Weddings turn some people into nutcases who inflict things on friends and family in ways they wouldn’t dream of in any other context.  Your friends and family will likely go along with any goofy idea you come up with merely to keep the peace.  But do you really want to be known as the person who caused a wedding debacle that will go down as legend in the local folklore?  Consider each wedding ceremony idea very carefully before you include it in your plan, and ensure to follow these important tips.

Key Wedding Ceremony Idea #1 – Start On Time

Contrary to whatever quaint rule of thumb you may have heard in the past, it is absolutely not ok or “hip” to be late to your own wedding.  Your guests, wedding party, and vendors have lives and schedules of their own, and it is extremely rude to presume that they want to sit around waiting for you to get the show started.  Making people wait is a great way to cloud how they will remember the entire affair.  Always show respect to the people you are sharing your special moment with, even if it is supposed to be “your” special moment.

Key Wedding Ceremony Idea #2 – Provide Enough Seating for Your Guests

Your wedding guests are not a fan club, salivating at the chance to stand around in the 102 degree heat while watching your photography session.  Make sure that you have provided ample seating for all guests who will attend the ceremony, and if it will be outdoors be sure to provide cold drinks for everyone’s comfort.  You may be busy the entire time, but remember that there will be times that your guests are waiting for you.  Make sure they can be as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Key Wedding Ceremony Idea #3 – Choose Appropriate Music

If you are getting married in a church then your selections may be restricted or even dictated to you.  However, if your venue is more flexible it is a good idea to choose from traditionally accepted wedding music.  Save the Etta James rendition of “At Last” for that first married dance at the reception.  It is fine to show a little personality, but if you choose something too far from the mark you may find your guests snickering at you after the ceremony.

Key Wedding Ceremony Idea #4 – Do Not Take Advantage of Your Friends

Many of us know someone who is talented on the piano or organ, or DJ’s parties on the side, or owns a local bakery.  Leveraging your connections and relationships is a valuable part of life, and if there are people who can help provide a service for your wedding ceremony then there is no reason you are expected to turn away their help.  That said, do NOT make sweeping impositions on a friend such as asking them to spend 3 hours entertaining your guests for free.  Be gracious in asking favors, and make sure there is a polite way for the friend to decline if they don’t feel comfortable.

Key Wedding Ceremony Idea #5 – Handle Mishaps With Grace

The term “bridezilla” is thrown around a lot these days, often with a cheerful smirk.  Wanting the perfect day to go off without a hitch is one thing, being an obsessive nightmare who makes your close friends and relatives miserable is something very different.  There absolutely WILL be some things that do not go exactly as planned at the wedding.  How you handle these minor mishaps will ring loudly in the minds of your guests for years to come.  (Especially if you handle them poorly.)

Mistakes will happen even with the best of planning.  With so many details to coordinate and people to direct, the odds are significant that there will be some glitch.  If you approach the day expecting perfection, you will be disappointed, and that attitude will shine forth for all to see.  Have fun!  Try not to take these things too seriously.  Some mistakes become amusing stories that will be told for years to come.  As you evaluate each wedding ceremony idea, ask yourself a key question.  Is this something that will bring people closer together at my wedding, or set them apart?  Sometimes you will realize that traditions are kept for a reason.