Wedding Planning Archives - Page 4 of 4

Renting A Restaurant For A Wedding

Today, we’re going to be taking a closer look at renting a restaurant for a wedding. But first, we must look at some important deciding factors when choosing a venue. For example, what’s the cost? How do you find one? We’ll be answering all of those questions today.

Having a Restaurant Wedding Reception

When you’re renting a restaurant for your wedding/wedding reception, there are a few things you may want to consider and decide on when choosing your venue.

You may choose a restaurant for your wedding reception because it has sentimental value for you and your partner. For example, it may be where you and your partner got engaged. Or, it may be because wedding receptions at restaurants can actually be the cheaper option, depending on where you choose. This is great if you’re working on a tight budget.

Tips on Deciding on a Venue

Here’s a few things to consider when you’re choosing your dream venue:

Budget – Before you even begin your search, have a budget in mind for how much you’re able to spend. The price will depend on how much space you’d like, how many guests you have, which day you have your wedding on, and if you’d like exclusive use of the venue. This can all be discussed with the manager/events organizer of the restaurant usually. Be firm with your budget once you’ve decided on an amount.
Décor – Restaurants are already set up in their own design. It may be tricky to make your wedding reception feel authentically yours if you aren’t able to put up decorations or add some wedding flourishes. Be sure to check if you can do this before you book; especially if it’s important to you.
Parking – At a wedding, most people will be driving to you. Be sure to check that there’s enough parking spaces available for your wedding party. This is especially important if you have lots of guests.
Food – You’ve likely chosen a restaurant because you and your partner are big foodies. If you’re choosing a restaurant you’ve not been to before, make sure you sample the food! This one should go without saying, but you don’t want to book a venue and then find the food isn’t to your liking.
Cake – A traditional wedding cake is important to some couples. However, some restaurants may not allow you to serve food at their establishment. An alternative to this is asking if the restaurant can provide a wedding cake for you.

Most of these tips are all about good communication with your chosen venue. As long as you feel comfortable with your point of contact at the venue – everything should run smoothly.

Cost of a Restaurant Wedding Reception

There’s no doubt about it, depending on which restaurant you choose – restaurant wedding receptions can be expensive! Whenever a wedding is mentioned, prices usually skyrocket. For example, if you ask a bakery for a wedding cake, as opposed to a birthday cake – they’ll often charge you more, even for the same style cake!

So if you’re researching how many restaurants are, be sure to tell them it’s a wedding – as they just might have an additional charges. It’s frustrating but necessary to tell them.

It’s impossible to give you a price of how much you’re reception would cost without knowing where you’re booking. Depending on which area you’d like the restaurant to be in, the size of your venue, and how many guests you have, are all deciding factors on how much it will end up costing.

Value Penguin have estimates for each type of wedding venue – restaurants included! They estimate that if you’re wanting something more modest, you’ll be looking at around $2,000. If you’re wanting something more extravagant, it can be around $22,000. The difference is astounding!

Restaurants to Have a Wedding Reception

But how do you find out which restaurants offer a wedding reception service without manually having to research every restaurant? Well, you don’t have to worry about that as there are plenty of search tools online to make the whole process easier for you.

Wedding Wire is a great search tool. All you need to do is enter your selected area and it will list all available options – it really is that simple. You can enter your chosen date, how many guests, the settings, and amenities. Ones that match your chosen requirements then show up with contact details.

What I love about this website is that it also has a section to support diversity when narrowing your selection down. This may be important if you’re a same-sex couple and would like your reception to be owned by members of the LGBTQ+ community.

This website isn’t just open for the US, it’s international too. So wherever you are in the world, this website is a fantastic tool.

If Wedding Wire isn’t for you, try not to worry – there’s a plethora of search tools. Google is your oyster!

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you learn more about renting a restaurant for a wedding. It can feel overwhelming searching for a venue, especially if you don’t have a wedding planner. Maybe set aside half an hour every evening with your partner to look at venues. It’s important not to do too much in one sitting – it can feel tiresome and like a chore; we certainly don’t want that.

The most important part of your choice is cost, so before you start your searching – keep that price in mind. And remember to enjoy the planning. It’ll be the big day before you know it. Planning was one of my favorite parts of getting married – but I do love organizing things!

Did you have your wedding/wedding reception in a restaurant? Or do you have an upcoming wedding planned in one? What were the deciding factors when choosing your venue? I would love to know. Please feel free to leave your answers in the comments below.

Types Of Wedding Receptions

Today, we’re going to be looking at the different types of wedding receptions you may like to choose – whatever your budget may be. From the time of day, to which mealtime you’re eating it – there’s a lot to sort when planning your big day. I’m here to show you the types of receptions you could have, and make it easier for you! Let’s take a closer look.

Wedding Reception Formats

There are a range of formats available, ranging from formal to more casual. I went for something in the middle; a choice of 3 main meals you were served at a buffet, and then went to sit at your designated table. However, let’s look at some options you may like.

