those areas. Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few venues, gather information about those specific venues like their capacity, amenities, and whether onsite services are provided.\n- __Explore alternatives.__ It’s possible to forgo an official venue altogether. Say your parents have a lovely backyard or your aunt has a lake house you’ve always adored. If they’re willing to let you set up shop for the day, you’ve just scored yourself a free venue! Many public parks and beach spots in the U.S. are also available for events; you’ll pay a fee, but it’ll be much less than the cost of a standard venue.\n- __Schedule tours.__ This is the fun part. When you start visiting venues, it starts feeling real. Make a day of it with your significant other and a couple of close friends or your parents (especially if they’re helping you pay for it). Accept their input, but follow your instincts. If a wedding venue doesn’t feel like the one, it probably isn’t.\n- __Ask questions.__ Before your venue visit, assemble a list of questions to ask your tour guide. During your tour, take notes and photos. They’ll come in handy when you reflect on the experience later. Most venues offer wedding venue floor plans, which can be customized to illustrate your wedding and help you envision your wedding in the space.\n- __Scope out the surrounding area.__ Get to know the areas surrounding your top venues. If guests will be traveling to your wedding, check out nearby hotel and vacation rental options so you’ll have suggestions for them.\n- __Weigh your options.__ Once you've visited a few venues and chosen your favorites, it's time to compare and contrast. A pro/con list can be helpful here! Consider the venue price, space, whether it fits your vision, and how it made you feel.\n- __Book your venue.__ Some popular wedding venue locations are booked out years in advance, so you’ll want to secure your spot sooner rather than later. We’d recommend doing this at least nine months before your wedding or perhaps even further in advance if you’re getting married during a popular wedding month (May through October).\n\nThe decision is a big one — but once you choose your wedding venue, other aspects of your wedding will start falling into place. The time of day you want to get married, whether you’ll have an indoor or outdoor wedding, and where you’ll take your photos will become clearer once you can visualize your location. Your next step? Make a wedding website so your guests can start planning, too!\n\n__Expert Advice:__ See all of our articles on [Choosing a Wedding Venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/venues) for more insight into the process!\n\n## Making a Wedding Website\n \nOnce you’ve set the date, booked your venue, and prepped your [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop), it’s time to create a website. Ideally, you’ll do this about six to eight months before your wedding. A wedding website serves as a hub for you and your guests. It’s where your invitees can go to RSVP, check out your wedding details, peruse your registry, and “aww” at your engagement photos. It’s also where you can go to review your RSVPs, update your event and registry information, and “aww” at your own engagement photos (don’t worry, we all do it).\n\nIn this modern world, a website is a pretty essential component of a wedding.\n\nThe good news? You don’t need to be a web designer to make a wedding website. You don’t even need to be creatively inclined. At least, not with us by your side! With tons of templates and a user-friendly interface, our [wedding website builder](https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-website) makes it easy to create a professional, beautiful website in no time at all. \nHere’s how:\n\n- __Step 1: Pick your platform.__ It doesn’t have to be Zola…but for the sake of this how-to, let’s say it is. Our website builder isn’t just accessible — it’s also free! Your budget can thank us later.\n- __Step 2: Select a template.__ Did we mention we have more than 200 customizable templates? Whether you’re after classic elegance, modern minimalism, or flirty florals, you’re bound to spot a style that makes you smile — and matches your wedding invitations and save the dates, too.\n- __Step 3: Choose your domain name.__ Play it straight or get creative while brainstorming a web address that represents you as a couple. Just make sure it’s available before you get attached! Once you’ve locked down a domain name, you can direct guests to your website on your save the dates.\n\nNext up, personalize the site with information about your wedding. Your website is the perfect place to add all those details that won't quite fit on the official wedding invitation. Here are a few things you’ll want to include:\nThe basics. List the date, time, and place each of your wedding events will occur.\n\n- __The attire.