Keep the wedding traditions you enjoy
A few decisions to make before a standard wedding schedule makes them for you.
Kate PaulleyCo-founder, PrivateEvents.co
Kate co-founded PrivateEvents.co and works with wedding and event venues. Her writing draws on that work and on her own experience as a bride and guest.
October 22, 2026
Arrive together, if that feels like you
One couple I know walked down the aisle hand in hand to the Indiana Jones theme. They arrived together, stood together, and left together. What stayed with me was the feeling that this was something they were doing as a pair.
If you’re changing the entrance, walk it through with the venue and photographer. Let the person handling the music know where you’ll start and when the track should begin.
Know the people in the room
I’m glad we kept our wedding small enough that we knew everyone there. People one step removed from us had started to assume they’d be invited, but we kept the guest list close. I felt comfortable with everyone, and that changed how I enjoyed the day.
If other people are contributing money or helping with invitations, agree who can add guests before names start circulating. It gives you a shared answer when someone asks about an invitation.
Leave room for a story you couldn’t have planned
At a Denver Broncos-themed wedding, the couple replaced the bouquet toss with a football throw. The football landed on the roof. Everyone laughed; it suited that wedding perfectly.
When something harmless goes sideways, the person making announcements can help everyone move with it. Give them the parts of the schedule that matter to you and the freedom to handle the rest in the spirit of the day.
Give a smaller ceremony a clear invitation
When the ceremony is small and the reception is larger, make the invitation explicit: “Join us for dinner to celebrate our marriage.” Include the reception address and arrival time so guests know which part of the day they’re attending.
A courthouse ceremony, photographs, and a private meal can stand on their own. A larger party can happen another day, with its own guest list and pace.
Let’s find your wedding venue.
Send your date, guest count, and a place you like. If you’re still choosing, tell us where you’d like to celebrate.
Ask us about your weddingOur venue-finding service is free for hosts.