Sit-Down Meal

The most “traditional” is the sit-down meal. Whereby your food is brought out to you, almost like you’re at a restaurant. It brings an extra piece of luxury to your wedding and is a great way to treat your guests. It’s usually a 3-course meal, but it can be as many, or as few courses as you’d like.

If you’re the couple, it gives you plenty of time to chat to your guests in a calm environment and really make the most of your day, in between the hustle and bustle. Getting married really is tiring! The downside to the sit-down meal is that they’re always the most expensive option. A large portion of your budget would have to be put aside if you’re looking for a 3-course meal for every guest.

Buffet

A cheaper alternative is the buffet. While the food isn’t brought out to you, you still get to spend most of the time sitting down! What I love about buffets is how many choices you have. It’s great if you have a lot of guests with dietary requirements or fussy eaters, as there will be something for everyone.

Another bonus is that there’s so many options to choose from now. Hog roast, BBQ, traditional meals – you can serve anything at a buffet. While it may not be as luxurious as a sit-down meal, the food is usually just as tasty. And the guests often just as happy.

Afternoon Tea

If you’re not looking to be traditional in any way at your wedding, afternoon tea is becoming increasingly popular with recent weddings. Finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and desserts – your guests will certainly be happy. My mom opted for afternoon tea at her wedding and it went down a treat. You can add a glass of champagne/prosecco for every guest to add a bit of luxury for your guests.

If you’re on a tight budget, afternoon tea is a great substitute for a sit-down meal. However, due to how small most of the food is, you may have a few hungry guests later. But that’s nothing a few chips and dips won’t sort out once the party begins!

Hors D’oeuvres/Cocktails

If you like snacking on food with a glass of something alcoholic in one hand, this is the perfect option for you. If you like to talk and want your guests to mingle, this is a great suggestion. It’s also a good idea if you have a lot of guests – that way you can accommodate more people as you won’t need as many tables.

While the price of this one is inviting because of how little you’ll need to buy – again, you may end up with hungry guests in the evening. And not just hungry ones, drunk ones too. If you have an early wedding, this may not be the best option as people may be drunk from very early on in the day.

Brunch

If you’re an early riser, or a nervous bridge/groom – a brunch may be a good idea. You can get married nice and early, then have a brunch with your loved ones. You can really make it fancy, with breakfast items like eggs benedict and mini pastries. Mimosas are the perfect brunch-time drink. You can have a break before the evening party and enjoy the first few hours of married life once you’ve finished eating. Some couples may enjoy this break.

However, if you don’t want to rush getting ready and leisurely enjoy your day, this may not be the right choice for you.

Wedding Reception Styles

There are a range of wedding reception styles you can choose from. And whether you want your reception formal, or something a bit more out there – there’s something for everyone. A few style ideas to consider are:

Romantic – soft lighting, elegant flowers, light colors
Alternative – bright lights, jam jars as centerpieces, copper/gold tones
Chic – lace tablecloths, flower drapes, bunting
Disney – do I need to explain this one? The theme of my wedding was Disney!
Vintage – as long as it looks old and well-loved, anything can be vintage
Modern – block colors, simplistic designs
Whimsical – bright, bold colors, multicolor flowers, balloons – the crazier the better
Rustic – pastel flowers, hessian, jars – anything boho chic

Whatever your style, there’s something for everyone. This article from Brides has a great selection of styles to get you started on your dream wedding.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you see the types of wedding receptions you can have, and how many there are available. This list is by no means exhaustive either. The most important thing to decide before you start is your budget. If your budget is on the smaller side, some options may not be available to you.

You could even have a mix of receptions! You could have a sit-down meal in the daytime and a buffet in the evening. There’s no set rules at so what you should have at your wedding. The most important part is that you and your partner are happy…and enjoy the food, of course!

If you’ve had your wedding, what reception did you go for? If you’re waiting to get married, what are you hoping to have? Let me know in the comments below.

How Many Bottles Of Wine For A Wedding?

A question that comes up time and time again when planning your wedding is, “how many bottles of wine for a wedding?”. There’s a range of factors to take into account when making this decision. And in reality, it really is down to the couple how much they provide on the day.

Me and my husband rarely drink, and both our families know that, so our wedding tables had one bottle of red and bottle of white between 6-8 people. You may not even want to provide alcohol on your big day. Although it’s seen as traditional, it’s your wedding and you can choose what you spend your budget on.

Let’s take a closer look at how to work out how much you’ll need.

How Much Wine to Buy for a Wedding

There are a number of factors to decide on first.