__ State your wedding dress code (or lack thereof). Those considering heels might appreciate a heads-up if they’ll be walking on sand or uneven terrain.\n- __Your registry.__ Tell your guests whether you’re accepting gifts or charitable donations for your wedding; if you are, include a link to your gift registry. For seamless integration, [create your wedding registry with Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry).\n- __Your story.__ This is optional, but it’s also pretty fun. Create an “About Us” page that tells your love story alongside favorite photos or a timeline of your relationship.\n- __RSVP information.__ Most invitees will appreciate the option to quickly RSVP online. Digital RSVPs are eco-friendly, more affordable, and easier for you to manage. However, some older invitees may prefer RSVPing by mail. When in doubt, give your guests the online option while also including a card with the invitation.\n- __Travel information.__ Provide helpful information regarding accommodation (like whether you’ve reserved a block of hotel rooms) and transportation (like whether you’re providing shuttles from the ceremony to the reception).\n- __Little details.__ Include any important notes about your reception and ceremony — for instance, whether children are welcome.\n\nAt this point, all that’s left to do is proofread, check your links, and publish your site! You can decide whether to make your site public or keep it password-protected for guests. Just make sure your site goes live before you send your save the dates. Ready to get started? For a 10-step guide to creating the perfect website, visit our [wedding website planning guide](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-a-wedding-website).\n\n__Expert Advice:__ Check out all of our articles on [Wedding Websites](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/invites-paper/website-invites) here.\n\n## Wedding Planning Tools\n \nUnless you’re an event planner by trade, planning a wedding will likely be the most significant endeavor of your (un)professional career. You’ll need more than the standard to-do list and a few scattered notes on your phone. Luckily, organizational [wedding planning tools](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/best-wedding-planning-tools-or-zola) aren’t hard to come by. We’ve created quite a few wedding planning tools for you, all of which are guaranteed to make planning easier.\n\nWe’ve already covered our [wedding planning checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) and [wedding website builder](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) — two of the greatest wedding planning tools in existence, if we may be so dramatic — and we’re not ones to repeat ourselves. So. Moving on to the rest!\n\n__Wedding Registry Creator__\n\nOnce upon a time, building a wedding registry meant wandering through department stores with a little contraption that beeped when you aimed it at barcodes. Today, you can still totally do that, but you can also assemble an online wedding registry from the comfort of your own couch.\n\nOur [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) allows you to quickly add items from thousands of top brands or select things from other stores of your choosing. You can browse items by category or a curated collection like \"At Home Spa\" or \"Build Your Bar.\" Already have enough stuff? Shift your focus to experiences and register for zero-fee cash gifts or gift cards for Airbnb, hotels, airlines, and more. Your registry will automatically update when a gift has been purchased, so you won’t end up with two toasters (unless you want two toasters). We’re not here to judge.\n\nBonus: After your wedding, we give you a 20% discount off of anything that’s left on your registry — and that offer stands for six months! Talk about a honeymoon phase.\n\n__Guest List Tracker__\n\nCreating a wedding guest list often leads to overthinking. Our [guest list tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) gives you a sense of control, even if you still can't decide whether to invite your college roommate who always wishes you a happy birthday even though you haven’t seen each other in years.\n\nAdd individual guests, couples, or families along with their addresses, contact information, and RSVP status. You can also specify how you’re related to your invitees and whether they’re definitely, maybe, or definitely maybe invited. Once you’ve added all your guests to the tracker, you can collect missing addresses, order free addressing for your save the dates and invitations, and enjoy automatic synchronization with your online RSVP list.\n\n__Seating Chart Organizer__\n\nOnce you’ve got your guest list sorted, it’s time to figure out where everyone will sit. Creating a seating chart isn’t inherently difficult, but you do have to wait until all your guests RSVP to finalize the seating arrangements. There’s not much you can do about that (aside from sending a friendly RSVP reminder via our guest list tracker), but you can remove all other stressful aspects from the equation!