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Form a Bond
When you meet with your officiant, be open and honest. If he or she hasn't been in your life for years, you'll need to allow him or her to learn about you as a couple in order to include some personal elements in the ceremony.
Speak From the Heart
If you're writing your own vows, make them funny and warm, but not cryptic or embarrassing: they should reflect the magnitude of the commitment you are about to make. Be concise and get to the core of what marrying that person means to you. Save some words for the toast (and the honeymoon night, of course). Remember, less is oftentimes more.
Combine Cultures
Personalize your ceremony with elements from both your backgrounds. At one wedding, the flower girl wore a black-and-white dirndl and carried a tiny American flag down the aisle while her ring-bearing counterpart toted a German flag, representing two nationalities joining together.
Plan Ahead
When all is said and done, your vows are the most important and meaningful aspect of your wedding. Don't wait until the last minute to get started. Set aside one to two months to work on them and have the final version ready at least two days before the wedding. Make your promise as beautiful and unique as the love that you are celebrating.
Include Your Whole Crew
The ceremony is a great time to honor important family members and close friends who aren't in your wedding party. Depending on your type of service, have your moms (or aunts, or uncles, or cousins) light the unity candle; choose several short readings performed by several special readers; or ask a close friend to witness the marriage license or ketubah signing.
Dole Out the Dough
If you're having a Jewish ceremony and hiring a rabbi from outside your congregation, expect to pay a fee or donation. Discuss this with your rabbi at your first meeting. Because 18 is the number for life, many couples make donations in variations on that number.
Stick to Your Guns
For interfaith marriages, gain the support and respect of your families and do not let anyone tell you what you are doing is wrong. You need to be comfortable and happy with your choices.
Yes, you're ready to walk down the aisle, but are you ready for the price tag? You might think a ceremony location is the least of your financial worries, but things like venue fees and officiant costs can quickly add up. Find out how you can cut corners on your wedding ceremony without ruining this special moment.
Location, Location, Location
Dreaming of a church wedding? It might end up setting you back. Most religious institutions require some sort of donation as a form of payment. If you're not that religious or are flexible about your location, think outside the box. A friend's or relative's backyard, a marina, or a local park are all good ideas. (Note: Check with your local Parks and Recreation Department before you decide on a location and time. Some communities may only require the price of a permit but may ask that events be performed during certain hours of the day.) If you're looking for something a bit more intimate, think of other undiscovered options like your local library, community theater, or campsite.
Your "Friendly" Officiant
Hiring a priest, rabbi, or even a judge can be difficult -- especially if you're planning on getting married outside of your community. While rules and regulations on officiants can vary from location to location, you can keep your budget down by asking a friend or family member to conduct the ceremony (as a wedding gift) at your preferred venue site. They can even become ordained online through websites like FirstNationMinistry.com. Prices range from $16 to $39, depending on the specific city or state.  Swap out Your Seats
Chair rentals can be a hidden cost most brides don't immediately consider when planning their ceremony. Wooden chairs tend to be pricier since they're heavier and require a specialized cushion. If you're willing to cut corners, consider renting resin ones instead. The seats are not only more affordable, they also come with molded seating that's much more comfortable. Also, skip the formal chair cover. This is an unnecessary expense that can easily be remedied (cheaply) by purchasing some chiffon in bulk for that added decorative element.
Barter for Your Big Day
If all else fails, considering bartering for your ceremony location. Recently, a British couple made headlines when they traded custodial and lawn duties for the chance to get married at their church of choice. This might not work in a larger city, but if you plan on getting married in a smaller community, don't be afraid to be proactive. While the current economy has negatively impacted the prices of many venues, some smaller sites (that can no longer afford full-time help) may be open to trading your skills for use of their facilities.
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