How many glass(es) would you like each guest to have? – Just one, half a bottle, a bottle each? The choice is entirely yours.
Would like red, white, or rose wine? – Guests often prefer a mix. Everyone will always have their favorites. If you’re struggling to decide, add an option of what each guest would prefer on your RSVP slip; that way little will go to waste!
Would you like it put out in the center of the table for guests to serve themselves? – Some people prefer to keep it behind the bar and be brought out throughout the night, or others prefer it in the center of each table for guests to help themselves.
How many guests are you having? – This is definitely the most important question. Until you know the answer to this, it’s almost impossible to predict how much wine you might need.
Will you pay for all of the guests drinks throughout the night? – You may want to just pay for the first drink or two, or provide wine for the entire reception. There is no expectation and you shouldn’t feel any pressure to do this. Just provide what your budget allows.
Will there be other alcohol besides wine available? – If you’re providing other alcohol besides wine, that’s important to factor in. If you’re purchasing two drinks for each guest and buy it all in wine and beer – you may end up with a lot of leftover alcohol!
What is Your Budget? – Almost as important as how many guests is your budget. If your budget only allows one glass per guest, that is absolutely fine and you shouldn’t feel as though you have to provide more.

How Much Wine for a Party of 100?

As we’ve seen, it really all comes down to the individuals, but we’ll take a look at the “average” wedding of 100 guests and the wine you’ll need.

So we’ll say you have 100 guests who all drink wine. The average amount of wine given is around half a bottle per guest (0.5 of a bottle). You can change this depending on how much, or how little your wedding guests are likely to drink. Take it down to 1/3 (0.33 of a bottle), or up to 2/3 (0.66 of a bottle) accordingly.

We’ll do the first calculation based on each guest having half a bottle. All you do is:

100 (guests) x 0.5 (half a bottle of wine each) = 50 (bottles of wine total)

If you’re wanting to give your guests 1/3 of a bottle each (which is the ratio I gave at my wedding), it would be worked out like this:

100 (guests) x 0.33 (1/3 of a bottle of wine each) = 33 (bottles of wine total)

It really is as easy as that! You may want to add on a bottle or two extra. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my own wedding and weddings I’ve attended – there will be spillages. And it’s always best to be prepared for the inevitable. That way your guests will still get their quota, even if there a few spillages. Hey, there’s usually lots of drunk, happy people having a good time – it’s to be expected.

Wedding Wine Calculator

If you’d prefer for a calculator to work it all out for you and the “recommended” amount of wine depending on how long your reception is, you may want to try a wedding wine calculator. There’s a ton available online that will all provide a slightly different outcome – no two seem to be the same!

I’ve chosen the Majestic Wine Calculator to share with you as it’s quick, easy to navigate, and has recommended amounts of drinks per guest, per hour.

They suggest that for a 2-hour event, you should be providing 3 drinks. If this was the case, for 100 guests having 3 drinks, you’d need 30 bottles of white wine and 30 bottles of red wine (60 total). It’s a great calculator that I’d highly recommend using, even if you don’t follow the “recommended” amounts.

It also has lager, champagne, sparkling wine, and bitter options too – so you can really input all of your information in and get answers as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to answer the question of how many bottles of wine for a wedding? It really can be a minefield, and just remember there shouldn’t be a set expectation from your guests as to how much wine they should have – they’re just there to share your special day with you both.

Whether you’re a big drinker, an irregular drinker, or don’t drink at all – plan your wedding drinks around what suits you and your partner best. Weddings can become so overwhelming, so don’t let something like arranging wine become stressful for you. It’s super easy to work out!

How much wine did you have at your wedding? Or how much wine do you plan to have at your upcoming wedding? Do you think there should be an expected amount? I think this is a really interesting topic and I’d love to know your thoughts. Please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Read more about Feminist Wedding Ceremony Script.

Best Time Of Day To Have A Wedding

When it comes to wedding planning, there are so many different things to take into consideration. One of the biggest decisions will be deciding what time to have your wedding. Knowing the best time of day to have a wedding can help you decide the perfect time for your big day.

Choosing a wedding time can be tricky, as you want to make sure all your venues can accommodate the date and time you choose. In addition, you want the time to be convenient for your guests. You want to minimize the time your guests need to take off work and travel.

Best Time of Day to Have a Wedding

The best time of day for a wedding ceremony will vary according to the day of your wedding. In addition, some places will offer discounts for weddings on Sundays or weekdays, as they are not as popular months. Certain venues may even offer discounts for winter weddings as they are not as popular.

Best Time to Have a Wedding on a Friday

If you are planning on having your wedding on a Friday, the best time to have your ceremony is in the evening. Choosing an evening time, such as 6 or 7 p.m. will give your guests time to plan accordingly after work.

In addition, having an evening wedding on a Friday can help minimize the time out-of-town guests need to travel. By having an evening wedding, they will likely only have to take one or two days off of work.

Best Time to Have a Wedding on a Saturday

Saturday is the most popular day to have a wedding. For out-of-town guests, they are able to travel in the night before your wedding and likely won’t have to take any time off. In addition, you don’t have to worry about most people working the next day.

For Saturdays, the best time to do a wedding is in the afternoon or evening. Saturdays give you more flexibility in the time of day you can have your wedding. Depending on your preferences, anytime from 1 p.m.- 7 p.m. is an ideal time for your wedding.