\n\nOur [seating chart tool](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-seating-chart) is super straightforward. Simply navigate to your wedding event on our website and click “Create Seating Chart.” From there, enter the number of tables and chairs. This is where your online list of RSVPs comes in handy — the names of all your attendees are accessible directly from the seating chart tool, so all you have to do is assign a seat to each person. You can also edit your seating chart as much as necessary.\n\n__Expert Advice__\n\nWe’ve got your back. [Expert advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice) is just another way we're proving it. Here, you’ll find in-depth articles, advice, tips and tricks, and access to Team-Z (aka your own personal wedding advisors, available via [email](https://:advisor@zola.com), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/zola/), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@zola), and [Coffee Chats](https://www.zola.com/advisor#:~:text=Advisor%20spotlight%3A%20Hi%2C%20I%27m%20Ian%20%F0%9F%91%8B)). Browse topics like décor, honeymoon, and invites, and get the inside scoop on wedding trends from our seasoned pros.\n\nWhile we're on the subject of experts, it's time to select your wedding vendors.\n\n## Selecting Your Wedding Vendors\n \nHello, cake tastings! Vendors are the experts who bring the goods (and goodies) to your wedding. Your vendors will be an integral part of your big day, so approach the selection process with clear expectations — and an appetite, for the aforementioned cake tastings. Before you start, solemnly swear you’ll stick to your budget and make sure you’re aware of any vendor restrictions your venue might have.\n\nAnother important part of selecting wedding vendors is [developing a request for proposal](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-write-a-wedding-rfp). No, not that kind of proposal! Also known as an RFP, this is a document that includes your wedding date, budget, expectations, and other important details about what you want from a specific vendor. When the vendor receives your request, they'll send you a proposal detailing what they can (and cannot) do for your big day. And when you use Zola to inquire with vendors, we provide the questions you should ask to get the answers you need.\n\nOn average, couples hire a whopping 15 vendors for their big day. Do you need that many? Absolutely not — but you’ll probably want to consider the following:\n\n- __Catering.__ When [choosing a caterer](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-catering), you’ll want to consider the type of meal service that suits your wedding. Sit-down service is the formal option, whereas buffet-style cultivates a more relaxed, “serve yourself” atmosphere. \n- __Desserts.__ The [wedding cake](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-cakes-desserts) is a classic, but there are tasty alternatives. Pies, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, doughnuts, all of the above…anything goes!\n- __Bar and beverage.__ A *full* [bar](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bar-services) is neither expected nor necessary, but your guests will appreciate an open bar if you can afford it. Provide a limited menu featuring a couple of specialty cocktails and a few classic standbys.\n- __Florists.__ [Flowers](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-florists) and weddings go together like you and your fiancé. From bouquets and boutonnières to centerpieces and walkways, a floral flourish is always welcome!\n- __Photographer and/or videographer.__ Hire a [photographer](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers), a [videographer](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-videographers), or both to capture the magic of your wedding day.\n- __Band or DJ.__ A live [band or a DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-bands-djs) is essential for most couples — especially if a dance party is on the agenda. \n- __Beauty.__ Whether you want an intricate updo and makeup or help with styling and selecting the perfect accessories, a [beauty professional](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-hair-makeup) (or entire glam squad) will make sure you’re photo-ready on your big day.\n- __Officiant.__ As the person who guides you through your vows, an officiant plays a pretty important role at your wedding. Many couples enlist a family member or friend to perform this duty, while others hire a seasoned professional.\n- __Day-of coordinator.