Ten top tips for a simple Californian wedding
How difficult could it be? All we wanted was a simple, intimate wedding in the US for thirty or so people and yet it proved a challenging task. Admittedly, we did decide to get married leaving ourselves only one month to make all the arrangements, which included flying various family members across the Atlantic from the UK.
"Hmm, you asked for it then," I hear you say, but let’s look at the alternative. We could have got married in England (we were due back there for Christmas in six weeks’ time, anyway) but wouldn’t a wedding in sunny California be a bit more memorable and enjoyable for everyone instead of a wet afternoon in Worthing Register Office?
And so the planning commenced. Neither of us had been married before and we hadn’t any real experience of wedding organisation but we’re both reasonably intelligent and organised with straightforward tastes. We didn’t want chocolate fountains, thrones and doves released on the announcement of our commitment – just a simple, informal ceremony in a nice location with food and drink laid on for a handful of family and friends. It couldn’t be that difficult, could it?
So we embarked upon the project oblivious of the steep learning curve that lay ahead of us. The level of stress we both experienced in the space of those four weeks was phenomenal and proved to us that planning a simple wedding does not necessarily mean an easier ride!
So, I thought I would write down some of the lessons learned in the hope that our experience might be of use to other Brits wanting to marry in a simple but memorable style in the US of A.
Tips 1 & 2: Traditions and Wedding Group/The Ceremony
Tips 3 & 4: The Officiant/The Venue
Tips 5 & 6: Invitations/Decoration and Flowers
Tips 7 & 8: Catering, Champagne & Entertainment/Wedding outfits
Tips 9 & 10: Photography/Relax and enjoy every moment
I’d be happy to answer any questions if it would help you out with your wedding planning.
You can contact me on louisemuzio@yahoo.com
Just as we’re collecting wedding tips and anecdotes from around the world, we’re also interested if you have any best man’s speech anecdotes. Please contact us if you have any for us.
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