Oftentimes 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. are the most popular times to have a Saturday wedding. This gives your guests that are traveling plenty of time to arrive at your wedding. In addition, this allows you to have dinner after your ceremony and then your reception at night, which is great for those who love to party.

Saturday mornings can also be a great time for a wedding. If you don’t plan on having your reception be a big party, 11 a.m. can be an ideal time for a Saturday ceremony. Lunch can follow your ceremony and you will have plenty of time to get pictures during the daylight, no matter the season.

Best Time to Have a Wedding on a Sunday

If you are planning on having a Sunday ceremony, the best time to have your wedding is morning or afternoon. This will give your guests from out-of-town plenty of time to travel home after your wedding.

For Sunday, anytime between 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. is an ideal time for a wedding. You can incorporate lunch after your wedding or even stick with just hors’ devours. Evening weddings can also work for Sundays, but people will likely not be able to stay out as late as they would for a Friday or Saturday wedding.

Best Time to Have a Wedding During the Week

Some people will choose to have their wedding on a weekday since they can get discounts from venues. However, not all venues operate during the week.

If you have your wedding on a weekday, it is best to go with a late afternoon or early evening ceremony. This will be easier for the majority of your guests. However, it is important to note some guests will not be able to attend your ceremony if it is during the week.

Benefits of Each Time of Day

Each time of day comes with its own benefits when it comes to deciding on a ceremony time. By knowing these benefits, it can help you decide which time of day is right for you.

Benefits of a Morning Wedding

Having a morning wedding allows you to take pictures at sunrise, prior to the ceremony. This will allow for some truly breathtaking shots. In addition, some venues will be cheaper for morning weddings between 9 a.m.-11 am.

For morning weddings, you can opt to serve brunch or lunch after your ceremony. You will likely have a smaller budget for alcohol, as people won’t be drinking as much in the morning.

Some people will make their wedding into an all-day-long event. This is a great way to celebrate for as long as possible, but it can get very expensive to rent venues out for an entire day.

Benefits of an Afternoon Wedding

Afternoon weddings can be a great option as they are a more ideal time for families. You can serve lunch afterward or even just serve hors’ devours, which will save money.

Some people will take a break between the wedding and reception that is a few hours long. This will allow the reception to be held at night, allowing for a party.

Benefits of an Evening Wedding

Having a wedding in the evening will give you plenty of time to get ready and take pictures. In addition, you can even get some stunning sunset pictures after your ceremony.

At an evening wedding, you can have dinner following your ceremony. You can then spend the rest of your night celebrating with your guests.

In addition, an evening wedding will give your guests ample time to arrive at the ceremony location. This can make things easier for guests who are traveling from far away.

Deciding on What Time Should You Get Married

Figuring out when is the best time to get married is a big decision. The best time will vary depending on the day of the week. For Fridays, evenings are best, for Saturdays, any time works well and for Sundays, mornings and afternoons are best.

Do you have any questions on the best time of day to have a wedding? If so, please ask your wedding planning questions in the comment section below.

Read more about How To Make Corsages For Weddings.

Courthouse Wedding Ceremony Script

No matter how you plan your wedding, whether big or small, it is still a special day. If you are planning something simple, you will want a courthouse wedding ceremony script that is fitting for you and your partner. Having a courthouse wedding is simple, but can still be just as romantic as an extravagant wedding.

Many people opt to have a courthouse wedding because it is more affordable and intimate. Oftentimes, there will only be a handful of guests attending and the ceremony will be short. Having a civil ceremony can be a great option for a lot of couples.

Courthouse Wedding Ceremony Script

Just like any wedding ceremony, you will have a script for your courthouse wedding. Some people will keep their courthouse marriage vows traditional, whereas others prefer to make it more personal. In addition, some people choose to only do the vows, whereas others also like to include a small reading as well.

No matter how you plan your courthouse wedding, you will need at least one, in some cases two, witnesses. The witnesses must be at least 18 years old.

Though many people opt to have their civil wedding at the courthouse of their hometown, not everyone does. In fact, your civil ceremony might not even take place in a courthouse, it could even happen at a wedding chapel.

Courthouse Wedding Vows

When it comes to a wedding, it is important you and your partner agree on the vows you want. No matter if you want personal or traditional, it is important that you both agree on them. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from, as the American Marriage Ministries has multiple court-approved and couple-approved courthouse wedding ceremony scripts.

American Marriage Ministries Vows Option One

The following vows are written by American Marriage Ministries and are a common choice for civil ceremonies.

“I [Partner A], take you [Partner B] to be my wife (husband), my partner in life, and my one true love.

I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before.

I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you,

loving you faithfully through good times and bad,

regardless of the obstacles we may face together.

I give you my hand, my heart, and my love,

from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.”

Partner A repeats the vows line by line.
Officiant to partner B:

“Repeat after me:
I [Partner A], take you [Partner B] to be my wife(husband), my partner in life, and my one true love.

I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before.

I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you,

loving you faithfully through good times and bad,

regardless of the obstacles we may face together.

I give you my hand, my heart, and my love,

from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.”