__ Don’t worry, you can still say you planned your own wedding even if you hire a [day-of coordinator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners). All the plans are 100% yours! A day-of coordinator is merely there on the day of your wedding to ensure all your carefully laid plans are flawlessly executed. Not to mention, they’ll handle any last-minute issues that arise so you can relax, enjoy, and get hitched without a hitch.\n\nMake sure you meet potential vendors for trial runs, taste tests, and vibe checks. They should provide clear pricing, tell you exactly what’s included in their packages, and answer any questions. Traditionally, you’ll tip the drivers, valets, bartenders, cake bakers, catering staff, musicians, attendants, and delivery people on the day of your wedding. If you don’t see mention of a tip in their contract, it doesn’t hurt to ask what's expected.\n\nIf you’re searching for wedding vendors in a big city, narrowing down the options can feel a lot like resisting your favorite dessert: practically impossible. That’s why we feature favorite vendors on our [Wedding Venues and Vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) page. Shuffle through vendors in your area or take a quick quiz to find your best match. And remember: Only commit to vendors you genuinely love.\n\n## Wedding Decor & Themes\n \nYour wedding décor is what makes your venue yours. It’s what unites all the little details and transforms your wedding into a cohesive, one-of-a-kind celebration. That said, with so many options and trends, settling on one style can be tricky.\n\n__Find Your Style__\n\nNot sure where to start? Imagine your ideal venue. If you want to say your vows in a restored barn surrounded by sun-kissed meadows, a rustic theme could be your thing. See yourself dancing the night away in a swanky hotel? A formal, chic aesthetic may fit the bill. Other tried-and-true wedding décor styles are modern, vintage, whimsical, romantic, holiday/seasonal, and beachy/tropical.\n\nNote that while all weddings will have a style of décor, not all weddings will have a theme.\n\n__Lean Into a Theme__\n\nA theme can guide your décor in the same way your venue can, and many couples who have their hearts set on a theme will choose their venue to suit it, not vice versa. Movies, books, time periods, and locations are all popular sources of inspiration, and you’re bound to find something you like on our extensive list of [75 wedding themes](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes).\n\n__Start Decorating__\nOnce you find your style or settle on a theme, you’ll find it much easier to start decorating. Every wedding is different, but décor generally includes the following:\n\n- Lighting\n- Table numbers and place cards\n- Guest book\n- Signage\n- Centerpieces\n- Florals\n- Aisle runner and markers\n- Dessert display\n- Altar arrangements\n- Menu\n- Table linens and tableware\n\nOur [wedding décor checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-decor-checklist) will ensure you don’t miss a thing!\n\n__Get Inspired__\n\nTo explore beautiful wedding dresses, unique theme ideas, classy charcuterie spreads, DIY hacks, and more, try Pinterest. It’s an endlessly scrollable source of wedding inspiration that lets you pin your favorite images and create as many aspirational mood boards as your heart desires. To really hone your vision, head to Zola's Real Weddings. (More on that later!)\n\nWhen it comes to wedding décor, we have only one rule: Your chosen wedding décor and theme should speak to you and your partner. No exceptions!\n\nFor now, onto an aspect of wedding planning that doesn’t allow for quite so much creative freedom.\n\n__Expert Advice: __See all of our [Wedding Decor & Inspiration](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/decor-inspiration) articles for the best wedding decor ideas.\n\n## Legal To-Dos\n \nThis is where making it official gets really official. Yes, it often feels like you’re planning one big party, but that doesn’t mean you can leave your t’s uncrossed (or your vendor contracts unsigned). Read on for a few legal to-dos:\n\n1. __Get a marriage license.__ Note that we said license, not certificate! You must obtain your marriage license prior to your wedding in order to receive your marriage certificate after your wedding. The process may differ depending on your location, so visit your state’s government website for specifics.\n2. __Complete vendor contracts.__ Your florist may feel like an old friend, but it’s in your best interest to get a signed [contract](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-look-for-in-a-wedding-vendor-contract) after enlisting their services. This allows you recourse in the event that *gasp* flowers are nowhere to be found on your wedding day.\n3. __Get liability insurance.__ Many wedding venues require you to sign a liability release when booking your wedding. That means that if anything goes wrong, you’re on the hook. In our world, all wedding days would be perfect days…but it’s good sense to protect yourself from unfortunate accidents with [liability insurance](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vendor-insurance-what-you-need-to-know), just in case.