While expensive, a formal wedding is a classic and can be expensive. Below are tips to help you plan a formal wedding.
1. Venue and Location
- Venue Style: Choose a classic, elegant venue, such as a luxury hotel, ballroom, historic estate, or a grand church.
- Capacity: Formal weddings tend to have a larger guest list, so ensure the venue has ample space and accommodates all your guests comfortably.
- Decor: Think sophisticated decor like chandeliers, fine linens, and floral arrangements. Keep the colors elegant and cohesive, such as ivory, gold, navy, or deep burgundy.
2. Attire and Dress Code
- Bride’s Attire: Opt for a traditional white or ivory gown, often with a long train and detailed lace or beading.
- Groom’s Attire: A tuxedo or formal suit, complete with a bowtie or long tie.
- Guest Attire: Typically a black-tie or semi-formal dress code. Let your guests know if formal attire is required, as some may not be sure what to wear.
3. Invitations and Stationery
- Formal Invitations: Use traditional, elegant invitations with formal language, like “request the honor of your presence.”
- Save the Dates and Programs: Printed and well-designed to match the formality of the event. These could include ceremony programs, menus, and place cards.
4. Ceremony and VowsTraditional Ceremony: Depending on your beliefs, you may have a religious ceremony (e.g., in a church or temple) or a secular but traditional one, following formal scripts and rituals.
- Vows: Often more traditional, either written by you or from a set script. You can still include personal touches, but many couples prefer to keep the vows formal and concise.
5. Reception and Catering
- Seated Dinner: A formal sit-down dinner with multiple courses is typical. This includes a formal toast, plated meals, and a set schedule for speeches.
- Music: Classical or orchestral music during the ceremony and possibly a live band or DJ for the reception.
- Cake: A large, elegant wedding cake with intricate designs (such as fondant or royal icing).
6. Timeline and Organization
- Set Schedule: A formal wedding follows a set schedule: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, and dancing. Everyone should know their roles and timing well in advance.
- Vendor Coordination: Hire professional vendors (event planners, photographers, caterers, florists) to handle every detail, ensuring the event runs smoothly.
- Rehearsal: A formal rehearsal dinner is often necessary to go over the ceremony details, seating arrangements, and other logistics.
7. Entertainment and Dancing
- First Dance: A choreographed first dance or a classic slow dance.
8. Live Entertainment: A live band or a professional DJ that can play a mix of timeless and current songs