American Marriage Ministries Vows Option Two

The following vows are written by the American Marriage Ministries and are commonly used for courthouse weddings.

“Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

If so answer ‘I do’.”

Partner A Says ‘I Do’.
Officiant To Partner B

“Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live? If so answer I do.”

Partner B Says ‘I Do’.”

American Marriage Ministries Vows Option Three

These vows are by the American Marriage Ministries and can easily be customized to you and your partner.

“Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, please face each other and join both your hands.”

The couple does as instructed.
Officiant to Partner A:

“[Partner A], please repeat after me:

I, [Partner A], take you, [Partner B], to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you all the days of my life.”

Officiant to Partner B:

“[Partner B], please repeat after me:

I [Partner B], take you, [Partner A], to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you all the days of my life.”

Officiant to Partner A:

“[Partner A], have you any special words you’d like to say to [Partner B]?”

Partner A recites their vows.
Officiant to Partner B:

“[Partner B], have you any special words you’d like to share with [Partner A]?”

Partner B recites their vows.”

Civil Ceremony Wedding Vows

Having a civil ceremony is a wonderful option for many couples. It is convenient, intimate, and affordable. Though most civil ceremonies do happen in courthouses, there are plenty of other places that you can have them as well.

Just like any wedding ceremony, you want to have a ceremony script planned out with the vows you plan on saying. Fortunately, the American Marriage Ministries provides wedding scripts that are specifically designed for civil weddings, making your job much easier. You can opt for the more traditional vows or go for a more customizable option.

When choosing your vows, make sure that you and your partner agree on them. It is important you both decide on something that will be meaningful to both of you as a couple. Your wedding is a special day, so you want to choose vows that will make the day memorable.

Do you have any questions regarding finding a courthouse wedding ceremony script? If so, please ask any questions relating to courthouse weddings and vows down below in the comment section.

Read more about Wedding Readings For Blended Families.

Wedding Readings For Blended Families

A wedding is a special time for any couple. For blended families, incorporating everyone can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, there are some great wedding readings for blended families that will make the couple and their kids feel special and loved.

Started a blended family is both exciting and nerve-racking. It can be a big change for your children, as they will now have step-siblings. A meaningful wedding reading can help ease the entire family into the new transition.

Blended Family Wedding Ceremony Script

Planning the ceremony script is an important part of every wedding. Some people prefer to use traditional vows and readings, whereas others opt for personalized vows and modern readings. No matter the route you take, there are many great ways to interpret both families into the ceremony.

For your ceremony script, you can incorporate different aspects of your blended family in wedding readings, poems, and even in your vows. In addition to you are your partner doing vows, you can do vows for your children as well. The vows to your children and step-children can include how you will love and support them all as family.

Blended Family Vows

For blended families, it can be important to incorporate the whole family in the vows. In some cases, the children may want to read vows as well as they are gaining a new family. Fortunately, there are some great vows for the couple and their children as well.

Sample of Vows for Couple

Bride/Groom: I, (name), take you, (name of spouse), to be my beloved spouse. In marriage, I promise to respect, love, honor, and cherish you and our family. I also commit to providing care, support, guidance, and love for (children’s names), promising to be there in both the good times and bad times.

Sample of Vows to the Children

To the Children: I promise to be there for (children’s names) no matter where life takes you. I promise to love, support, and care for (children’s names) no matter the circumstances. No matter what, I promise to be honest, kind, and respectful as grow together as a family.

Blended Family Wedding Poem and Readings

Poems are a great way to show love and affection to your family. They can be a meaningful way to make your wedding even more special for your entire family. They are a great way to further incorporate your children and step-children in the wedding.

Wedding Idea One

“What is REAL?’ asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender before Nana came to tidy the room. ‘Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?’
‘Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When someone loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’
‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit.

‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. ‘When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.’
‘Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,’ he asked, ‘or bit by bit?’

‘ It doesn’t happen all at once,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.’

‘I suppose you are real?’ said the Rabbit. And then he wished he had not said it, for he thought the Skin Horse only smiled.

‘Someone made me Real,’ he said. ‘That was a great many years ago, but once you are Real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.” – The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.

Wedding Idea Two

“Family comes together
For always and forever
In sickness and in health
In poverty or in wealth
Family comes together
For always and forever
Without any reason
Anytime or any season
Family comes together
For always and forever

In death or in life
In happiness or in strife
Family comes together
For always and forever
In anger or in kindness
Whether all-seeing or in blindness
Family comes together
For always and forever
Whether for work or for play
They somehow find a way

For family to come together” – Glaedr the poet

Wedding Idea Three

“To be a part of a family, like mine is so divine where love is shown, hurt is shared, our love for each other is never impaired.

We talk, we laugh, we cry, but we are a family and we do it all together, for as a family we do it all as one.

For we are family, a family full of strength, a family full of love, a family no one can touch, that’s why I love my family so much, my family is my life and always will be forever.”- “I Love My Family So Much” by Filoi Hemopo.