\n4. __Change your name…__ that is, if you’re [changing your name after marriage](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/name-change-after-marriage). And if you are, we’ve got one made-up word for you: HitchSwitch. This service lets you skip the lines and change your name online in three simple steps. Queue-free is the way to be! \n5. __Discuss a prenup.__ Prenups aren’t for everyone, but they aren’t just for celebrities either. A prenup can protect both you and your soon-to-be spouse in the event of a divorce, and it's prudent if either of you has significant assets.\n\nYou should consider doing all of the above tasks, but definitely don’t skip the first three! What’s a bit of paperwork when it’s getting you one step closer to the best day of your life?\n\n## Wedding Planning Questions\n \nThroughout the process of planning your wedding, you’re bound to have many, many questions. We’ve organized a few pertinent ones for you to ask your venue, your vendors, and yourself.\n\n__Ask Your Venue__\n\n- What are the event space options?\n- How much is your deposit and rental rate?\n- How many hours will I have the space?\n- What services are included in my booking?\n- Can I bring in my own vendors?\n- What’s your parking situation?\n- When can I book?\n- What happens if I have to cancel?\n\n__Ask Your Vendors__\n\n- Can I see samples of your previous work?\n- Based on my budget, what services would you suggest for me?\n- How many weddings have you done?\n- What’s your cancellation policy?\n- Is a tip included in your contract?\n\n__Ask Yourself__\n\n- Am I clearly communicating with my partner throughout this process?\n- Am I staying true to my wedding vision when possible and compromising when necessary?\n- Am I making the most of all my resources?\n- Am I making time to connect with my partner and not talk about wedding planning?\n\nLucky for you, you're planning a wedding in the age of the internet. If you have a wedding planning question, it’s likely already been asked and answered on a wedding forum. Wedding-specific discussion threads and blogs can be a great resource for wedding planning because you can learn from the struggles and successes of other couples. You can also join our [Zola Community](https://www.facebook.com/groups/zolacommunity/) on Facebook, where newlyweds often share detailed recaps of their big days and the lessons they learned while planning their own weddings.\n\nAnd it goes without saying, but you can always ask us anything! Team-Z lives to answer your wedding questions. Email us at advisor@zola.com with what’s on your mind or visit the [Advisor page](https://www.zola.com/advisor) for more details!\n\n## Real Weddings\n \n[Real Weddings](https://www.zola.com/faq/360004190072-what-is-zola-s-real-weddings-) is the destination for engaged couples planning a wedding and searching for vendors. We created this platform so you can get inspired by the real weddings of couples like you!\n\nYou’ll find professional wedding photos, decked-out venues, magical fairyland dance floors, on-trend wedding cakes…we could go on and on, and you will too. Of course, that’s not to say there are no organizational features — you know us better than that by now. Our gallery can be searched by keyword and filtered by season, style, venue type, location, and color.\n\nThe best part? All the stunning images you see on Real Weddings feature real vendors. As in, best-in-class vendors that you can hire for your own wedding, tagged for your convenience. Simply glance to the right of your favorite photos and click on a vendor to view their Zola profile, complete with:\n\n- Verified reviews from Zola users\n- Rates\n- A gallery of their work\n- Biography\n- Location\n- Summary of services\n- Contact and social media information\n\nYou can either reach out right away or save them to your favorites list for later.\n\nFun fact: We’re always accepting new submissions from wedding photographers. If you ask yours to send us photos from your wedding, your special day can earn a place in the Real Weddings gallery.\n\n__Summary__\n\nWedding planning is only as complicated as you make it.\n\nYour wedding can be big or small, simple or extravagant. What's important is that you stick to your budget, mind those checklists, and cultivate a wedding day atmosphere that makes you happy.\n\nAfter all, once the planning is complete and you're walking down that beautifully decorated aisle as your loved ones cheer, all that really matters is the person you’re walking toward.\n\nWe may be biased, but Zola is an invaluable one-stop shop for all your wedding planning needs. Once you pop the question or say yes, hop onto our website and [create a free account](https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-planning).