Most people actually put a lot of time and effort into planning their weddings. So, if you are about to plan your wedding, be sure to read the following advice.

Understand that religious faith will influence both what your wedding looks like and your relationship going forward. Religious beliefs or the lack of religion should be discussed well before marriage.

When wedding planning, think about what alcohol you want to serve, how you want to serve it, and try to be cost efficient. Open bar is the most expensive option, and the longer the bar is open, the more expensive it becomes. Ask about the different serving options your venue offers regarding alcohol.

Wedding dresses are not cheap. If you are not looking for a traditional, princess type ballgown, consider looking into other types of dresses. You could get a bridesmaid’s dress, and it would be just a fraction of the cost. Even if you factor in the cost of style alterations, the overall cost could be less.

The pictures you will have taken on your wedding day are meant to be a memento of your happy day for a lifetime. Therefore, it is very important to hire the best professional you can afford.

Instead of one large, expensive wedding cake, consider serving cupcakes or several small cakes. Alternatively, consider something like low-fat cupcakes, gluten-free cake, fruit-filled low calorie cakes, or other such healthy alternatives.

Do not crowd tables with too many flowers. Oftentimes, those flowers are simply in the way for your wedding attendees. In addition, some guests could be allergic to flowers. Try putting some scent free candles on your wedding tables.

Have a mid-afternoon wedding reception. Three or four o’clock is ideal. People don’t tend to overdo it on the alcohol during this time of day, which saves you money on beer. In addition, a lunch reception is less expensive than a dinner one would be. You can either keep the savings or splurge for more expensive items.

You’ll want to be able to dim the lighting at the wedding reception. Although this may seem trivial, you want the option of having a low-light setting during your first dance and a more brighter setting for the rest of the celebration. Talk to the venue owner about the light settings. Don’t rent a venue that doesn’t have the settings you want.

It is a good idea to plan for an even number of guests at each table, since people tend to pair off in conversations. To keep table conversations flowing, group the people you have sitting at the tables by their age.

If your wedding cake is a more colorful one that easily serves as the star of the show at your reception, after you and your new spouse of course, consider having it displayed sitting on a piece of fabric that coordinates with the colors in the cake. Whether you use a solid piece of fabric or opt for one with a pattern, choosing the right material can help attract your guests’ attention and create a more stunning visual display. Consider the fabric’s texture as well as its color when choosing display fabrics.

If you and your spouse love a similar thing such as travel, incorporate it into your wedding theme and decorations. Save-the-date notices and invitations are available in styles that resemble passports, boarding passes or vintage postcards. On the date, a vintage suitcase can be used as a display piece. Simply fill it with favors, photos, or wedding programs and prop it open in a prominent location.

As an example, why not try a fusion menu with contemporary dishes that everyone enjoys? Throw in a bit of ethic themes with special desserts and drinks.

Dress children in comfortable clothes if they are in your ceremony. Choose fabrics that are soft against the skin and that fit without bunching or pinching. The children’s new shoes should be broken in and comfortable. Attention to this detail will give the children a chance to focus on their role in the wedding as opposed to fidgeting with their outfit.

If you do not want a big wedding, Vegas may be for you. However, if a big family wedding is what you have always dreamed of, the information you read in the article above will surely help you to plan the wedding of your dreams, that you can be proud of for years to come.