Beautiful and Meaningful Wedding Readings for Blended Families

Having a blended wedding can be nerve-racking, but with the right planning, it can all go smoothly. By incorporating your children in the vows, you are making the ceremony extra meaningful. You are showing that you and your partner love the new family you are starting.

In addition, having poems or readings can add a wonderful touch to your wedding. It is important that your children feel loved and accepted as they become a part of your new blended family. In some cases, they may want to do the readings themselves, whereas some children may prefer to have another family member do them.

Do you have any questions about wedding readings for blended families? If so, please ask any of your blended wedding-related questions in the comment section down below.

Feminist Wedding Ceremony Script

The script is an important part of any wedding ceremony. However, some traditional scripts have become outdated. Having a feminist wedding ceremony script is a wonderful way to have a modern take on your big day.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can personalize your wedding ceremony to make it unique to you and your spouse. You can change any outdated script to have a feminist outtake that is more empowering. There are plenty of ways to modernize your wedding ceremony script that are still meaningful and respectful.

Making Your Wedding Ceremony Script Feminist

A lot goes into planning a wedding. From the venue, catering, dress shopping, and photographer, there are so many things you need to plan out. One of the most important things to plan out is your ceremony script.

Some people choose to keep traditional vows, whereas others opt to write their own. When deciding on the ceremony, it is important you and your spouse agree on how long it should be. Some people prefer a short and sweet ceremony, whereas others like something longer.

When planning your ceremony, there are several aspects you need to take into consideration. There are the vows, readings and some people even opt to also have poems as well. Prior to your wedding, you and your significant other need to plan what all you would like included in your ceremony script.

Feminist Wedding Vows

Whether you are writing your own or using traditional ones, you can easily put your own spin on your vows. By using empowering language, you can not only make it more feminist but also more meaningful.

Eliminate Non-Feminist Language

Traditional vows often contain language that is non-feminist and quite frankly outdated. For example the phrases “Do you promise to honor and obey your husband?” and “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” are not exactly feminist.

Instead of using “obey” opt for saying words such as support and encourage. This is something both partners can say that is meaningful and also a modern take on traditional vows. In addition, ensure the vows are balanced and do away with any implication of possession and power imbalance in the script.

Feminist Wedding Readings

There are plenty of feminist wedding readings you can add to your ceremony that are special and meaningful. They are a great way to instill the love and respect you have for your significant other.

Wedding Reading Idea One

“Loving does not at first mean merging, surrendering, and uniting with another person … Once the realization is accepted that even between the closest people infinite distance exists, a marvelous living side-by-side can grow up for them if they succeed in loving the expanse between them, which gives them the possibility of seeing each other as a whole before an immense sky.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke, from Letters to a Young Poet.

Wedding Reading Option Two

“People are like cities: We all have alleys and gardens and secret rooftops and places where daisies sprout between the sidewalk cracks, but most of the time all we let each other see is is a postcard glimpse of a skyline or a polished square. Love lets you find those hidden places in another person, even the ones they didn’t know were there, even the ones they wouldn’t have thought to call beautiful themselves.” – Hilary T. Smith, from Wild Awake.

Wedding Reading Option Three

“Love is tricky. It is never mundane or daily. You can never get used to it. You have to walk with it, then let it walk with you. You can never balk. It moves you like the tide. It takes you out to sea, then lays you on the beach again. Today’s struggling pain is the foundation for a certain stride through the heavens. You can run from it but you can never say no.” ― Amy Tan, from The Hundred Secret Senses.

Feminist Love Poems

Poems are one of the most romantic aspects you can add to a wedding. They are a beautiful and also special way to express how you feel about your partner.

Love Poem Option One

“To love is not to possess,
To own or imprison,
Nor to lose one’s self in another.
Love is to join and separate,
To walk alone and together,
To find a laughing freedom
That lonely isolation does not permit.
It is finally to be able
To be who we really are
No longer clinging in childish dependency
Nor docilely living separate lives in silence,
It is to be perfectly one’s self
And perfectly joined in permanent commitment
To another–and to one’s inner self.
Love only endures when it moves like waves,
Receding and returning gently or passionately,
Or moving lovingly like the tide
In the moon’s own predictable harmony,
Because finally, despite a child’s scars
Or an adult’s deepest wounds,
They are openly free to be
Who they really are–and always secretly were,
In the very core of their being
Where true and lasting love can alone abide.”

“To Love is Not to Possess” by James Kavanaugh.

Love Poem Option Two

“Leave the dishes.
Let the celery rot in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator
and an earthen scum harden on the kitchen floor.
Leave the black crumbs in the bottom of the toaster.
Throw the cracked bowl out and don’t patch the cup.
Don’t patch anything. Don’t mend. Buy safety pins.
Don’t even sew on a button…
Don’t worry
who uses whose toothbrush or if anything
matches, at all.
Except one word to another. Or a thought.
Pursue the authentic-decide first
what is authentic,
then go after it with all your heart.”

