Planning A Small and Intimate Wedding Ceremony? My Three Top Tips For A Memorable Experience...

Congratulations to David & Lisa!

"On their wonderful wedding day, West Seattle..."

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My husband, Greg and I, were married five years ago this week in a small ceremony in our backyard with two couples we love and our Officiant - oh yes, and our four dogs! A party and honeymoon cruise followed but when we look back on our ceremony, we have such wonderful memories - for us, it was perfect.

And having done this wonderful work now with many couples of different wants/needs, I offer you three of my favorite "top tips" for a marvelous and memorable "small ceremony experience."

1. 2-25 family/friends is a perfect "guest count" for a small wedding experience. Create a personalized wedding ceremony and involve each of your guests for an 'inclusive' and loving experience.

2. Enjoy a dinner or evening out immediately afterwards with your family and friends at a venue that can easily take care of all celebration details - i.e., Palisade Restaurant, The Space Needle, The Woodmark Hotel, the Herbfarm, etc. Taking your celebration to a restaurant or fancy hotel/resort takes any stress off of planning a celebration at a private residence - many less details to worry about!

3. Enjoy and take (don't put it off) a marvelous honeymoon - whether it is staying local for a few days or perhaps a cruise to Alaska (so easy from the Seattle waterfront!). We took our first cruise as our honeymoon and are taking our sixth cruise this Winter - it's become one of our favorite indulgences and brings back those "first married memories" every time.

Okay, What's With the "Traditional Guest Book?"

Congratulations to Al and Laurene Stappenbeck!

June 7, 2008, Cedarbrook Center

photo courtesy of Brian & Jennifer Hartman www.photoelan.com

Truth? I've been to many weddings.

And if I may be bold on this sunny Monday morning as I think about what works and what doesn't work at a wedding, I offer this thought: what is with the guest book?

All couples know who is attending their wedding so having guests sign their names seems to me to be a bit redundant. Not only does this often create an unwelcoming "long line" as guests arrive at your wedding, it doesn't offer a very elegant initial experience.

If you're thinking about a guest book, consider "nixing it" and going with something that may be ultimately more meaningful to you:

- a framed photo mat for personal written messages.

- a wishing tree for special notes to be opened on your first anniversary.

- a special welcoming drink with a fortune attached.

A guest book is a traditional piece to a wedding - think about what you truly want your guests to experience when they arrive at your ceremony and take it from there!

Invest with Confidence: A "Day Of" Wedding Coordinator Is Money Well Spent...

Luke and Amanda, DeLille Cellars, Woodinville, WA
"A Wonderful Early Summer Weekday Wedding"

In this marvelous work that I do, I work with a number of exceptional and highly respected Wedding Planners and Consultants. If you want to fully enjoy your day without worrying about details (small and big), consider hiring a Day Of Coordinator.

Yes, slice money from the favors and the flowers - go a bit "lighter" on the wedding cake and take the extra cash and put it toward somebody who can assist you with making your day extra wonderful.

This past weekend, I worked with Stephanie Wilson of Every Last Detail - www.eldweddings.net. Stephanie is a marvelous Wedding Planner and Consultant and like some of her peers, she works with weddings of all sizes and budgets. Take a peak at Stephanie's website for more information.

FAQ - "How Long Is A Wedding Ceremony?"

Congratulations to Randy and Megan Loctor!

Tacoma Museum of Glass 5.24.08

photo by: the marvelous Cheryl Jones www.inaframe.com

One of my frequent questions from a couple is simple and upfront: "How long is a wedding ceremony?"

Yes, the length of a ceremony is important. If it's too short, it feels "weird." And if it's too long, it can make a couple feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.

For me, length is about "how a ceremony" feels - not only to the couple but to family and friends. If a ceremony is well-written and well crafted, it will go by very quickly. You know that feeling you get when you're seeing a really good movie and you can't believe it's over? That kind of feeling.

And to answer this question: ceremony length depends on the specific couple as every situation is unique. And most often for me, a wedding ceremony ranges from 18-28 minutes in length.