Should you have a private ceremony?
It’s a valid question. A private ceremony is one where the couple has only their closest family and friends around to bear witness to the “I dos” and then everyone comes together for the dinner and dance at the reception. Contrary to popular opinion, this doesn’t always have to be a destination wedding or elopement situation, either; there are lots of couples who have a private ceremony with an open reception the very same day.
For your there may be a reason to think of this…here’s a few reasons:
1.) BIG CROWDS MAKE YOU NERVOUS
This is a legitimate concern…your wedding should never, EVER make you so anxious you want to avoid it. Yes, you may have happy, active butterflies in your tummy as you walk down the aisle (that’s normal), but if you don’t want to feel as if you are putting on a show, you might want to have a small, intimate ceremony before you join everyone for a big party.
2.) THERE IS FLEXIBILITY IN CEREMONY SPACES
It is easier to have a few people at a park than hundreds. There is not enough room for everyone down by the lake. The cabin in the woods will only hold so many. When a couple chooses to have a private ceremony followed by a larger reception, it opens up a whole new world of places for their exchange of vows. This might sound like a trite point, but if you have an extra-special spot to the two of you, it might be worth is to keep the ceremony close nit, for sentiments sake.
3.) IT BREAKS UP THE DAY
Believe me: Your wedding day, no matter what, will go by in a blink. Having seen and been a part of both private and open ceremonies, I can say that having a private ceremony with open reception makes it seem like you are having two events in one day. It allows you to get excited for one event AND THEN the other! It’s like two weddings for the price of one!
Like love stories, weddings are all written in their own unique ways. All that matters is you create yours to fit the two of you. Whatever kind of ceremony you choose will be awesome, because it will be totally YOU!
Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer. She provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest!
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