“Advice to Myself” by Louise Erdrich.

Love Poem Option Three

“Search your profile
For a translation
I study the conversation
Like a map
’cause I know there is strength
In the differences between us
And I know there is comfort
Where we overlap”

“Overlap” by Ani DiFranco.

A Romantic and Meaningful Feminist Wedding Ceremony Script

There are many beautiful ways you can update traditional wedding vows and readings to make them more feminist. This can help make your wedding day more meaningful to you and your partner.

Do you have any questions about what to include in a feminist wedding ceremony script? If so, please ask any wedding script questions in the comment section.

Read more about Wedding Ring Tattoos Pros and Cons

Non-Traditional Wedding Readings Of Harry Potter

If you are looking to add something personal to your wedding, non-traditional wedding readings of Harry Potter are a great option. This allows you to choose a reading that is special to you and your partner, instead of opting for traditional readings. There are many passages from the Harry Potter book that make for beautiful readings.

Whether you want something short or long, there are many different options to choose from. Each one is special and is a great way to share your love with your spouse. Whether you are wanting to incorporate Harry Potter into your vows or have a reading, there are many wonderful options to choose from.

Harry Potter Wedding Vows

Many people now choose to make their own vows instead of using traditional ones. This allows them to be more unique and special to the couple. If you are a fan of Harry Potter, there are many special passages you can incorporate into your own vows.

These quotes are great to add to your own vows as you write them. They are magical, romantic, and meaningful, making for some memorable wedding vows. These non-traditional wedding readings of Harry Potter are great for any lovers of the Wizarding World.

Vow Idea #1

“You are protected, in short, by your ability to love!”

Vow Idea #2

“Happiness can be found in the darkest times if one remembers to turn on the light.”

Vow Idea #3

“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”

Vow Idea #4

“It is impossible to manufacture or imitate love.”

Vow Idea #5

“You’ll stay with me?” “Until the very end.”

Vow Idea #6

“Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.”

Vow Idea #7

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”

Vow Idea #8

“Even after all this time?” “Always.”

Harry Potter Wedding Reading

Many people choose to have a reading during their wedding ceremony. This is often a bible passage or a passage from a book that is important to the couple. These wedding readings from Harry Potter are the perfect addition to make any wedding more magical.

Wedding Reading #1

“A chilly breeze that seemed to emanate from the heart of the Forest lifted the hair at Harry’s brow. He knew that they would not tell him to go, that it would have to be his decision.

‘You’ll stay with me?’

‘Until the very end,’ said James.

‘They won’t be able to see you?’ asked Harry.

‘We are part of you,’ said Sirius. ‘Invisible to anyone else.’ Harry looked at his mother.

‘Stay close to me,’ he said quietly.”

And he set off. The dementors’ chill did not overcome him. He passed through it with his companions and they acted like patronuses to him. And together they marched through the old trees that grew closely together, their branches tangled, their roots gnarled and twisted underfoot.

Harry clutched the cloak tightly around him in the darkness, traveling deeper and deeper into the forest with no idea exactly where Voldemort was, but sure that he would find him.

Beside him, making scarcely a sound, walked James, Sirius, Lupin, and Lily. And their presence was his courage, and he was able to keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

Wedding Reading #2

“We’ll be there, Harry,” said Ron
“What?”
“At your Aunt and Uncle’s house,” said Ron, “And then we’ll go with you wherever you’re going.”
“No-” said Harry quickly; he hadn’t counted on this, he had meant them to understand that he was undertaking the most dangerous journey alone.
“You said it once before,” said Hermione quickly, “that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We’ve had time, haven’t we? We’re with you whatever happens.”

Wedding Reading #3

“So then I thought, I’d like you to have something to remember me by, you know if you ever meet some veela when you’re off doing whatever you’re doing.’

I think dating opportunities are going to be pretty thin on the ground, to be honest.’

There’s a silver lining I’ve been looking for,’ she whispered, and then she was kissing him as she never kissed him before, and Harry was kissing her back, and it was a blissful oblivion, better than firewhiskey; she was the only real thing in the world, Ginny, the feel of her, one hand on her back, the other in her long sweet-smelling hair…”

Wedding Reading #4

“There was a clatter as the basilisk fangs cascaded out of Hermione’s arms. Running at Ron, she flung them around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. Ron threw away the fangs and broomstick he was holding and responded with such enthusiasm that he lifted Hermione off her feet.

“Is this the moment?” Harry asked weakly, and when nothing happened except that Ron and Hermione gripped each other still more firmly and swayed on the spot, he raised his voice. “OI! There’s a war going on here!”

Ron and Hermione broke apart, their arms still around each other.

“I know, mate,” said Ron, who looked as though he had recently been hit on the back of the head with a Bludger, “so it’s now or never, isn’t it?”

Wedding Reading #5

“Harry looked around; there was Ginny running toward him; she had a hard blazing look in her face as she threw her arms around him. And without thinking, without planning it, without worrying about the fact that fifty people were watching, Harry kissed her. After several long moments, or it might have been half an hour-or possibly several sunlit days- they broke apart.”