\n\nFrom there, you’ll have access to all the tools, checklists, expert advice, and other wedding planning necessities we just explored. The best part? We’ll even help you figure out what to do with all those [wedding leftovers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-leftovers) and send thank-you notes to your guests and gift-givers. Planning your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we're here for you every step of the way!\n\n__FAQs__\n\n__Where do I start with the wedding planning process?__\n\nStart with the wedding planning basics: your budget, checklist, vision, and \nvenue. \n\n__What wedding planning tools should I use?__\n\nZola! Yes, that’s us. Here’s everything you’ll need: wedding planning [checklist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/checklist), budget tracker, [registry creator](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry), wedding website creator, venue and vendor marketplace, invitation shop, [guest list tracker](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests), [seating chart organizer](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-seating-chart), and [expert advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice).\n\n__What are all the steps in the wedding planning journey?__\n\nThe main steps of wedding planning include budgeting, creating a guest list and seating chart, sending invitations, creating a registry, finding a venue and vendors, making a wedding website, getting your marriage license, and putting together a timeline and checklists to keep track of everything. Check out our [15-step wedding planning guide](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding) for more!\n\n__How can I simplify wedding planning?__\nA simple wedding isn’t as elusive as it seems, and organization is key to streamlining your wedding planning process. If things start feeling too complicated, regroup and scale back. Ultimately, your wedding day is about marrying the one you love. What's simpler than that?","tag":"How To","updatedAt":"2024-02-07T18:02:05.075Z"}]}},"userAgent":"Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)","userCtx":{"object_id":"688d06a8b977c61d72677e3f","is_spoof":false,"has_registry":false,"has_wedding_account":false,"has_website":false,"has_guest_list":false,"has_inspiration_account":false,"has_invitation_account":false,"has_marketplace_account":false,"has_completed_onboarding":false,"has_store_account":false,"has_baby_registry":false,"is_inspiration_vendor":false,"is_inspiration_admin":false,"has_board_items":false,"is_guest":true,"user_experiments":{"post-general-planning-quick-start-guide-v3":{"key":"post-general-planning-quick-start-guide-v3","state":"CONTROL","variation_key":"TEST-0"},"hdyhau-subway":{"key":"hdyhau-subway","state":"TEST","variation_key":"TEST"},"unbounce-std-onboard-landing":{"key":"unbounce-std-onboard-landing","state":"TEST","variation_key":"TEST-1"},"unbounce-design-website-mobile":{"key":"unbounce-design-website-mobile","state":"CONTROL","variation_key":"TEST-0"},"marketplace_featured_vendors_holdout":{"key":"marketplace_featured_vendors_holdout","state":"NOT_IN_TEST","variation_key":"NOT_IN_TEST"},"improve-mweb-postauth-nav-products-2":{"key":"improve-mweb-postauth-nav-products-2","state":"CONTROL","variation_key":"TEST-0"},"unbounce-design-homepage-mobile":{"key":"unbounce-design-homepage-mobile","state":"CONTROL","variation_key":"TEST-0"},"cart-drawer-paypal-colors":{"key":"cart-drawer-paypal-colors","state":"CONTROL","variation_key":"TEST-0"},"marketplace-inquiry-copy-update":{"key":"marketplace-inquiry-copy-update","state":"CONTROL","variation_key":"TEST-0"},"payment-intent-vendor-upgrade-ramp":{"key":"payment-intent-vendor-upgrade-ramp","state":"TEST","variation_key":"TEST"},"paper-samples-favorites-remove-customization":{"key":"paper-samples-favorites-remove-customization","state":"TEST","variation_key":"TEST-1"},"session-replay-sample-rate":{"key":"session-replay-sample-rate","state":"NOT_IN_TEST","variation_key":"NOT_IN_TEST"},"marketplace-zendesk-chat":{"key":"marketplace-zendesk-chat","state":"TEST","variation_key":"TEST"},"recaptcha-refactor":{"key":"recaptcha-refactor","state":"TEST","variation_key":"TEST"}}}},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/expert-advice/topic/[slug]/[subtopicSlug]","query":{"page":"6","slug":"wedding-planning-101","subtopicSlug":"wedding-planning-questions"},"buildId":"web-preauth-c236b2113aad2fea07cdf01f8992b20527b3a95c","assetPrefix":"https://d1tntvpcrzvon2.cloudfront.net/vpassets","runtimeConfig":{"APP_VERSION":"1.3.96","MIXPANEL_PROJECT_TOKEN":"7a536271a9739a74faec2d35adf1748f","SEGMENT_ID":"5uA1DSKtOVYOwQFc8VmVrXWt5PioMQla","UPLOADCARE_PKEY":"bed481ea2bef6baf44de","ZOLA_ENV":"production","FLAGS":{"PAPER_LP_SAMPLE_PACK_SECTION":false,"enableDatadog":true},"BABY_HOST":"https://baby.zola.com"},"isFallback":false,"gssp":true,"customServer":true,"scriptLoader":[]}