A Magical Wedding

Adding snippets from the Harry Potter books to your vows or reading a passage during your ceremony is a great way to make your wedding more magical. Not only does it make it unique to you and your spouse, but it also makes the whole experience more special.

Do you have any questions regarding non-traditional wedding readings of Harry Potter? If so please ask them down below or share your favorite Harry Potter quotes.

Read more about Wedding Readings For Blended Families.

Buying Liquor In Bulk For A Wedding

Buying liquor in bulk for a wedding can be a wonderful option for both small and large weddings. It can be a great alternative to hiring a bar service. In addition, it allows you to get the exact alcoholic drinks that you like.

Many people are now choosing to buy their own alcohol for their wedding. There are many benefits to buying it in bulk and it can take some of the stress off your big day. It is a great option if you are looking to stick to a budget.

Benefits of Buying Alcohol for a Wedding

There are many benefits to buying alcohol in bulk for your wedding. You are able to choose exactly how much and what drinks to get. In addition, you may get a discount and you will be able to save any leftover drinks you have.

Some people will opt to buy only beer and wine. Others will choose to have mixed drinks in addition to beer and wine.

If you are choosing to also serve mixed drinks, don’t forget you will also have to buy the mixers and garnishes as well. Someone will also have to be mixing the drinks. You can hire independent bartenders to work at your wedding.

Before buying, it is important to know your crowd and how much you are willing to spend on alcohol. Factors such as how much people like to drink and how long your reception will last.

Depending on your preference, you might not want to have large amounts of alcohol where people can get drunk. On the other hand, you may want to offer large amounts so people can party as much as you like.

If you are limited on an alcohol budget or don’t want people drinking too much, you can plan to buy two drinks for every person over 21. Some people even use drinking tokens to ensure people drink no more than two drinks.

If your guests are heavy drinks and you want to party for your reception, plan to buy two drinks per person over 21 per hour. Though it is likely not everyone will drink that much, it will give you plenty of alcohol to go around.

Buying in Bulk Generally Saves Money

Oftentimes, you can save money by buying in bulk. Many liquor stores will offer some sort of discount if you are buying a large amount of alcohol at once. If you hire an independent bartender for your wedding, they may even be able to get a discount.

Instead of buying alcohol over the span of a few months, it is better to buy it all at once. This will give you a better chance at saving money. You can buy beer in bulk for a wedding, along with bulk wine for a wedding and liquor.

Buying in Bulk Allows You to Choose What You Want and How Much You Want

Buying in bulk allows you to choose exactly what you want and how much you want. If you want to keep it simple, you can stick to just wine and beer.

In this case, it is best to get a couple of different types of beer, such as an IPA and lager. It is also best to get a white wine and a red wine.

If you are wanting liquor too, you can go for the classics such as vodka, rum, and bourbon. This will allow you to make several types of mixed drinks.

You Can Keep Any Leftovers

Unlike hiring a bar service, if you buy your own alcohol, you can keep any leftover. In some cases, if the alcohol is unopened you may even be able to return it.

Where to Buy Alcohol For a Wedding

There are plenty of places you can go shopping to get alcohol for your wedding. Many stores are happy to offer advice on what drinks to get and recommend how much to buy.

Total Wine

Total Wine is a nationwide store that offers a large variety of wine, beer, and liquor. They offer over 8,000 wines, 3,000 spirits and 2,500 beers. Through their wedding shop, they can expertly guide you to find what is just right for your special day.

Sam’s Club or Costco

Sam’s Club and Costco are great stores for buying in bulk. Though they require memberships, they offer great discounts and a large variety of products, including alcohol.

Local Liquor Stores

In many cases, your local liquor store will be happy to help you with your wedding. Reach out to them to see what sort of drinks they can provide you with for your big day. They may even have specials available.

BevMo

BevMo is a large online retailer that offers a wide variety of alcoholic drinks. They can help you find the right alcohol for your needs and get you great deals on drinks. They have stores located all across the country.

Checking With Your Wedding Venue

Before you go shopping for alcohol, be sure to check your wedding venue’s rules on alcohol. Not every venue will allow alcohol if it is not provided by a person with a liquor license. So, in some cases, your only option is to hire a bar service.

In addition, alcohol laws vary by state. After getting approval from your venue, be sure to read all the laws in your state regarding alcohol. For example, some states, like California, can not accept returns on alcohol.

Be certain to check your state’s Dram laws. Dram laws vary by state on who will be held accountable for an accident when alcohol has been provided.

Buying Your Own Alcohol

Buying your own alcohol can be a great option for your wedding. It gives you complete control over the drinks you are serving and how much people will get. In addition, you can even get discounts for buying in bulk.

Do you have any questions about buying liquor in bulk for a wedding? If so, don’t hesitate to ask them in the comments down below, along with any questions regarding alcoholic drinks for weddings.

Read more about Feminist Wedding Ceremony Script.